Wild to West - USA 'Best of the West' round trip

About the destination: Formed at the point where the Colorado River breaks through the mountains of the American West, The Grand Canyon National Park is the most beautiful and well-known nature reserve in the USA, its 5000 square kilometres covering more than four different climatic zones and rising to 2200 metres above sea level creates an unforgettable setting. The Grand Canyon is also Indian Territory, the Navajo, Hopi and Havasuapi Indians still inhabit this region. There are Indian Reservations offering several activities and a collection of viewpoints overlooking the Grand Canyon and the stagnant waters of the Colorado River. The Colorado River created this natural masterpiece in less than ten million years with severe heat and extreme cold eroding the rock, followed by rainfall that drove it down into a mighty river. Up to 1600 metres deep and averaging 16 kilometres wide, the incredible dimensions of this huge abyss are difficult to comprehend, the descent into the canyon being like a journey into the Earth’s distant past. Described as one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is truly awe-inspiring, and should be on everyone's travel list.

About the destination: Monument Valley is perhaps the most famous example of the classic American West landscape. It is one of the grandest and most photographed landmarks in the United States. Dominated by crimson mesas and surreal sandstone towers – some as tall as 1,000 feet – the area is also known for dramatic, mesmerising lighting, with the sun illuminating the towers and casting long shadows on the valley floor.

About the destination: Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most important parks in Utah's Canyon Country. Every year, Bryce Canyon National Park amazes visitors with spectacular geological formations and brilliant colours. The towering hoodoos, narrow fins, and natural bridges seem to defy all reason or explanation, leaving hikers gazing around with jaws dropped in wondrous disbelief. This surreal landscape is what brings people from around the world to visit Bryce Canyon National Park.

About the destination: Las Vegas is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World or Sin City, it is located in the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by dry mountains. Las Vegas is famous worldwide for its consolidated casino-hotels and associated entertainment. The city is home to many mega-hotel complexes, each decorated with lavish care and attention to detail, creating a fantasy-like environment. Each hotel has a unique style, there are special sights everywhere, and every hotel has its own casino. Most of the hotel casinos are in the city's downtown area, along The Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is a world of its own. Where else could you go to visit Egypt, New York, Venice, Disneyland, Hollywood, and much more all on one street? The fact is that all the action that Las Vegas is famous for is happening on this one and only street. Bellagio could be considered the unofficial centre of the Strip, one of the reasons being the free displays of musical fountains which go off every half an hour with different choreography accompanied by different music. Bellagio is one of the more stylish venues with a superb flower garden and for those with gourmet inclinations, it offers arguably one of the best buffets in town. The Venetian is another point where one might linger longer due to its fabulous attempt at recreating Venice in the desert. The main square of Venice is filled with gondolas ply the water channels and opera singers entertain their captive audience on board. The opposite end of the Strip is closest to the airport starting with the funny rendition of Egypt with its Luxor casino despite the fact that there are no pyramids in Luxor, but everything is possible in Las Vegas.

About the destination: Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in east-central California. The majestic sights of Yosemite National Park delight and inspire visitors of all generations. Take a quick tour of some of our popular attractions, amazing natural features, and the plants and animals that make the park their home. (Note: The text is already in English and does not require translation. The English language is the same in Ireland with minor differences in slang and accent, which do not apply to written text.)

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, vibrant and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity merge to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is sure to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a fantastic way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, packed with shops, galleries and restaurants offering delicious seafood. Take a stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and, of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without a trip to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most infamous criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed atmosphere you’re after, pass through the grand architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is located in the heart of the Financial District. Situated between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses located on the edge of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-preserved gem of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on diversity and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should visit here at least once.