7-Day Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, Las Vegas (2 nights) from San Francisco
4.8
11 reviews
I can definitely see how this tour can work out for people who are visiting from other countries, or for the couples with no kids. It gives an amazing overview of what some American states are like, and most importantly - the most beautiful national parks. It's great that you don't have to worry about booking 6 nights at different motels, and worry about renting a car and driving all day by yourself in the middle of nowhere. The tour guide, Bruce, was very helpful and knowledgeable. However, I'm not sure if that's the tour you want to take with the small kids. Out of the 7 days, 3 days are devoted to driving pretty much 10-12 hours a day, stopping at local gas stations for some fast food every 2-3 hours, with no sightseeing. I found it very devastating to travel with the 3 year old and 1 year old. There were also other, bigger, kids on the bus, and the trip looked much smoother for them because they spend pretty much the entire time using iPad. Some recommendations/notes: 1. Would be super nice if the bus was cleaned (garbage, floors) after every day of traveling. It was cleaned just once, and starting the day off with a mess is not the most pleasant experience, especially taken that the tips for the tour guide/bus driver are 6$ per day per person. 2. The tour is very rushed. I wish at least for the most famous national parks (Zion, Yellowstone) we had a whole day of walking, maybe having a picnic, etc. I took the tour mostly to see Zion park, and we spent there literally 1.5 hours max, and just 3 stops (two 15-minute each, and one for 30 min). I wish I could spend more time walking around. Same for Bryce Canyon. We were driving the whole day (!!!) just to have a 1 hour hike around the canyon. Perhaps, some national parks can be skipped, and more attention can be devoted to the biggest parks. Also, when looking at the schedule for each day, you might have an impression that your stop in Sacramento, for example, will allow you to at least look around and do some sightseeing. It was only 30 min, however, enough to get a coffee in the nearest Starbucks and use a restroom. 3. The time when we had to be on the bus was 6:30AM, and one day - 4:30AM. This hardly feels like a relaxing vacation, especially if you are traveling with the kids as their sleep is disturbed. 4. Almost no on-bus entertainment- we watched 3 movies in 7 days, and I feel like it doesn't cost much to watch 3 movies a day, taken how long and boring the drive is. But as I said, this tour might be a perfect match for some people, as it's probably nice to spend couple days napping on the bus, reading a book or watching videos while seeing the beauty of the American states.
Monica, 2018-07-25
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US$738 ￥4961 €638 C$1027 Rs.70070
US$750 ￥5042 €648 C$1044 Rs.71209 US$12 ￥81 €11 C$17 Rs.1140
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Highlights
Visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson, Yellowstone Bear World, Air Museum, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Horse Shoe Bend, Grand Canyon south rim or west rim.
- 12 national, State and private parks
- Two nights in Las Vegas and optional Grand Canyon West rim or south rim
- 10 plus years experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking tour guides
- 15 million tour bus insurance, the highest in the industry
Itinerary
Today we will visit the California State Capital in Sacramento. Sacramento was at the heart of the gold rush, Pony Express and first continental railroad. In the afternoon we will head through the famous Donner Pass and enter Nevada. Overnight stay in Elko.
Sacramento, CA
Founded in 1849, Sacramento was at the heart of the gold rush, Pony Express, and first trans-continental railroad. Today it serves as the capital of the state of California and one of its most important cities.
California State Capitol
At the State Capitol, the past, present and future of California interact with equal force. The building serves as both a museum and the state's working seat of government. Visitors to the Capitol can at once experience California's rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process.
Today, we will travel along the Wasatch Mountains and pass through land of scorched rocks to go to
Yellowstone National Park.
Today, we will visit Yellowstone National Park, where we will see attractions like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Fountain Paint Pot Geyser Basin, Midway Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful. We will also get the chance to see the various species of wildlife that inhabit the park, including bison, elk, and bears. Then, we will continue to Grand Teton National Park. Next we will tour Jackson Hole. We will head for Pocatello, ID for the night.
Yellowstone, WY
Largest, oldest and most famous national park - a fascinating scenery of hot springs, geysers, canyons & waterfalls
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
This impressive gap in the earth in the first large canyon on the Yellowstone River. It is 24 miles long, and can reach a quarter-mile in depth and 3/4 a mile in width. It is gorgeously colored.
