North America

western usa family adventure

trip highligh­­­ts Experience the renown Grand Canyon Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park Adventure Ranch in Utah’s Canyon Country Hike in Bryce Canyon Explore Zion National Park and Death Valley Swim in Lake Powell Journey into Monument Valley

Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: WSF Grade Introductory Activities Day Walks Summary 15 day trip, 4 nights hotel, 3 nights cowboy wagon and 7 nights camping

welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Western USA Family Adventure trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

1 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

why travel with World Expeditions? Our US operators have the experience and enthusiasm to ensure an amazing trip. Our local guides ensure that we maintain the leading edge in adventure travel and ensure our trips are unique and provide excellent value for money. Our group size is small, never exceeding a maximum number of 14 plus guide. Our private vehicles are well maintained and comfortable. We use a mixture of accommodation on this trip, including hotels, cabins or camping that are chosen for their location. Compare our prices, the quality of our hotels and all our inclusions and we feel that few trips can compare in terms of value for money. In addition responsible travel is important to us. Our company was ‘Highly Commended’ for Best in a Mountain Environment in the Responsible travel awards. Given our local knowledge, experience and leadership, we are quite sure that this trip will be the trip of a lifetime.

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

Nevada San Francisco

Yosemite NP

California

Utah Zion NP Bryce Canyon

Death Valley Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Arizona

trip cost Joining San Francisco:$2599 All prices are per person

options & supplements Under 18 Child Discount*:

$-370

Single Supplement:

$580

World Expeditions will endeavour to arrange for single travellers to share accommodation with another participant of the same gender, however if we can not match you up a single supplement will be applicable. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote.

trip dates 2017

08 Jul - 22 Jul 2 22 Jul - 05 Aug 1 05 Aug - 19 Aug 2 19 Aug - 02 Sep 1

important notes 1 - Departs San Francisco 2 - Departs Las Vegas Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs.

the trip

Western USA is a land of stark contrasts: from the towering granite walls of Yosemite to the silent desert landscapes of Death Valley and Monument Valley to the deep canyons of Utah and the solitude of beautiful Zion National Park. On this journey we take in all the highlights with an emphasis on fun activities for all the family. In Utah’s canyon country we spend two days at an adventure ranch where optional activities include rock climbing, horse riding and canyoneering. At night we stay in comfortable cowboy wagons for a unique and authentic experience. In Yosemite we explore the valley by bike and raft or swim in the Merced River. Other highlights include the giant Sequoia trees of California, Lake Powell and Monument Valley, and of course the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Combined with sightseeing in San Francisco and time spent in vibrant Las Vegas, this trip promises to be a great family experience!

about your leader/escort

All of our USA tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks. All of them are trained to guide hikes. Most are bilingual and many of our departures are conducted in English as well as one other language (typically German or Spanish). Your tour leader is from the USA and may have grown up here or may have moved here from another country ‑ As many Americans do!

at a glance DAY 1 JOIN SAN FRANCISCO DAY 2 IN SAN FRANCISCO, SIGHTSEEING DAY 3 TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK DAY 4 IN YOSEMITE, DAY WALKS AND SIGHTSEEING DAY 5 VISIT GIANT SEQUOIA TREES, CROSS TIOGA PASS TO MONO LAKE DAY 6 DEATH VALLEY SIGHTSEEING DAY 7 ZION NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE RANCH, OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES DAY 8 ZION NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE RANCH, OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES DAY 9 BRYCE CANYON DAY 10 LAKE POWELL DAY 11 ANTELOPE CANYON & MONUMENT VALLEY DAY 12 COLORADO RIVER RAFTING AND GRAND CANYON DAY 13 COLORADO RIVER RAFTING AND GRAND CANYON DAY 14 TO LAS VEGAS DAY 15 IN LAS VEGAS, TRIP CONCLUDES

additional deposits required

In addition to the standard World Expeditions deposit, a tour operator deposit of the equivalent of US$525 is required at time of booking.

what’s included  14 breakfasts and 13 lunches & 10 dinners  hotel accommodation in centrally located good 3 star hotels  private transport  services of an experienced driver‑guide  national park entry fees and sightseeing as specified  group camping equipment

2 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

fast facts Countries Visited: USA Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant*

Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.

detailed itinerary

Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: The Americas *Under 18 child discount applies to up to two children sharing the second double bed in a room with two full paying adults.

