Western Highlights

Accomodations
* 7 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation * Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) - asper itinerary

The Contiki Difference
* Experienced Tour Manager and Driver * Modern air-conditioned coach * Visit 3 States & Mexico: California ; Arizona ; Nevada

Los Angeles to San Diego (Dinner Days)
Meet up with your Contiki crew and Tour Manager before cruising through Orange County and along the Pacific coastline to laid-back San Diego. Get a feel for the city’s easy-going vibes with a look around San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods. In the Old Town, your Tour Manager will give you the story behind the original pueblo (village), with its Adobe buildings (made of brick, straw and mud) and show you the 19th century buildings of the Gaslamp Quarter. You’ll also see Balboa Park, which holds the largest urban cultural park in the USA and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Tonight, make your first night on tour one to remember and get to know the group over dinner before heading out for a fun night exploring the Gaslamp District’s funky live music venues or the cool bars on the beachfront.

San Diego (Breakfast Days)
With a full day in San Diego, live a bit of the California lifestyle and get into some outdoor activities. With 42 miles of beaches, a Mediterranean climate and loads of parks, San Diego is all about kicking back in the pleasant surrounds. Otherwise, visit the San Diego Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and vast numbers of animals (over 4000) or head to SeaWorld, known for its fun marine animal shows. If the weather is good, we’ll cruise out to the locals’ favorite spot, Mission Beach, for a few hours soaking up the sun or walking along the boardwalk for views of ocean. Don’t forget your towel and swimmers.

San Diego to Phoenix (Breakfast Days)
Things are about to get hotter as we head to Phoenix, a massive metropolis sitting smack in the middle of the desert. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, this place is all about shopping, sports and nightlife.

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Kick start the day with an unforgettable optional excursion: a hot-air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert and “Valley of the Sun”. The combination of full blown vistas over the desert and a champagne breakfast upon landing make this an amazing experience. We continue deeper into the Wild West as we head to stunning Sedona. Chill out and watch the region’s recognizable red rock cliffs, rugged spires and mesas (flat-topped rock formations) go by from the coach. Your Tour Manager will tell you about this eco-friendly town that is also known for its high-energy red rocks. There’s a chance to explore this stunning red rock country with our Local Guide in an optional 4WD tour through the historic canyons. Learn local legends and even pick up a piece of Native American jewelery. We continue on to the mind-blowing landscape of the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and pride of Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park (1 Days)
A day here means time to take in the immensity and spine-tingling beauty of the scene-stealing canyon – it has got a rep for a reason! Hike along the South Rim for full-blown vistas of the dramatic scenery. See some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth, take in the depths of the abyss and soak up the wildness of the area. There are trails for all levels of hiking, so take it up a notch or cruise along at your own pace. Otherwise, get up close to this UNESCO World Heritage site in an optional helicopter ride and get another angle on the canyon as you fly over it. Wrap up the day with a canyon sunset and take in the stunning changes while the sun goes down.

Grand Canyon to Las Vegas (Dinner Days)
Leaving behind the Grand Canyon, we stop off at Seligman, an historic Route 66 town. Get a feel for the old style as you check out 1940’s shop fronts and motels. Maybe pick up a souvenir for back home. Then following a section of the legendary Route 66, we head north. With down time on the coach, plug in your MP3, catch on some sleep or chat with your friends. Get ready to arrive in larger-than-life Las Vegas – a man-made entertainment oasis smack in the middle of the desert. Often dubbed Sin City, it’s all about glitz, neon lights, and excess. See the bright lights of this city and its world-famous casinos in a first taste of Vegas kitsch as the group heads down the main drag, the “Strip”, and your Tour Manager fills you in on the story behind Vegas. Then cruise downtown to Freemont Street and experience a slice of the spectacular at a light and laser show in a massive pedestrian mall.

Las Vegas (Breakfast Days)
With a free day, you’ve got time to get a real feel for this outrageous town, so keep an eye out for Elvis impersonators and fast-paced chapel weddings! Explore more of the Strip and check out over-the-top versions of international icons, like the Eiffel Tower, Venetian canals and gondolas, a Roman temple or the pyramid, whose nightlight can be seen from the moon. Try your luck at one of the casinos, sit yourself down at a blackjack table and watch the high-rollers or go for a ride at one of the casino’s theme-parks. If you work up an appetite, tuck into an all you can eat buffet, and lunch American style. For something different, discover Las Vegas’ trademark art at the Neon Museum and for a look into this town’s atomic heyday in the 50s, visit the Atomic Testing Museum. If you just want to relax, position yourself poolside back at the hotel and soak up the Las Vegas sun. Tonight, get some pointers on Las Vegas’ hot spots from your Tour Manager and make the most of this towns’ 24/7 action with some of your new friends.

Depart Las Vegas ( Days)
Say goodbye to the party in the desert as your US adventure wraps up and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.

