Go West – Contrasts on the west coast

Welcome to the City of Angels, Los Angeles! Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. Use the next few days to get to know the city of celebrities and luxury. Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach are just a few of this city’s many options.

Grab your camera, swimwear, and enough food for the day and explore Hollywood! Can you see the world-famous lettering up on the hill? The sign, erected in 1923 as Hollywoodland, was initially an advertising campaign by a brokerage company to advertise the properties in the area. After several renovations and a new building, it was shortened to Hollywood. Today several sponsors take care of the preservation.

The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is just a short hop away. Stroll along the street with the countless engraved stones bearing the names of famous artists. Have you already found your favorite singer? Let yourself be enchanted by the many lights and famous buildings such as the Dolby Theater and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as they take you into a world of glamor.

In Beverly Hills, the world's prominence lives in huge mansions and estates. Do you want to go on a celebrity hunt? Exclusive shops such as Versace, Porsche, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Rolex attract the stars on Rodeo Drive.

Santa Monica and Venice are the most famous beaches in Los Angeles. Walk barefoot on the warm sand and stroll down the Santa Monica pier. The classic beach stalls on the Ocean Front Walk, the graffiti scene, and the public training areas for athletes on the boardwalk are among the world-famous things you will experience. Watch the bodybuilders or surfers in the water while enjoying the sunset in one of the beachfront cafés.

Travel time Los Angeles airport - hotel: approx. 10 minutes / approx. 3 km

Today is your first road trip! The itinerary will take you 200 kilometers from Los Angeles into the deserts of Palm Springs.

The city, also known for its golfers’ paradise, is a popular weekend destination for wealthy Californians. A gondola will take you up Mount San Jacinto and offer an unforgettable view of the city, combining a small town’s flair with urban chic. Visit the “Forever Marilyn,” an eight-meter-high statue, which rises eight meters, perfect for impressive photos.

With 350 days of sunshine a year and unique nature, there’s hardly a wrong time to travel here. Palm Springs offers a lot, from meter-high waterfalls and ancient palm groves to desert landscapes. Go on a discovery tour and stroll through the streets and alleys of the city where the Hollywood celebrities spend their vacation.

Travel time Los Angeles - Palm Springs: approx. 2 hours / approx. 200 km

Today’s drive will take you to the Grand Canyon — a must-see on any American west coast trip. Before that, you can stop at the Hualapai Indian Reservation — home to a tribe with about 2,100 members, most of whom live in Peach Springs, a town on the historic Route 66. The tribe is financed through tourism, cattle farming, and art.

Afterward, you will reach the small town of Williams, where the historic Route 66 also runs through it. This city is known for its golf courses and its cowboys. From here, the Grand Canyon isn’t far away! As the winding roads lead you to the natural phenomenon, you will be amazed at the imposing dimensions. The South Rim has the best view of the Colorado River, which winds its way west through the canyon. If you look closely, you will also find the Native American gardens and the Phantom Ranch. Discover the small green oases in the middle of the sand-colored canyon. From each vantage point, you have a new breathtaking panorama of the diverse national park.

Travel time Palm Springs - Williams: approx. 5.5 hours / approx. 560 km

If you want to experience more highlights of the Grand Canyon, then you shouldn't miss a helicopter flight over the national park. From the bird's eye view, there are new perspectives that will stay in your memory forever. Contact us about it, and we will happily help you organize it!

Another highlight is Lake Powell, a reservoir created in the 1960s. The blue waters and the red stones create a unique contrast. Boat tours, houseboats, and water sports are the most popular attractions and give the reservoir a unique atmosphere. Put on your swimsuit, take a cooling dip in the middle of the desert and enjoy the view.

