Explore the National Parks of the West

Transcription

1 Explore the National Parks of the West 15 Day Guided Tour 3V Las Vegas Departure TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Las Vegas Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Parks Lake Powell Monument Valley Grand Canyon Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco ITINERARY Day 1: UK Las Vegas Fly from the UK to Las Vegas. Arrive at Las Vegas International Airport where you will transfer independently to the La Quinta Inn or similar. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure Accommodation stay 1 night at the La Quinta or similar. Day 2: Zion National Park At 8 am, your tour leader will meet you in the hotel for the orientation meeting. Drive to the nearby Zion National Park with arrival around noon. Our hotel is centrally located in historic Springdale with good shopping and restaurants. In the afternoon, we survey Zion by tram and drive through the famous canyon. Short walks bring us to different sites like the Narrows and Weeping Rock.Includes B & L. Accommodation stay 1 night at the Hotel Majestic Lodge or similar. Day 3: Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks In the morning, you will have time to explore the small town of Springdale. Depending on your interest the tour leader will organize a 2-3 hour hike to the Emerald Pools. In the afternoon, we drive approx. two hours to Bryce Canyon National Park. For many, Bryce is the most beautiful of the American national parks. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, which contrast beautifully with the blue sky and green pines. At sundown, be awed by an unforgettable sky at the edge of the amphitheater, where the best sunset photos can be taken. Those interested can attend the local rodeo* on this evening (optional in summer only). Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 1 night at the Bryce View Lodge or similar. Day 4: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park In the morning, we visit the excellent Visitor s Center. Those who wish to can take a horseback ride* through Bryce's rock formations (optional, app. $40). Others can hike through these formations with the tour leader. In the afternoon, we drive to nearby Lake Powell. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 2 nights at the Quality Inn or similar. Day 5: Lake Powell Lake Powell was created through the damming of the Colorado River. Here, red sandstone walls are reflected in deep blue water, offering unforgettable images. We have the entire day to explore this enormous man-made lake. We recommend a Jeep tour* to Antelope (optional Corkscrew Canyons, approx. $40), a splash-filled rafting tour* on the Colorado River (optional, starting at $70 for five hours), or a sunset boat trip* to the narrow Antelope Canyon (optional, starting at $40). Rose-colored beaches invite you take a cool dip in the lake. Includes B, L. Day 6: Tour Monument Valley with Indians It is a short drive to famous Monument Valley. Giant red towers of stone rise out of the valley and offer fantastic photographic motifs. For decades, this area has been used as a backdrop for the cameras of Hollywood. We recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour* through the valley led by the local Navajo Indians* (optional, starting at $70), where secluded views of the panoramas of Ear of the Wind and Big Hogan await. In the afternoon, a two and a half hour trip returns us to the Grand Canyon via its eastern entrance. With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is at the entrance of the national park. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 2 nights at the Red Feather Lodge or similar. Day 7: The Grand Canyon

2 We have all day to relax at the Grand Canyon! We explore the edge of the canyon, a dream location for photography. You can do a selfguided easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful outlook Hermit s Rest. We recommend an optional helicopter tour* and/or the IMAX Theatre* as well as seeing the famous sunsets or renting bikes* to explore the rim of this amazing sight. B, L Included. Day 8: Route 66 and Las Vegas In the early afternoon, we head back towards Las Vegas along famous Route 66 (drive time 4-5 hours). Our hotel is centrally located. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 1 night at the Palace Station Casino or similar. Day 9: Death Valley The environment of Death Valley stands in stark contrast to the red deserts of Utah and the green mountains of Yosemite. Here in Death Valley, the temperatures and weather conditions are extreme. In the summer temperatures often exceeds 120 F. Death Valley is the lowest landmass in North America at 282 feet below sea level. We have time to explore its golden sand dunes, its myriad of brackish pools and springs as well as the fascinating rock erosion formations of Zabriskie Point. If the temperatures allow, we will even hike to the Badlands. Then we drive along the 14,000-foot ridge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Our hotel is located in the renowned ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 1 night at the Sierra Lodge or similar. Day 10: Explore Mono Lake, Ghost Town, of Town of Bodie, and Tuolumne Meadows In the morning, we encounter Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes on Earth, known for its bizarre white limestone tufa tower formation. Then, we explore the ghost town of Bodie. Over the breathtaking Tioga Pass and the sheer cliffs of the Sierra Nevada ridge, we reach 10,000 ft. Depending on the weather; we will hike to Lembert Dome, where there is a spectacular overlook of the high Sierra. Our hotel is in the historic gold-mining town of Mariposa. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 2 nights at the Miner s Inn or similar. Please note: Early and late tours (May and October) may have to detour via Sonora Pass as Tioga Pass is closed until Memorial Day or later and closes sometime in October/November. Day 11: Explore Yosemite Today we discover Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. In the morning, we drive to stunning Mariposa Grove, a world-renowned forest of giant sequoia trees. We recommend a tram tour* through the grove (optional, approx. $20) and a trail hike. Then, we explore Glacier Point, the most impressive viewpoint of the national park. Big tour busses are not allowed to drive here, but our smaller van is allowed. From here we have a perfect view of the Half Dome. Whoever wants can take a self-guided walk to the valley. The tour leader can offer a shorter, simpler trek along the edge of the Yosemite Valley. We will wait for sunset, so that you can capture some unforgettable images and perhaps see a bear or two. Includes B, L. Yosemite Hiking Information: Panorama Trail from Glacier Pt: 4-6 hrs, 7 miles / 11 km, and elevation difference: +215m/-915m Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 4 hrs, approximately. 6 miles /10 km, elevation difference: +/-215m Day 12: San Francisco We move on to San Francisco, the famous city on the Pacific Ocean. We travel over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Includes B, L. Accommodation stay 2 nights at the La Luna Inn or similar. Day 13: San Francisco We explore the city by cable car and on foot, finding many hidden treasures throughout this fabulous metropolis. You have the afternoon free to explore. Among the many possibilities available is an optional boat tour* of the harbor, which we recommend. Includes B, L. Days 14 15: San Francisco UK This morning check out of your hotel and depart independently to San Francisco Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Includes B. On day 15 arrive in the UK. Meals: Mixed board, meals are mentioned on the day to day itinerary; B Breakfast L Lunch D- Dinner If no meals are not mentioned on the day, these are not included. *Denotes local charge Optional trips and excursions listed on the itinerary are bookable and payable locally. This is a set tour itinerary, if you have booked any pre/post or optional tour arrangements please refer to your separate vouchers and final documents.