Don't miss our current specials: CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT 5% Off for Military Members and Spouses... Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem. Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply. 5% off for Contiki Alumni So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off! Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required. Travel With Friends and Save Big! Save 5% Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land. Save 7.5% Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person. Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE. Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours. Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts Early Payment Discount Offer #1: Save up to US$399 Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to trip departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319 Must book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100 Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour. Europe Europe – Save US$100 Europe America – Save US$100 Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100 Tours may be in different countries or regions. Australia & New Zealand - Save $100 Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost. Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.   Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100 Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books. Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting). You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.) Terms and Conditions: 1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009. 2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount. 3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel. 4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip. 5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. 6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers. 7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available 8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up. 9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed. 10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited. 11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S. 12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion. $100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/8/2010 - 9/15/2010	$1,085
9/15/2010 - 9/22/2010	$1,085
9/22/2010 - 9/29/2010	$1,085
9/29/2010 - 10/6/2010	$1,029
10/6/2010 - 10/13/2010	$1,029
10/13/2010 - 10/20/2010	$1,029
10/20/2010 - 10/27/2010	$1,029
11/3/2010 - 11/10/2010	$1,069
11/17/2010 - 11/24/2010	$1,069
11/24/2010 - 12/1/2010	$1,069
12/1/2010 - 12/8/2010	$1,019
12/1/2010 - 12/8/2010	$1,069
12/8/2010 - 12/15/2010	$1,019
12/8/2010 - 12/15/2010	$1,069
4/6/2011 - 4/13/2011	$1,165
4/13/2011 - 4/20/2011	$1,165
4/20/2011 - 4/27/2011	$1,165
4/27/2011 - 5/4/2011	$1,165
5/4/2011 - 5/11/2011	$1,165
5/11/2011 - 5/18/2011	$1,165
5/18/2011 - 5/25/2011	$1,165
5/25/2011 - 6/1/2011	$1,165
6/1/2011 - 6/8/2011	$1,165
6/8/2011 - 6/15/2011	$1,165
6/15/2011 - 6/22/2011	$1,165
6/22/2011 - 6/29/2011	$1,165
6/29/2011 - 7/6/2011	$1,165
7/3/2011 - 7/10/2011	$1,165
7/6/2011 - 7/13/2011	$1,165
7/13/2011 - 7/20/2011	$1,165
7/17/2011 - 7/24/2011	$1,165
7/20/2011 - 7/27/2011	$1,165
7/27/2011 - 8/3/2011	$1,165
7/31/2011 - 8/7/2011	$1,165
8/3/2011 - 8/10/2011	$1,165
8/10/2011 - 8/17/2011	$1,165
8/14/2011 - 8/21/2011	$1,165
8/17/2011 - 8/24/2011	$1,165
8/24/2011 - 8/31/2011	$1,165
8/28/2011 - 9/4/2011	$1,165
8/31/2011 - 9/7/2011	$1,165
9/7/2011 - 9/14/2011	$1,165
9/14/2011 - 9/21/2011	$1,165
9/21/2011 - 9/28/2011	$1,165
9/28/2011 - 10/5/2011	$1,069
10/5/2011 - 10/12/2011	$1,069
10/12/2011 - 10/19/2011	$1,069
10/19/2011 - 10/26/2011	$1,069
10/26/2011 - 11/2/2011	$1,069
11/2/2011 - 11/9/2011	$1,069
11/16/2011 - 11/23/2011	$1,069
11/23/2011 - 11/30/2011	$1,069
11/30/2011 - 12/7/2011	$1,069
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Orange County
Drive through the O.C. (Orange County) & along the scenic Pacific Coast

San Diego
See downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island & Old Town San Diego

San Diego
Panoramic view of the city's skyline from Coronado Bridge

San Diego
Visit Mission Beach (weather permitting)

San Diego
Go loco as you feast on traditional Mexican cuisine

Phoenix
Scenic drive through Cleveland National Forest, the Anza Borrego and Sonoran desert

Phoenix
Enjoy this lively University town

Sedona
Drive the scenic route through "Red Rock" country

Sedona
See brilliantly hued sandstone cliffs and rugged spires

Sedona
Visit the New Age Capital

Sedona
Shop for Native American jewelery

Sedona
Drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon

Grand Canyon
Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon
Visit a panoramic viewpoint for photos

Grand Canyon
Hike along the Canyon's South Rim

Grand Canyon
Watch a spectacular sunset & capture incredible photos with a visit to a panoramic viewpoint

Route 66
Stop for photos & souvenirs

Las Vegas
Evening tour of the famous Vegas 'Strip'

Las Vegas
Visit Fremont Street

Las Vegas
Experience some of the world's largest hotels & casinos

Las Vegas
Live it up Vegas-style with a limo ride & champagne

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Europe Language Tips
• Tips on Saving for a Trip by Contiki
• Tips on Packing for a Contiki Tour
• Contiki Travel Tips: Suitcase Versus Backpacks
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Why Contiki