Travel time Williams - Lake Powell: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 270 km

After the Grand Canyon, another natural spectacle awaits you. After driving 260 kilometers through the desert, you will reach the world-famous Bryce Canyon National Park. It attracts countless tourists yearly because of the famous hoodoos: whimsically shaped pillars of stone that have withstood the force of erosion on every continent, but nowhere in the world are they in such large numbers. How do you best describe Bryce Canyon? Cave without a roof? Forest of stones? Neither term is precisely correct, so it's best to express your opinion. Marvel at the red rock formations can be seen in the distance and capture the moment on camera. We recommend a sunset walk through the stone pillars and the stunning colorful shadows they create.

Driving time Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon National Park: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 250 km

Zion National Park offers breathtaking views and experiences. On the way to the national park, first, get to know St. George and Springdale. Springdale is a small town with just under 500 inhabitants and an excellent stopover recommendation. It’s also worth stopping in St. George to recharge your batteries and let the surroundings work their magic on you. Enjoy the peace and relax before continuing the adventure.

When you arrive at the national park, it’s time to put on your hiking boots and go out into nature! In addition to the bizarre sandstone formations, we recommend hiking to “Angels Landing,” the most climbed mountain in Zion National Park. Its well-secured hiking trails take you to a viewing platform that will give you goosebumps when it rewards you with its unforgettable view.

Travel time from Bryce Canyon National Park to St. George: approx. 2 hours / approx. 230 km

After a bunch of nature, it’s time to travel through some breathtaking desert routes to Sin City. Las Vegas is a unique world in the middle of the desert, with colossal luxury hotels that glitter with famous casinos and popular shows. Immerse yourself in this fantasy, get tickets for one of the world-famous shows, and try your luck at poker in one of the casinos. Discover the famous wedding chapels, hotels like the Stratosphere or The Riviera, and the countless shops on Fremont Experience Street.

Travel time St. George - Las Vegas: approx. 2 hours / approx. 200 km

After many new impressions in the turbulent city of Las Vegas, the opposite awaits you today: Death Valley National Park. The hottest and driest place in the world doesn’t bear its name for anything. Contrasts collide in this unique destination: soaring peaks freeze in winter and become covered with snow, and rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers and refreshing oases into the dryness.

Death Valley is at the lowest point in the United States, almost 90 meters below sea level. Here you are in Badwater, a remnant of ancient Lake Manly. In the area around the dried-up lake, hexagonal crust structures form. A highlight is Zabriskie Point, where petrified dunes are under mud deposits.

Continue your adventure to Visalia, a place characterized by forests and incomparable nature. Sit by the river, feel the cool water on your feet, and enjoy the city’s specialties — it’s one of the richest agricultural regions in the United States!

Travel time Las Vegas - Visalia: approx. 5 hours / approx. 570 km

One national park after the other is on the agenda for today’s tour! When you reach Yosemite National Park, you will discover green landscapes with waterfalls, granite stones, glaciers, and thickly overgrown forests. The Yosemite Valley boasts steep granite walls and calm lakes that invite you to relax. In addition to nature, you can learn about the park’s history at the visitor center and the Yosemite Museum.

The park is known for its large number of breathtaking waterfalls. The Yosemite Falls are 739 meters high and among the highest in the world. There are also other waterfalls in the park, such as the 492-meter-high Ribbon Falls, where raging amounts of water tumble down into the depths. In addition to the waterfalls, El Capitan attracts many visitors every year. The high granite rock from the Cretaceous period towers above the valley and is famous for mountaineers.

When you leave the national park, you will reach El Portal, a small gateway town to the Yosemite Valley. After the national park, Modesto awaits you! It’s a city that bursts with friendliness and a cozy atmosphere. Go to the weekly market, buy fresh fruit and vegetables from the region, or visit museums and sights. The lovingly landscaped gardens of the city invite you to stroll the streets and alleys that take you through the shopping streets and past old buildings.

