Trip Notes WESTERN EXPLORER HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? LAND ONLY ITINERARY

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1 Trip Notes Trip Code: AFL Country: USA Amended: Oct 2013 Edition No: ARO Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2014 WESTERN EXPLORER HIGHLIGHTS Spot wildlife in Yosemite National Park Zion's sandstone cliffs and towering waterfalls Bryce Canyon's rock spires Desert oasis of Lake Powell Experience the vast Grand Canyon trails Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset Las Vegas nightlife & driving tour of The Strip Visit the Hoover Dam Navajo guided backroads tour of Monument Valley Experience the extreme landscape of Death Valley (2014 only) View the Colorado River from Horseshoe Bend) Overnight traditional Hogan stay SUMMARY A medley of man-made and natural wonders, are on full display on this popular tour of Western USA. Las Vegas Boulevard, Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon, are rivaled only by the power and beauty of the Navajo's sacred Monument Valley. Hike under the world's largest sandstone cliffs at Zion Canyon, swim in the clear blue waters of Lake Powell and gaze upon the ever-changing colors of Bryce Canyon. Adventure awaits around every corner in the most geographically diverse region of the United States. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This tour is operated in partnership with our sister company Grand American Adventures (GAA). As such the departures are not exclusive to Exodus and groups may be a mixture of Exodus, Grand American Adventures, and other clients. This trip is booked through Exodus and you will receive the same award winning customer service that you are used to. GAA operate with the same core principles used by Exodus and champion the benefits of small group travel. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) San Francisco to Yosemite National Park After departing San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, we head east through California's historic gold country and make tracks for Yosemite where everything is super-sized, including some of North America's tallest cliffs, waterfalls and trees. We check into our hotel in the scenic Yosemite National Park region - our 'home' for the next two nights. SH Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park sits nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of northern California. Here green forest meets granite walls measuring several thousand feet in height. Rock climbers come from all over the world to scale the rocks whilst hikers get to walk to the base of some of the largest waterfalls in the world. After a visit to see the amazing giant sequoia trees, Yosemite Valley beckons. Here we may bicycle, take a dip in the Merced River or wander the meadows. Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 shadows and hues as the sun makes its way across the wide-open sky. SH Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Lake Powell Returning south along Scenic Highway 89, we descend from the high plateau to the arid plains and past the Vermillion Cliffs en-route to Lake Powell. Located on the border of Utah and Arizona and created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Powell has a shoreline that stretches longer than the western coast of the USA! Many say that Glen Canyon was even more spectacular than the Grand Canyon before the dam was built. Now the lake is a haven for water sports or just relaxing in one of the many sandstone coves. We enjoy our day of fun in the sun and stay overnight in a hotel near this beautiful lake. SH Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Monument Valley We get to hike on one of the many trails that allow that enables us to leave the crowds behind. The famous sites situated along these trails include Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake and Half Dome. The views are breathtaking from every vantage point - the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are sure to be forever etched on our minds. SH Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Death Valley One of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth, Death Valley is blessed with some of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes. Sculpted by erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons await exploration, and sand dunes and salt pans make for some exceptional photos. We cover some great distances today, but also get to see some fascinating and contrasting scenery on our road trip. SH Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) Zion National Park We make our way to Utah and our destination - Zion National Park. Like an oasis rising up from the desert floor, Zion's multi-coloured cliffs and spring-fed hanging gardens are spectacular. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in this desert terrain of southwest USA can be found here in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With an early arrival today and two nights here, we will have plenty of time to explore. SH Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Zion National Park We have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous ones. We warm up our legs by taking some of the short hikes from the valley floor to view the Lower Emerald pool and then continue on to the sparkling Upper Emerald pools, passing a waterfall along the way to discover Zion's "beach." We can also cool off from the summer sun by exploring the Riverside Walk section of the Virgin River. If you are feeling ambitious, enjoy the park's more challenging option and ascend 760 metres (2500 feet) to experience unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. After a beautiful but strenuous hike along the knife-edge ridgeline you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking and powerful panoramas you will ever experience. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows. Of course, horse riding is available if you'd prefer a seat with a view! SH In the heart of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is sacred land to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless 'westerns' featuring cowboys riding off into the desert. We can explore the incredible array of rock formations on an optional guided backroads tour and learn the magic and myth of the rich Native American culture. The Navajo Tribal Lands of Monument Valley are a true photographer's paradise. We enjoy a guided 4X4 exploration of the tribal lands with a Navajo guide, and in the evening enjoy an included dinner by dining out on the famous Navajo tacos. SH Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Grand Canyon National Park After a spectacular sunrise we leave Monument Valley and drive towards Grand Canyon. Traversing the eastern entrance of the canyon, we catch our first glimpse of it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 445 kilometres (277 miles) long, up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) wide and over 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 2330 kilometres (1450 miles) through seven US states and two Mexican states. SH Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Grand Canyon National Park In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic flight over the canyon, which offer a perspective that you cannot see by visiting on foot. Also recommended is the film show at the IMAX Theater, which will give you a good overview of the area and how it developed. Alternatively, stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the World's natural wonders. There is also time to shop for local souvenirs. SH Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Las Vegas En route to Vegas we travel a section of the original Route 66 and visit the quirky town of Seligman. And now for the hedonistic Sin City, which really has to be seen to be believed. Las Vegas is the fastest growing city in the United States and renowned as the 'tacky capital of the world' - home to pirates and pyramids, weddings and waterfalls. If it is gambling you want, you have come to the right place as nowhere else in the world will you find so many casinos. But if you really want to look at something different, stop by one of its countless wedding chapels. SH Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Bryce Canyon National Park Leaving Zion National Park we climb in elevation to almost 2438 metres (8000 feet) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as 'hoodoos'. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable us to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations. Some of us may prefer to hike on the Queen's Garden or Peekaboo Loop trails or remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing 2

3 Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Las Vegas In Las Vegas we enjoy a city tour that takes us to some of the quirky things that epitomises this city, as well as learn about some of its colourful history. We also have time for some last-minute bargain shopping and relax by a pool before nights out on the town amidst the bright lights, casinos and world-class shows. SH WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Las Vegas to Los Angeles On our final day we return to California and drive across the great Mojave Desert to the city of Los Angeles. This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. Flight Inclusive clients depart this evening for an overnight flight. For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the following day. ACCOMMODATION Hotel accommodation will be in clean, comfortable three star hotels or lodges with en suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple. In the event that you cannot be matched with another passenger there will not be a single supplement charge. Single Accommodation: A single supplement can be requested, but we cannot guarantee availability; single rooms must be booked and paid for in advance. Please let us know as early as possible if you would like to pay a single supplement. KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food No meals are included on this trip. Transport All of our private vehicles are designed to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment of the tour. In North America, our 15-seater Fords feature raised ceilings for more headroom, individual captain seats for added comfort and an open centre aisle floor plan, making it easier when getting in and out for those many photo opportunities. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped with CD stereo systems (often ipod compatible) and air-conditioning. Whilst in the USA our vehicles are also equipped with WiFi, so you can keep in touch from the road. The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as southern Europe and Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in northern Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. Spring and autumn will offer perfect hiking days in the deserts and cooler days at higher elevations. In summer, Yosemite, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for mid-day rest. Please note the hottest time of day in the deserts is actually 3pm. Most nights will be mild to warm. In the summer months you should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. Spring offers stunning displays of desert wildflowers, Summer offers mountain wildflowers and in Autumn the tree colours are beautiful. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 15 days, normally depart London Mon, return Mon Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Virgin Atlantic (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. 3

