Best of the West

Fly to Los Angeles. On arrival make your own way to your hotel.

Collect your car and drive to Palm Springs. This desert playground sits at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and perfectly blends outdoor entertainment with casual relaxation (147 miles).

Browse the countless shops or ride the aerial tramway high up above the desert floor for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Drive onwards to Scottsdale and Phoenix, two of central Arizona's top cities (267 miles).

Drive north to the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder which can't fail to impress. Spend the day discovering the South Rim, either on foot or perhaps hire a bike, stopping at the numerous viewpoints along the way (230 miles).

Head west through Williams and Kingman at the heart of Historic Route 66 to the Hoover Dam, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona. Continue to Las Vegas, a city that needs no introduction (275 miles).

If you fancy a flutter there's no end of casinos to tempt you from parting with your cash, or winning more if you're lucky! Gambling aside, Vegas flaunts amazing shopping, award-winning shows and much more.

Be sure to snap a picture of the iconic 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign, before riding on to Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent with geological history on full display. Stop at Zabriskie Point for amazing views of the wildly eroded and vibrantly coloured badlands and, this evening, glance skyward for some of the world's best stargazing (139 miles).

Travel north into the High Sierra following the Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park. See the silvery waters of the Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls, take a ranger-guided stroll or marvel at the huge granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome (325 miles). Note: from early November-late May the Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will need to drive the Southern route.

Journey west through Gold Rush-era attractions and California's state capital, Sacramento before heading to San Francisco. Considered one of the world's greatest cities, it boasts many one-of-a-kind sights (195 miles).

A full day to really explore. Top sights include Union Square, The Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. There's also the option to take the ferry to Alcatraz Island or, drive to nearby Napa Valley in California's Wine Country.

Drive south to Monterey along Highway 1, which gives you breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. Absorb the sights, sounds and smells of Monterey at Old Fisherman's Wharf and explore Cannery Row. Continue on to Carmel and enjoy an exhilarating trip along 17 Mile Drive to Pebble Beach (130 miles).

Continue south along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, riding through Big Sur where mountains plunge into the ocean. Continue to Ventura, a classic beach town in a spectacular setting (280 miles).

Travel further south through Santa Monica and into Los Angeles. Check out some of the famed sights such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip and more (70 miles).

Drop your car at the airport where your tour ends with your onward journey.