Travel time Visalia - Modesto: approx. 2 hours / approx. 220 km

Continue the journey to one of the dreamiest cities in America: San Francisco. The unique city exudes a charm you can only experience when visiting it yourself. Regardless of all the ups and downs in the steep streets, the best way to experience San Francisco is on foot! Walk past the famous colorful houses, hop onto a cable car and feel the wind through your hair as you wind up and down the streets. We recommend starting at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can watch the sea lions on Pier 39 and stroll along the water. Not far is the world-famous Lombard Street that meanders down to Russian Hill. Visit the Cable Car Museum and learn about the exciting background knowledge of the famous transportation. Afterward, continue to Union Square, where you can see the Park Central Hotel, countless shops, beautiful theaters, and other famous sights.

Next, walk over to Chinatown and immerse yourself in another world. Discover the numerous temples and the Dragon Gate, which stands out with its three portals on Grant Street.

Use the rest of the day to hop on a ferry to Alcatraz, the famous prison island where Al Capone and Bill “Machine Gun” Kelly were imprisoned. Go on a tour through the old prison and listen to the marrow passing through when the cell doors close.

You can’t miss visiting the city’s landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge! The bridge, which the fog mainly surrounds, is a popular photo opportunity.

Travel time Modesto - San Francisco: approx. 1.5 hours / approx. 150 km

After an exciting few days in San Francisco, you will drive 420 kilometers to San Simeon and Pismo Beach. You'll pass historic Monterey and Carmel along the way. In Monterey, don't miss Cannery Row. The street, on which many sardine factories and restaurants line up, is now the city's tourist center. In Carmel, you will find admirable missions, art galleries, and small boutiques that invite you to linger.

Don't miss 17 Mile Drive between Monterey and Carmel, as the road runs right along the coast. You will have incredible views of the natural world and wildlife at numerous vantage points.

The route will take you further to San Simeon and its famous Hearst Castle. This 1920s castle-like property nestles on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and has a large, noble Neptune bath.

Travel time San Francisco - San Simeon: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 380 km

Hop into your rental car one last time and head south to Los Angeles. On your way down, stop at Solvang, a Danish town with windmills and traditional Danish architecture, and Santa Barbara, a beautiful city with Hispanic history. We recommend visiting the Mission, the courthouse, and State Street with its lovely boutiques and inviting restaurants in Santa Barbara. Here you can briefly recover from the previous trip before heading to Los Angeles, where you can end the day comfortably.

Travel time: approx. 4 hours / approx. 370 km

After returning your rental car, it’s time to say goodbye to the City of Angels and the beautiful west coast. We hope you leave America with lasting impressions you’ll remember forever.

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport***, Los Angeles, California (3 nights)

This hotel offers easy access to the city center and is only a few minutes from LA’s famous beaches and marina. It’s close to the Old Town Music Hall and SoFi Stadium, offering the best conditions for a pleasant stay. The hotel has spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. After sightseeing, the pool provides the perfect place to cool off.

Palm Mountain Resort & Spa***, Palm Springs, California (1 night)

Palm Mountain Resort & Spa nestles in the heart of Palm Springs and is an ideal starting point for the most popular attractions. Enjoy its refreshing pool, a sun terrace, and warming fire pits for cool evenings. You can look forward to free WiFi and parking, access to the in-house marketplace, and a relaxing spa area. You can enjoy all the amenities in the rooms for a carefree stay.

Ramada by Wyndham Williams/ Grand Canyon Area***, Williams, Arizona (1 night)

This accommodation is just a few minutes drive from the famous Route 66. The spacious rooms offer free WiFi and a coffee maker. Downtown Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway are a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the Grand Canyon is just an hour’s drive away.

Courtyard by Marriott Lake Powell***, Lake Powell, Arizona (1 night)

Overlooking Arizona’s breathtaking Glen Canyon National Park and the clear waters of Lake Powell, the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Powell nestles in a perfect location. Relax from your trip in a Southwestern-style room and enjoy hotel amenities such as free internet, the gym, and the pool.

Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn***, Bryce Canyon City, Utah (1 night)

We will help you book accommodation of similar standards in the Bryce Canyon area, subject to availability. Do you have special requests for the location? Contact us, and we will make it happen!

