Golden West Adventure
Golden West Adventure
Golden West Adventure
14 Days Starting and ending in LOS ANGELES
Visiting: Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Scottsdale Area, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Williams, Las Vegas, Selma, Yosemite National Park, Sonora, San Francisco, 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur Highway, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Santa Barbara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8500-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Come and explore the Golden West on this affordable vacation through California, Arizona, and Nevada. You’ll begin in Los Angeles with guided sightseeing in the “City of Angels.” Take a drive through Hollywood and see the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard. Stroll through the historic Farmers Market, with more than 80 shops and eateries followed by a visit to Santa Monica Pier. Travel through the California desert to Palm Springs and spend the night in this desert oasis. Continue to Scottsdale in the arid Arizona climate and visit Old Town where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Visit the red-rock town of Sedona and pass through scenic Oak Creek Canyon and the San Francisco Mountains before arriving at the glorious Grand Canyon, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cross the Mojave Desert for two nights in the bright lights of Las Vegas. Try your hand at the blackjack table, play the slot machines, do some shopping, or perhaps see a show. Continue to majestic Yosemite National Park to explore its giant granite domes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Then on to the “City by the Bay” San Francisco, where sightseeing includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Take in the spectacular seaside settings of Monterey and Carmel. Keep an eye out for sea lions and otters off the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and visit Cannery Row—made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. Drive along legendary 17-Mile Drive to the storybook setting of Carmel by the Sea. Take in the spectacular coastal scenery along the rugged stretch of Big Sur to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the cathedral-like beauty of the California Redwoods. Visit the charming Danish village of Solvang with its Dutch windmills, bakeries, and restaurants. Travel further down the Pacific coastline to Santa Barbara for a photo stop at the historic mission and pier before returning to LA to conclude your memory-filled vacation in the American West!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
LOS ANGELES Welcome to Los Angeles! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. Drive through Hollywood and see the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre. An historic gem, this cinema (formerly, Grauman’s) has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history. See the Dolby Theatre, the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards, and 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 80 shops and restaurants then head to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. The remainder of your day is at leisure; your Tour Director will have suggestions for further exploration of the city.LOS ANGELES Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. Drive through Hollywood and see the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre. An historic gem, this cinema (formerly, Grauman’s) has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history. See the Dolby Theatre, the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards, and 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 80 shops and restaurants then head to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. The remainder of your day is at leisure; your Tour Director will have suggestions for further exploration of the city.
Day 3: Los Angeles,Palm Springs
Accommodation Name: Palm Springs Courtyard
Journey to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930’s laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible.
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS Journey to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930’s laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible.
Day 4: Palm Springs,Scottsdale Area
Location: Palm Springs, Scottsdale Area
Travel through cacti-covered desert towards Old Town Scottsdale where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Enjoy free time to explore a taste of the Old West with the Western bars, wooden beams, wagon wheels, and abundant cowboy hats, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and saloons.PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE AREA Travel through cacti-covered desert towards Old Town Scottsdale where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Enjoy free time to explore a taste of the Old West with the Western bars, wooden beams, wagon wheels, and abundant cowboy hats, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to the era of outlaws and saloons.
