A 2 week self-drive family holiday in Utah rafting, hiking and exploring some of the most amazing scenery on earth!
Tailor-made Classic 15 days
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for a family of four (two adults + two children under 12).
Flights are typically an additional €1,202 per person economy class from London
Our holidays are rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
…We were really happy with the service we got from Tourdust which can be best described as friendly, efficient and expert.....
Matthew McSweeney. See all Reviews 
Higher up in the mountains, on one of the world’s most beautiful drives, the tiny settlement of Boulder offers solitude and a break from the crowds. More hiking opportunities are to be found here, as well as the chance to spend the day rappelling through the region’s slot canyons. From here, you cross Capitol Reef National Park before arriving in Moab for the highlight of your holiday; a two day white water rafting trip along the Colorado River. Navigating rapids and floating through canyons, the worries of everyday life fall away as you relax in to river time.
From here you will start your journey to Denver airport but not before spending your last night en route in Glenwood Springs. Named as "Americas most fun town" there is plenty to see here including the famous natural hot springs pool, Hanging lake and Caverns adventure park.
DAY 2: LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas is full of sights and given the right attitude, is a fun place to explore. Children are allowed to walk through casinos, but are not permitted to gamble, or stop and watch gambling. Activities families may enjoy include visiting a water park, watching the circus acts at Circus Circus and visiting the Adventure Dome theme park.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Platinum
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 3: ZION NATIONAL PARK
This morning you may as well take advantage of the early mornings that the jet lag is giving you and get an early start. Your destination is Springdale, the gateway village for Zion National Park. You may want to head into the park in the afternoon for a hike, there are plenty to choose from, or you could choose a more relaxing float trip down the river, watching the turkey vultures soaring high above you as you meander down-stream.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Majestic View
Driving Time (where relevant): 2 1/2 hours
DAY 4: ZION NATIONAL PARK
Today is spent exploring Zion, we suggest going for one of the many self-guided hikes on offer. The visitor centre has plenty of information about the various walks on offer. Cars are not permitted on most of the roads within the park, so you will need to catch a shuttle bus which will drop you off at the various trailheads. Popular choices include the Angels Landing Hike (not recommended for younger children) Emerald Pools or the Narrows hike, which is up a river. (You can hire water-proof shoes for this or wear sturdy water-proof sandals) In the height of summer, these are popular walks and it will be hot, so we recommend an early start and taking plenty of water and food with you.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Majestic View
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 5: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
After a leisurely morning you will check out of your hotel to drive to Bryce. The scenic drive takes you through Zion, passing through some stunning landscapes; there will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops along the way.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: BW Bryce Canyon Grand
Driving Time (where relevant): 2 hours
DAY 6: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Today is free to explore Bryce Canyon. The stunning colours and unique ‘hoodoo’ rock formations are truly impressive. As ever with the popular national parks, an early start is highly recommended to beat the crowds. Most people explore by car and then go on one of the many hikes on offer. With a higher altitude than Zion and consequently slightly lower temperatures, this is a more comfortable place to hike. You may want to take a picnic and find a solitary spot from where you can take in the magnificent views.
In the evening, you might want to go to watch a rodeo at the entrance to the park. This is run mainly for tourists, but is still a fun activity for all the family.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: BW Bryce Canyon Grand
Driving Time (where relevant): 2 hours
DAY 7: ESCALANTE - GUIDED SLOT CANYONEERING
Today we have a real treat in store for you. You will get up early and drive to the small and rarely visited town of Escalante to explore one of Utah’s geological phenomena; the slot canyon. The Escalante region has hundreds of slot canyons, many of which have not yet been visited, so you can guarantee that today will be a day away from other tourists and a chance to challenge yourselves whilst exploring the wilderness.