Ramada by Wyndham St. George***, St. George, Utah (1 night)

Welcome to Ramada by Wyndham St. George. Comfortable rooms with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer, an indoor and an outdoor pool, and a jacuzzi welcome you for a relaxing stay. The friendly staff is always at your disposal.

Luxor Hotel & Casino***, Las Vegas, Nevada (1 night)

The hotel is famous for its pyramid shape and prime location on the Las Vegas Strip. There are 12 in-house restaurants, cafés, and a 112,000 m² casino to enjoy. The rooms have a flat-screen TV and WiFi. The hotel pool and spa area invite you to spend a relaxing few hours.

Wyndham Visalia***, Visalia, California (1 night)

Wyndham Visalia nestles in the San Joaquin Valley near the Giant Sequoia National Park. Amenities include free parking, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a fitness and spa area. In the air-conditioned rooms, you’ll find a desk, coffee maker, and cozy seating area.

Modesto Hotel***, Modesto, California (1 night)

Bright, modern rooms await you on the outskirts of Modesto! All rooms have a flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and a hair dryer. Enjoy breakfast in the morning to start the new day well strengthened.

Villa Florence Hotel****, San Francisco, California (2 nights)

This boutique hotel in Union Square boasts beautiful design and modernity. For a cozy atmosphere, the hotel combined Italian decor and warm colors. The famous cable car station is only two blocks away! In the rooms, guests can enjoy an LED TV, an Apple docking station, and complimentary spa toiletries.

Silver Surf Motel**, San Simeon, California (1 night)

This motel is a few minutes walks from the Pacific Ocean and surrounding beaches. The hotel features an indoor heated pool and hot tub. The room’s amenities include a cable TV, free WiFi, seating, a refrigerator, microwave, a coffee maker, and a work desk.

Duration of the trip: 15 days / 14 nights

Including

• 14 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar
• 3x breakfast, as described in the scope of services
• 15 days rental car of the category Nissan Versa or similar

Rental car

Including

• Unlimited kilometers

• Airport taxes

• Fully comprehensive insurance (CDW): included without excess.

• Vehicle theft insurance (TP): included without excess.

• Liability insurance according to special rental conditions: Liability insurance according to the provisions of the rental country. Additional liability insurance covers a total of 7,500,000 EUR.

• Additional liability insurance for 7.5 million EUR

• Reimbursement of damage to glass, roof, tires, underbody (including oil pan), and clutch

• Reimbursement of the accident handling fee

• Reimbursement of towing costs and reimbursement of the expenses for loss/damage to vehicle keys and documents

• Reimbursement of damage and theft of the car radio and navigation system (mobile or built-in) in the event of a break-in

• Additional driver: included (maximum of 3 other drivers per rental). Driving the vehicle by persons not listed in the rental agreement is prohibited and will result in the loss of any insurance coverage.

• CFC (Customer Facility Charge)

• Accident insurance (PAI): including coverage of up to 20,000 EUR per person in the rental car

• Local taxes: On the rental price and all included services listed.

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips

• Optional visits, admissions, excursions

• Possible parking and toll fees

• Gasoline and satellite navigation

• Insurance

Notes

• You can book higher standard hotels on request and at an additional cost.
• Rental Car: a credit card issued to the renter must be on file for rental car rental. The minimum age is 25 years old.
• Up to two children under 12 years old stay free when accompanied by two paying adults.
• Important information:
  • Reservations required for Yosemite National Park: they are introducing a temporary reservation system from 20.05-30.09.22 between 06:00 and 16:00. Please reserve your entry ticket for a specific day at recreation.gov so that you can drive your rental car into the national park. The reservation is valid for three consecutive days (cost 2 USD). After 16:00, or if you have booked accommodation in the national park, entry is still possible without reservation. Plan enough time for your arrival and consider possible traffic jams.
• The starting price is valid during the travel period October-November 2022.