West Coast America Group Tours
7 Days Starting in Las Vegas, NV, USA and ending in San Francisco, CA, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, Santa Monica, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
USATDT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the hipster culture of San Francisco to the iconic Route 66 - America both old and new lies in wait on this West Coast Adventure. Join us on a thrilling 7-day West Coast America Group Tour, starting in the vibrant city of Las Vegas and taking you through Arizona’s Grand Canyon, the beaches of Santa Monica, and the iconic sights of Los Angeles. Conclude your adventure in San Francisco with a memorable bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Experience stunning landscapes, delicious local cuisine, and unforgettable activities that capture the essence of the American West Coast – all whilst making friends for a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Las Vegas Luxor Hotel
Welcome to the USA, and the start of your West Coast America Tour! After spending your morning at your own leisure in Vegas, you’ll meet your Adventure Leader and the rest of your group at the entrance to Luxor Hotel’s Aurora Bar in the afternoon. Here, you’ll meet your new travel buddies and get a trip briefing, where you’ll learn about the forthcoming adventures and how to stay safe in America.
After that, it’s time to walk the Strip! Take in the hustle, bustle, and bright lights of Vegas – and break for your first group meal at Café Hollywood, a classic diner. Afterwards, enjoy the iconic Bellagio Water Show – the huge dancing water fountain, synchronised to light and music, featured in numerous films.
For those who love a night out, you’re in good hands! Our local Adventure Leaders can point you towards some of Vegas’s best nightlife…
Day 2 : Vegas, Seligman, & Williams
Location: Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Accommodation: Camp, Lodge, LodgeLodge
Accommodation Name: KOA Cabins Williams, AZ
This morning, transfer to the next destination on your West Coast America Tour, but not without stopping at a couple of iconic locations – the famous Las Vegas sign and the Little White Chapel (yes, the one where Ross and Rachel got married for any Friends lovers). You’ll then stop at Trader Joe’s – a popular grocery store chain in LA – to stock up on enough food to last you the day, before heading onwards!
On route 66, stop to enjoy your Trader Joe’s picnic at the Locomotive Park in scenic Kingman, Arizona – home to famed Steam Engine #3759. This was presented to the City of Kingman as a historical monument in 1957 by the Santa Fe Railway Company, which visitors can climb aboard.
Next, we’ll visit the rustic Seligman – the birthplace of Route 66 and the inspiration for Pixar’s Cars. Explore the area and grab some iconic snaps, before we jump back in the bus – bound for Williams, Arizona! You’ll arrive at an amazing glamping site, where you’ll check into a cosy cabin before grabbing a BBQ dinner with your fellow travellers at the Cruiser’s Route 66 Café. We’ll then all return to the campsite, where we’ll sit around the fire and eat – what else? – s’mores!
Day 3 : Grand Canyon & Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thunderbird Boutique Hotel
This morning, it’s off to one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a true highlight of this West Coast America Tour – the Grand Canyon! You’ll have some free time to lap up the essence of this 277-mile geological phenomenon, with a chance to pose for some Insta-worthy photos on the Southern Rim, before taking on one of the many unforgettable hikes here. If you’d like a suggestion, we recommend following the Rim Trail around the area – go at your own pace and be sure to bring plenty of water!
Mid-afternoon, we’ll regroup at the Hopi House next to El Tovar Hotel and make our way, via van, back to Vegas where you and your fellow travellers can enjoy an evening at your own leisure. Some suggestions on how to spend your evening in Las Vegas from our local experts are:
- For the music fans – head to Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, where you’ll find plenty of live music concerts (most of them for free too)!
- For the adrenaline junkies – take on the SlotZilla, an 11-story slot machine-inspired zipline attraction on Fremont Street (starting from $49*).
- For the ever-so-slightly crazy – try Nacho Daddy’s Scorpion Shot, a masterful blend of tasty spirits and exotic ingredients, topped off with a real, edible scorpion (yep, you heard right).
- The MOB Museum (starting from $29.95) – a nonprofit organisation with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.
- The Neon Museum (starting from $28) – an outdoor experience that brings the story of Las Vegas to life, where you’ll find spaces, signs and experiences that bring our rich history to light.
- For karaoke lovers – head to the Star-Wars-themed Millennium Fandom Bar, where you can spend your evening getting lost in a world of karaoke.
Day 4 : Santa Monica – La
Location: Santa Monica, Santa Monica
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Los Angeles HI Santa Monica
This morning, we’re off to the next stop on your West Coast America Tour – Los Angeles! Transfer by bus to arrive in Santa Monica in the early afternoon where your Adventure Leader will meet you, before checking into the Santa Monica hostel.
Spend some time exploring the sights and shops of the 3rd Street Promenade under your own steam, before joining your fellow travellers for a delicious meal at Trejo’s Tacos – a restaurant renowned for its delicious tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and salads from Danny Trejo.
After dinner, our next unmissable activity begins. We’ll take you for a stroll along the beach at sunset before we all take part in the arcade challenge along the Santa Monica Pier!
Day 5 : Santa Monica – La
Location: Santa Monica, Santa Monica
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Los Angeles HI Santa Monica
This morning, we’re up and at ‘em with another unmissable activity: volleyball on Santa Monica beach! Your group will get your very own coach and learn how to bump, set, and spike.
You’ll then take the metro to the iconic Sunset Boulevard, where you’ll get a chance to stargaze during the day at the Hollywood Walk of Fame! After this, opt to treat yourself to a taste of California with a visit to In-N-Out Burger, before you enjoy some free time to explore the area. Why not visit the Hollywood Film Museum, and the Wax Museum, or even take some time to shop for souvenirs?
We’ll rendezvous early evening for your next unmissable activity – a hike from Griffith Park to the iconic Griffith Observatory! Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of the inimitable Hollywood sign, and you’ll arrive in time to watch the sunset over the City of Angels before you explore the Observatory.
As you hike back down, you’ll be able to admire the sight of the city lights below – a true main-character moment – before heading back to your hostel in Santa Monica.
Day 6 : San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: HI SF Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel
This morning, we transfer to the final stop on our West Coast Adventure – San Fran! We’ll head to the airport and take a speedy flight from LA to San Francisco! Please note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the flight may be substituted with a train journey.
We’ll arrive at our accommodation, Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel, in the evening. Take some time to check in, rest up, and grab some dinner – we recommend a delicious meal at the House of Nanking with your fellow travellers.
Day 7 : San Francisco – Farewell!
Location: San Francisco, San Francisco
We kick off our final day with another unmissable activity – the bike ride of a lifetime across the Golden Gate Bridge! Spend your morning cycling and past iconic sites in one of America’s most beautiful cities, before returning to Pier 39.
Sadly, this marks the end of your West Coast America Tour! However, if you’d like to join us for one final excursion, you can opt to take a ferry over to the infamous Alcatraz Island, where you’ll be able to explore the prison and tour ‘The Rock’.
Still around for the evening? We’ll gather for one final night out on the town in San Fran, where you can opt for one of the city’s most iconic experiences – catch a cable car to Union Square or catch a Giants baseball game!
What's Included
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Accommodation
Multi-share dorm rooms (unless an upgrade has been prebooked)
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Fully Guided
English speaking local guide
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Transport
Local transportation
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Detailed information will be provided prior to departure
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is mandatory on all trips
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International Travel
No flights are included
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Meals
Meals are not included
Mode of Transport
All transport including a domestic flight, a private van, buses, and train transport.
Accommodation
Including a casino hotel in Vegas, a cosy cabin, and city centre hostels elsewhere.
Check out our Q&As
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, more details will be provided pre-departure.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is as American as apple pie and if you eat out you’ll be expected to tip and this will often be automatically added onto your bill.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this is a backpacking tour for young adults.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, they are locals who speak fluent English and have guided our trips with experience.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No, this tour is designed for solo travellers. You can choose to pay extra to upgrade to a single room. The upgraded option includes a private room for your comfort and convenience. While we strive to provide private bathrooms in all locations, we cannot guarantee this at every stop.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes, travelers from all over the world join our adventure tours.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
No.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, but details will be provided before tour starts.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, these can be booked on request (with extra charge).
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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Company Instant Book
Yes, if you book at least 60 days before
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, these have to be arranged individually.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees for included activities are included in the tour price.
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Are flights included in this tour?
You will need to book your own international flights to and from the tour.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
We recommend to have one small luggage for our tour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No- you just need to apply for an ESTA to get into the U.S. This is easy to get and can be applied for online and you can apply here Do make sure to apply in plenty of time for this- it usually takes less than a week and is available for UK citizens, Europeans and many other nationalities.
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What is the maximum group size?
16 people
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What currencies are required for this tour?
USD
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Majority of our clients are solo travellers and our prices are based on sharing in dorm style rooms. We do offer single room upgrades for those who do not wish to share a room.
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Can you guarantee same-sex dorm rooms?
We always strive to ensure the highest level of comfort and convenience for our valued clients during their travels with us. However, for our tours in Asia, we cannot guarantee same-sex dorm rooms in the hostels we use, particularly during high season, such as the cherry blossom season in Japan. Please rest assured that we do our utmost to accommodate our clients' preferences wherever possible. However, the availability of same-sex dorm rooms ultimately depends on the policies of the hostels we work with. In some cases, different genders may be allocated to the same room due to limited availability.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please speak to our sales team as soon as possible to see how we can help.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All our accommodation is check regularly to make sure it's a safe and clean environment.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We are not perfect but we aim to be, that is why year on year we aim to increase the proportion of local businesses we work with as well as reduce the average carbon footprint of all of our group tour adventures. We do this by measuring our performance and making small but positive changes to how we operate.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive a booking pack with all the pick up times, accommodation and activities included.
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Who should I contact in the event of an emergency on tour?
Depending upon where you are travelling, the following emergency contact numbers are available for The Dragon Trip: China: +86 21 2206 4018 Japan: +81 50 1742 2696 South Korea (can only be used in Korea): 00308 491 0186 Singapore: +65 3158 0233 Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka: +84 284 458 1410
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Passport Details
For most destinations we will require the details to be submitted on our online form (the link for which will be provided post-booking and prior to your travel date). Please note that this needs to be complete & accurate to avoid any late update fees for accommodation and transport bookings. IMPORTANT NOTE: China tours is the only destination where we require an actual copy of your passport. We require these in order to book travel tickets for clients and passports are used during the check-in.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Dragon Trip has been trading since March 2011
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, although you will have to make your own way to where the group is heading to out of your own expense.
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Why do the tours have an age range?
While we strive to cater to a diverse range of travellers, it is important to consider whether the tour aligns with your expectations and preferences. We want your travel experience to be enjoyable and fulfilling, and we believe that selecting a tour that matches your age group and interests is crucial in achieving that. Our tours are very active and jam-packed, including early starts and getting on and off local transportation. There will be a lot of walking, and activities such as cycling. You could be walking up to 20,000 steps per day!
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are aimed at fun, out-going and open minded individuals. We typically get people aged between 18 to 55 travelling on our trips. Feel free to contact us to see the ages of the people who are booked already. Some of our trips have an upper age limit because of the pace of the tour, style of accommodation and the average age of the group - please do not be offended if we check your age and perhaps recommend a different itinerary. Our premium trips are suitable for most.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions