Canyon Spirit with Coastal California & Yosemite Escorted Tour

Day 1 - Fly to San Francisco

Fly to San Francisco. Meet your tour director who will be on hand later this afternoon to answer any questions that you may have.

Hotel: Hilton Parc 55 or similar

Day 2 - Sightsee San Francisco

Today you will tour the “City by the Bay.” Sightseeing includes the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps take an iconic cable-car ride, visit Golden Gate Park or tour infamous Alcatraz Island Prison. Or let the good times roll on an optional Bike the Bridge tour across the Golden Gate Bridge by pedal or e-bike. Then grab a bite in the lovely village of Sausalito before taking the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

NOTE: If going to Alcatraz Island, consider purchasing tickets in advance with the National Park Service.

Hotel: Hilton Parc 55 or similar

Day 3 - San Francisco - Yosemite National Park - Oakhurst

This morning, travel east through California’s Central Valley and enter Yosemite, one of the country’s most popular national parks. Yosemite is a wonderland of soaring granite peaks, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. See famous El Capitan, the world’s largest granite monolith, Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, and mighty Half Dome. Overnight in nearby Oakhurst.

Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite or similar

Day 4 - Oakhurst - Yosemite National Park - Monterey

Today re-enter Yosemite to experience the magnificent giant sequoias. Then head west for a late afternoon arrival in picturesque Monterey. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf where you can look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Take to the sea for a memorable optional Sunset Whale Watching Cruise to spy humpbacks and other whales and dolphins as you watch the sunset on Monterey Bay.

Hotel: Monterey Downtown Days Inn or similar (Breakfast included)

Day 5 - Monterey - 17 Mile Drive - Carmel - Pismo Beach

Take in spectacular views of the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean on scenic 17-Mile Drive. See the iconic Lone Cypress and pass by Pebble Beach and its legendary golf course. Arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairytale village nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coast. The majestic scenery continues on Big Sur, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Overnight in Pismo Beach.

NOTE:The drive along the coast to Big Sur is dependent on current road conditions on Pacific Coast Highway 1.

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Pismo Beach or similar (Continental Breakfast included)

Day 6 - Pismo Beach - Solvang - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles

Continuing down the coast, stop in Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets, view the “Old World” architecture and savor a tasty treat from a Danish bakery. Arrive in Santa Barbara with its Spanish-style architecture and Mediterranean climate. Enjoy a stroll on the pier or shop at one of the many boutiques. Late afternoon arrival in Los Angeles.  

Hotel: Westin Bonaventure or similar

Day 7 - Discover Los Angeles

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. See the historic TCL Chinese Theatre which has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history and the Dolby Theatre, the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with sidewalks that have more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars honoring the best in the entertainment industry. Then head to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. The remainder of the day is at leisure. No acceptance speech needed if you choose to join the optional excursion to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for an illuminating look at the world of moviemaking and cinematic history.

Hotel: Westin Bonaventure or similar

Day 8 - Los Angeles - Mission San Juan Capistrano - San Diego

Today we head south to San Diego, stopping for a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano along the way. This historic landmark was founded more than two hundred years ago and is considered the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Today it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history. Arrive in San Diego and take a city tour that includes a visit to the Hotel Coronado, made famous by movies like ‘Some Like it Hot.’ Return to downtown for a relaxing evening on your own and discover the city’s vibrant dining scene.  

Day 9 - San Diego

Enjoy a day at leisure. There are many ways to experience this very walkable town known for its picture-perfect weather. Bike by the waterfront, take a harbour cruise, or monkey around with an optional excursion to the San Diego Zoo, a world-famous wildlife park and botanical garden that has over 3,700 rare and endangered animals and more than 700,000 plants.  

Hotel: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn or similar

Day 10 - Day 10 : San Diego - Dana Point - Los Angeles

Spend the morning at leisure before traveling back to Los Angeles. On the way, stop at Dana Point, a coastal town with gorgeous ocean vistas before heading to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your flight to Salt Lake City. Make your own way from Salt Lake City Airport to your downtown hotel this evening.

Day 11 - Explore Salt Lake City

Today is yours to spend at your leisure exploring this vibrant city. Salt Lake City offers the perfect blend of culture, outdoor activities and sightseeing. We recommend checking out Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Natural History Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium and This Is The Place Heritage Park to name a few during your two-days here.

Day 12 - Salt Lake City

Sightsee at your leisure.  

Day 13 - Canyon Spirit - Salt Lake City to Moab

Depart Salt Lake City in the morning onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll indulge in breakfast and lunch, as well as a selection of included snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You'll travel past Provo, through the historic Thistle Tunnels, cross Soldier Summit and descend the steep and scenic Price River Canyon. You will take in sweeping views of majestic rock formations of the Book Cliffs as you make your way into Thompson Springs where you’ll be whisked away from the train to the adventurous town of Moab with ample time to enjoy a sunset or have a meal from a local restaurant. End your day with an overnight stay in Moab.

Hotel is provided by Canyon Spirit, food and beverages on board the train are included.

Day 14 - Canyon Spirit - Moab to Glenwood Springs

Depart Moab in the afternoon and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you'll dine on a delicious locally-inspired dinner. You'll cross the Utah-Colorado border with stunning mountain views in the background before arriving in the resort town of Glenwood Springs. End your day with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

Hotel is provided by Canyon Spirit, food and beverages on board the train are included.

Day 15 - Canyon Spirit - Glenwood Springs to Denver

Depart Glenwood Springs and travel onboard Canyon Spirit, where you’ll savor breakfast and lunch. Enjoy sweeping views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River as you cross the Continental Divide. Soon, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Denver. Your journey ends upon arrival in Denver.  Make your way from the train station to your downtown hotel.

Day 16 - Fly from Denver

This morning is at your leisure before your overnight flight back to the UK. We recommend visiting the Denver Art Museum, strolling through the historic Larimer Square, or exploring the vibrant shops and eateries in the RiNo Arts District.

Make your own way to Denver airport.