Home Family Holidays USA Ready-made Itineraries USA in a Nutshell
USA in a Nutshell
Express Family Summer & Easter Holidays Itinerary - Western USA
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Prices from £1,085 pp
All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. Let us book flights for you.
11 days / 10 nights
San Francisco - Yosemite National Park - Mammoth Lakes - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Sedona - Phoenix
Suitable for families
Overview
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the highlights of Western USA then this 10-night itinerary certainly packs a punch. Perfect for travelling in the Easter or Summer school holidays you’ll start in San Francisco, tour the famous Yosemite National Park dotted with mountains and waterfalls before taking in the dazzling lights of Vegas. End your family adventure in Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, packed with museums and botanical gardens.
What's included
- Accommodation – price based on a family sharing
- Airport transfer in San Francisco
- Excursions as described
- Car hire and insurance – prices may vary depending on departure dates
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Location map
Your day-by-day itinerary
Sights & Seals of San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the must-visits for any family heading to the West Coast. The city boasts a huge array of highlights to enjoy and is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge! You’ll stay in a European-style hotel in the heart of Downtown and embark on an interactive treasure hunt that is not only lots of fun but a great way to get your bearings and learn more about life in The City by the Bay.
Onward transfers
After a few days exploring San Francisco, you will make your way to pick up your rental car. Your first journey is to Yosemite National Park which takes around 3 hours.
Pine Forests & Peaks of Yosemite
One of America’s greatest national parks, Yosemite will spark the imagination of young and old and makes for a wonderful wilderness adventure for the whole family. Rugged landscape, roaring waterfalls, soaring trees and panoramic vistas will welcome you and by the time you’ve been, you won’t want to leave. You’ll stay in a lodge close to the entrance of the park and during your visit, have the freedom to roam at your own pace. Just make sure the camera is charged and the picnic is packed!
Onward transfers
From Yosemite, you will head to Mammoth Lakes which is just 45 minutes away so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area today.
A night in Mammoth Lakes
You’ll have one night in Mammoth Lakes, a town nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s known for its skiing and walking trails and is a great place to stop en route through this mountainous region. Take a stroll through the forest amongst the giant sequoia trees and enjoy the quaint feel of this mountain resort.
Onward transfers
Today you have a long drive ahead of you. The journey from Mammoth Lakes to Las Vegas takes approximately 5 hours without stops so you’ll want to leave early.
Viva Las Vegas
Viva, Las Vegas! Take a rest from the long car drives and national park adventures to spend a few days enjoying the crazy, wacky world of America’s entertainment capital. From endlessly entertaining theme parks to flashing lights, Elvis doubles and pyramid-shaped hotels, Vegas offers a great opportunity to break for some carefree family fun before disappearing in to the desert. You’ll stay in a family-friendly hotel on the famous Strip itself.
Onward transfers
Leave the bright lights of Las Vegas behind as you head to the Grand Canyon. This drive takes around 2.5 hours.
Journey through the Grand Canyon
Up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long and over a mile deep – the Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders. Spend a whole day exploring the South Rim, easily accessed and great for families, with easy trails to hike and mesmeric views of the vast gorge. If you fancy taking to the sky, helicopter rides are also available – giving you a bird’s eye view of this truly magical place.
Onward transfers
Today you’ll drive from the Grand Canyon to Sedona, which takes around 4 hours.
A pit-stop in Sedona
Tonight you will stay in Sedona, an Arizona desert town surrounded by dramatic red-rock formations and steep canyons. There are quite a few options for dinner in town and plenty of stunning desert views to soak up.
Onward transfers
Today’s journey will take you from Sedona to Phoenix, the capital of Arizona. This drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Final night in Phoenix
Your last night will be spent in the city of Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and a prime spot in the Valley of the Sun. It offers lots of museums to keep the family entertained including the Children’s Museum and Musical Instrument Museum. For something outdoors, head to the Desert Botanical Garden to see their collection of cacti with the red-rock formations as the backdrop!
Onward transfers
As your family adventure comes to an end, you’ll drive to the airport and drop your car off. Afterwards you’ll head to the terminal for your international flight home.
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