Day 5: Scottsdale Area,Sedona,Grand Canyon National Park,Williams
Location: Scottsdale Area, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Williams
Meals Included: Breakfast
First stop today is a visit to the red rocks of 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 and be awed by the grandeur and stunning vistas of this natural wonder of the world. See the canyon from the sky aboard an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for thrilling views of the canyon’s flame-colored walls plunging 6,093 feet into the Colorado River. Stay overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the main street.SCOTTSDALE AREA–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–WILLIAMS First stop today is a visit to the red rocks of 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 and be awed by the grandeur and stunning vistas of this natural wonder of the world. See the canyon from the sky aboard an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for thrilling views of the canyon’s flame-colored walls plunging 6,093 feet into the Colorado River. Stay overnight in Williams, a picturesque mountain town with Route 66 as the main street. (B)
Day 6: Williams,Las Vegas
Location: Williams, Las Vegas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Mojave, that still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in the natural beauty of the desert. Look out for Joshua trees, a species of the Agave family, that grow to 40 feet high and can live for more than 300 years. Arrive in the man-made oasis in the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and entertaining shows. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, consider a night on the town with an optional Brazilian steakhouse dinner and find your inner Rat Pack at “Vegas! The Show,” to relive the iconic performances of Sinatra, Elvis, and more legends who made Las Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS Cross the Mojave, that still has traces of century-old ghost towns set in the natural beauty of the desert. Look out for Joshua trees, a species of the Agave family, that grow to 40 feet high and can live for more than 300 years. Arrive in the man-made oasis in the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and entertaining shows. An orientation tour upon arrival shows off many of the themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, consider a night on the town with an optional Brazilian steakhouse dinner and find your inner Rat Pack at “Vegas! The Show,” to relive the iconic performances of Sinatra, Elvis, and more legends who made Las Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” (CB)
Day 7: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
The day is free for exploring on your own. Perhaps try your hand at the blackjack table, check out some of the over-the-top hotel lobbies, or lounge by the pool. Your Tour Director will also have plenty of ideas and can recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.LAS VEGAS The day is free for exploring on your own. Perhaps try your hand at the blackjack table, check out some of the over-the-top hotel lobbies, or lounge by the pool. Your Tour Director will also have plenty of ideas and can recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.
Day 8: Las Vegas,Selma
Location: Las Vegas, Selma
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 some of the state’s most productive agricultural land and overnight in Selma in the central San Joaquin Valley.LAS VEGAS–SELMA 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 some of the state’s most productive agricultural land and overnight in Selma in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Day 9: Selma,Yosemite National Park,Sonora
Location: Selma, Yosemite National Park, Sonora
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. See magnificent Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridal Veil Falls. Afterward, drive to Sonora.SELMA–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA This morning, we enter Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. See magnificent Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridal Veil Falls. Afterward, drive to Sonora.
Day 10: Sonora,San Francisco
Location: Sonora, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we continue west to the “City by the Bay” 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.SONORA–SAN FRANCISCO This morning, we continue west to the “City by the Bay” 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. (B)
Day 11: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
The day is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city. Perhaps visit legendary Alcatraz Island, explore bustling Chinatown, or go on an iconic cable car ride. Take your adventures higher with an optional walk through the soaring 600-year-old redwoods of Muir Woods or view the stunning cityscape on a scenic San Francisco Bay Cruise. NOTE:Consider advance ticket purchase for Alcatraz Island with the National Park Service.SAN FRANCISCO The day is free for you to explore more of this fascinating city. Perhaps visit legendary Alcatraz Island, explore bustling Chinatown, or go on an iconic cable car ride. Take your adventures higher with an optional walk through the soaring 600-year-old redwoods of Muir Woods or view the stunning cityscape on a scenic San Francisco Bay Cruise. NOTE:Consider advance ticket purchase for Alcatraz Island with the National Park Service.
Day 12: San Francisco,17 Mile Drive,Carmel,Monterey
Location: San Francisco, 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, Monterey
This morning, travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain’s Californian capital. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf to look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Later, take in the spectacular Pacific Ocean waves from legendary 17-Mile Drive and the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Carmel Bay. Nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coastline, Carmel by the Sea is a storybook setting not to be missed.SAN FRANCISCO–17 MILE DRIVE–CARMEL–MONTEREY This morning, travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain’s Californian capital. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf to look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Later, take in the spectacular Pacific Ocean waves from legendary 17-Mile Drive and the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Carmel Bay. Nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coastline, Carmel by the Sea is a storybook setting not to be missed.
