Contrasts of the West

Start your journey with a flight to Las Vegas, where you will transfer independently (transfer voucher included) to your first hotel on the tour, your tour director will contact you throughout Day 1 in the hotel. In this city that never sleeps, walk down the Las Vegas Strip stopping in one of many hotels for a late night snack and a nightcap.

Take in the sights of this fabulous city, with its amazing hotels, glitzy casinos and glamorous shows. Don't miss the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio. If you are feeling daring why not join our optional Grand Canyon Skywalk excursion? Take a short flight to the West rim of the Grand Canyon then venture across the glass surface of the Skywalk for a unique view of the canyon 4,000 feet below.

Take in the sights of this fabulous city, with its amazing hotels, glitzy casinos and glamorous shows. Don't miss the dancing fountains outside the Bellagio if you are feeling daring why not join our optional Grand Canyon Skywalk excursion? Take a short flight to the West rim of the Grand Canyon then venture across the glass surface of the Skywalk for a unique view of the canyon 4,000 feet below.

Cross the state line into California, stopping at the ghost town of Calico, named after the colour of its surrounding mountains. A booming silver mining town from 1881 to 1896, Calico's mines produced over $13 million in ore. When the price of silver dropped, it became a ghost town, which was restored in 1954. Continue through farmlands to Fresno, just south of Yosemite for an overnight stay.

Created by glaciers, Yosemite is a seven-mile-long glacial valley, with waterfalls cascading down the steep cliff walls. We have plenty of time to take in the park's natural beauty and see the sights like Bridal Veil Falls or even join an open tram tour of the valley floor. Pick up a picnic at the deli and head down to the river for a relaxing lunch. At mid-afternoon, we head for the gold-rush town of Sonora. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Leave Sonora's gold country behind for the shores of Lake Tahoe, with its water sports and casinos. Relax and take in the cool mountain air by the 'Lake in the Sky'. Join us on our optional dinner cruise where you can enjoy dinner and dancing under the stars.

Set off from Lake Tahoe this morning via California's capital city, Sacramento. We'll stop at Old Sacramento, a National Historic Landmark of museums, attractions, shopping and dining, all themed around the California Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad. We'll then drive through Napa and Sonoma Valleys' wine country, before arriving in San Francisco for a three night stay.

Spend two days at leisure in this fascinating city. Hike through Redwood parks, stroll along sandy beaches, cycle over Golden Gate Bridge and see crooked Lombard Street. Movie fans should take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where 'The Rock' was filmed and you can hear tales of famous former inmates Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz.

Make the most of your free morning with last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Then we'll transfer you back to the airport for your return flight to Ireland.