Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Having absorbed its sheer immensity, peer down the 6,000ft drop to witness the snaking Colorado River. Wander along the south rim to admire jagged plateaus, rugged spires and crumbling ridges or take a walk along the Bright Angel Trail to spot inquisitive Albert squirrels, precarious bighorn sheep and the illusive Californian Condor. Later this afternoon, head back to Flagstaff for an evening at leisure. Optional excursion (payable locally) - Grand Canyon by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. Day 8: Flagstaff to Las Vegas Set off this morning and arrive late afternoon to your hotel for an evening to unwind or experience the neon vibrancy of the Vegas strip. Day 9: Las Vegas Today is at leisure to explore the west’s dazzling rhinestone city at your own pace. Begin at the 1,100ft summit of Stratosphere Tower for a unique observation of Las Vegas; pass the Bellagio’s soaring fountain plumes before trying your hand at poker in Caesars Palace or traveling the world in one day as you visit the city’s replica landmarks. Day 10: Las Vegas to Visalia This morning, make your way across the dry expanse of the Mojave Desert, back to the ‘Golden State’ of California. En route, witness the peculiar spectacle of the ‘boneyard’, home to hundreds of obsolete commercial airliners preserved by torrid desert conditions. Your day concludes in Visalia, a quaint farming community brimming with old-town charm. Day 11: Visalia to Salida Spend today in one of the world’s most dramatic geological marvels, the UNESCO recognised Yosemite National Park. With varicoloured wild meadows, thunderous glacial rivers cascading from dizzying granite peaks and crumbling pinnacles, pines, cedars and oaks forming jagged silhouettes against the open sky, this display of the West’s natural majesty is unparalleled. Later this afternoon, journey to Salida for an evening at leisure. Day 12: Salida to San Francisco In the morning, depart Salida and travel to San Francisco. Amid a rolling veil of mist, this slender peninsular occupies 47 elevated square miles populated by the clatter of old-fashioned cable cars, diverse neighbourhoods and an unmistakable collection of landmarks to discover on your afternoon tour. View China town’s enchanting live markets, paper lantern marquee and pocket size side streets, continuing to the Presidio, a serene park inviting visitors to panoramic vistas across the bay, out towards Alcatraz Island and San Francisco’s calling card - the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Day 13: San Francisco Today, experience the sights of the city at leisure. Visit the vibrant boardwalk of Pier 39, lined with delicious seafood eateries and a herd of resident seals who mysteriously appeared after the 1989 earthquake. Stroll alongside technicolour houses set against a Frisco skyline know as the ‘Painted Ladies’; alternatively, take advantage of California’s idyllic climate by visiting the vineyards of Napa Valley to sample renowned wines including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Optional excursion (payable locally) - San Francisco Bay Cruise. Day 14: San Francisco to Atascadero Depart San Francisco for a scenic drive along the famous Big Sur Coastal Drive with stops at popular Monterey, Cannery Row and the Elephant Seal Rookery. Day 15: Atascadero to the UK Continue along the California coast stopping at beautiful Santa Barbara before your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • 3 H accommodation: Los Angeles-Clarion Anaheim, San Diego- Days Inn Hotel Circle, Scottsdale-Hilton Garden Inn, Flagstaff-Sonesta ES Suites, Las Vegas-Luxor Hotel, Visalia-Wyndham, Salida-Double Tree Modesto, San Francisco-Hotel Caza Fishermans Wharf, Atascadero–The Carlton • Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures available from Manchester and Belfast Tour pace: Intermediate The Grand Canyon Route 66 Golden Gate Bridge North America Extend your tour Los Angeles city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £449 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £669 Departures & from prices 9 Nov 22 £2,129 18 Sep 23 £2,969 17 Apr 23 £3,049 6 Nov 23 £2,829 2024 DATES AVAILABLE Please note: 2022 departures will operate on a different, 12-day itinerary, see website for details. 91 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk