Contrary to popular belief, American roads can be every bit as challenging and fun as those that we revere in Europe, something we learnt when PHN ran this tour in 2010 using Corvette convertibles. The great roads, great cars, friendly atmosphere and fantastic scenery make the USA tour a must for those who have never experienced driving on the West Coast.
During our tour, we'll be driving the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway, staying in carefully selected hotels and enjoying the local attractions while we're there. En route we'll pass through Beverley Hills, Malibu, Hollywood, the amazing Mojave National Preserve and taking time out in Las Vegas with an optional tour to the Grand Canyon. We've designed this tour to take you to the best roads and vistas that California and Nevada have to offer whilst still giving you the chance to enjoy your surroundings to the full.
Tour Dates: October 1st - October 8th
Day 1 - San Francisco Airport to Monterey Bay - 109 Miles
Arrive at San Francisco International Airport where you will be met at the hire car desk by your tour managers and allocated a Corvette (to be shared between two people). It's then a short drive over the mountains, passing Santa Cruz, to our period hotel just one block from the beach, to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2 - Monterey Bay to Santa Barbara - 255 Miles
Driving south along the famous Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara (southbound is by far the best direction for the PCH) there's plenty of time to pause and take in the sights. (the vision of 12 or more Corvettes in convoy is a sight in itself). There are long sweeping bends as well as more technical sections of tarmac, always framed by a stunning ocean view. We end the day just outside Los Angeles at Santa Barbara where we are staying at another stunning beachfront hotel.
Day 3 - Santa Barbara to Barstow - 256 Miles
This is the Santa Barbara, Malibu, Beverley Hills, Hollywood and Angeles National Park leg of the trip and the locations speak for themselves. As if the 'Vettes weren't enough, we'll be causing a stir on the roads as we meet with our local friends from the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche owners clubs in L.A. In addition, we'll be driving along Mulholland Drive, passing Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we'll have lunch at the famous Hard Rock Cafe. We then move on to view the famous Hollywood sign, with the highlight of the day being a 7000-foot ascent on the Angeles Crest Highway - a little-used road, providing a great post-lunch drive.
Day 4 - Barstow to Las Vegas - 276 Miles
From Barstow we head to the Calico Ghost town to sample some real cowboy history, moving on to the 1.6 million acre Mojave National Preserve which is the 3rd largest National Park in the USA. As we leave, we point the Corvettes along the undulating back roads heading back through the park, towards the architectural wonder that is the Hoover Dam before driving to the party town of Las Vegas.
Day 5 - Rest Day and optional Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Skywalk - 250 Miles
A rest day - and where better to spend it that Vegas? Our hotel is one block from the strip so you can wander around the casinos, take in a show or just soak up the Las Vegas atmosphere. There are two further options for today; a drive to another wonder of the architectural world - the Grand Canyon skywalk. Completed in 2007, this unique structure allows you to walk 70ft out on a glass walkway suspended 4,000ft above the canyon floor. In addition, there is also an optional helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon (register interest when you pay deposit).
Day 6 - Las Vegas to Bishop (via Death Valley) - 302 Miles
Leaving Las Vegas we head to the Death Valley National Park which will be relatively uncrowded at this time of year. The park includes Artist's Drive - a scenic loop drive through multi-hued volcanic and sedimentary hills with 'Artist's Palette' being especially photogenic in late afternoon light. The 9-mile paved road is one-way and access is only available to vehicles less than 25 feet in length. It was described as a mini Nurburgring by one or two on the tour last year and is just one of the amazing areas of the park we'll be visiting.
We then have lunch and refuel at Furnace Creek on our way out to Lone Pine, where they will be holding their annual film festival, before heading to our overnight stop at Bishop.
Day 7 - Bishop to Groveland (Via Yosemite National Park) - 230 Miles
Yosemite National Park is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations as well the Giant Sequoias. The route we have chosen takes us up almost 10,000ft into the mountain passes we love so much for their spectacular views and tight hairpins. Don't worry, we'll allow time to stop for photos and lunch at the Yosemite visitors centre before heading to our overnight stop at Groveland.
Day 8 - Groveland to San Francisco Airport - 155 Miles
Heading back towards the airport we pause for a while in the shadow of the Golden Gate bridge for a photo opportunity on Treasure Island, where we have a parking area reserved just for us. Sadly, shortly after this we have to hand the cars back at the airport and get ready for our flight home.
The price is £1599 per person based on two people sharing a car and a twin or double room.
A 10% discount applies if you book before the end of February 2011, making the price £1439 per person.
The booking deposit is £500 per person.If you would like to know more or book your place, please call the Petrolhead Nirvana guys on 0845 838 7363
Hire of of Corvette Convertible with full insurance cover and extra mileage prepaid.
(subject to age restrictions - drivers must be over 25. younger drivers can still come but would be driving either a Mustang or Camaro subject to availability - all drivers must be over 21)
Bed and breakfast accommodation every night (7 nights)
Two Tour managers in lead and chase cars,
Sat Nav files, Licensed Walkie Talkies, info packs with maps, route notes and useful information.
Return flights to San Francisco
Dinner, drinks, fuel and tolls.
Optional helicopter flight to Grand Canyon
Gambling money for the Las Vegas Casinos!
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