Your guide will assess your fitness and ability and you will then head off to the slot canyon that he feels is most appropriate for you. Travelling through landscape that was once inhabited by hundreds of dinosaurs (the area is of great interest to scientists and footprints and bones have been discovered here) you will finally arrive at your canyon. Your guide will teach you the basics of rappelling and canyoneering and you will then abseil down into your canyon. As you progress through the canyon, it will get deeper and narrower, requiring you to squeeze and slide through. After the hoards of tourists you will have encountered at Zion and Bryce, the silence of this place will be a welcome relief.
You will spend the best part of the day in the canyon and when you finally emerge, the wide-sweeping views and sense of accomplishment are quite over-whelming. You will hike back to the car and drive back to the base where you can enjoy a well-earned ice cream.
You can opt to stay in Escalante, but we recommend you get back in your car and drive 45 minutes to the tiny settlement of Boulder to enjoy a hearty dinner and then relax in this mountain lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Boulder Mountain Lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): 1 hour Bryce to Escalante, 45 mins Escalante to Boulder
DAY 8: BOULDER
Today is a day at leisure. The lodge over-looks a nature reserve and has some lovely communal areas, so is the perfect place to sit back with a good book and enjoy the scenery. Volleyball, Frisbee and board games are on offer, or for the more sedentary, there is a hot tub. Each room has a TV & DVD player, with DVDs on loan from Reception, if the children want to relax in front of a movie. There are also some lovely local walks, including a hike to a waterfall . There are maps available at the lodge office.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Boulder Mountain Lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 9: DRIVE TO MOAB
Today you will drive along one of the area’s most scenic roads to reach the highway that will connect you to Moab. Driving through the mountains and then Capitol Reef National Park, the views are amazing. You might choose to stop off in Capitol Reef Park for a hike, or just detour to one of the many viewpoints along the way. There are some interesting petroglyphs to see which makes for a useful stop to stretch your legs. If you are not stopping off to hike, there is a great burger stop (try the chocolate milkshakes) in Hanksville. The drive from here to Moab becomes less interesting, but is fairly swift thanks to the highway that you will be joining. Once you reach Moab, you can have a swim at your hotel and then go for a meal in one of the many restaurants in the town.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Red cliffs lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): 3 1/2 hours
DAY 10: MOAB - FIERY FURNACE GUIDED HIKE
This morning you will get up early to go and meet your guide, who will take you for a guided hike in the fiery furnace in the spectacular Arches National Park. This hike is only available as a guided option and takes you away from the crowds of tourist to hidden arches and a unique landscape. Your experienced guide will explain the geology to you and walk you through this fascinating rocky labyrinth.
The rest of the afternoon, you may want to explore the park in more detail before going for your pre-rafting trip briefing. On the way back, you might want to stop off at the Moab Brewery for dinner and to pick up some beers to take rafting with you.
Meals Included: Lunch
Accommodation: Red cliffs lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): 15 minutes
DAY 11: WESTWATER CANYON WHITE WATER RAFTING
You will meet with your guide and leave your car before being driven two hours to Colorado to the launch site on the Colorado River. The boats will then be loaded up and you will head off down-stream. Today is a lazy day on the river as you adjust to the relaxed pace, floating through stark and dramatic desert landscapes. There will be opportunities to explore on foot when your guide will take you on a hike, as well as stopping for lunch where you'll create your own deli masterpiece.
You will reach camp by early evening and enjoy a generous, delicious dinner prepared fresh by your guides. Once you have pitched your tent, you will have time to relax, play games and watch the stars coming out.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 12: WESTWATER CANYON WHITE WATER RAFTING
You will wake with anticipation of the rapids downstream. After a healthy breakfast the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the big rapids safely. Then the fun really begins. Here are the incredible rapids you have been waiting for: Little Hummer, Funnel Falls, Last Chance Rapid, and of course, the infamous Skull Rapid. Lunch is a fresh buffet on the riverbank.