3 Important Tour Information: Active Participation Tours This tour is an active tour. The nature of the tour is to get out and about to enjoy some of America s best National Parks and recreation areas on walks/hikes and sometimes by bike or on a horse if you choose. For example the hikes may often be of 2 or more hours in duration, in warm to hot temperatures. You will be expected to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour on the morning of day 2 and also need to show the tour leader a copy of your travel insurance. To be able to get the most out of this tour a reasonable level of fitness is required. This holiday is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, like to get involved and a sense of adventure. The tour is an active participation tour and to get the most out of the holiday the group are expected to help the tour leader (who will be both driver and guide). You will need to set up and take down your own tents when camping and to do a quick clean of them at the end of the tour. When camping dinners are made with the help of the tour leader who provides all the food, but the group will be expected to give the guide a hand. Also lunches in the parks will be self made picnic lunches. Temperatures during the summer at Yosemite, Bryce and Grand Canyon will be around Centigrade, as these parks are at an altitude of m above sea level, whereas it will be hotter in the desert parks around C. The hottest areas on the tour will be Death Valley and Las Vegas, here you can expect day time temperatures to reach 40C or above, however extended hiking is not possible here, so the heat will not affect the tour too much. On hot days hikes might be conducted early or late to avoid hot afternoons. August often has afternoon thunderstorms which cool the air pleasantly. The dry air makes these temperatures less noticeable and quiet pleasant for hiking. You ll be travelling in a small group in a 15 passenger van (large mini bus), with or without a trailer depending on the group size. Each person should bring no more than one piece of luggage, preferably not a hard shell luggage, plus a day pack/small rucksack (e.g. 20 litres in size). Recommended Packing List Worn in hiking boots (over the ankle with cleated sole, tennis shoes/trainers are NOT acceptable on our hikes!) Hiking socks (we recommend a combination of liner socks with wool socks) A day pack (for rain jacket, sweater, 1-2 litres of water & food) 1 or 2 one litre water bottles Sunhat Sunglasses Sunscreen Lip balm Insect repellent Personal first aid and blister kit Hiking shorts Long hiking pants Rain or wind shell or jacket, preferably breathable T-shirts or shirts Fleece jacket or sweater/jumper Own sleeping bag (2 foam pads to sleep on are provided per person) Suggestions Walking stick for wading in the Narrows and on rocky trails Flashlight/Torch Pocket knife (if you take one please ensure it is in your hold luggage when flying as you will not be allowed it in your cabin baggage) Camera We recommend you dress in layers, as that allows you to properly adapt to the varying temperatures of the tour. We might experience crisp mornings followed by warm to hot days. Layering helps to adapt to these temperature changes. Accommodation Please note accommodation on this tour is of a basic standard.

