Starts | San Francisco, United States |
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Ends | Las Vegas, United States |
Region | United States Of America |
Duration | 9 days |
Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: San Francisco & Finishing: San Francisco
Welcome to the San Francisco, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting 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.
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 adventurer 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 amazing to explore.
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 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 (8-9 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. This city may be the gambling capital of the world, but if this isn'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. Head to a rooftop amusement park, 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
There are no activities planned for today and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time after breakfast. As there's a great deal to do in Las Vegas, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to assist (subject to availability). If you do decide to stay on, perhaps take a helicopter trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. The trip includes champagne, beverages and a light snack, all served above the Colorado River. The tour takes approximately two-and-a-half hours altogether.
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