There will be the chance to swim and enjoy the river as you float out of Westwater Canyon. The ride back to Moab will be filled with stories of the hole in 'Sock-It-To-Me' and the beautiful sunset the night before. The van returns you to Moab around 6-6:30 PM
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Red cliffs lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 13: MOAB
Today is a day at leisure in Moab. You may want to relax around the pool in your hotel, or take the time to explore downtown Moab. Later on, you could drive to Canyonlands National Park for some amazing views and gorgeous walking trails.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Red cliffs lodge
Driving Time (where relevant): n/a
DAY 14: DRIVE TO GLENWOOD SPRINGS
This morning sees you checking out of of your Moab hotel and driving to the small town of Glenwood Springs. Once you have arrived, you can either relax around the pool or head over to the Natural hot springs the town is famous for. If you're still feeling adventurous you could also take a cable car to visit the Caverns adventure park.
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: Best Western Antlers
Driving Time (where relevant): 3 hours
DAY 15: DEPART
Today is your departure day. You will need to drop your car off at the airport before catching your flight home
Meals Included: n/a
Accommodation: n/a
Driving Time (where relevant): 3 hours
Guide price is based on recommended accommodations. Alternative accommodations and upgrades are available. Please get in touch for alternatives and upgrade options.
This holiday begins in Las Vegas and ends in Denver. Please get in touch if you would like us to book your flights for you.
Utah enjoys a four season climate, although experience more extremes than in the UK. Winters can be cold with plenty of snow. Summer temperatures can be high (reaching the high 30’s in places) and the humidity means that there can be thunderstorms, especially in July & August.
This trip is suitable for families with children aged 10+ The age limit is mainly due to the white rafting trip. If you have younger children, please contact us so that we can offer an alternative river trip. There is a reasonable amount of driving in this holiday. We have road tested this trip ourselves with a 7 year old and found the distances manageable. The driving is fairly easy and often through scenic landscapes, but you will sometimes covering up to 5 hours in a day.
The slot canyoning does not require previous experience, but you do need to be up for a physical challenge and your children need to be able to listen to instructions. There is a hiking alternative that we can suggest if a less technical day is preferred.
If you like the sound of this itinerary, but would prefer something longer, please take a look at our alternatives for the region, or get in touch to customise.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
Our customers agree - a conversation with an expert makes for a better trip. Call us now or request a call back out of hours.
Call 0203 291 2907 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
Or request call back weekday evenings or Saturdays
Here are 4 write ups on the White Water rafting trip we had in July 2013
From my 14 year old boy:
To put it simply I have never had so much fun in my life. For the first two days I enjoyed a break from the otherwise high tempo country of America. We saw animals that none of us had seen before, swam in waters in which all of us had a ball and lay in the perfect heat of the Utah sun. This incredible experience of food and rest was then followed by the grand finale of white water rafting! The anxiety and nervousness soon turned into a thrill so extraordinary that I have sworn to myself that I will feel that incredible thrill again. Looking back, it was probably the most perfect three days that I can remember. So I mean this genuinely when I say, you must go on this holiday!
From my 12 year old girl:
It was so much fun. We saw coyotes, bears, river otter and more. The people were so nice and the food was amazing . The first two days were calm, but then on the last day we hit the rapids! That was the most fun. We bounced up and down, up and down and got completely soaked. It was a moment I will never forget.
From my 11 year old son:
The scenery was absolutely fantastic, and the water was calm and slightly warm. This was to begin with but after that we got into fantastic rapids. I was scared to begin with but the sparkling feeling in my head and the butterflies in my tummy gave me a great sense of achievement when I had done it!
From me:
There were five of us and we had two boats and two brilliant instructors for three of the most incredible days. Calm waters as we either sat in the boats which carried all our food and equipment or we gently floated with our feet out in front of us as we past the million year old rocks of changing earthy colours. The tempo changes: the water becomes white, we all put helmets on and then the rapids begin and our stomachs reach the sky, it really was seriously scary, I looked around at my family and they were all having a ball. Time disappeared fast and we all felt so pleased with ourselves as we had completed the last rapid. I felt rather proud! We were fed like Kings and we all played our parts in making the three days incredible ones we will never forget. Tracking the stars, searching for scorpions and spotting bears all added to the whole experience.
Camilla D
reviewing Grand American Family Adventure in Utah
on 06 October 2014
Some highlights: I really enjoyed the rodeo - I had expected it to be touristy & tacky, but I actually thought it was great. Boulder - although we didn't do too much there, the drive up was amazing & we really liked the lodge & the peacefulness (apart from a huge storm!). The Burr Trail Grill next door was excellent - really lovely & friendly staff & the best apple pie ever. We went to Willis Creek, 12 miles south of Escalante - this was a slot canyon that you can walk through easily & choose to do as much or as little as you like (the slots are 100metres long, so it's easy to walk out or turn back when you've had enough). Particular highlight for everyone was the Fiery Furnace Walk - Mike was absolutely fantastic with Rory & Lucy. It was perfect for Rory as he loves rock scrambling, so Mike encouraged that. Lucy was very nervous, but he helped her overcome her fears. & he was a very interesting person to spend some time with - I think we finished near to midday! We really liked Red Cliffs in Moab & I liked Moab itself - nice to get some fresh fruit & veg after too many burgers!
Some things we'd probably change: I know I said I didn't want to go to Vegas, but I didn't ask the children & I think they might have liked it! It would probably have saved the longer flight & connections from Seattle & it looks as if the drive from Vegas is similar in distance as from SLC.
I think Beverley would have liked longer in some places - we're used to holidays where we stay in one place, so living out of a suitcase was a little different for us.
I'm also in two minds about the rafting. We were not helped by the weather where we had storms & rain all night until around 9am. Lucy got very cold so didn't enjoy it after the first 2 rapids. Rory however, really enjoyed himself. Overall though, it just seemed that it was a 2 day trip that could have been condensed into 1 day. Again, I think if the weather was different, we would have enjoyed chilling out a little more, but as it was & for the price, it was a little disappointing. We met another family while rafting who had booked through you - they were from Hampshire.
Overall, great adventure, good places to stay, amazing scenery, we met some interesting people, saw some amazing storms (hail the size of golf balls! We were told August is their 'monsoon season') & had a great time, so thank you for putting it together for us. Hopefully we'll be back some time for another adventure…I'm still sizing up Toubkal with Rory in a year or two.
Beverley C
reviewing Grand American Family Adventure in Utah
on 06 October 2014
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
Here are 4 write ups on the White Water rafting trip we had in July 2013
From my 14 year old boy:
To put it simply I have never had so much fun in my life. For the first two days I enjoyed a break from the otherwise high tempo country of America. We saw animals that none of us had seen before, swam in waters in which all of us had a ball and lay in the perfect heat of the Utah sun. This incredible experience of food and rest was then followed by the grand finale of white water rafting! The anxiety and nervousness soon turned into a thrill so extraordinary that I have sworn to myself that I will feel that incredible thrill again. Looking back, it was probably the most perfect three days that I can remember. So I mean this genuinely when I say, you must go on this holiday!
From my 12 year old girl:
It was so much fun. We saw coyotes, bears, river otter and more. The people were so nice and the food was amazing . The first two days were calm, but then on the last day we hit the rapids! That was the most fun. We bounced up and down, up and down and got completely soaked. It was a moment I will never forget.
From my 11 year old son:
The scenery was absolutely fantastic, and the water was calm and slightly warm. This was to begin with but after that we got into fantastic rapids. I was scared to begin with but the sparkling feeling in my head and the butterflies in my tummy gave me a great sense of achievement when I had done it!
From me:
There were five of us and we had two boats and two brilliant instructors for three of the most incredible days. Calm waters as we either sat in the boats which carried all our food and equipment or we gently floated with our feet out in front of us as we past the million year old rocks of changing earthy colours. The tempo changes: the water becomes white, we all put helmets on and then the rapids begin and our stomachs reach the sky, it really was seriously scary, I looked around at my family and they were all having a ball. Time disappeared fast and we all felt so pleased with ourselves as we had completed the last rapid. I felt rather proud! We were fed like Kings and we all played our parts in making the three days incredible ones we will never forget. Tracking the stars, searching for scorpions and spotting bears all added to the whole experience.
Camilla D
reviewing Grand American Family Adventure in Utah
on 06 October 2014
Some highlights: I really enjoyed the rodeo - I had expected it to be touristy & tacky, but I actually thought it was great. Boulder - although we didn't do too much there, the drive up was amazing & we really liked the lodge & the peacefulness (apart from a huge storm!). The Burr Trail Grill next door was excellent - really lovely & friendly staff & the best apple pie ever. We went to Willis Creek, 12 miles south of Escalante - this was a slot canyon that you can walk through easily & choose to do as much or as little as you like (the slots are 100metres long, so it's easy to walk out or turn back when you've had enough). Particular highlight for everyone was the Fiery Furnace Walk - Mike was absolutely fantastic with Rory & Lucy. It was perfect for Rory as he loves rock scrambling, so Mike encouraged that. Lucy was very nervous, but he helped her overcome her fears. & he was a very interesting person to spend some time with - I think we finished near to midday! We really liked Red Cliffs in Moab & I liked Moab itself - nice to get some fresh fruit & veg after too many burgers!
Some things we'd probably change: I know I said I didn't want to go to Vegas, but I didn't ask the children & I think they might have liked it! It would probably have saved the longer flight & connections from Seattle & it looks as if the drive from Vegas is similar in distance as from SLC.
I think Beverley would have liked longer in some places - we're used to holidays where we stay in one place, so living out of a suitcase was a little different for us.
I'm also in two minds about the rafting. We were not helped by the weather where we had storms & rain all night until around 9am. Lucy got very cold so didn't enjoy it after the first 2 rapids. Rory however, really enjoyed himself. Overall though, it just seemed that it was a 2 day trip that could have been condensed into 1 day. Again, I think if the weather was different, we would have enjoyed chilling out a little more, but as it was & for the price, it was a little disappointing. We met another family while rafting who had booked through you - they were from Hampshire.
Overall, great adventure, good places to stay, amazing scenery, we met some interesting people, saw some amazing storms (hail the size of golf balls! We were told August is their 'monsoon season') & had a great time, so thank you for putting it together for us. Hopefully we'll be back some time for another adventure…I'm still sizing up Toubkal with Rory in a year or two.
Beverley C
reviewing Grand American Family Adventure in Utah
on 06 October 2014
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
We had a brilliant trip!
An amazing experience for parents, children and grandparents alike.
We are already planning a trip to Vietnam next year
Kate B
reviewing Morocco Family Holiday: Kasbahs, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
Fantastic holiday - I think we all really enjoyed ourselves. California is really relaxing, the people we met were lovely, and the scenery is amazing - so huge.
flight - using San Jose airport was a joy. Out of the airport within 30 mins of landing.
car hire - very straight forward.
Copilot - useful. We did download Google maps too, but sometimes the GPS worked better with co-pilot than Google maps (although may have been the phone)
Argonaut hotel - Great location, pleasant staff. Included in resort fee is discounted bike hire (if you get up fast enough to get them) - that was a bonus.
Drive to Auburn - long! we didn't manage to avoid San Francisco rush our - our fault. But a very good idea to get there the night before the rafting, meant the rafting day was much more relaxed.
Holiday Inn - as expected. Nice pool and breakfast was good (and cheap). We quickly learnt that it is really difficult to get food in US after about 8:30 at night, esp in less touristy spots. In n Out Burger an experience.
