Western Frontiers

Tour Information

8nt Tour Begins & Ends Las Vegas: 2nts Las Vegas; 1nt Mammoth Lakes; 1nt Yosemite National Park; 2nts San Francisco; 1nt Pismo Beach; 1nt Los Angeles

This seven-night American escorted coach tour will take you into western frontiers, heading out from happening Las Vegas to visit eerie Death Valley on the way to the Sierra Nevadas. Experience awesome mountain scenery and the chic resort of Mammoth Lakes before travelling to Yosemite National Park, famous for its huge rock outcrops with names like Half Dome and El Capitan. Cross over to the Californian coast for two nights in unmissable San Francisco. Then it’s down an incredibly scenic stretch of the Pacific coast, taking in Route 1 and Big Sur, to arrive in Los Angeles via Santa Barbara. Round off this tour of the American west by crossing the Joshua Tree-dotted Mojave Desert to return to Las Vegas.

Day 1

Fly from Dublin – Las Vegas
Transfer independently from the airport to your hotel. Overnight Las Vegas.
Hotel: Circus Circus - West Tower Rooms

Day 2

Las Vegas – Death Valley – Mammoth Lakes**
Having enjoyed the fast pace of glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Situated in between some high and distant mountain ranges, this is by far the hottest spot on your journey! Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes**.
Mammoth Mountain was formed over 200,000 years ago as a series of volcanic eruptions. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century, but today it’s the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas that attract visitors from near and far.
Hotel: Mammoth Mountain Inn or Holiday Inn Visalia (winter)

Day 3

Mammoth Lakes** – Yosemite National Park
A short drive brings you over the Tioga Pass** high in the Sierras into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. The park is home to a truly spectacular collection of waterfalls - most famous Bridalveil Falls - as well as meadows and forests that include groves of giant sequoias, the planet’s largest living things. Within the park, you will see the majestic, glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan (called ’Shooting Star’ by the Native Americans) and Half Dome, which rise from the valley floor. Overnight in Yosemite Gateway Area.
Hotel: Doubletree Modesto (or Holiday Inn Express)

Day 4

Yosemite – San Francisco
Depart early this morning, crossing the Oakland Bay Bridge to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Commence a sightseeing tour of the ’City by the Bay’, which includes such landmarks as Union Square, the Civic Center and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening you have the opportunity to take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).
Hotel: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway

Day 5

San Francisco
The whole day is at leisure in San Francisco. Standing on a hilltop, watching the fog swirl in through the Golden Gate, it is easy to understand why many consider San Francisco the most beautiful city in America. The crests of many of the city’s hills, particularly Twin Peaks, afford matchless views of downtown San Francisco and the East Bay. Your Tour escort is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day – perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf, or a stroll and some shopping around Union Square. You also have the option to take a day tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its many wineries and beautiful scenery. The choice is yours! Overnight San Francisco.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway

Day 6

San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel – Pismo Beach/Solvang
Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its enclave of magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row. Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon continue the drive south past Paso Robles, home of real cowboys and wineries, and San Luis Obispo. Overnight in Pismo Beach or Solvang.
Hotel: Mission Inn

Day 7

Pismo Beach/Solvang – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles
Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Stop for lunch here, and enjoy the Spanish heritage and architecture. Upon arrival in Los Angeles this afternoon, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour through the “City of Angels,” before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Radisson Los Angeles Westside

Day 8

Los Angeles – Las Vegas
Today you will return to glittering Las Vegas from Los Angeles, via the Mojave Desert, home of the world’s tallest thermometer, at 134 feet (41 meters) high. Strands of unique Joshua trees dot the mountainous landscape. Overnight in Las Vegas at Circus Circus.

Day 9

Independent transfers back to the airport for your return flight.

Day 10

Arrival back to Dublin.

What's Included

• Return scheduled transatlantic flights
• Accommodation in hotels described above or similar standard
• Transportation in deluxe air-conditioned Motorcoach throughout the tour
• Service of a professional Tour Director
• Visit Death Valley
• Visit Carmel and Monterey
• Yosemite National Park
• San Francisco City Tour
• Optional Napa Valley Wine Tour
• Visit Mammoth Lakes
• Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles City Tour