Day 1: We make our way across the plains of Western Kansas and Oklahoma and into New Mexico for our first-night stay in Albuquerque. (L)

Day 2: Continuing west today, we get acquainted with our fellow travelers. We make a brief stop at the Petrified National Forest Park. Lunch is in the park before we continue west. This evening we arrive close to the California state line for our overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 3: This morning we have a guided tour deep inside Hoover Dam, one of the nation’s most iconic structures, and learn about the river’s operations and management. We continue into California for a 2-night stay in Fresno. (B, L)

Day 4: We spend the day touring Sequoia National Park with a local guide. Sequoia has the world's largest tree, The General Sherman and Kings Canyon has the second-largest tree, the General Grant. We visit both on our tour of these beautiful California National Parks to learn the secrets of the Giants and their fascinating history. (B, L)

Day 5: Yosemite, one of our most recognized National Parks, is ours to explore today. Yosemite is filled with lakes, rivers, vistas, meadows, wildflowers, Giant Sequoias, rock formations, and countless waterfalls. For viewing waterfalls, spring is the best time to see the roaring peak runoff. On our guided valley floor tour we enjoy such natural wonders while led by a naturalist. What a day in a very special National Park! Leaving the park, we overnight in San Francisco for 2 nights. (B)

Day 6: The Big City – there is so much to see and do in San Francisco. We take a cruise to Alcatraz Island for a closer look at this historic federal prison. We will also learn more about its history and infamous inmates. This afternoon there is time to explore Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Wharf – the most visited destination in San Francisco! There are unbeatable views of the city, sea lions, waterfront dining, street performers, live music, shopping, and more. Later we see many of the world-famous sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, during our city tour. (B)

Day 7. A local guide joins us today for a guided overview tour of Napa Valley. We visit a local winery for a tour and wine tasting. Next, we continue north on Hwy 101 to Benbow Historic Inn for a 2-night stay. (B, D)

Day 8: Today is the Avenue of the Giants. One iconic place that should be at the top of your bucket list is viewing these giant redwoods. We drive along the scenic 31-mile stretch of old Highway 101 with its 51,222 acres of redwood groves. It is one of the most outstanding displays of these giant trees. Experience a sense of peace and reverence as we enter a towering redwood grove, past the lofty pillars, while high above the sunlight filters through the canopy. We make several stops along the way, including a stop at the Chandelier Tree. (B, D)

Day 9: Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. We make our way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through spectacular tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon. We enjoy the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century. This afternoon we make our way to Reno NV for a 2 night stay. (B, L)

Day 10: This morning a local guide joins us as we explore the historic town of Virginia City, the richest silver mining town in the west. We take a guided Mine tour to understand the underground mine workings with tunnels, crosscuts, drifts, stopes, raises, winzes, and shafts. This afternoon sit back and relax as we cruise on the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe! (B)

Day 11: We start the trek home today and stop in Elko NV to dine at the Star Hotel Basque. We continue east staying near Salt Lake City UT for the night. (B, L)

Day 12: The eighty-year history of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, is as colorful and elaborate as the plot of a classic Western movie. By lunchtime, we take a tour of this Prison that has been listed on The National Registry of Historic Places. Tonight we reach Denver for our overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 13: Our final day is filled with wonderful memories of the spectacular scenery we have enjoyed and the interesting and educational sites we have visited. (B)