American Dream

Itinerary

1st day:

Trek start and welcome meeting at 10.00 a.m. in San Francisco. Sightseeing and shopping in San Francisco. In the afternoon we drive to the coastal town Santa Cruz, famous for its beach boardwalk and entertainment center, which was established in 1904.

2nd day:

Driving along the marvelous West Coast on famous Highway 1 we stop at Carmel (Clint Eastwood was mayor here until 1989) and Monterey, where we can visit the amazing aquarium and the legendary Cannery Row.

3rd day :

We follow Highway 101 to the seaside resort of Santa Barbara, where we can relax at the beach or try our skills at the art of roller-skating, skate-boarding or biking. On our way to Los Angeles we stop at Malibu, where famous movie stars reside, and Santa Monica.  

4th day:

Today we have the opportunity to visit Universal Film Studios in Hollywood and stroll along the world-famous streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.  

5th day:

In San Diego we can visit Sea World or have fun at the golden beaches of Mission Bay and visit historic Old Town, founded in 1824.  

6th day:

Driving through the hot deserts of Southern California, we enter Joshua Tree National Park, known for its many spectacular desert plants including Joshua Trees, cactuses and Mojave Yuccas. This California desert country also contains striking rock formations and towering mountain ranges.  

7th day:

Crossing the Colorado River, we make our way to one of the world's seven wonders: Grand Canyon. The canyon spans 450 km long, 6 − 30 km wide and 1600 m deep. We can go hiking or take a helicopter ride in this breathtaking landscape.

8th day:

Through the Painted Desert, we reach the Navajo Indian Reservation, the biggest Indian Reservation in the U.S., where over 200,000 Indians of the Navajo Tribe live. Our first stop is the Navajo National Monument. The ruins of the mysterious forsaken Indian Village Betatakin are counted among Arizona's largest known cliff dwellings. Finally, we reach Monument Valley Tribal Park. We have the opportunity to explore this fascinating land in jeeps.  

9th/10th day:

From Moab we discover one of the most fantastic regions in America: Canyonlands National Park, Deadhorse Point State Park and Arches National Park with its natural sandstone bridges and arches, shaped by nature over thousands of years. Endless hiking trails, rafting on the Colorado River, mountain biking, scenic flights and jeep tours are great options.  

11th day:

Today we stop at the astonishing Goblin Valley. Then we get to a cowboy ranch situated in the Dixie National Forest, where we have the opportunity to go horseback riding and experience western life.  

12th day:

Driving through Red Canyon, we reach Bryce Canyon National Park, containing some of Earth's most colorful rocks. The indescribably beautiful Bryce Canyon is noted for its eroded sculpture-like formations. We can appreciate its uniqueness by walking through the area.  

13th/14th day:

We drive through Zion National Park and reach the gambling and show paradise of Las Vegas with its countless casinos and entertainment centres. Las Vegas by night is something you simply have to experience.  

15th day:

Our agenda today takes us through the hottest desert on the planet, Death Valley, where temperatures rise record breaking levels (56°C in summer). The Valley also contains a wealth of geological phenomena: large sand dune formations, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys and volcanic craters can be seen.  

16th/17th day:

We visit Yosemite National Park, one of USA's most famous parks and known for its colossal granite mountains and amazing waterfalls.  

18th day:

Sacramento, the capital of California, awaits us with its historic old town and riverboats.  

19th day:

Today we tour the world renown Napa and Sonoma Valley wine country and the famous Bodega Bay, which provided the setting for Hitchcock's movie ‘The Birds’.  

20th day:

After visiting the pleasant harbour cities of Sausalito and Tiburon, which boast arts shops and incredible views of San Francisco's skyline and the bay, we drive over the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Optional activities include Alcatraz, boat trips and museums.  

21st day:

A last opportunity for sightseeing and shopping in San Francisco.