INCREDIBLE WESTERN ROAD TRIP: STARRY NIGHTS & CITY LIGHTS 9 DAY TOUR

Duration: 9 days

See why the west coast is the best coast on this 9-day road trip through the most visited cities in the Western United States with all accommodations included! You’ll cruise down the iconic California Highway 1, traverse the Mojave Desert, and wind through scenic mountain passes as you check off your must-see list: San Francisco, Monterey, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite, and more! Some nights you’ll camp overnight under the stars and roast marshmallows, while others you’ll go out on the town to check out some of the USA’s greatest food and nightlife – this road trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

                                       Snap Shot:

• 9 days exploring the western United States with a professional guide
• Yosemite National Park: El Capitan, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, Tioga Pass, Half Dome, Giant Sequoia Trees, Yosemite Valley
• Death Valley National Park: Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells
• Big Sur and the California Coastline
• La La Land
• Sin City, Las Vegas
• Hiking in iconic California state and national parks

Departs select Tuesdays June-September 8am

DAY 1 – San Francisco to Big Sur (camping)

Bid farewell to the City by the Bay and head south along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, with a stop in Santa Cruz to see the Beach Boardwalk.In the afternoon, you’ll hit the ground running as you make your way to Monterey. Explore the bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard*, or simply stroll along the coast. If you’d rather get a closer look at what is beneath the water (like the world’s largest octopus), head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium*. Of course, you’ll have to check out historic Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf: adventure, history and clam chowder await! Tonight, sleep under the stars in the Big Sur area.

*additional cost for activities not included

DAY 2 – Big Sur to Santa Barbara/SLO (camping)

Rise and shine! You’ll break camp early this morning, as there’s a lot of epic coastline to cover. Begin your morning with stunning views of Pebble Beach on a hike through Point Lobos State Reserve, a crown jewel of the California State Park system. After a quick lunch, head south into the forests of Big Sur and the amazing Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Pacific Coast, McWay Falls. Next, head down the coast to San Simeon to see the sea lions! As your day comes to an end, you’ll head to camp near San Luis Obispo, make dinner with the group, and enjoy the evening around the campfire!

DAY 3 – Santa Barbara/SLO to LA (hostel)

Start your day with breakfast before heading to the American Riviera. Your options abound in Santa Barbara. If the sun, sand and ocean are calling your name, rent a stand up paddleboard or just soak it all in and relax at the beach. Looking to fit in some last minute shopping? You’ll want to stroll through the many boutiques along State Street. If you prefer to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara or to take another hike, your guide will lead the way. No matter what you choose, you are sure to enjoy spending the day in this quaint California town. Finally, it’s time to get ready for the City of Angels as we do a tour of Hollywood before heading to our accommodations for the night.

DAY 4 – LA to LV (hotel)

You’re up early this morning for a bit of sightseeing with the group before heading off to Sin City, Las Vegas! Drive through the winding interstate into the Mojave desert and into the Silver State, Nevada. You may even get to see a bit of the historic Route 66! Arriving in Las Vegas, your guide will give you a vehicle tour of the famous Las Vegas Strip before bringing you to your hotel accommodations. Tonight, dance the night away in one of Vegas’ epic clubs, or try to win big at one of the Strip’s mega casinos!

Day 5 – Full Day LV (hotel)

This is your day to explore the rest that Las Vegas has to offer. Your guide will give you the lowdown on the ins-and-outs of the city. Not interested in hanging around the casinos? No worries, there’s plenty more to do including visiting the Neon Museum, The world-famous Gangster Museum and much more. If you’re looking for further adventure, check out the amazing Grand Canyon on one of our partner tours!

Day 6 – LV to Eastern Sierras via Death Valley (camping)

You’re up early this morning and headed to the awe-inspiring Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is a rift valley and home to the United States’ lowest point, the scorching Badwater Basin. After traversing the valley, you’ll head off to the eastern side of the magnificent Sierra Mountains and our campsite.

Day 7 – Eastern Sierras to Yosemite (camping)

Today you’ll get a view of Mono Lake before climbing to the top of Tioga Pass and the crown jewel, Yosemite National Park. Head out for a hike in high country, dip your toes in Tenaya Lake and check out the backside of Half Dome at Olmsted Point before heading down from nearly 10,000 feet (over 3,000 meters) above sea level to your camp for the night at 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level.

Day 8 – Full Day Yosemite (camping)

Your guide will set you up for a full day of hiking and exploring in Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re riding a bicycle through the valley, hiking down from Glacier Point, bathing in the spray from the Mist Trail and its many waterfalls or strolling through the meadows while searching for wildlife you are sure to have an amazing day at the park.

Day 9 – Yosemite to San Francisco

It’s time for one more hike in Yosemite before traveling through California Gold Country and the Central Valley to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. Reminisce on the excitement and adventure of the journey on an optional sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge before saying goodbye to your travel family.

INCLUDED

Central San Francisco Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Narrated guided tour

Park entrance fees

Campsite (5 nights) and hotel/hostel (3 nights) accommodations: double occupancy same-sex or couple share. Single occupancy supplement required for "my own room" bookings

Camping gear provided; sleeping bags available for $20 rental fee

Camp meals on camping nights

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)

Monterey Bay Aquarium ($29.95-$49.95 dependent on age of guest)

Kayak/paddleboarding in Monterey Bay (prices vary)