Ok, thanks very much, this is great to know. I've checked out a few options, taking on board what you've said and I think we will probably go for the flight down to the south rim along with the coach to the main viewing points. This is a day trip and won't offer us the flexibility of an extended period at the south rim but will be a good compromise.

Our trip is now coming together nicely.

Fly into SFO - spend 3 nts.

Day four drive down to Santa Barbara, taking a long day along the coast road. We now need to decide where to stop. We're aiming for Monterey, Santa Cruz and SLO with breaks as and when.

**Would appreciate any other suggestions?***

Spend a night in Santa Barbara and then a full day wine tasting in the Santa Ynez valley.

**Does anybody have any advice on the better wineries/more scenic areas?***


Day six - the long haul to Vegas via Death Valley (though may still change our minds on this one and go straight to Vegas and cover DV as day trip)

Four nts in LV:

Will spend a day at the GCNP as above
Also some other trips to some of the options at

Vegas days out

Day 11 - fly back to SFO for one further day/nt, then fly home.