Day 13: Monterey,Big Sur Highway,Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park,San Luis Obispo,Solvang
Location: Monterey, Big Sur Highway, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, San Luis Obispo, Solvang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you will experience one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world—Big Sur. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Keep your camera handy, as there will be plenty of scenic photo stops. Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and experience the deep shade and cathedral-like beauty of California Redwoods, and the dramatic mountains meeting the sea. Enjoy time in San Luis Obispo before making your way to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the “Old World” architecture. Tasty bakery treats and perhaps a Danish smorgasbord for dinner all add to the unique experience.NOTE:The drive along the coast to Big Sur is dependent on current road conditions on Pacific Coast Highway 1.MONTEREY–BIG SUR HIGHWAY–PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK–SAN LUIS OBISPO–SOLVANG Today, you will experience one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world—Big Sur. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Keep your camera handy, as there will be plenty of scenic photo stops. Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and experience the deep shade and cathedral-like beauty of California Redwoods, and the dramatic mountains meeting the sea. Enjoy time in San Luis Obispo before making your way to Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the “Old World” architecture. Tasty bakery treats and perhaps a Danish smorgasbord for dinner all add to the unique experience.(CB)NOTE:The drive along the coast to Big Sur is dependent on current road conditions on Pacific Coast Highway 1.
Day 14: Solvang,Santa Barbara,Los Angeles
Location: Solvang, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
From Solvang, it’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. There’s time to wander along the vibrant waterfront, visit the pier, or do some shopping in some of the most talked-about boutiques. Then head to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with outbound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 pm.SOLVANG–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES From Solvang, it’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. There’s time to wander along the vibrant waterfront, visit the pier, or do some shopping in some of the most talked-about boutiques. Then head to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with outbound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 pm.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stays at various hotels including Westin Bonaventure, Palm Springs Courtyard, Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North, La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area, Sahara Las Vegas, Holiday Inn Selma Swan-Court, Heritage Inn Yosemite-Sonora, Parc 55 San Francisco, Monterey Downtown Days Inn, and Hotel Corque.
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Sightseeing Highlights
Includes tours of Hollywood, The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Old Town Scottsdale, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Harbor, Big Sur Highway, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and more.
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Meals
2 continental breakfasts.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to Grand Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Most meals are not included, except for the 2 continental breakfasts provided.
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Optional Excursions
Any optional excursions such as the helicopter flightseeing excursion over the Grand Canyon are not included and require additional fees.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and additional snacks or beverages are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
Guests are responsible for their transportation to and from the airport. -
Alcatraz Island Tickets
Tickets for Alcatraz Island are not included.
Consider advance ticket purchase with the National Park Service.
Meals
4 Breakfasts
Notes
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.
UNESCO Sites
Grand Canyon National Park|Yosemite National Park
Accommodation
Los Angeles:Westin BonaventurePalm Springs:Palm Springs CourtyardScottsdale:Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport NorthWilliams:La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon AreaLas Vegas:Sahara Las VegasSelma:Holiday Inn Selma Swan-CourtSonora:Heritage Inn Yosemite-SonoraSan Francisco:Parc 55 San FranciscoMonterey:Monterey Downtown Days InnSolvang:Hotel Corque
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Golden West Adventure tour?
The highlights of the Golden West Adventure tour include a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown including the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theater, and Hollywood Walk of Fame, exploration of The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, journey to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, travel through cacti-covered desert towards Old Town Scottsdale, visit to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, exploration of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, experience of the Pacific Ocean waves from legendary 17-Mile Drive and the rugged Pacific coastline en route to Carmel Bay, and a visit to Monterey Harbor's historic Old Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.
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What type of accommodations are included in the tour?
The accommodations included in the tour are stays at various hotels including Westin Bonaventure, Palm Springs Courtyard, Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North, La Quinta Inn and Suites-Grand Canyon Area, Sahara Las Vegas, Holiday Inn Selma Swan-Court, Heritage Inn Yosemite-Sonora, Parc 55 San Francisco, Monterey Downtown Days Inn, and Hotel Corque.
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Are meals included in the Golden West Adventure tour?
Yes, 2 continental breakfasts are included in the Golden West Adventure tour. Most meals are not included, except for the 2 continental breakfasts provided.
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What UNESCO Sites will be visited during the tour?
The UNESCO Sites visited during the tour are Grand Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and is recommended for all travelers.
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Are there any optional excursions, and what might they include?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as the helicopter flightseeing excursion over the Grand Canyon. These are not included and require additional fees.
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What are the exclusions of the tour package?
The exclusions of the tour package include most meals except for the 2 continental breakfasts provided, any optional excursions such as the helicopter flightseeing excursion over the Grand Canyon, travel insurance, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and additional snacks or beverages, airport transfers, and tickets for Alcatraz Island.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
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