Western Highlights

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

Everybody's guilty of some sweet, innocent California dreaming, which makes a two-day, San Diego sun-n'-surf stop, a great western start. While there, run for the border for shopping bargains, cold beer and warm tequila in nearby Tijuana, Mexico. The highlights continue Grand Canyon, desert paradise-style in Arizona, and later in Nevada, where okay, party people and poker champs, we'll show our hand: Your final destination is Sin City itself, Las Vegas.

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day Los Angeles (Anaheim) to San Diego

   The Adventure Begins! Your morning begins with a warm welcome from your Contiki road crew and a short drive along the Pacific Coast to San Diego, where we'll introduce you to "America's Finest City" with a sightseeing tour, that includes downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. We'll drive across the Coronado Bridge for great views of the San Diego skyline as we head south of the border to Tijuana, Mexico for shopping and lunch. Viva Mexico! Tonight we'll enjoy the lively Gaslamp Quarter.
   Please Note: As of April 30 2008, visits to Tijuana have been suspended due to safety concerns. More Information
   Hotel (D)

2. Day San Diego

   Fun in the Sun. Today you choose how to spend your day. Perhaps you'll want to visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo or hang out with the whale, Shamu, at Sea World! This afternoon we'll head to Mission Beach to check out the So Cal beach scene. (weather permitting) This evening experience some of San Diego's nightlife! Hotel (B)

3. Day San Diego to Phoenix

   This morning we leave the beach life of Southern California and travel to the cacti filled Sonoran desert. Today's drive is full of ever changing scenery, passing through Cleveland National Forest, Anza Borrego Desert and the Imperial Sand dunes. After lunch it's on to Phoenix and our hotel in the university town of Tempe. Hotel (B)

4. Day Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

   Today is filled with deserts, red rocks and the Grand Canyon! This morning you'll have an opportunity to take a hot air balloon flight about the incredible Sonoran desert (optional). See the desert come alive as you float peacefully above. Leaving Phoenix we journey to red rock country. You'll be awed by the brilliantly hued sandstone carved by sea and wind into cliffs and rugged spires. Get a closer look at the Sedona back country with an optional jeep ride. Next stop is the Grand Canyon! Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the rim of the Grand Canyon. Cabin (B,D)

5. Day Grand Canyon National Park

   A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon. Cabin (B)

6. Day Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

   On to Sin City! From quiet beauty to outrageous bright lights - Las Vegas awaits you! Tonight, we'll take a drive down the famous Vegas "Strip." You won't believe your eyes at this crazy place! After the light show at Fremont Street, why not take in a Las Vegas cabaret show? (optional) Hotel (D)

7. Day Las Vegas

   Vegas, Baby! Only in Las Vegas can you visit most of the world's largest hotels and casinos in one day, gamble while you swim, catapult 327 meters (1,081 feet) up in the air from the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, feel like you are in Venice, Egypt, New York, Ancient Rome, and Paris all at the same time, and party like a rock star 24 hours a day! Get out there and do it all - or just lie by the pool and relax. Tonight, party on at one of Las Vegas's premier hot spots! Hotel (B)

8. Day Las Vegas

   Say a final farewell to your new found friends, as your tour ends this morning. Remember... what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!