4 Luggage Restrictions Due to limited space on our vehicles and luggage trailers, passengers are allowed to bring one piece of luggage, with a maximum weight of 23 kg, plus one carry-on item. Laundry can be washed for a small fee at most hotels. Depending on the group size, passengers may be restricted in their shopping whilst on tour and may have to postpone purchasing heavy items until the end of the tour. Meeting Instructions Please be at the indicated hotel at 8 am on the start day of the tour. Please bring a copy of your traveler s insurance. You will be expected to sign a waiver of liability. If you miss your flight or cannot be at the hotel at the indicated meeting time you must contact Adventure Travel West, Inc, at Locally Booked Excursions Prices are listed in US Dollars and are approximate and subject to change. These are only given as a guide to assist you in budgeting for your holiday. Please refer to Locally Booked Optional Excursions on the General Information Notes for further information. San Francisco Bay Cruise approx $27 Zion Large Screen Theatre approx $10 Bryce Canyon Rodeo approx $10 Bryce Canyon horseback ride approx $55 Antelope Canyon Boat Tour approx $50 Floating the Colorado below Glen Canyon Dam half day approx $95 Antelope Canyon approx $45 Monument Valley Jeep Tour approx $75 Grand Canyon IMAX approx $15 Helicopter Fights 25 min. approx $ TOUR NOTES

5 For current departure dates and prices please check our website Pre/Post Tour information If you would like to extend your trip or make the tour part of a longer holiday, we can easily add on a pre or post night stays for you. Our Sales Team will work with you to arrange the best connecting flights and book any additional hotel stays. Simply tell us what you d like and we can arrange it. Time difference GMT -8 hours Tour inclusions International flight in economy class, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges Private air conditioned motorcoach transportation throughout Accommodation and sightseeing as listed above Service of an English Speaking guide. Transport in 15 passenger vans with or without trailer depending on group size, or any other vehicle depending on group size Entrance fees to National Parks and Monument Valley Cable cars pass in San Francisco City tour of San Francisco Tour exclusions Flight upgrades and airport transfers in the UK Airport transfers Insurance Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, tips & gratuities, video camera fees at monuments The required ESTA application Anything not detailed on the itinerary. Alcoholic beverages Optional excursions as listed, other excursions may be suggested by the guide Porterage Half Dome hikes require a permit for this hike. These permits have to be reserved by the clients via internet at and cost ca $15 pp. guides cannot reserve these hikes in advance. Not all optional activities are possible every day, the group may have to decide on which program segments to compromise on Dining inclusions Mixed board basis Included activities Tours listed in the itinerary. Accommodation Accommodation listed on the itinerary is a mix of 3-4V graded properties. Please note some tours are up to 3 weeks in duration and there may be some nights when staying in remote locations e.g. the National Parks, when the V rating may vary. Hotels are subject to change up until 30 days prior to departure, but you will be advised of any changes. Journey times Please note due to long distances covered on some of the tours, there will be some days when the majority of the day will be spent on the coach, so just sit back and enjoy the view. Group size Minimum 4 passengers, maximum approximately 14 passengers (full van). Language This tour will operate as Multilingual (English, Dutch, German, French, Italian and Spanish will be spoken depending on what departure date). Visa requirements It's mandatory for everyone travelling to or transferring through the US, under the Visa Waiver Program, to obtain approval to travel no later than 72 hours prior to travel by completing an online process ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme. Failure to obtain an ESTA could result in the passenger being denied boarding by the airline. The cost of an ESTA is currently approx $14 per person and can be obtained by visiting Once completed & approved, the ESTA application is valid for two years and allows multiple visits without the need to reapply simply update your details on the same website. Travelers can apply for an ESTA even if they have no firm plans to travel to the US. If you need any further information on the ESTA or you have any other visa queries, then try the Visit USA Website atwww.visitusa.org.uk where further information on the scheme and up to date fee can also be found. The ESTA is very similar to the automated visa that you purchase to enter Australia and is completely paperless Currency The official unit of currency in the US is the US dollar. Optional excursions will need to be paid locally by cash to the tour guide. Major credit cards and debit cards will be accepted within the US. Electricity If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts. Tipping Tipping is a big part of the USA s service economy and their taxation system, all visitors should understand that this is a part of the local culture; please see below a list of useful suggestions for tipping: Waiters/Waitresses: 15% - 20% for average - good service, more for exceptional service. Bartenders: $1 - $2 a round -or- 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink. Room Service: 15% - 20% Taxi driver: Varies depending on locality. Assume 15% will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags. Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab. Tour guide: $90-$130 per person for the tour manager depending on his/hers performance. What to pack Lightweight, cotton clothes. Smart casual is acceptable in hotels A light sweater or fleece for early mornings and evenings and air-conditioning can be cool in restaurants Comfortable, enclosed and sturdy footwear

6 Casual clothing and sandals for dinner and relaxing at your hotel Sun cream, sunglasses and hat Camera and/or video camera with spare batteries and memory cards Swimwear for an occasional swim Binoculars Mosquito repellent and spray Handy wipes, antiseptic hand gel and bottled water where possible Low denominations of local currency or USD handy for ad-hoc tipping. What to expect We recommend you are of a reasonable fitness as touring often involves long walks, hikes and uneven surfaces; this tour is not suitable for those who require special assistance. Recommended vaccinations We advise you to discuss your individual requirements for the USA with your GP at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel.