Best of California

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Fully Guided Adventure Small Group
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 Trip Length
9 Days
 Trip Starts
Las Vegas
 Trip Finishes
Los Angeles
9 Day Best of California Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NUDL

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Best of California. Desert heat, pine forests, and coastal breezes are the main features of this trip through some of the best scenery that the American West has to offer. Travel to a land of extremes in Death Valley, tip your head back to see the tops of the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, witness the majesty of Yosemite from the famous Tunnel View, and hit the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss, so pack a bag, lace up those hiking boots, and hit the ...read moreroad.

Itinerary

In the morning, after a brief orientation with your CEO the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Learn about Borax mining and if there's time, stop at the sand dunes. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Bakersfield and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure. Stay: Four Points Sheraton Bakersfield

Spend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia Stay: Wyndham Visalia

Immerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you’re looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below. Stay: Wyndham Visalia (L)

Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst

It’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick. Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst (L)

Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf. Stay: Stanford Court Hotel

Wake up in San Francisco and spend the morning as you wish. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, take a walk, or hop on a cable car and coast up and down the city's many hills. Then the group will drive to the coastal town of Monterey where you'll have free time. Head to the Monterey Aquarium, walk down by the water to visit Old Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Cannery Row to check out art galleries and other boutique shops. Stay: Hotel Abrego

Drive down the idyllic Highway 1 from Monterey to Santa Maria. Along the way stop and walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Coast and McWay Falls. Continue on down the coast to Santa Maria and spend time in the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine or two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city. Stay: Historic Santa Maria Inn

Leave the hills and vineyards of Santa Maria behind and continue driving south to Los Angeles where the tour ends on arrival.

Trip Inclusions

  • Hike in Death Valley; the U.S. national park with the lowest elevation.
  • Wrap your arms around the biggest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park.
  • Witness breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park.
  • Sightsee your way down the coast's famous Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles stopping in Monterey and Santa Maria.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Death Valley National Park visit
  • Sequoia National Park visit
  • Yosemite National Park visit
  • Stops in Monterey and Santa Maria en route to Los Angeles
  • Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotel (8 Nights)
  • This trip uses 2-3 star hotels and motels in cities and near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.

  • 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

  • 2 lunches

  • Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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