Fountain Paint Pot
Fountain Paint Pot, heated by the region's underground hot springs, F.P.P is half hot spring, half mud basin. The spring releases natural shades of red and yellow because of the oxidation of iron in the soil.
Midway Geyser Basin
The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is relatively small, but contains an impressive amount of thermodynamic geologic activity, including the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the largest in Yellowstone.
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful is a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It is one of the park's most well-known natural features, and is famous for its predictability. It generally erupts every 91 minutes.
Grand Teton National Park, WY
Grand Teton National Park is is located in the Rocky Mountains, Northwest Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park is noted for its stunning mountain vistas, its shimmering alpine lakes and its abundant wildlife.
Jackson Hole, WY
Famous frontier town, located at the crossing of Grand Teton and Rocky Mountains, it became a heaven for outdoors sports enthusiast. The widely praised Elk Antler Arches Park, with its four arches made with thousands of elk antlers is a must see.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City we will visit Temple Square. Later in the afternoon, we will head to Bryce Canyon National Park. We will overnight stay in Bryce Canyon.
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah's gorgeous capital city sits amidst the mountains of the American Southwest on the shores of the breathtaking Great Salt Lake. The city is steeped in history and architecture in addition to wondrous vistas and scenery.
Temple Square
Approximately ten acres in size, Temple Square is the center of religious activity for the Church of Latter Day Saints, housing the Temple and Tabernacle that are central to the religion.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park is named for just one of many canyons which form a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah.
In the morning, we will visit Lower Antelope Canyon, then hike to Horseshoe Bend. In the evening, we will arrive in Las Vegas. Guests can choose many restaurants to eat at or stop by one of the famous casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Antelope Canyon, AZ
The most popular slot canyon in the American Southwest is Antelope Canyon, a sandstone formation formed by flood and rainwater. And the Upper Antelope Canyon is certainly the most fascinating one. Carved by water with incredible forms cliffs renvoies then this light to reveal an amazing palette of colors gold, orange, red, gray and white.
Lower Antelope Canyon
The lower canyon is in the shape of a "V" and Longer, shallower than the Upper Antelope. Lighting is better in the early hours and late morning. It draws a considerable number of photographers.
Page, AZ
Page is a city in Coconino County, Arizona, United States, near the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. Page was founded in 1957 as a housing community for workers and their families during the construction of nearby Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a curve in the Colorado River, about 5 miles from Lake Powell. The view from the overlook above offers a wide angle of this colorful canyon and tight curve.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World" for a good reason-- casinos and hotels line its streets, and visitors can gamble, see shows, and shop at virtually any hour of the day or night.
Las Vegas Night Tour
See fabulous Las Vegas at its best-- at night! This exciting tour of the famous Strip takes guests to sights such as the Bellagio Fountains, Venetian Hotel, Volcano at the Mirage, and more.
Day 6
Tour options : Grand Canyon South Rim or West Rim
Today, we will go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We will be able to take a thrilling helicopter tour above the canyon. At the end of the day, we will head back to Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon, AZ
The Colorado River cut this canyon a mile deep and up to 18 miles across. The South Rim sits inside the national park; the West Rim is on Hualapai tribal land and is where the Skywalk is.
Grand Canyon South Rim
Every year, over five million people stand on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to absorb the majestic views of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Visitors can take hiking or driving tours to explore the area.
Due to weather condition in winter season, we have the rights to cancel Grand Canyon South option tours at any time without notice. At that time guest can choose Grand canyou west rim or have a free time at Las Vegas.
South Rim Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour is the best way to catch a panoramic view of the majestic South Rim of the Grand Canyon, viewing the massive canyon walls glimmer and reflect in the sun.
We will stop by the Magnificent Hoover Dam and then on to the Majestic Hualapai Indian Reservation where is located at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. You can walk on the Skywalk, take a helicopter flight into the Grand Canyon & cruise along the Colorado River aboard a pontoon boat. Overnight stay in Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon, AZ
The Colorado River cut this canyon a mile deep and up to 18 miles across. The South Rim sits inside the national park; the West Rim is on Hualapai tribal land and is where the Skywalk is.
