Welcome to Las Vegas, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. As there's a great deal to do in Las Vegas, it’s recommended you arrive a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. Special Information

Today, travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). With its soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls, there's a variety of trails to choose from and you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore. Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools. Continue onto the upper end of the pools, passing a waterfall along the way to Zion's 'beach'. If you're feeling ambitious enjoy the park's most famous challenge, Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the rocky cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a scenic panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.

In the morning take the short drive to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have time for a brief hike amid the hoodoos. Continue onto Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch (approximately three hours in total). One mile away from the Painted Desert of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and two miles below the pine tree forested peaks of Boulder Mountain, this ranch will be your base for the next two nights. In the evening, have some dinner with the group and use the rest of the night to relax.

Today is a free day to enjoy at the ranch. After breakfast, perhaps take an optional horse ride or go for a hike in the surrounding area. There may even be time to visit Capitol Reef National Park, which is around an hour's drive away. Once known as the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow to Native Indians, the mix of canyons and protruding rocks is a great place to explore. Head back to the ranch afterwards for an evening meal with the group.

In the morning drive to the spectacular Monument Valley, which takes around four hours. As the biggest Indian reservation in the US, the valley is home to more than 200,000 enrolled members of the Navajo Tribe. Explore the giant sandstone formations that are scattered across the desert, while witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening travel by jeep through the Monument Valley, led by a Navajo guide. You'll then join the tribespeople around the campfire for an authentic Navajo dinner, before listening to some of their traditional songs and stories.

In the morning, take the 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon. This is one of the great highlights of the trip and you'll be spending two nights here. Discover why this place is one of the largest canyon systems in the world, by strolling along the South Rim Trail, hiking to Plateau Point and perhaps opt for a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon. There's plenty of things to see and do during your time here, so be prepared for busy and active days.

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of optional activities to take part in, including a selection of hikes and the chance to watch an IMAX film. Your leader will provide you with the details. In the evening, perhaps sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.

In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 5-6 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is ideal for hiking because of its striking rock formations, yuccas and natural springs. Perhaps look into the possibility of mountain biking or rock climbing, or simply take in the scenery. Spend the night in a hotel nearby.

After breakfast take the short drive to Los Angeles, which takes just over two hours. On arrival in the afternoon, venture out on a half-day sightseeing tour of LA with an Urban Adventure. The rest of the day is then free to do as you please. Perhaps take a stroll around the streets of Hollywood and Beverley Hills, or head to Venice Beach for some sea and sand. It can get really busy at the beach, so watch out for skaters, bikes and skateboarders speeding past as you approach the sands.

In the morning, drive north to your first stop of the day at Santa Barbara (approximately 1-2 hours). The traffic around Los Angeles can be very bad so please be prepared for delays. You'll have some free time to explore the charming town of Santa Barbara before continuing up the coast to Pismo Beach where we stay the night. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking along the beach, swimming in the ocean, or take a trip to the nearby town of San Luis Obispo - the happiest town in the USA. Optional activities here include a visit to the Spanish mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a hike up to Bishop's Peak or a stroll around the farmers' market.

Continue the coastal part of your journey up the Pacific Coast Highway towards Monterey, which usually takes just over three hours. The views along this route are spectacular, particularly around Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise dramatically out of the Pacific Ocean. Stop in the area for a picnic lunch and to take some pictures, before continuing on to Monterey. On arrival into town, check in to your hotel and perhaps head out on an optional activity. Paddle a kayak around the bay, do some whale spotting or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The rest of the evening is then free to do as you wish.

Head to San Francisco this morning, arriving into the city around lunchtime. This afternoon take part in the Temples, Tea and Beatniks Urban Adventure day tour. During the tour you'll make your own fortune cookie in Chinatown, explore the city's oldest temple and discover the Beatniks of North Beach. Your Highlights of Southwestern USA trip comes to an end after the tour, and you're free to depart at anytime. Special Information