White water rafting - Our fellow rafters and helmsman (Conner) were good company for the day and we had a great time negotiating rapids, jumping in the water and taking in the scenery. It was all safe without over doing the briefings. Would have been good to have some photos which were only available straight after the trip, rather than on a web site. Nearby Marshall Ward state park was good for non-rafters.
Resort at Squaw Valley - The hotel was amazing. Beautfiul setting. Buffet breakfast in Cascades was a fabulous extravagance - a real treat.
Mountain biking in Tahoe - tremendous. Great bikes, fantastic guide who managed to accommodate both 50+ year old parents and v fit teenage boys. And local knowledge of guide set us up for the rest of the day - recommending places to eat in Truckee and places to visit on Lake Tahoe.
Drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite beautiful - well worth going the eastern route so enter Yosemite from East. The drive through the pass was amazing, definitely worth emphasizing that people should make the most of it.
Tenaya Lodge - hotel was a little tired. But we appreciate that Yosemite was getting full by the time we booked. And in fact, it was prob a good thing we were there - as we were out of the smoke in the valley. (The Ferguson Fire began the day we arrived). Sadly after the drive through on arrival, we saw little Yosemite scenery. On the plus side, Tenaya Lodge was cooler than the valley and had less bitey insects.
Walking in Yosemite - guide was excellent. Offered lots of options, and was very informative. Also very personable.
Santa Cruz - great hotel. Lovely city. Organic supermarket, farmers market, Olita's on wharf - all great. The Mystery Spot was hilarious. The surf school were generous and allowed us to keep the boards for several hours after the lesson, as the waves were not that great the two days we were there.
Andrew C
reviewing The Ultimate California Adventure
on 26 July 2018
Following on from our conversation yesterday - I just wanted to reiterate how delighted we were - and what a huge success the holiday was. It was a bit of a monumental trip for us - and it is not easy travelling with the various ages of the children - but it went very well. The advice and recommendations were great - the hotels were all as you described, and in the right place etc (although as I said I would not have stayed in Yosemite Lodge)
The journey was well paced, the satnav guide was invaluable (although I used the free version - even so I would not have known about it without you mentioning it and it was a godsend)
It was great. And you were incredibly patient with my endless badgering and questions - for which many thanks.
The rafting in particular was fantastic. The guides actually forgot our tents - which was quite funny - Kit clearly felt a thin nylon tent was protection against mountain lions, but once we established that the tent made no difference - he was fine. The food rafting was delicious - although I have to say spectacularly wasteful. 35 pancakes for 6 people for breakfast??? With bacon, fruit, eggs etc etc as well? The children were appalled at how much was thrown away - but I guess that is a the company's thing..
The only thing it would have been good to have been tipped off in the notes about was how much nicer the food is in Yosemite village - rather than the dreary depressing hotel canteen. Maybe other guests would try the dining room - but there was such a long wait for a table - we didn't bother. The buses are very good - and the food options are much better in the village - which we didn't realise until the second night - the guide told us actually. I would definitely put that in the notes for other guests - we didn't try the formal dining room - so maybe that is good - but bypass the canteen.
We loved the arches park - having never heard of it - it was mind blowing. And the wonderful platinum hotel in Las Vegas was fabulous. Great location, gorgeous rooms, esp after the motel style dark rooms in Moab and Gouldings.
I had been toying with the idea of sitting in a launderette in Monument Valley - but figured the Navajo prices would be astronomical. Imagine my delight to find I had not one but TWO washing machines and dryers - complete with washing powder - in the hotel/apartments in Las Vegas. Perfect. We left LV with completely clean clothes, ready for the rest of the holiday. A small but very delightful point!
It was all great. Thank you so much for your efforts, and patience, you definitely gave us a holiday perfectly tailored to US - fitting the older children in really well, and pacing everything so perfectly. I will be in touch again!!
Kathryn M
reviewing Highlights of America's South West
on 06 October 2014
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