DAY 1 Join San Francisco San Francisco has a lot to offer and is one of the world’s most beautiful cities; the city can be visited on foot and cable car. Our hotel is centrally located in the city. You will arrive and transfer on your own to the hotel (take a cab, the train or a shuttle to the center of the city). NOTE: Those wishing to visit Alcatraz must book this directly online in advance of the journey. meals: NIL

DAY 2 In San Francisco, sightseeing Our first group meeting is at 8 am in the lobby of the tour hotel. Breakfasts is included at the hotel and you should have breakfast on your own; we will then meet in the lobby of the hotel for our introductory meeting. We explore the city on cable cars and walk through the exotic Chinatown. Then you have a chance to take a ferry ride to Sausalito or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge (both optional). meals: B,L

DAY 3 To Yosemite National Park Today you have the morning to enjoy some free time in San Francisco. Then we are heading towards the mountains, where we establish our camp near Yosemite National Park. We can enjoy our first camp dinner. meals: B,L,D

DAY 4 In Yosemite, day walks and sightseeing We have all day to enjoy this fantastic park. We start our explorations with a visit to Glacier Point, arguably the most incredible view point in the USA! Either we can do a fantastic self guided walk into Yosemite Valley down the Panorama Trail, or do a loop hike with the guide along the rim of the canyon to Taft Point. Then we explore the valley, our options are renting a bike or raft or swim in the river (all activities are optional and depending on groups wishes and weather conditions). meals: B,L,D

DAY 5 Visit giant Sequoia trees, cross Tioga Pass to Mono Lake We pack up and head over Tioga Pass and impressive mountain pass. En route we visit the Giant Sequoia Trees, the biggest trees on the planet. Short walks lead underneath the shadows of the giants. We continue to our campground near Mono Lake. In the afternoon, those wanting can join the leader in exploring one of the world’s best preserved Ghost Towns, Bodie State Park. meals: B,L,D

DAY 6 Death Valley sightseeing It’s time to leave the green mountains behind and explore one of the hottest deserts on the planet: Death Valley National Park. In the morning we stop at Mono Lake, one of the world’s oldest lakes, before we head south to Death Valley. Due to the heat, our visit will be limited to sight seeing. We will enjoy Zabriskie Point, Badwater and Devil’s Golfcourse. Our hotel is nearby. meals: B,L

3 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com

adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent.

important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control.

DAY 7 Zion National Park adventure ranch, optional activities We leave our hotel early and head to Zion National Park. We should reach Zion after lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to Zion National Park. Zion is an amazing park, where the Virgin River carved an impressive deep and narrow canyon into dark red sandstones. The canyon cliffs soar 800m above us. We recommend either hiking to the Narrows (weather permitting) or tubing on the Virgin River. The public shuttle takes us to all the sights inside the canyon. In the late afternoon we head to our adventure ranch, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, in the cool hills above Zion. For three nights we stay in simple, but functional cowboy wagons, one per family, on the vast grounds of this fun adventure resort. All meals are provided to us here. meals: B,L,D

DAY 8 Zion National Park adventure ranch, optional activities The ranch is ideal for families. Every day a multitude of activities are being offered, such as rock climbing, horse back riding, canyoneering, ATW rides, etc. All meals are included. You can choose to engage in the ranch activities (optional to be paid locally, prices vary, a day pass is US$100) or join the guide in a hike at Zion National Park, like Angel’s Landing. The ranch also offers a very nice pool to relax at. meals: B,L,D

