Fly Drive USA

Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Salt Lake City combines unparalleled access to natural recreation with a remarkable history and warm, gracious hospitality. To make the most of your day in the city, we suggest taking a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour which provides the opportunity of visiting Olympic Cauldron Park, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Red Butte Gardens, Utah Museum of Natural History, Temple Square and more.

Sightseeing in Salt Lake City

Your adventure starts this morning, as you head west; skimming the south shores of Great Salt Lake and crossing Great Salt Lake Desert. Leaving Utah behind you cross the state line into Nevada. We suggest lunch in Wendover and a stop in Wells before arriving in Elko where you spend the next two nights. Elko sits in the heart of Cowboy Country. Here you can visit the California Trails Center; which presents the history of the Gold Rush, Western Migration, Pioneers and the Donner Party. Next visit historic downtown Elko and take time to see the amazing saddles and leather creations at Capriola’s Saddle Shop. Experience the sights and sounds of the Western Folklife Center and learn more of cowboy poetry and song. Just outside Elko, you can head to Lamoille Canyon and take a leisurely drive along the breathtaking twelve-mile canyon road – viewing spectacular vistas, wildlife, flowers, and rushing streams, through the glacially carved canyons of the Ruby Mountains.

It is a fairly long drive today, but wonderfully scenic as you cross Cowboy Country – an area renowned for strapping on your hat and pulling on your boots and where nobody stands on ceremony. If you want to stretch your legs make a stop at Rye Patch State Recreation Area for a picnic beneath tall cottonwoods. If you’re feeling romantic, lock your love in Lovelock by fastening a lock on the never-ending chain at Lovers Lock Plaza, or simply admire the more than 1,000 locks that adorn the plaza. Reno, also known as ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’, was the original sin city where, at the beginning of the 20th Century, it gained national notoriety for being the city people came to for gambling, drinking and divorce. In recent years it has seen something of a cultural resurgence with shopping, galleries and restaurants. Enjoy your stay in Reno by visiting the world class spas, browsing the extensive selection of shops, trying out the largest outdoor climbing wall in the world, or visiting the National Automobile Museum which features some of the most famous cars from Bill Harrah’s collection. For a more active day, try the downtown white-water kayak course or if spectator sports are more your thing, stroll the Riverwalk area.

It is a short drive to Lake Tahoe, so we suggest you take a longer route along interstate 580 to visit some of the regions popular attractions; Carson City – Nevada’s Capital, Virginia City – a beautiful old Mining Town and Genoa – Nevada’s first settlement. Carson City, the state capital, is only half an hour south of Reno. Highlights along Main Street include the capitol building, Nevada state museum and Nevada state railroad museum which offers diesel or steam train rides for visitors. Carson City also boasts nine golf courses; whilst nearby Carson valley is home to vast ranches, antique shops and Victoria homes. Tahoe Ridge Winery, one of Nevada’s four wineries, has a tasting room and a restaurant in Carson Valley – a perfect place to stop for some lunch and wine tasting. Once a vital mining settlement, Virginia City is a gem of the Old West. Spend time walking the plank boardwalks, browsing the shops and dimly lit saloons, venturing into an old mine (preserved to its original layout) and ride on the Historic V&T Railroad to experience real history. Genoa is Nevada’s first settlement and a quaint little town, with beautiful scenery and “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Palour” – Genoa Bar and Saloon, which is a key experience. Since 1853 drinks have been served at this bar which has welcomed presidents, actors and famous musicians through the years. Once in stunning Lake Tahoe, you will find picture postcard scenery of sparkling crystal clear water reflecting snow clad mountains. Lake Tahoe is a classic American lakeside resort, with log cabins, tall pine trees, soft, yellow sand beaches and a wealth of activities and water sports to keep you entertained. The north shore is anchored by the town of incline village, which boasts two golf courses, a ski resort, and two lake front hotels. The town of Stateline is situated on the south shore and is known for its large scale casino resorts, Heavenly mountain resort and Edgewood Tahoe Golf course. From South Lake Tahoe, you can board the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen and enjoy a relaxing cruise, taking in the magnificent views of the azure coloured lake and rugged mountains. During the summer, Tahoe is perfect for water and beach activities, hiking and bicycling, whilst the winter months turn Tahoe into a skiers’ paradise, with winter sports such as tobogganing and ice skating.

Todays drive takes you from Tahoe to Ely. We suggest a stop for lunch in Eureka followed by a tour of the 1881 Eureka Opera House. Your journey continues along the ‘Loneliest Road in America’ to your base for the next two nights in Ely. Tonight why not have dinner in a jail cell at Cell Block Steak House at the Jail House Casino Motel? We have allowed you a full day to explore the area. Start by riding the rails on Nevada Northern Railway, also known as the Ghost Train before exploring the East Ely Railroad Depot museum which is home to Nevada’s Official State Locomotive Engine #40. Don’t miss out on a visit to Renaissance Village, where homes built in 1908 have been restored to portray different ethnic backgrounds, showing the diversity of cultures that settled in the area. Follow a detailed map of Ely’s magical outdoor art and you will find masterful works of art from artists around the world who have depicted the history and variety of cultures that shaped this historic mining town.

In complete contrast to the small towns, quaint villages and serene picture-postcard settings, today brings you south to the entertainment capital of the world – Las Vegas! You may choose to take a slightly longer route and take the renowned Extraterrestrial Highway, calling at the small town of Rachel en route. Las Vegas is home to some of the worlds best restaurants, theatre productions and of course, bars and clubs.

Sightseeing in Las Vegas

Spend your last morning relaxing before your short drive back to Las Vegas, where you will return your rental car, before checking in for your flight back to the UK.