12 Day Southwest USA Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Monument Valley, discover the vibrant cities of Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles
✓ 11 nights in comfortable 3 to 4-star and boutique accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and a traditional Navajo lunch
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✓ Enjoy light to moderate hiking in some of the world’s most iconic national parks
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Las Vegas!
On arrival into Harry Reid International Airport, you will be met by your private transfer and driven to your hotel.
This evening you will have a welcome meeting with your Tour Leader and your fellow travellers.
Today we will head to the Grand Canyon - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
En route, we will stop at Seligman along the iconic Route 66.
Located 2124 metres above sea level, the Grand Canyon is the spectacular result of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, the canyon seems to be protected by a lush screen of greenery. This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip.
We suggest a 2.7 km hike (1-2 hours) to Ooh Aah Point.
Driving distance: 450 km / 4 hours 15 mins
We depart the Grand Canyon with a scenic drive along Desert View Drive where we will stop at Desert View Watchtower. Modelled after ancient Puebloan watchtowers, the Watchtower at Desert View features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Time permitting, you may have a chance to climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area.
Continuing onto Monument Valley, where you will find yourself surrounded by imposing, crimson monoliths. This 40 km-long and 25 km-wide desert plain has served as the backdrop to numerous westerns including five John Ford classics. Enjoy an included lunch of Navajo specialties followed by a jeep tour of the valley with a local Navajo guide.
We will arrive at Page in the afternoon, should time and weather permit, you can enjoy a dip in Lake Powell.
Driving Distance: 535 km / 5 hours 30 mins
To start the day you will visit Horseshoe Bend (2 km roundtrip hike): a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is an example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance. With the help of gravity, the Colorado River began cutting through rock layers deep and fast. The result is the 270° bend in the river.
Discovered by Mormons at the end of the 19th century, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the jewels of the National Parks system. The shapes, colours and shades of the stone and the famous Pink Cliffs are constantly changing from dawn to dusk. Hike down the canyon to get closer to the hoodoos (thin spires of rock).
SPend the remainder of your day exploring Bryce at your own pace.
Please note: the mentioned hike to the hoodoos is not recommended for people with heart conditions due to the significant elevation change
Driving distance: 400 km / 2 hours 40 mins
Today we will explore Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.
This afternoon will be at your leisure upon returning to Las Vegas.
Driving distance: 400 km / 4 hours 45 mins
Today you will drive through the Nevada Desert and cross the border to California where you will descend into famous Death Valley. At 86 metres below sea level, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth. The landscape is so deserted that the first cowboys to have crossed it said of it: "Not a stream to drink from, not a tree to hang on". You will discover Furnace Creek, and the sand dunes of Stovepipe Wells.
In the afternoon, we will drive high into the Sierra Nevada range as we make our way to Mammoth Lakes where will be overnight.
Driving distance: 560 km / 6 hours
Please note: should the Tioga Pass be closed, the group will be routed to overnight in Bakersfield.
Please note: in case of extreme heat (temperatures +40 degrees celsius), the visit to Death Valley will not be possible and will be replaced by a visit to Calico Ghost Town or Tonopah Historic Mining Park.
This morning we take a scenic drive on the Tioga pass as we enter Yosemite National Park. Yosemite will delight you with its Alpine landscape, with pine forests, waterfalls, and rivers, all dominated by the silhouette of great white monoliths. Marvel at the giant redwoods, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and a few famous waterfalls such as Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls (often dry in the summer).
From here, we will continue onto San Francisco for the next 3 nights.
Driving distance: 480 km / 6 hours 30 mins
Today we will have a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world. The city is a tantalising mix of history, modern sophistication, and stunning natural beauty. Start with (weather permitting) a panoramic view from the top of Twin Peaks, you will have an unrivalled perspective of the city from the bay to the Golden Gate strait. Next you will discover Golden Gate Park. Continue our tour with a stop at Alamo Square, where you will see the best examples of San Francisco's iconic Victorian homes, the “Painted Ladies.” Make a stop at the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Lunch will be at your own expense, somewhere along Fisherman’s Wharf.
End the day with stops at Chinatown, Union Square and the Civic Center, with its Beaux-Arts City Hall.
Today we will head north, across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach. The Muir Beach Overlook provides expansive views of the Pacific Coast, including the Point Reyes Peninsula. Relax on the beach or explore the several historic base-end stations, observation posts that were part of the San Francisco Bay coastal defence system.
Next you will visit Sausalito, famous for its waterfront cafés, art galleries, and charming house boats. Here you will have some time at leisure for lunch.
Return to San Francisco by taking a scenic ferry ride across the bay.
Spend this afternoon at leisure to do some shopping, visit one of the city’s world-class museums, or perhaps rent a bike for a ride along the waterfront.
Bidding farewell to San Fran’, bound for Santa Maria via the coastal town of Monterey. Tour the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made famous by the writer John Steinbeck.
Visit nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with pristine beaches and trendy boutiques.
You will then drive along the superb Big Sur coastline: the majestic Santa Lucia range gives way to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Stops will be made along the way to snap some pictures and enjoy a few short hikes to soak up the scenery.
Arriving into Santa Maria in the late afternoon.
Driving distance: 240 km / 4 hours 15 mins
This morning, we will drive to lovely Santa Barbara, known for its golden beaches, palm-lined bay, red-tiled roofs and Spanish architecture. Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara, the largest Franciscan convent in California today, considered to be the queen of the California missions.
As we continue onto Los Angeles, stop in luxurious Malibu for a visit of the Adamson House, a National Historic Site and California Historic Landmark. The Spanish Colonial Revival style home occupies one of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California. Situated near the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, moulded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows.
Finally, we end the day with a stop at the Griffith Observatory to get some of the best views of Downtown Los Angeles as well as the famous Hollywood Sign, a landmark and American cultural icon.
Today you will be transferred to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in time for your departure flight.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
Tipping in the USA is a complex cultural practice. While not technically mandatory, it's deeply ingrained in the service industry and considered a crucial part of an employee's income. Understanding the tipping etiquette can be confusing for visitors, as it varies depending on the type of service, location, and even the bill amount.
Here is some information to assist you with tipping in the USA.
Tipping in the USA is expected, but not mandatory. Generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) is considered standard for good service, while higher tips are customary for exceptional service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully.
Tipping your tour leader in the USA is not as common as tipping in restaurants, but it's certainly a kind gesture and a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and guidance throughout your trip. If you had a good experience, USD$5-$10 per person per day is a decent starting point. For exceptional service or longer tours, aim for USD$10-$20 or a lump sum at the end.
Ultimately, tipping your tour leader is a personal decision. If you felt they provided a valuable service and made your trip more enjoyable, a tip is a thoughtful way to express your thanks. Remember, even a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.
While navigating the intricacies of tipping can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the basics will ensure you navigate this cultural practice confidently during your visit to the USA.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,830.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
2-16 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required, however most travellers will qualify for the USA Visa waiver program, which is an e-visa system. Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for more information.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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