Skywalk Glass Bridge
This horseshoe-shaped see-through glass walkway extends out over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100 miles per hour from 8 directions, as well as an 8.0-magnitude earthquake.
Grand Canyon West Rim
From pontoon boat rides to the impressive Skywalk Glass Bridge, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is home to unique experiences unlike any other place along the ridges of this natural wonder.
West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter and Boat Tour
These exciting tours from the West Rim descend directly into the Grand Canyon. They combine the thrill of a helicopter and the speed of a pontoon boat to form an unforgettable up-close experience with the magnificent Grand Canyon.
West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
On this tour, you will fly above and deep into the Grand Canyon via the West Rim in a might helicopter, following the winding path of the Colorado River.
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World" for a good reason-- casinos and hotels line its streets, and visitors can gamble, see shows, and shop at virtually any hour of the day or night.
In the morning we will drive back to San Francisco. On the way we will see the world's first solar power plant. After crossing the Mojave Desert, we will see the world's longest runway at Edwards Air Force Base. Next, we will pass by the Tehachapi mountain range and see California's largest wind power generating operation. In the afternoon, we will travel through the fertile Central Valley. We will drop off at the Bay Area around 7:00pm.
** Please arrange your air-ticket departure from San Francisco (SFO) airport after 10:30pm.
- You can self dismiss at Las Vegas today, hotel check out time is 11 am.
- For tour passengers who would like to have a transfer service from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, service fee is $35 per person.
** Please arrange your air-ticket departure from San Francisco (SFO) airport after 10:30pm.
- You can self dismiss at Las Vegas today, hotel check out time is 11 am.
- For tour passengers who would like to have a transfer service from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, service fee is $35 per person.
When West Yellowstone Hotels cannot be confirmed, hotels in Jackson will be used. Depending on hotel location, the sequence of the tour might be altered.
Departure & Return
| Location | Address | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milpitas, CA | 7:00am | 6:15pm | |
| Fremont, CA | 7:20am | 6:30pm | |
| Cupertino, CA | 7:20am | 6:15pm | |
| Burlingame, CA | 8:00am | 7:30pm | |
| San Francisco, CA | 8:30am | 7:00pm | |
| Oakland, CA | 9:00am | 7:30pm | |
| Richmond, CA | Remark:Pick up only; No return | 9:20am | |
| Sacramento, CA | Remark:Pick up; No return | 11:00am |
*Return time is an estimate and varies based on traffic and weather conditions.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
| Destination | Adult | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Canyon, AZ | |||
| Lower Antelope Canyon (Mandatory) | $78 | $78 (0-4 yrs) | $8 (0-4 yrs) |
| Grand Canyon, AZ | |||
|
Grand Canyon South Rim (Mandatory)
Grand Canyon South Rim with meal
|
$105 | $105 | |
|
Grand Canyon West Rim (Mandatory)
Grand Canyon West Rim No Meal
|
$90 | $90 | |
| Skywalk Glass Bridge (Optional) | $35 | $35 | |
| South Rim Helicopter Tour (Optional) | $230 | $230 | |
| West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter and Boat Tour (Optional) | $230 | $230 | |
| West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (Optional) | $188 | $188 | |
| Las Vegas, NV | |||
| Las Vegas Night Tour (Optional) | $35 | $25 (2-11 yrs) | |
Antelope Canyon, AZ
Lower Antelope Canyon (Mandatory)
- Adult
- $78
- Child
- $78 (0-4 yrs)
- Infant
- $8 (0-4 yrs)
Grand Canyon, AZ
Grand Canyon South Rim (Mandatory)
Grand Canyon South Rim with meal
- Adult
- $105
- Child
- $105
Grand Canyon West Rim (Mandatory)
Grand Canyon West Rim No Meal
- Adult
- $90
- Child
- $90
Skywalk Glass Bridge (Optional)
- Adult
- $35
- Child
- $35
South Rim Helicopter Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $230
- Child
- $230
West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter and Boat Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $230
- Child
- $230
West Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $188
- Child
- $188
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Night Tour (Optional)
- Adult
- $35
- Child
- $25 (2-11 yrs)
- Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
- If you would like to join the optional activities, please pay the fee in cash to the tour guide. You cannot buy / use the tickets on your own or use City Passes. The tour guide will arrange the tickets for the group.
