| Starts | San Francisco, United States |
|---|---|
| Ends | Los Angeles, United States |
| Region | United States Of America |
| Duration | 18 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: San Francisco & Finishing: San Francisco
Welcome to the US of A! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. This evening head out with the group on an Urban Adventures tour, which includes a guided walk through San Francisco's famous Chinatown district and dinner at a local restaurant. San Francisco is a chilled-out city with a vibrant, multicultural heart.
Day 2 - Starting: Sonoma & Finishing: Sonoma
This morning hit the road out of San Francisco and drive north to the beautiful Sonoma Valley wine region. The small town of Sonoma was the site of the rebellion which paved the way for California's independence from Mexico. Enjoy lunch, a wine tasting and an optional winery tour at a local vineyard. Explore the historic buildings and scenic trails of nearby Jack London State Park, the area the famous writer and adventure once called home. Spend the second night of the trip in Sonoma.
Day 3 - Starting: Yosemite National Park & Finishing: Yosemite National Park
Today is a long day of driving (approximately seven hours) as you head east to Yosemite National Park, where you'll spend the next two nights. Featuring sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and waterfalls, the scenery in this World Heritage-listed park is breathtaking.
Day 4 - Starting: Yosemite National Park & Finishing: Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a free day to explore Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of hikes to do, each varying in difficulty. Perhaps take a 4-5 hour hike to the base of Nevada Fall, or a short and easy walk to the serene Mirror Lake. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and perhaps even a bear) along the way. You might like to hire a bike and cycle around Yosemite Valley, stopping by the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants on the way. In the heat of summer, float down the Merced River on a raft and then enjoy a few drinks at the local cafe.
Day 5 - Starting: Sequoia National Park & Finishing: Sequoia National Park
Continue driving through national parkland today on your way south to Sequoia National Park. Today is a long day of driving (close to eight-and-a-half hours in total), but the spectacular scenery will keep you distracted. Feel small as you explore the Giant Forest of sequoias and redwoods, which contains approximately half of the planet's largest trees. The General Sherman tree is not only the largest living tree in the world, but also the largest living organism.
Day 6 - Starting: Death Valley & Finishing: Death Valley
Leave the forest for the desert today as you drive south to Death Valley (approximately six hours). On our first night here we stay in the town of Lone Pine, not far from the entrance to Death Valley. Here there's the option to visit the Museum of Western Film History, which celebrates the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Iron Man, Django Unchained, How The West Was Won, and True Grit.
Day 7 - Starting: Death Valley & Finishing: Death Valley
This morning we drive the short distance into Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park is a geologically rich area, featuring huge sand dunes, canyons, sculpted rocks, valleys and volcanic craters. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Point (the lowest point in the USA) to 3756 metres above sea level at Telescope Peak. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry, so pack plenty of water. Perhaps hike up to Dante's View for amazing vistas over the valley. Check out Ubehebe Crater or find a shady trail through Mosaic Canyon. You might like to take a guided historical tour of Scotty's Castle, named after Walter Scott, or brave the heat of the Badlands. After exploring the park, we drive out the other side of Death Valley and spend the night on the Nevada side.
Day 8 - Starting: Las Vegas & Finishing: Las Vegas
It's a short three-hour drive through Nevada today to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas. Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but if the pokies aren't your thing, there's a lot more to do in town. Wander along the Strip past impersonators, billboards and hotels, checking out the Bellagio fountain show. Hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York hotels. In the evening, join up with the group for an included buffet dinner, Vegas style. If you're up for it, see an after dinner show or hit up a nightclub.
Day 9 - Starting: Las Vegas & Finishing: Las Vegas
Spend a free day in Las Vegas seeing a show, further exploring the casinos on The Strip or riding the go-karts and roller coasters at the Adventuredome theme park.
Day 10 - Starting: Zion National Park & Finishing: Zion National Park
Today, travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). There's a variety of trails to choose from and you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore among the park's soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools. Continue onto the upper end of the pools, passing a waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach'. If you're feeling ambitious, perhaps enjoy the park's most famous challenge: Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint-hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Day 11 - Starting: Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch & Finishing: Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch
In the morning drive to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have time for a short hike. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos - uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the red desert. Continue onto Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. Today's total driving time will be about three hours. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner with the group on the ranch and use the rest of the night to relax.
Day 12 - Starting: Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch & Finishing: Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch
Today is a free day to enjoy at the ranch. After breakfast, perhaps take an optional horse ride or go for a hike in the surrounding Dixie Forest. There may even be time to visit the cliffs, canyons and domes of Capitol Reef National Park, which is about an hour's drive away. The park is situated in the Waterpocket Fold, a geological 'wrinkle' in the earth. All of your meals are included today.
Day 13 - Starting: Monument Valley & Finishing: Monument Valley
In the morning make the four-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley. The biggest Indian reservation in the USA, the valley is home to more than 200,000 enrolled members of the Navajo Tribe. Explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening, travel by jeep through the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Join the local tribespeople for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to their traditional songs and stories.
Day 14 - Starting: Grand Canyon National Park & Finishing: Grand Canyon National Park
In the morning, make the 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. This a real highlight of the trip, so you'll be spending two nights here. Perhaps take a stroll along the South Rim Trail or hike to Plateau Point. There's plenty to see and do during your time here.
Day 15 - Starting: Grand Canyon National Park & Finishing: Grand Canyon National Park
Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of optional activities to take part in - your leader will provide you with the details. Take a hike around the canyon or if you're feeling extra adventurous, opt for a helicopter flight over the area. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.
Day 16 - Starting: Joshua Tree National Park & Finishing: Joshua Tree National Park
In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 5-6 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is ideal for hiking and is home to striking rock formations. Perhaps look into the possibility of mountain biking or rock climbing, or simply walk around and take in the scenery. Spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Day 17 - Starting: Los Angeles & Finishing: Los Angeles
After breakfast, take the short drive to Los Angeles. On arrival in the afternoon, go on a half-day Urban Adventure sightseeing tour of LA with the group. The rest of the day is free to as you please. Perhaps take a stroll around the streets of Hollywood and Beverley Hills, or head to Venice Beach for a dose of sea, sand and eccentric boardwalk characters. It can get really busy at the beach, so watch out for skaters, bikes and skateboarders speeding past.
Day 18 - Starting: Los Angeles & Finishing: Los Angeles
Your adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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