Relax and Ranch Southwest
15 days from £3,620pp
15 days from £3,620pp
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
The holiday price excludes international flights. We are happy to quote flights separately based on your dates of travel and preferences.
Contact us Close(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
California / Great West
Places visited
San Diego, Palm Springs, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Scottsdale, Arizona’s Ranches
Overview & Highlights
Southern California and the American Southwest are two locations that, in a way, need very little introduction. Filled with world-famous cities, world-class beaches, and the endless landscapes and limitless skies of some of the most iconic geographical regions in the world, this trip offers the best of both locations, allowing you to see and experience all these areas have to offer at a pace that suits your travel style. You’ll begin and end your stay in San Diego, and you’ll find contemporary life sitting alongside architectural modernity, and natural wonders weaving in and out of the former Wild West as you go.
Arrive in sunny San Diego, home to the stunning Balboa Park and one of California’s most beautiful harbours. You’ll spend two nights in the southern California metropolis before heading to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Famous for its magnificent displays of mid-century modern architecture, the city is also home to world’s largest palm oasis. You’ll then delve further into the natural wonders of the region by driving to the one and only Grand Canyon, where you’ll spend a night on the South Rim itself before continuing to Arizona’s iconic red-rock town, Sedona. A breathtaking location, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore its rust-coloured terrain and renowned spa treatments before continuing to the luxurious suburb of Scottsdale. Located within the Sonoran desert, Scottsdale is a must on any Southwest trip and is the place for fun and relaxation – both of which you will easily find. Continue your journey on to the three generation, family-owned White Stallion Ranch. Offering a taste of traditional Western life while paying exceptional attention to detail, you’ll spend three nights on this working ranch, doing everything from sunrise hikes and horse rides through the desert to learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow and watching the sun set by an adobe fire on your private patio. You’ll then continue your exploration of the former Wild West with a stop in the famous former railroad town of Yuma, before ending your trip on the golden beaches of California’s newest coastal destination: Oceanside. The beachside city boasts plenty of outdoor recreation and is known for its fine dining, so you can raise a glass or fork to the end of a wonderful and relaxing trip.
Highlights and Included Excursions
- Sunset Sail in San Diego Harbour
Outline itinerary
Day 1Arrive in San Diego and collect your rental car.
Day 2See the best San Diego has to offer.
Day 3Leave San Diego for the desert oasis of Palm Springs.
Day 4Visit the world’s largest palm oasis or visit the San Andreas Fault.
Day 5Drive to the Grand Canyon and spend a night on the rim.
Day 6Depart the Grand Canyon for the red-rock beauty of Sedona.
Day 7Continue from Sedona to the suburban oasis of Scottsdale.
Day 8Explore Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert surroundings or indulge in some shopping at the Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Day 9Leave Scottsdale for the ranch culture of Tucson.
Day 10Experience the day-to-day workings of ranch life.
Day 11Continue your immersion in ranch life or spend the day getting pampered.
Day 12Head over to Yuma to explore Wild West history.
Day 13Leave Yuma for the Pacific shores of California’s newest coastal destination: Oceanside.
Day 14Take a Whale & Dolphin Cruise and spend the rest of your day relaxing by the water.
Day 15Return rental car and fly home via San Diego International Airport.
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Our expert's opinion
“America’s Southwest is rugged and beautiful, and vacationing there is like staying in an oasis! From the architectural haven of Palm Springs to the luxury suburb of Scottsdale – even the local ranches impress! Plus, you get a whole new perspective on what life is currently like in this part of the former Wild West. ”
Dominique caught the North America travel bug when she was in her late teens and has travelled extensively throughout the USA and Canada, particularly drawn to the countries' outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. With over 10 years of product and marketing experience in North America, Dominique’s passion for the destination is infectious.
Inspire
Your edit for North America inspiration
Inspired by the landscapes, culture, wildlife and cuisine of Canada and the USA, explore our entertaining range of articles, travel tips, destination guides, recipes and much more.
View Extraordinary InspirationWhy Journeyscape?
We love north america
- Up-to-the-minute knowledge underpinned by 40 years experience
- All of our Travel Experts have personal knowledge of the destination
- A passion for the region runs through all we do
Travel with Confidence
- Fully bonded and licensed
- ATOL-protected
- Book with confidence, knowing every penny is secure
- 24 hour help available at every step of your journey
The Real North America
- Our insider knowledge helps you go beyond the guidebooks
- We hand-pick hotels both for their character and services
- We'll give you authentic experiences based on your personal preferences
Journeyscape brought to you from the award-winning experts at Journey Latin America