Insight > Great Western American Adventure

Great Western American Adventure
15 Days starting from $3,510

Countries Visited:
United States

 

Length: 15 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: USA and Canada 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: AGWS
   
 
 
About This Tour


This tour is well balanced between the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the natural wonders of Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
  • First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage

Quality Dining

  • 14 Full Breakfasts, 2 Hotel Dinners, 1 Lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, 3 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco, Monterey and the Grand Canyon and 1 Dine-Around in Santa Barbara

15 DAYS ~ CALIFORNIA ~ ARIZONA ~ UTAH ~ NEVADA

Tour Pace - Combining the Best of California and Enchanting Canyonlands, this tour is well balanced between the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the natural wonders of Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks.

Fellow Passengers - The diverse personality of the American West has something for everyone. Combine the vibrancy of San Francisco, LA and Las Vegas with the natural beauty of the spectacular mountains, desert and coast.

DAY 1 – ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO.
Welcome to California! Take a complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Hotel: Omni San Francisco.

DAY 2 – SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING.
Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a walking tour through Chinatown, followed by a Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)

DAY 3 – SAN FRANCISCO – NAPA & SONOMA.
Enter California’s lush premier wine country. Travel the scenic Valley of the Moon Highway through the winery towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood, and then across the Carneros Highway into Napa. Step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Next, enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza. The evening you are at leisure.
Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa.
(B,L)

DAY 4 – SONOMA – YOSEMITE.
Travel through California’s Gold Country to spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to the highest waterfall in North America. View the rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife.
Hotel:Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.
(B)

DAY 5 – YOSEMITE – MONTEREY.
Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Yosemite Valley, or take a short walk to the Yosemite Falls. Drive through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a historic fruit stand en-route to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and shops on Ocean Avenue, then travel along the scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Pass the Pebble Beach Golf Course and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving at Monterey. End the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with time to view the exhibits.
Hotel: Monterey Marriott.
(B,HD)

DAY 6 – MONTEREY – SANTA BARBARA.
Head south to San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront resort. For dinner this evening,choose from a selection of excellent Santa Barbara restaurants. Hotel:Hotel Mar Monte. (B,DA)

DAY 7 – SANTA BARBARA – LOS ANGELES.
Visit the Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions along California’s El Camino Real.
Then, journey along spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along Third Street Promenade. Visit the JP Getty Center with its collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Drive through Brentwood and West Hollywood en-route to your elegant hotel in one of Los Angeles’ most enviable locations.
Hotel: Intercontinental Century City.
(B)

DAY 8 – HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING.
Board special mini-coaches to cruise past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying stories from your guide about celebrities past and present.
In Hollywood, see the Hollywood Sign, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now enjoy a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. The afternoon is free. Perhaps join our optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)

DAY 9 – LOS ANGELES – SCOTTSDALE.
Travel across the Mojave Desert to Scottsdale. Enjoy the resort’s facilities or visit Old Town Scottsdale.
Hotel: Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town.
(B)

DAY 10 – SCOTTSDALE – GRAND CANYON.
Head north to the towering red rocks of Sedona. Browse the stores, galleries and restaurants, or join an optional 4WD excursion through the superb landscape. Enjoy one of Arizona’s finest drives through Oak Creek Canyon, before spending a peaceful night inside Grand Canyon National Park. A stroll with your Tour Director provides spectacular views as the sun sets on the canyon walls. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the Thunderbird Room, featuring magnificent views of the Grand Canyon’s south rim.
Hotel: National Park Lodges.
(B,HD)

DAY 11 – GRAND CANYON – LAKE POWELL.
This morning maybe take a short hike to watch the sunrise over the canyon or board the park shuttle to the various lookout points. Optional flightseeing tours by helicopter or plane are available from your Tour Director. Later, head to the Historic Cameron Trading Post, featuring Native American arts and crafts. Continue through the mesas and buttes of the Painted Desert and the Navajo Indian Reservation. Stop at Glen Canyon Dam before arriving at the lakefront resort. Take a leisurely cruise on spectacular Lake Powell and explore Antelope Canyon, with its steep, sandstone walls.
Hotel: Lake Powell Resort (guaranteed Lake View Rooms.)
(B,D)

