Day 1: Las Vegas / Arrival
Arrive in Las Vegas. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 2: Las Vegas – Bryce Canyon Np
Today you drive via Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon which presents itself like a fantasy world of sandstone. The park includes some of the Earth's most colorful rocks, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars and other fantastic forms. A walk at sunset through this fantasy world of sandstone is particularly rewarding. Apx. 410 km/250 mi
Day 3: Bryce Canyon Np – Moab
On your way to Moab you will pass through Capitol Reef National Park. Petroglyphs give evidence that Indians lived here at least 1,200 years ago, who were related to the Anasazi. The first pioneers were sailors, who compared the shape of the mountains with reefs, hence the name "Capitol Reef". Apx. 450 km/280 mi
Day 4: Moab
Arches National Park, located approximately 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Moab, has nearly 900 natural stone arches, as well as canyons and balanced boulders. At the park entrance, where you pay the entrance fee, you will receive a map indicating all sights. The Visitor Center, with a small exhibit, is also located at the entrance.
Day 5: Moab – Monument Valley – Page
Continue on to Monument Valley which consists of beautiful table mountains in all shades of red, towering up to 300 meters above the Colorado Plateau. Page is a very young town that owes its existence to the nearby reservoir. It was founded in 1957. Apx. 435 km/270 mi
Day 6: Page – Grand Canyon Np
The Grand Canyon is certainly one of the highlights of your trip. Over the course of centuries, the Colorado River has milled a huge gap into the canyon. A walk along the South Rim offers new impressions of this majestic canyon from every viewpoint. Apx. 230 km/142 mi
Day 7: Grand Canyon Np – Palm Springs
This attractive desert city offers leisure and relaxation and is proud of its fantastic golf courses. A gondola ride up Mt. San Jacinto offers great views of the area and some fine hiking. Apx. 660 km/410 mi
Day 8: Palm Springs – Los Angeles
Enjoy a visit to this city, which may include the exciting Universal Studios, Beverly Hills with the homes of the Stars, glamorous Hollywood with its Walk of Fame and Santa Monica located at the Pacific Ocean. Apx. 200 km/125 mi
Day 9: Los Angeles – Santa Maria
A nice drive up on Hwy 1 leads you to your destination Santa Barbara. Enjoy the charming city of Santa Barbara and take a stroll on State Street or visit the historic Mission and the Spanish style Court House. You will travel on to Santa Maria. Apx. 230 km/138 mi
Day 10: Santa Maria – San Francisco
Hearst Castle at San Simeon is well worth a visit (entrance fee). Historic Monterey and lovely Carmel, both enjoy a great location and are worth a visit. The famous Cannery Row with its former canning factories and typical restaurants and Carmel with its mission, art galleries, lovely boutiques and good restaurants will impress you. Do not miss the 17-Mile-Drive (entrance fee) along one of the most fabulous coastlines. Apx. 430 km/270 mi
Day 11: San Francisco
You have all day to explore this fascinating city. Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Twin Peaks, Chinatown, Coit Tower, Ghirardelli Square, and Union Square are just a few of the landmarks in the City by the Bay that can be easily discovered on a walking tour.
Day 12: San Francisco – El Portal/Yosemite Np
Today's highlight will be the visit of Yosemite National Park. The scenery is spectacular, views of sheer granite walls, ice-sculptured domes, thundering waterfalls, alpine peaks and giant sequoia trees are common occurrences such as Yosemite Falls, El Captain, Half Dome granite monoliths, and Bridalveil Falls. Apx. 315 km/200 mi
Day 13: El Portal/Yosemite Np – Ridgecrest/Death Valley
The drive to Death Valley, the lowest point of the Western Hemisphere, almost 90 m below sea level, is quite an experience. This desert area offers a great variety of landscapes which you should not miss like Zabriskie Point and Badwater. Apx. 445 km/270 mi
Day 14: Ridgecrest/Death Valley – Las Vegas
Las Vegas is unique in the world in the middle of the desert. The high luxury hotels with all their glitter, their famous casinos and world-known shows create a world of fantasy and unreal imagination. Let yourself be tempted by visiting a show or trying your luck at one of the casinos. Apx. 430 km/265 mi
Day 15: Las Vegas / Departure
Your trip ends with the return of the rental car and the return flight.