Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite NP, Napa, San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Los Angeles & More

After touching down in Phoenix, you'll pick up your rental car at the airport and take a short drive to one of the amazing resort hotels found in Scottsdale or neighbouring Carefree to the north. Phoenix is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon and is the ideal location to start this road trip from.

The world's largest and most well known geological wonder is just staggering. Two billion years in the making, the Colorado River has forged a mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277-mile long gouge into Arizona. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you'll pass by the charming spa town of Sedona and funky Flagstaff. There are plenty of other interesting stopovers to detour to such as Meteor Crater near Winslow, well worth a visit - although it's best to add another overnight should all of these places appeal.

After watching the sun rise over the Grand Canyon, you'll head south to Williams and then turn west onto Route 66. We recommend you stick to the original Route 66 route, which passes iconic Mother Road towns like Seligman, Hackberry and Oatman. You’ll also pass over the Hoover Dam which spans the divide between Arizona and Nevada. After settling into your chosen Las Vegas hotel, why not get dressed up and hit the town for a night of partying and maybe even a little gambling.

Wake up in the luxury of Las Vegas. With so many first-class hotels, cuisine and entertainment to choose from you'll have plenty to keep you busy. On everyone's list is checking out the Bellagio Fountains, you could also take a Gondola ride at the Venetian. Why not watch a world class show, Vegas is a great place to do it? Another ARTCo fave is the Neon Museum where you can experience the Las Vegas magic of a bygone age touring the Neon Boneyard.

Death Valley has an extreme climate and geology. The roads here are superb, dipping and leaning around curves before straightening out as you dip to 85m below sea level in the salt flats of Badwater. You'll finish your drive on the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It's one of the longer driving days but carries with it three awesome experiences.

Drive north up the scenic Highway 395, with deserts to the right and alpine mountains to the left. Once you reach the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, you can head west over the Tioga Pass (June-October) and into majestic Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is over 1,000 square kilometres of nature at its very best. The most visited area of the Park is the Valley Floor where you'll find vast rock faces, abundant wildlife, staggering views and stunning waterfalls. Leave enough time to visit Glacier Point, which we believe offers the best views in all Yosemite.

You don't have to like wine to enjoy this beautiful area. These two neighbouring valleys offer stunning scenery made up of perfectly manicured vineyards stretching across rolling hills which can be enjoyed by car or even by an early morning hot air balloon ride. This is a foodies’ heaven too, with places like Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and French Laundry, and if you happen to like wine then visit one of the hundreds of vineyard tours available in either Sonoma or Napa Valley.

Spanning the headlands of San Fran and Marin County, one of the world's most beautiful bridges is a delightful experience whether you walk, bike or drive across. You can also gain stunning views of the bridge and the city beyond by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the bridge. Once you hit town, you’ll be able to explore the city's iconic places.

Once the fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the streets and get into the vibe that only this city can offer. Full of Victorian charm, famous movie locations and wealthy tech companies, this city has it all.

Monterey was once California’s capital of the whaling and sardine industry, however, today it's best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium that presides on Cannery Row. The focus now is on marine education and preservation. Want to experience the bay area first hand? Take a whale watching trip during spring or autumn. In the early evening, cruise along the famous “17-Mile Drive” on your way to Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll pass millionaire mansions, Pebble Beach Golf Club and a beautiful rugged coastline along the way.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has two world-class beaches backed by a gorgeous small town made up of beautiful homes, restaurants and quaint streets. To the north is the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and to the south is Big Sur starting with the wild and wonderful Point Lobos which can be enjoyed through the many short walks.

Big Sur is arguably the best driving experience in all America. Enjoy the winding roads, State Parks and stunning vistas. Along the way, Hearst Castle perches on “The Enchanted Hill” and overlooks the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Hearst Castle is truly the product of one man's ambition, wealth and imagination, if you're keen to visit here then an overnight in Cambria is key as there's a lot to see. Onwards to Santa Barbara, built in a charming Mediterranean style - thus making it one of the Central coast's best highlights.

Today you’ll continue driving south down the Pacific Coast Highway passing Malibu’s beaches and coastal homes until you reach Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Santa Monica with its “Baywatch” beaches and old-fashioned Pier is a worthy stop to finish your road trip. Hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk down to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street Promenade.

Tinseltown is synonymous with glitz and glamour, it's fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. Just a short drive northeast of here lies the Griffith Observatory perched high on a hill overlooking the urban sprawl of LA. This landmark is well worth a visit and is great for views of the legendary Hollywood sign. Tomorrow you'll fly home, however If you have a few extra days to spend away, then just let us know. This trip can easily be extended to continue down Highway 1, visiting Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and San Diego.