| Day 1 LOS ANGELES. Your
Cosmos Tour Director is on hand this afternoon to assist with
check-in. |
| Day 2 LOS ANGELES-SCOTTSDALE.
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital
of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood. Ocotillo and
cholla cactus dot the desert landscape as you cross the great
Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable
saguaro stands sentinel. Arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort
of Scottsdale in the late afternoon. |
| Day 3 SCOTTSDALE-SEDONA-GRAND
CANYON-WILLIAMS. First stop is Sedona, a thriving center for
New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured
rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and up through the San Francisco
Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND
CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime
experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for
incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into
the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams. |
| Day 4 WILLIAMS-LAS VEGAS.
Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross
the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of
century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late
afternoon reach Las Vegas, fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon
lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, be sure to explore some
of the many themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” |
| Day 5 LAS VEGAS. The
morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the
hotel pool or explore the varied casinos. Perhaps try an optional
river rafting trip through the Black Canyon. This evening we highly
recommend the optional night out for a dazzling cocktail show
featuring top Vegas entertainment. |
| Day 6 LAS VEGAS. Another
full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have plenty of
activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants
and shopping areas. |
| Day 7 LAS VEGAS-FRESNO. A
day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert
landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California. Overnight in
Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often
referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.” |
| Day 8 FRESNO-YOSEMITE NATIONAL
PARK-SONORA. Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a
wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest,
giant granite domes, pinnacles and moutains rising as much as 4,000
feet above the valley floor. We then drive to Sonora, once a
thriving center in the gold-rush era and well known for its
collection of Victorian homes. |
| Day 9 SONORA-SACRAMENTO.
Morning at leisure before departing for Sacramento. Early afternoon
arrival in California’s capital allows free time for independent
sightseeing. Home to over 40 art galleries and dozens of museums,
Sacramento is one of the West’s fastest growing and attractive
cities. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions. |
| Day 10 SACRAMENTO-WINE
COUNTRY-SAN FRANCISCO. Enjoy a tour of a famous VINEYARD and
sample the prized vintage. Then continue west and cross the splendid
Golden Gate Bridge with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its
magnificent harbor. For this evening, your Tour Director will have
suggestions to help make the most out of your evening. |
| Day 11 SAN FRANCISCO. Main
sights on this morning’s city tour include the old Spanish Mission
Dolores, renowed Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob
Hill. The remainder of the day is free to shop or sightsee. Optional
excursions include a cruise on San Francisco Bay with a visit to
Alcatraz. Your Tour Director has a wealth of information on other
sights as well as the best places to shop and dine. |
| Day 12 SAN FRANCISCO. A
full day at leisure in the “City by the Bay.” |
| Day 13 SAN FRANCISCO-MONTEREYCARMEL-SOLVANG.
First stop is Monterey, once Spain’s Californian capital. Enjoy time
here wandering along Cannery Row. Then take the spectacular 17-Mile
Drive and watch the ocean roll in on the rocky coves en route to
Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities.
Overnight in Solvang. |
| Day 14 SOLVANG-SANTA BARBARA-LOS
ANGELES. From Solvang, it’s a short drive south to coastal
Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop for photos at the
historic mission and a visit to the pier. Follow the Pacific
coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to
Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights.
(Please schedule flights after 5 p.m.) |