Additional Notes
- Language: All tours are escorted by professional bi- or multi-lingual tour and/or driver guides (English/Chinese). Depending on the number of passengers booked for a particular departure, tours and/or languages may be combined to operate the tours.
- Universal Studios: The child admission tickets of Universal Studios Hollywood if purchased separately, will be based on the passenger's height as stipulated by the theme parks. (1) Guests 48 inches and taller will pay the general admission price. (2) Guests under 48 inches will pay child fare.
- Luggage and infant car seat Policy: Maximum two luggage(one full size+one carry on). We will charge $25 for every extra suitcase.
Each passenger is permitted one piece of luggage to be stored underneath the bus and one additional smaller handheld piece of luggage can be taken on board. Please note that strollers or wheelchairs will account as the one piece of luggage delegated to the passenger. Passenger can bring their own car seat or infant seat. - All passengers MUST purchase Theme Park Tickets(Disneyland & Universal Studios) from the tour guide. Passengers with own admission ticket MUST pay the transportation and service fee to the tour guide at $48 per person. Theme park price is subject to the attraction official website: Disneyland or Universal Studios.
- Buy 2 get 3rd discounted promotion: Passengers must pay $50 per person if not take the Grand Canyon tour.
- For the Grand Canyon South Rim day tour, Chinese guide is not guaranteed.
- No smoking is allowed in the hotel rooms at any time. Failure to comply will result in a $300.00 fine payable immediately and charged by Hotel.
Policies
Buy 2 Get 3rd Discounted details: Price have been adjusted to reflect the discount.
Cancellation of 3rd discounted passenger must be made at least 3 days before departure.
No-show (or late cancellation) of 3rd discounted passenger will be charged $548 as the penalty for the reserved bus seat.
Children policy: Child rates apply to those who are 2-9 years and sharing one room with at least 2 adults. Please note each hotel room can only accommodate 4 guests (adults or children regardless of age). Extra beds, extra items, and services will not be provided.
A child car seat is required for the child who is 0-8 yrs old. Please bring it on your own or rent it from us, the rental fee for the safety seat is $25/person/day.
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
You will receive an confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order was received. Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Email (e-ticket). When you reserve your attractions and services you will be asked to print e-tickets to present when you arrive at your destination. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. No change in pick-up location is allowed within 2 business days from departure. We are not responsible for the missed tour due to unconfirmed change in pick up locations.
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. No change in pick-up location is allowed within 2 business days from departure. We are not responsible for the missed tour due to unconfirmed change in pick up locations.
Cancellations and Alteration fees
Regardless of the reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to Taketours through web mail at Contact Us. Your refund request will be answered and processed promptly. If you do not receive any reply within 2 business days, that means your request is not received successfully; thus, the tour status remains "confirmed". Please contact us immediately at 617.500.7002.
Regardless of the reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to Taketours through web mail at Contact Us. Your refund request will be answered and processed promptly. If you do not receive any reply within 2 business days, that means your request is not received successfully; thus, the tour status remains "confirmed". Please contact us immediately at 617.500.7002.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
Cancellations received up to 7 days prior to departure will incur a penalty of $100 per person.
Cancellations received within 4-6 days of departure will incur a penalty of $200 per person.
Cancellations received within 3 days of departure will incur a penalty of 100% of the total purchase amount.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit the entire payment.
We cannot grant refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
Due to no cancellation policy enforced by Antelope Canyon, no refunds of the Antelope Canyon admission fee are allowed even passengers cancel the entire trip or no show on the day of departure.
Cancellations received up to 7 days prior to departure will incur a penalty of $100 per person.
Cancellations received within 4-6 days of departure will incur a penalty of $200 per person.
Cancellations received within 3 days of departure will incur a penalty of 100% of the total purchase amount.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit the entire payment.
We cannot grant refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
Due to no cancellation policy enforced by Antelope Canyon, no refunds of the Antelope Canyon admission fee are allowed even passengers cancel the entire trip or no show on the day of departure.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strive to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods, duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
We constantly strive to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods, duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
Tour Cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (e.g. minimum number of passengers) or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, Taketours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or a similar tour. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (e.g. minimum number of passengers) or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, Taketours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or a similar tour. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
Q & A (3)
Popular FAQs
The itinerary/details page of the tour will have information about the level of hotel. The actual hotel will not be finalized until 1 or 2 days before departure. Most hotels are around 2 stars and you may get the exact hotel details while reconfirming your tour.
