How to See the Highlights of America’s West in 8 Days
When traveling to America, one of its most storied and adventurous areas has been and will continue to be the wild west. I love it here and want you to love it too! So when you have a small amount of time to build a vacation around, yet you want to see a vast expanse of land. The Empire Vacations’ “Magnificent West” tour may be the answer you were looking for.
With year round options, split between the Winter and Summer itineraries, these tours depart from Los Angeles and seek to explore as much of America’s West as possible. Now let’s go into what your day to day trip is going to be like!
After departing from Los Angeles you and your group will explore the Californian coastline and visit several small communities including a Spanish Missionary Outpost, a Danish town with local shops, and the town that famous Western Movie Actor Clint Eastwood was born in. Lastly you will be given free time to explore and rest before spending the night in Springfield Suites. On this day you will discover and learn from several groups and organizations who have helped develop and sustain Western America.
Day 2 and 3 will consist of the San Francisco area where you will take a cruise on the San Francisco Bay, along the way witnessing Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Upon returning to land you will be able to spend time in the bustling city, seeing areas such as Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. Here you can spend time deep in the heart of the fun and active and bustling citylife. If your ticket is booked for the winter itinerary, you will have an even more in depth tour of the city and nearby coast for those who have a deep love for the San Francisco area!
If you have scheduled the summer tour, you will be taken through farmlands to Yosemite National Park where you can truly get in touch with nature! Go on hikes and breathe in the majesty around you as you take in the earthy, forest air. You will also be brought to Yosemite Falls which holds the highest waterfall in North America!
After your two day adventure in and around San Francisco, on Day 4 you will head to the famed Las Vegas through the infamous area known as Death Valley. Once you arrive, you will be given free reign to explore the famous strip, check out the shows, and try your hand with the dice! This day is all about taking in the lights of the gambling capital of the world!
Day 5 offers a break from the glitz and glamor as you journey to Hoover Dam to learn about the engineering marvel of the dam that revolutionized the west into the place we know it as today! After getting your fill of knowledge and fun facts to take home with you, the afternoon is yours to do with as you please back in Vegas. Resume your fast paced activities or relax and prepare for Day 6.
On the aforementioned day, you will be saying goodbye to the sparkling Las Vegas as you head off to Sedona, “The Jewel of the Desert”, a place considered to be one of the most beautiful places in America. After some more traveling through the beautiful countryside, you will arrive in Sedona itself. Once there you will be given time to explore and sightsee the beautiful and culturally rich city. Afterwards you will regroup and head to tour the surrounding areas and their attractions. Once you’ve seen all the city has to offer you will depart and wrap up Day 6.
Day 7 and 8 will see you deep dive into the wild lands around you, allowing you to truly get in touch with nature. You will experience Sandstone towers, Navajo lead tours into valleys, see the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend and much more (and that’s only Day 7!) After an overnight rest, you will resume your exploration with tours of Antelope Canyon and the dunes created naturally over time, a majesty worthy of the culmination of your adventure. This day also holds a trip to the blazing Valley of Fire, due to the way the tour is lined up, you may even see the valley live up to its name if the sun allows!
Alas, all great adventures must end, after the Valley of Fire, you will begin your return to Las Vegas with a drop off at Luxor Hotel. Here you may do whatever your heart desires, whether it is set off to explore more of America, remain in Las Vegas for a little longer, or return home. Regardless of your choice, you will have plenty of adventures and memories to share with your friends and family as you discuss seeing so much of America’s West, in a little over a week.