4 UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities, including South African, Greek and Portuguese passport holders. All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges $14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card. JOINING THE TRIP IN SAN FRANCISCO 13 days, normally start San Francisco Tue, end Los Angeles Sun Airport Transfers Unlike the majority of Exodus trips, airport arrival and departure transfers are not included. You should make your own way to the start hotel from the airport. For Land Only clients, the tour begins at 07:30hrs on the morning of day 1 of the itinerary and ends at approximately 17:00hrs on day 13 of the itinerary, as such we recommend that you book flights to arrive the day before the tour starts, and to depart either on the last evening or on the day after the itinerary ends. We may be able to book pre and post tour accommodation for you at our start/end hotels should you wish - for further details please contact our Sales team. If you are planning to fly on the last day of the itinerary (day 13) please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00hrs as we can not guarantee that you will make it in time to catch your flight. Details of your start and end hotels will be confirmed within your final joining instructions which you will receive approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to your departure date. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. When hiking we stick to marked trails to reduce our impact on the local environment. Throughout the trip we employ a 'leave no trace' policy in regard to litter - everything taken into the park is taken out to preserve the local environment. We recycle wherever possible on the trip and all leaders are trained in responsible tourism to enable them to follow best practice and enforce our 'leave no trace' policy. We encourage all clients to use reusable water bottles and refill them from taps rather than throwing away plastic bottles. Local shuttle services are used for transportation within national parks and entrance fees paid to the parks visited support conservation efforts. The maximum group size on this trip is restricted to 13 in order to reduce the environmental impacts of visiting remote areas. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found at Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Legal Note: all group members joining this tour will be asked to sign a liability waiver at the start of the holiday Customer s Acknowledgement of Risk. This document limits the liability of our main supplier and is standard practice in the United States and on all their tours. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors. A copy of this document is available from Exodus if required. Local Time California time: GMT -7 hours Central Mountain Time: GMT - 6 hours Electricity 110 V twin pin US style sockets are widely available. 4

5 Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 13 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. Your tour leaders will also take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leaders are there to make sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or problems you may encounter. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour leaders know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you On our walking tours you will be accompanied by two tour leaders,who will either guide separate hikes or offer additional activities and support to ensure everyone gets the most out of their tour. As interests and capabilities vary, our leaders will typically guide day hikes according to group's needs and the difficulty of particular hikes. Our leaders enjoy spending as much time as possible on the trail with their groups however please bear in mind that it will not always be possible for a tour leader to accompany every hiker when groups divide up to hike different trails. On odd occasions one tour leader may need to stay behind to do some food shopping or arrange other optional activities. Swim wear Sun hat / sunglasses Camera / binoculars Small flashlight / torch Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET) Travel power adaptor (optional) Toiletries / personal medicine Please note the airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 20kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of USA is the US Dollar (USD), with an exchange rate of 1.6 to the UK. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATMs are extremely widely available in the USA and Credit cards are generally accepted in shops and restaurants. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) Grand Canyon helicopter flight US$244-$274 Grand Canyon IMAX theater US$15 Las Vegas clubs & casino shows US$10+ Bike rental in Yosemite US$12-$32 Las Vegas helicopter flight: US$115 Float trip on the Merced River in Yosemite US$30 Kayak rental at Lake Powell US$45 Western horseback riding at Bryce US$40-$80 Tipping (leader and local staff) Tipping is a way of life in North America and, while obviously not compulsory, it is expected. We reccommend a tip of approximately US$50-60 for your leader. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Each passenger will be allowed one bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg maximum). A small daypack and camera may also be carried in our vehicle. Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and lows that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However please remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so it's best to be prepared! Besides your essential clothing, here's a checklist of other items you should take: Waterproof jacket Warm sweater / fleece Casual 'evening out' clothes Comfortable day shoes Sandals or flip-flops Warm hat / gloves Reading List: Deserts National Audubon Society Nature Guides Excellent technical book, with lots of colour photos of animals, birds and plants. Native America Insight Guides (APA Publications) Informative, with beautiful photography. Anasazi - Ancient People of the Rock D Muench & D Pike (Harmony Books) Interesting background information on the culture of the Anasazi Indians, with lots of photos. If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? 5

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6