Meals are NOT included in the tour price but our tour guide will arrange meal stops. Normally we stop at a plaza to have some fast food, or stop at a restaurant and passengers can order.
Departure information, including time and location, is listed in the “Departure And Return Details” section of the tour itinerary. There is often a link to a map as well. Every e-ticket includes full pick-up time and location information. Please print out your e-Ticket and bring your ID to board the bus.
The seats will be rotated daily on all itinerary over 2 days in duration. We can make special arrangement if you can produce doctor's note etc.
Children under 2 years old will be charged $25 per day for mandatory General Liability Insurance. It is also to guarantee a seat for the child. If the parents prefer to hold the child, it is considered as forfeiting the seat.
This is where you select how many people will be in your room. Double occupancy for hotel room is only guaranteed with a tour purchase by two persons. Single room is only for one person and price is higher. Family triple arrangements can be purchased with three tickets. Family quad arrangements can be purchased with four tickets.
No.TakeTours is a complete online travel company and uses a completely secure and automated booking system, therefore we can only accept bookings made online, using an authorized and valid credit card, check (by fax or mail) and money order (by mail).
You will find an electronic brochure for each tour on our website describing all activities and itineraries. Printed brochures are not available. If you do not find adequate information about a tour on our website, please contact our online help. Contact customer support
Please refer to the cancelation policy of the tour under Redemption and Policies tab. You need to send us an email at support@taketours.com for the cancelation. Your refund request will be answered and processed promptly. If you do not receive any reply, that means your request is not processed. Please contact us immediately.
At this moment, we are not offering any hotel upgrades. When this option is available we should have it on the tour page.
No matching FAQ found.
Customer Q & As
Ask a QuestionHello, if I want to join the tour 358-289 on Aug.12, when is the latest time I make booking? Thank you!
Sorry. As you know, it is peak season for traveling now. We can not advise the lastest time for booking.
Hello, if I want to join the tour 358-289 on Aug.12, when is the latest time I make booking? Thank you!
Sorry. As you know, it is peak season for traveling now. We can not advise the lastest time for booking.
Hello? I am interested in this trip, and Can I ask a question?
Do I must go West Rim in Grand Canyon and make a payment for $80? I am confused of it because I can see the word, 'mandatory.' However, I want to select only South Rim! Please let me know clear of it.
If you choose to go to West Rim, you will need to pay $80. South Rim is free.
Reviews (11)
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I can definitely see how this tour can work out for people who are visiting from other countries, or for the couples with no kids. It gives an amazing overview of what some American states are like, and most importantly - the most beautiful national parks. It's great that you don't have to worry about booking 6 nights at different motels, and worry about renting a car and driving all day by yourself in the middle of nowhere. The tour guide, Bruce, was very helpful and knowledgeable.
However, I'm not sure if that's the tour you want to take with the small kids. Out of the 7 days, 3 days are devoted to driving pretty much 10-12 hours a day, stopping at local gas stations for some fast food every 2-3 hours, with no sightseeing. I found it very devastating to travel with the 3 year old and 1 year old. There were also other, bigger, kids on the bus, and the trip looked much smoother for them because they spend pretty much the entire time using iPad.
Some recommendations/notes:
1. Would be super nice if the bus was cleaned (garbage, floors) after every day of traveling. It was cleaned just once, and starting the day off with a mess is not the most pleasant experience, especially taken that the tips for the tour guide/bus driver are 6$ per day per person.
2. The tour is very rushed. I wish at least for the most famous national parks (Zion, Yellowstone) we had a whole day of walking, maybe having a picnic, etc. I took the tour mostly to see Zion park, and we spent there literally 1.5 hours max, and just 3 stops (two 15-minute each, and one for 30 min). I wish I could spend more time walking around. Same for Bryce Canyon. We were driving the whole day (!!!) just to have a 1 hour hike around the canyon. Perhaps, some national parks can be skipped, and more attention can be devoted to the biggest parks. Also, when looking at the schedule for each day, you might have an impression that your stop in Sacramento, for example, will allow you to at least look around and do some sightseeing. It was only 30 min, however, enough to get a coffee in the nearest Starbucks and use a restroom.
