13-Nights Golden West Adventure

13 nights from: $3,049

From the exquisite national parks to the exciting cities, this western U.S. tour through California, Arizona, and Nevada features natural wonders, scenic drives, deep canyons, sparkling waterfalls, and some of the world’s most famous cities. Begin with guided sightseeing in Los Angeles, the “City of Angels,” seeing Hollywood, the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, and the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Stroll through the historic Farmers Market, with more than 80 shops and eateries followed by a visit to Santa Monica Pier. Experience the California desert oasis of Palm Springs, the Arizona landscape of Scottsdale, and marvel at the massive red-rock formations of Sedona. Arrive at the glorious Grand Canyon, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, and walk along the canyon’s south rim and stand in awe of the stunning vistas. Cross the Mojave Desert for two nights in the bright lights of vibrant Las Vegas. Have free time to visit the extravagant resorts, try your hand at the blackjack table or slot machines, or see a show. Continue to majestic Yosemite National Park and be amazed at its giant granite domes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Then on to the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco—home of the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, cable cars, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Head down the Pacific coast to the seaside setting of Monterey. Watch for sea lions and otters off the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and visit Cannery Row—made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. Drive along legendary 17-Mile Drive for beautiful ocean views, passing famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and ending in the storybook setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Take in the spectacular coastal scenery along the rugged stretch of Big Sur and visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the cathedral-like beauty of the California Redwoods. Visit the charming Danish village of Solvang with its Dutch windmills, bakeries, and restaurants. Travel further down the Pacific coastline to Santa Barbara for a photo stop at the historic mission and pier before returning to LA. to conclude your fun-filled vacation in the American West!

Solvang, California, a Danish-American community in the Santa Ynez Valley less than an hour's drive from Santa Barbara, has windmills—which are lit at night with strings of white lights—and shops built in the Danish style that sell imported Danish china and traditional Danish foods. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try Danish waffles—pastries that look like hot-dog buns, filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Free Solvang Travel
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The town, made famous by the 2004 film Sideways, is touristy and overly commercialized but still charming with rows of little houses with crooked chimneys, small-paned windows and roofs made of thatch or copper. You'll also find horse-drawn carriages, golf courses, horse ranches, wineries and racing museums.

The town is home to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and even has a Little Mermaid statue. You can also get a bird's-eye view of the landscape via a hot-air-balloon ride.

If the busloads of tourists that descend on the town overwhelm you, escape the short distance to nearby Santa Ynez and Los Olivos, a charming Victorian-era town, that together lie at the heart of Central California's wine region.