DAY 9 Bryce Canyon We head out to explore Bryce Canyon National Park, considered by many to be the most photogenic park in the USA. We have most of the day to hike through the astounding formations. We return to the ranch for dinner. meals: B,L,D

DAY 10 Lake Powell A short distance takes us to Lake Powell, one of the greatest lakes on the planet. Here, the Colorado River was dammed and created an astounding shoreline of 3000km. We arrive around lunch time. You have the afternoon to enjoy watersports, such as kayak rentals, power boat rentals, boat tours or a dip in the water (all optional). We camp near the shores of the lake. meals: B,L,D

DAY 11 Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley A day trip takes us to Antelope Canyon, a sinuous slot canyon, world famous among photographers. A jeep trip with the Navajos (optional starting at US$30) takes you to a canyon. Then we continue on to Monument Valley, where you have the option to do a jeep tour with the Native Americans (optional starting at $50pp). We return to camp in Page for dinner. meals: B,L,D

DAY 12 Colorado River rafting and Grand Canyon This morning you can take part in a raft trip down the Colorado River. The part of the river below Lake Powell is generally considered flat water, however the scenery is impressive (optional approx. US$70). We then continue to Grand Canyon National Park, which is a short drive away. We establish our camp in the small village of Tusayan. meals: B,L,D

DAY 13 Colorado River rafting and Grand Canyon We have all day at the Grand Canyon National Park, the final highlight of the journey. Here the mighty Colorado River has carved an impressive canyon. Light and shadow play on its deep, multilayered

4 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

walls of red. You can choose to hike into the canyon or along the rim. There is also a chance to rent bikes and bike along the rim for amazing views. Due to permit regulations all hikes are self guided at the canyon. meals: B,L,D

DAY 14 To Las Vegas We have time for another sunrise walk, or to a helicopter over the Grand Canyon (optional). Then we continue on - Via Route 66 and Hoover Dam to Las Vegas. There is a lot to see in Las Vegas, the shopping is excellent and most of Las Vegas can be done on foot. Show tickets need to be booked well in advance as the popular shows sell out months in advance. meals: B,L

DAY 15 In Las Vegas, trip concludes Your Western USA Family Adventure concludes today in Las Vegas. You can take the free airport shuttle to catch your flight. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

joining instructions

Complete joining instructions will be included with your final documentation approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure

country information

The United States is a vast country. However, most of the National Parks are located in the Western part of the country, reducing the area of interest to the walker significantly. The West (anything west of the Rocky Mountains) consists of 10 large states. Two mountain ranges cut the area from north to south along the lines of plate tectonics. While the Pacific Northwest has active cone shaped volcanoes, the rest of the area does not. Here we only see the remnants of ancient volcanic activities – in lava flows, hot springs, volcanic fissures and calderas (Mammoth Lake and Yellowstone). World famous is the area of red rocks known as the “Colorado Plateau”, “Canyon Country” or the “Grand Circle”. This area is the size of the United Kingdom and spans 4 states: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. It is a wonderland of eroded sandstone rock like no where else on earth. Layers of different colored sandstone in hues of red, pink and purple, thousands of feet thick have been exposed by ice age erosion. Glacier run off 12,000 years ago have carved a true wonderland of rocks into these amazing sandstone deposits. These include 800 metre tall sheer dark red cliffs, slot canyons carved by flowing water into sinuous slots, tall mesas rising out of flat valleys and rock spires glowing in hues of pink and purple, arches, formed by frost erosion standing free above an abyss. Although many parks are only 1‑2 hours apart, most travelers are utterly amazed at the difference of the scenery in each park, making this area one of the most scenically rewarding area to travel in the world. Major national parks, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dot the West. Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon must be among the most famous parks in the world. Yet the entire area is protected through numerous wilderness areas, nature preserves, and vast stretches of public land, making the entire area an endless playground for the outdoor minded person. A few paved roads give access to the main points of interest, leaving large stretches of roadless canyon country and mountains that can best be explored on foot. Last not least, among all the parks and wilderness we find the alluring cities of San Francisco and Las Vegas. San Francisco, the West’s most culturally sophisticated city, is a historic city sinuously draped over rolling hills above the blue pacific. This city resembles the new spirit of the country, a true multicultural melting pot vibrant with local culture and diversity. Las Vegas

5 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

on the other hand was built to indulge in people’s desires, resembling Hollywood’s dream world and people’s aspirations in one compact location.

climate

Please be prepared for a wide range of temperatures while on tour. Remember that Western USA experiences a wide range of temperatures, depending not only on season and location but also on altitude. This trip will travel through areas of wide differences in climates. Western USA is as far south as southern Europe, experiencing strong sunshine. Make sure you protect yourself against the strong sun. At altitude, and in spring and autumn, morning temperatures are often brisk or cold, warming up fast after the strong sun rises. Therefore we recommend a layering system for clothing, so you can adapt to the temperature changes without problems. As in most deserts, it is the sun that determines the temperatures, making night time temperatures much colder than daytime. Summer (June – early September) temperatures are always hot. However even at altitude, like in Yosemite, Bryce and Grand Canyon, temperatures can be cold at night and in the morning!

dietary requirements

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

accommodation on the trip

This tour includes a mixture of full‑service camping, guest ranch facilities, and hotel accommodation. A family of four, including two adults, will stay in rooms with two double beds. *Under 18 child discounts apply to up to two children in the second double bed, sharing a room with 2 adults.

pre and post tour accommodation

There is a variety of accommodation available in Las Vegas and San Francisco; prices and advice are available from World Expeditions reservations staff or your travel agent, who will be happy to make any accommodation bookings for you.

what you carry

During the day hikes on the this trip you will be required to carry your daypack with extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.

equipment required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).

6 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Keri May 9/3/2016 2:48:01 AM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

special visa requirements

Many travellers to the USA (including those from Australia, New Zealand & the UK) must have a pre arranged travel entry authorisation in place. This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The authorization must be in place prior to arrival to the USA and can be obtained at the following website https://esta.cbp.dhs. gov. Please consult your World Expeditions reservation consultant if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

non exclusive trips

This trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients. It is conducted in English and German and groups may be made up of a combination of people speaking these languages or other European languages. Please note that everyone on this trip is required to sign a release of liability waiver and assumption of risk form supplied by our local operator. It is a prerequisite before you may join the trip. Please note that this is in addition to the World Expeditions standard terms and conditions. If you would like a copy of this form prior to booking, then please let us know.

wildlife

Wildlife depends on habitat. In the mountains of California and the Rockies we find: black bear, elk, deer, coyote, and the occasional wolf along with a wide range of rodents (marmots, beaver etc). There are a lot of birds here, including eagles, hawks, humming birds, jays and blue birds. In the Rockies you are also likely to see herds of wild bison and very large herds of brown bear, wolf packs, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, porcupines, skunks and fox. The Rockies are a birder’s paradise, producing birds such as cranes, singing swans, white pelican, bald eagles and many migratory species. In the desert, wildlife is more elusive. Due to the heat, it is mostly nocturnal. The most common animals to see while hiking are birds: hawks, eagles, vultures, road runners, jays, blue birds, and the majestic California condor. Ground squirrels and deer are often seen near trails. However, with a little luck we will also see coyotes, ring tail cat, cactus mouse. At times groups see mountain lions, bobcats, or the elusive and endangered big horn sheep.

vehicles & safety

During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.

what’s not included  personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc)  soft drinks & alcoholic beverages  meals not indicated in the itinerary  flights and airport taxes  travel insurance (compulsory)  visas  optional excursions  tour leader tip

7 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 1/13/2017 10:56:24 PM

western usa family adventure

Explore the best of western USA on this fun filled family adventure

info nights

World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

private groups

The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.

subscribe to our e-newsletter

To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.

social networking

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions

trip availability

If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience.

how to book

To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.

8 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 1/13/2017 10:56:24 PM