DAY 12 – LAKE POWELL AT LEISURE.
The entire day is yours to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities. Perhaps take a scenic flight over the lake or join our complimentary excursion to Monument Valley Tribal Park for a guided tour. The choice is yours. (B)

DAY 13 – LAKE POWELL – BRYCE OR ZION.
Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and enjoy a leisurely walk along Sunset Point to view the great amphitheatre of odd-shaped monoliths known as “hoodoos.” Time at leisure on your own before checking in at the lodge. Selected departures will continue on to Zion National Park for overnight.
Hotel: Bryce Canyon Lodge or Zion Park Lodge.
(B,D)

DAY 14 – BRYCE OR ZION – LAS VEGAS.
Travel through more amazing scenery to the lush cliff- and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park. Join a private Zion Canyon Shuttle with live commentary to experience the scenic highlights of the park,
followed by some time at leisure. A complete change of scenery awaits you on arrival in Las Vegas where the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Hotel: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, a Sheraton Hotel.
(B)

DAY 15 – DEPART LAS VEGAS.
Your adventure ends with a complimentary transfer to Las Vegas International Airport. (B)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
8/22/2008 - 9/5/2008
$3,560
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9/5/2008 - 9/19/2008
$3,510
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10/3/2008 - 10/17/2008
$3,510
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5/1/2009 - 5/15/2009
$3,799
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5/8/2009 - 5/22/2009
$3,799
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5/15/2009 - 5/29/2009
$3,799
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5/29/2009 - 6/12/2009
$3,799
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6/12/2009 - 6/26/2009
$3,799
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6/19/2009 - 7/3/2009
$3,799
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7/10/2009 - 7/24/2009
$3,799
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7/17/2009 - 7/31/2009
$3,799
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8/7/2009 - 8/21/2009
$3,799
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8/21/2009 - 9/4/2009
$3,799
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9/4/2009 - 9/18/2009
$3,799
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9/18/2009 - 10/2/2009
$3,799
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10/2/2009 - 10/16/2009
$3,765
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Hotels - From the luxurious Omni in the heart of downtown San Francisco and the central location of the Intercontinental Century City to the quaint National Register-listed Bryce Canyon Lodge, an assortment of elegant hotels has been selected for this tour.

Highlights - From the heights of Hearst Castle to the depths of the Grand Canyon, from a Chinatown Restaurant to lunch aboard a wine train, this is a tour of contrasts. Experience the glamour of LA and rugged wilderness of some of the world’s greatest national parks.

Enjoy Your Included Tour Features

Premium Highlights

  • Travel through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
  • Wine tasting and tour in California’s premier wine growing district
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst
  • Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions
  • Visit the JP Getty Center with its world-class collection of Western art in Los Angeles Board specialized minicoaches for a cruise past the homes of the rich and famous
  • Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre
  • Stroll with your Tour Director for spectacular views as the sun sets on the Grand Canyon walls
  • Take a leisurely cruise on spectacular Lake Powell and explore Antelope Canyon
  • Travel through amazing scenery to the lush cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park

Personal Insights

  • Learn more about the famous alleyways, streets & buildings of San Francisco’s Chinatown
  • Enjoy a fascinating presentation about the marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Stop at Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center and learn about the Colorado River Storage Project
  • Join a guided tour of Monument Valley Tribal Park

Excursions & Sights

  • See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
  • Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Sonoma Plaza
  • Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Yosemite National Park
  • Visit picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue
  • Take the scenic 17-Mile-Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Course and fabulous mansions
  • Drive down Santa Barbara’s State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf
  • Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities’ beachfront homes
  • Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
  • Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame & Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
  • Visit the artist colony of Sedona, set in the splendour of Red Rock Country
  • Drive through the dramatic landscape of Oak Creek Canyon
  • Travel the length of scenic Desert View Drive along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
  • Stop at the Historic Cameron Trading Post featuring a collection of Native American arts and crafts Journey through the Painted Desert and Navajo Indian Reservation
  • Explore the rugged beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk along Sunset Point to view the “hoodoos.”

Insight's First Class Services

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
  • First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage

Quality Dining

  • 14 Full Breakfasts, 2 Hotel Dinners, 1 Lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, 3 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco, Monterey and the Grand Canyon and 1 Dine-Around in Santa Barbara

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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