WESTERN FRONTIERS

Transfer independently from the airport to your hotel.

Today starts with a stop at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas. Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes**. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for the superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas. **Winter Routing: The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

Arise with the morning sun and join us for an optional seasonal scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth and enjoy a tasty breakfast as you survey a most stunning view of California from its desert floor to its lofty peaks. Next, your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass** into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in the Yosemite Gateway.

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. "Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour .(optional).

Day at leisure! Your ATI Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman's Wharf where one may enjoy a "Taste of San Francisco": local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradelli's Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions' Marina to watch them frolic. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz island where "America's Most Wanted" such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy's Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine tasting tour to Napa Valley, world renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Depart San Francisco this morning and drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman's Wharf and famous Cannery Row. The tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you'll stop in Santa Monica, home to the "Finish Line" of Historic Route 66. Where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier or a beach bike ride. Your afternoon tour of "The City of Angels" continues with Beverly Hills and Hollywood before arriving at your hotel.

Today you will return to glittering Las Vegas from Los Angeles, via the Mojave Desert, home of the world's tallest thermometer. Clusters of unique Joshua trees dot the mountainous landscape. Your tour ends upon arrival.

ACCOMMODATION

SET DEPARTURES