3. The time when we had to be on the bus was 6:30AM, and one day - 4:30AM. This hardly feels like a relaxing vacation, especially if you are traveling with the kids as their sleep is disturbed.
4. Almost no on-bus entertainment- we watched 3 movies in 7 days, and I feel like it doesn't cost much to watch 3 movies a day, taken how long and boring the drive is.
But as I said, this tour might be a perfect match for some people, as it's probably nice to spend couple days napping on the bus, reading a book or watching videos while seeing the beauty of the American states.
I recommend this tour!
We are back home after a fantastic tour with a fantastic guide and driver. This is my third trip with TakeTours and that says it all!
This is the longest trip I have taken and I had my parents with me. I was little skeptical about how they would feel with the long duration of the trip. But they totally enjoyed the trip.
Sofiya was our tour guide for all the seven days. She is a friendly, well travelled, knowledgeable, thoughtful, fun loving and an entertaining guide. She took good care of us and happily attended the special needs of her guests. She was always available to answer our questions and helped us to choose the optional activities. Her expert suggestions helped us a lot of save time. Her explanations are engaging and clear.
Our driver, Joe was a total entertainer. His efficient driving made us feel the 3000+ miles we covered a breeze.
The bus was clean and has charging points. The accommodations were decent and comfortable. Every food stops had multiple options which offers something for everybody.
My two cents to those who are planning to take the tour - to cover so much without feeling rushed, in the little time we have, please please be on time. Also if in doubt, ask; esp about the reporting time. We had to cancel our Vegas night tour as some ppl didn't return on time and by the time we hit Vegas, the driver was out of hours.
I recommend this tour!
This 3400-mile round trip tour was long and tiring, but our excellent tour guide, Bruce Cheng, made it very pleasant and easier for us. There are several early start hours required to adequately cover all of the diverse sites, but our driver, Joe, made it safe and comfortable. For those who like Chinese buffets, we had 6 in 4 states. In summary, it was a good experience and worth the long hours to see all of the sites, as advertised.
I recommend this tour!
I bought this tour for my elderly mother. She is a native Russian speaker, but after living in the United States for 20 years she understands English fairly well when spoken to clearly. Generally she was quite exhilarated over this tour and said she would do it again with this company. She felt that the itinerary was fantastic! She loved the places visited and was quite happy with the bus and accommodations. The only major complaint she had was that the tour guide Bruce was very deceiving and greedy when it came to the cost of all additional optional attractions. For example, the general cost of the entry to the Yellowstone Park is $12 if entering by foot, and $10 for Senior Lifetime pass. The motorcoach (bus) pays a flat fee of $300 to enter the park. With 47 passengers on board of the bus the true cost of entry per person would have been $6. Nonetheless every person had to pay $14 to the tour guide regardless of age. At the end of the tour, everyone was offered to see the Cirque du Soleil Show KA in Las Vegas. The tickets were offered at a price point of $150 per person i.e. $143 + fees. Bruce went to buy them on the day of the performance after collecting money from people who wanted to attend. While strolling down the street before the show, my mother stumbled upon a ticket booth that was selling the same day tickets for the same show at 25% discount. So a $143 ticket would have cost her $107 + $7 processing fee totaling $114. That’s a $36 difference! When Bruce brought the tickets the price and fees were scratched off so that people could not see the actual price he paid for them, but it was quite obvious that he made some extra money by overcharging unassuming tourists in his group. And these are only two examples. My mother felt that she was tricked and deceived and was offended by this unfair practice especially that at the end of the tour everyone was expected to lay out an additional $6 per day for the tips totaling $42 per tour per person. With 47 people on board it adds up to $2,000 for the guide and the driver to share in tips. Why being greedy? Otherwise, my mother felt the tour was great and worth every penny! She also wished they spent a bit more time in Sacramento.
I recommend this tour!
Great trip! Our tour guide Charlie is very professional. He explained everything in good detail and arranged everything well. The itinerary was very well-arranged. Would definitely recommend the trip!
I recommend this tour!
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