Overview
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You’ll visit two of the West’s most famous and beautiful national parks, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Yosemite National Park in California. Stroll the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and stand in awe as you witness the breathtaking scenery. In Yosemite National Park, have your camera ready for the giant granite domes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and more. But that’s not all…you’ll also witness spectacular scenery on your drives. Between Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon, you’ll see Arizona's Oak Creek Canyon, known as one of America’s most beautiful drives and home to brilliantly hued cliffs and rugged spires of sandstone, and you’ll stop in Sedona, with the massive red-rock formations that make the area famous. Between Williams and Las Vegas, watch for Joshua trees, which can grow to be more than 40 feet tall. Between Las Vegas and Tulare, you’ll witness the vast Mojave Desert.
Enjoy sightseeing in Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Perhaps take a ride on San Francisco’s historic cable cars or enjoy an optional outing to Alcatraz Prison, the federal penitentiary that once housed Al Capone and other notorious criminals—the choice is yours! Free time in each city—including Las Vegas—gives you time to explore on your own or to take optional excursions.
Breathtaking scenery, exciting cities, scenic drives, and more…this western U.S. tour is a perfect vacation for savvy, value-minded travelers.
Small Group Discovery
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Highlights
Sightseeing
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Sightseeing
WILLIAMSHistoric Route 66
LAS VEGAS
Orientation tour of the famous Las Vegas “Strip”
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Sightseeing
SAN FRANCISCO
Sightseeing; Golden Gate Bridge
2022 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 3 breakfasts
LOS ANGELES
Day1
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
LOS ANGELES
Day2
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. Drive through Hollywood and see the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. A historic gem, this world-famous cinema (formerly, Grauman’s) has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history. The Dolby Theater (formerly the Kodak Theater) is the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards. See the Hollywood Walk of Fame where iconic terrazzo stars grace block after city block of Hollywood Boulevard. Explore The Original Farmers Market, with more than 140 shops and restaurants. The remainder of your day is at leisure; your Tour Director will have suggestions for further exploration of the city.
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS
Day3
Journey to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930s, laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean, dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible.
PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE
Day4
Travel through cacti-covered desert toward Old Town Scottsdale, where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore a taste of the Old West, with restaurants, shopping, and Western bars. With wooden beams, wagon wheels, and cowboy hats abundant, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and saloons.
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–WILLIAMS
Day5
First stop today is a visit to Sedona, a center for Southwestern and New Age arts. Climb through Oak Creek Canyon with its weather-sculpted formations of dramatic, color-tinted crags. Then pass by the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,093 feet into the Colorado River. Stay overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as its main street.
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS
Day6
Cross the old Mohave gold-strike country, that still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in the natural desert beauty. Look out for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows to 40 feet high and can live for more than 300 years. Today’s destination is the man-made oasis in the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
LAS VEGAS
Day7
The day is free for exploring on your own. Your Tour Director will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.
LAS VEGAS–TULARE
Day8
Departing the neon lights of Las Vegas, we continue across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. See the vast Mojave Desert, which covers one-fifth of California. Pass through the agricultural land and overnight in Tulare in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
TULARE–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–MERCED
Day9
This morning, we enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Next, drive to Merced.
Meals included:
- Continental Breakfast
MERCED–SAN FRANCISCO
Day10
This morning, we continue west to the “Golden Gate City” of San Francisco, famous for its cable cars. After lunch, included sightseeing takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
SAN FRANCISCO
Day11
The day is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city. Choose from a variety of optional excursions or visit fascinating Alcatraz Prison. Get a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary that was off limits to the public for years.
NOTE:
Consider advance ticket purchase for Alcatraz Island with the National Park Service.
SAN FRANCISCO
Day12
Your vacation ends this morning. Extend your vacation with extra nights and explore San Francisco further.
Things to note
On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older.Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Westin Bonaventure
Superior First-Class
Stunning downtown hotel comprising 5 glass towers and a 6 storey atrium lobby with fountains. Facilities include an outdoor pool, health club, spa and on site shopping mall. Dining faciilities include a lobby bar and bistro restaurant - The Lakeview Bistro - and a famous steakhouse on the 35th floor - LA Prime - which offers spectacular views of the downtown area. On the 34th floor is a revolving lounge and restaurant - the Bona Vista Lounge
Location
404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- ATM
- Restaurant On-Site
- Gift Shop
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Free WiFi
Room Facilities
- Television
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Climate Control
Palm Springs Courtyard
First-Class
Rid yourself of travel worries when you book at Courtyard Palm Springs, offering an oasis of comfort and convenience. With our location just a mile from Palm Springs International Airport, you can travel from your gate to guest room in a breeze. Unwind in our spacious hotel rooms and suites offering plush bedding and complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you comfortable and connected.
Location
1300 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- ATM
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Mini-bar
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Newspaper
The Saguaro Scottsdale
First-Class
Located conveniently steps from Old Town Scottsdale, this Art Deco hotel offers a resort style atmosphere. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center.
Location
4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Pay Movies
- Television
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Voicemail
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-Up Calls
La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area
Moderate First-Class
Nestled in breathtaking views of the pines, this hotel features comfortable guestrooms with pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and fitness center.
Location
1100 Cataract Lake Road, Williams, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Television
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Voicemail
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
Sahara Las Vegas
Moderate Deluxe
SLS Las Vegas features over 1,300 guestrooms in two distinct hotel towers—Story and World™—each with a unique personality, designed to offer contemporary and stylish settings for an amazing Las Vegas resort getaway! The hotel features multiple restaurants, casino, outdoor pool, a spa and shopping.
Location
2535 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- ATM
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Television
- Room Service
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
Best Western Town and Country Lodge
Superior Tourist-Class
Each well-appointed, spacious room at the Best Western Town & Country Lodge features free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a microwave and refrigerator, outdoor swimming pool, bar/lounge, and well-equipped exercise facility.
Location
1051 N. Blackstone Rd, Tulare, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
Days Inn by Wyndham Merced
Tourist Class
Welcome to Days Inn by Wyndham Merced/Yosemite Area, located off Highway 99, and the ideal stopover on your way to Yosemite National Park.
Location
1215 R Street, Merced, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Phone
Galleria Park Hotel
Superior First-Class
Hotel amenities include a fitness center, outdoor terrace and walking track, concierge service, restaurant, and evening wine reception. Guestrooms come equipped with iron/ironing board, minibar, cable TV, Internet access, hairdryer and bath amenities.
Location
191 Sutter St, San Francisco, United States
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Window Opens
- Alarm Clock
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Daily Housekeeping
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Voicemail
- Climate Control
