LA TO THE BAY

Day 1: Los Angeles (Anaheim) to San Diego: The Adventure Begins! Your morning begins with a warm welcome from your Contiki road crew and a short drive along the Pacific Coast to San Diego, where we'll introduce you to "America's Finest City" with a sightseeing tour, that includes downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. We'll drive across the Coronado Bridge for great views of the San Diego skyline as we head south of the border to Tijuana, Mexico for shopping and lunch. Viva Mexico! Hotel (D)

Day 2: San Diego: Fun in the Sun. Today you choose how to spend your day. Perhaps you'll want to visit the World Famous San Diego Zoo or hang out with the whale, Shamu at Sea World! This afternoon we'll head to Mission Beach to check out the So Cal beach scene. (weather permitting) Tonight we'll go to the lively Gaslamp Quarter where you'll have plenty of choices for dinner and nightlife. Hotel (B)

Day 3: San Diego to Phoenix: This desert life... This morning we leave the beach life of Southern California and travel to the cacti filled Sonoran desert. Today's drive is full of ever changing scenery, passing through Cleveland National Forest, Anza Borrego Desert and the Imperial Sand dunes. After lunch it's on to Phoenix and our hotel in the beautiful resort town of Scottsdale. Hotel (B)

Day 4: Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: Red Rocks and Canyons. This morning why not take a hot air balloon flight about the incredible Sonoran desert? (optional). See the desert come alive as you float peacefully above. Leaving Phoenix we journey to red rock country. You'll be awed by the brilliantly hued sandstone carved by sea and wind into cliffs and rugged spires. Get a closer look at the back country with an optional jeep ride. Next stop is the Grand Canyon! Our modern cabins are located inside the National Park, just a short walk to the rim of the Grand Canyon. Cabin (B,D)

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park: A World Wonder. At over 1.6km (1 mile) deep and averaging 16km (10 miles) wide, it is easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's seven natural wonders. We have the entire day to hike and explore the national park. Maybe take a sensational helicopter flight over the canyon (optional). Don't miss the spectacular sunset at the Grand Canyon. Cabin (B)

Day 6: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas: On to Sin City! From quiet beauty to outrageous bright lights - Las Vegas awaits you! Keep your clothes on as we take a drive down the famous Vegas "Strip." You won't believe your eyes at this crazy place! After the light show at Fremont Street, why not take in a Las Vegas cabaret show? (optional) Hotel (D)

Day 7: Las Vegas: Vegas, Baby! Only in Las Vegas can you visit most of the world's largest hotels and casinos in one day, gamble while you swim, catapult 327 meters (1,081 feet) up in the air from the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, feel like you are in Venice, Egypt, New York, Ancient Rome, and Paris all at the same time, and party like a rock star 24 hours a day! Get out there and do it all - or just lie by the pool and relax. Tonight, party on at one of Las Vegas's premier hot spots! Hotel (B)

Day 8: Las Vegas to Bass Lake: Deserts to Mountains. Recount your Vegas adventures to your Contiki buddies as we say "goodbye" to the deserts of Nevada and "hello" to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. We'll dock on the shores of beautiful Bass Lake, the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Chalets (quad-share) (D)

Day 9: Yosemite National Park: Today, we will explore the magnificent Yosemite National Park, with its famous rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. When we arrive on the valley floor, you will have the opportunity to cycle or hike (seasonal and weather permitting) or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of America's treasured national parks. We return to Bass Lake in the afternoon for water sports (seasonal) and to relax in our mountain paradise. Chalets (quad-share) (D)

Day 10: Bass Lake to San Francisco: The City by the Bay. This city grooves! You will quickly fall in love with this place during your extensive city tour that includes The Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury - hippie central. This afternoon we'll say "see you later", not goodbye when your tour ends at the hotel.  (B)