California Discovery

Welcome to Las Vegas! Arrive at your hotel via airport shuttle or local taxi and settle in after your long journey. Take time to relax this evening in preparation for the great adventures ahead. Airport transportation options vary in cost and convenience, you can choose based on your preferences and schedule. Overnight: Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 1 night

Meals:  Nil

Your guide will greet you at the hotel lobby at 8am for a brief orientation. We start our adventure by exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip by foot. In the early afternoon we are heading out to reach Death Valley National Park. This area is known for extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and is one of the hottest places on earth. In summer, temperatures can reach over 49°C. We aim to get into the park in the late afternoon as the soft evening light sets in. We’ll explore the dramatic landscapes of Zabriskie Point and the salt flats at Badwater Basin. After dark, we’ll try to venture out to the sand dunes for an exhilarating nighttime walk, where you can marvel at the immense dark skies and the Milky Way above. Death Valley is part of the International Dark Sky Association, making it one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. End your evening back at the hotel within the park for a refreshing swim in the hot spring-fed pool. Overnight: The Ranch at Death Valley, 1 night (Early/late season we stay in Bakersfield if Tioga Pass is closed) Drive time: 125 mi / 200 km or 2.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We depart after breakfast. California’s 395 parallels the steep escarpment of the Sierra Nevada. At Lone Pine, we see Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 of the United States, at 4421 m. The Sierra Nevada range is still rising because of the clash of tectonic plates. At Lee Vining, we cross over the Sierra at Tioga Pass at 3030 m. Here, we reach the high alpine plateau of Tuolumne. Photo stops at Tenaya Lake, and Olmstead Point follow. Our accommodations are in the heart of the national park at Curry Village inside Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is a 1000-meter deep granite valley carved by massive glaciers. Some of the world’s tallest waterfalls tumble over the cliffs of the valley. Our rustic glamping tent cabins sit below Half Dome surrounded by the immense beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Park. At sunset we ramble through Yosemite Valley where the pink sunlight bathes the cliffs and the wildlife reclaims the valley. Overnight: Curry Village Tent Cabins, 1 night Drive time: ~300 mi / 480 km, or 6 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Wake up to the sound of silence in the heart of the valley. Our early morning exploration leads us to Glacier Point, where we are greeted with stupendous, panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including the iconic Half Dome, El Capitan, and the distant High Sierra peaks. This vantage point offers one of the most breathtaking perspectives in the park, showcasing Yosemite’s dramatic landscape from above. We’ll continue on to Mariposa Grove, where you can walk among ancient Giant Sequoia trees, some of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. These towering giants, with their massive trunks and centuries-old presence, create a humbling and one-in-a-time experience. After a fantastic morning in nature we’ll make our way to the city of San Francisco known for its steep hills, historic cable cars, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf, 2 nights Drive time: 200 mi / 320 km or 4 hrs

Meals:  B,L

San Francisco does not disappoint. A beautiful city draped over hills by the Pacific Ocean. The views astound as we explore the city on foot and cable car on our half-day city tour. See Union Square, explore Chinatown, the Embarcadero, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There is also time for you to explore the city on your own. In late afternoon (pending availability), come with us to see Alcatraz, when hidden cells are opened to the few as we explore the unknown side of this famous prison island. A night-time cable car ride back to our hotel closes our day of adventures. Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Meals:  B,L

We say goodbye to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, the Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies and Haight Ashbury district. Various photo stops are possible. Along the magical Pacific coast, we head towards Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hope on a boat for a whale watching cruise in the afternoon or choose to spend time at your leisure to explore Monterey on your own. Overnight: Laurel Inn Motel, 1 night Drive time: ~130 mi / 210 km, or 3 hours

Meals:  B,L

Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This cliff hanging highway passes over the Pacific with impressive views off the shoreline and the ocean. We stop for unforgettable photo opportunities and take in the sights. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Big Sur, the remarkable Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, visit the Elephant Seal observatory, admire the engineering of Big Creek Bridge, and finally arrive in Moro Bay with its remarkable giant rock formation. In the afternoon, join us in a culinary expedition into the famous Paso Robles wine region of California. Let us take you to charming wineries to explore and taste excellent local California wine in the town often called the Tuscany of the US. This evening, for an additional treat, take a dip in a nearby hot springs pool to soak your cares away. Overnight: Paso Robles Inn, 1 night Drive time: 150 mi / 250 km, or 3 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Today the adventure begins long before we reach the bustling city. Our first stop is the picturesque Pismo Beach, where we’ll take a refreshing walk along the sandy shoreline. we’ll continue our drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the charming city of Santa Barbara. Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara boasts a blend of Mediterranean architecture, lush gardens, and mountain views. You'll have time to explore the quaint and vibrant State Street, where you can browse unique boutiques, enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café, or simply soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal gem. As the day winds down, we'll make our way to the final destination on our coastal trip, Los Angeles. Overnight: Hilton - Los Angeles Airport, 1 night Drive time: 220 mi / 350 km, or 4-5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Today concludes your adventure and we bid you goodbye from our California adventure. Departure is on your own today. You have a few transportation options to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), each option offers a different balance of convenience, cost, and travel time, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The Hilton Airport Hotel does offer a complimentary shuttle service to LAX, running 24/7. It's one of the most convenient options, typically taking 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

Meals:  B