Tour Begins: Las Vegas. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas. A transfer is included from Harry Reid International Airport to The Four Seasons Hotel in the city's pulsing neon heart, on the boulevard known as the Strip.

Your luxury hotel is a tranquil, non-gaming retreat from the action, but shopping, bright lights, and entertainment are only steps away; guests at the Four Seasons enjoy access to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino next door; and floor to ceiling windows in your room offer captivating views of the desert city at night. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. Stay: Four Seasons Las Vegas (D)

Travel to Valley of Fire State Park, in the Mojave Desert, a landscape of red sandstone mountains, bizarre rock formations, cacti, and undulating striped hills of pink and orange; it is a vast, mystical, outdoor gallery, where ancient tribes left hidden messages in strange, indelible petroglyphs. Drive to Zion National Park in Utah, arriving in time for dinner at your classic wilderness lodge inside the park's south entrance. Stay Two Nights: Zion Lodge (B/L/D)

Zion, named by Mormon settlers, is known for its dramatic, diverse geography: forests, deserts, canyons with soaring red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, emerald pools, weeping rocks, and hanging gardens, and monumental rock formations with titles like Angels Landing, Court of the Patriarchs, the Temple of Sinawara (coyote-god of the Paiutes), and the Great White Throne, that suggest a place between earth and heaven. California Condors and golden eagles sail over canyons that harbor bighorn sheep and mountain lions; forests along the winding Virgin River are home to mule deer, spotted owls, and peregrine falcons.

This morning experience an awe-inspiring guided walk through Zion Canyon, featuring some of the park's iconic scenery, molded, and sculpted from soft rock by currents of water. After lunch in nearby Springdale or at the lodge, rejoin the group on a scenic drive highlighting the major landmarks in the eastern half of the park, a photogenic realm of orange-tinted rock, petrified dunes, arches, plunging canyons, and stunning vistas.

Tonight, dinner is followed by a lecture on the park's ecology and history. (B/D)

Depart Zion National Park and head back to Las Vegas via St. George, where you'll board a small plane for a flightseeing trip over the west side of Grand Canyon National Park and Lake Mead; arrive at North Las Vegas Airport.

Depart the airport for the drive to Death Valley, a stretch of desert east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Named by luckless prospectors looking for a shortcut to the California Gold Rush, Death Valley is known as the lowest, driest, hottest place in North America, 282 feet below sea level. In an earlier era, it was the bottom of a vast lake which evaporated and left behind a moonscape that a million years of wind and elements have carved into strange rolling hills, unexpected rock formations, desert plains, sand dunes, and salt pans.

Arrive at your luxury resort deep inside Death Valley National Park, under the shade of palm trees on a lush desert oasis. Stay Two Nights: The Inn at Death Valley (B/L/D)

Among Death Valley's stranger features are sand dunes that emit ghostly sounds, like the low notes of an organ. Strange, too, is the fact that this inhospitable place has been the ancestral home of a Native American tribe, the Timbisha, for at least a thousand years. Perhaps most surprising, Death Valley teems with hidden life. Bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and occasional mountain lions live discreetly in the hills; small creatures survive by burrowing underground or under rocks; some, like kit foxes and black-tailed jackrabbits, are nocturnal, and some endemic species like the Badwater Snail actually thrive in hostile environments.

Board a special vehicle for a tour of major landmarks, including Zabriskie Point, a location for westerns, Star Wars movies, and an Antonioni art film; Badwater Basin, covered in salt, looks from a distance looks like a tundra blanketed with snow, where the constant cycle of freezing, thawing, and evaporation of water has carved a honeycomb pattern on the plain; and Artists Palette, a psychedelic (geologic) patchwork tinted with many colors.

Return to the lodge for lunch, then it's your choice: spend the afternoon at the inn enjoying the pool, the spa, tennis, or a game of golf, or venture out to Mesquite Flats, where mesquite trees and creosote bushes are habitats for birds and small animals, and hiking trails wind among towering, mesmerizing sand dunes.

You'll also visit the remains of a mining facility at Furnace Creek that used to haul borax out of the valley in 20-mule-team wagons; the company went bust in 1888, but the 20-mule-team logo remains a commercial and cultural icon. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive wildlife; you may not see a coyote riding an Acme rocket, but there are roadrunners galore.

Tonight, experience the dazzling constellations of the desert sky, untouched by ground lights; Death Valley has been designated the largest dark-sky national park in the country by the International Dark Sky Association. (B/L)

Depart for Palm Springs, with lunch along the way, and arrive this afternoon in Joshua Tree National Park. Here the Mojave and Colorado deserts, with their distinct vegetation and ecosystems, merge to create a surreal landscape of creosote and cactus, weird rock formations, boulder hills, wandering canyons, and windswept desert plains where giant yucca plants called Joshua Trees open their spiky arms to heaven.

Along nature trails that wind through Lost Horse Valley, hidden oases, abandoned mining camps, arresting monoliths, and the Wonderland of Rocks, the park is a place out of time, made for awestruck wonder and meditation.

Begin the last leg of your road trip, and arrive at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage in time for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage (B/L/D)

Once famous for its restorative springs and health tourism, Palm Springs in the mid-20th century became a hot destination for movie stars, presidents, and entertainers drawn to its burgeoning golf resorts, nightclubs, and casinos, where they created an impressive community of wealth and influence.

Depart your hotel on Frank Sinatra Drive for a visit to Sunnylands, the former estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The exquisite modernist mansion, designed by A. Quincy Jones, sits on 200 acres with its own golf course (naturally), and was known as "Camp David of the West" for the number of presidents who stayed and played there; the estate is now a retreat and meeting place for world leaders, dedicated to international understanding; peruse the garden and visitor's center for a sense of Sunnylands' history, then embark on a tour of the area's extraordinary wealth of mid-century Desert Modern architecture.

Spend free time in town to lunch and explore on your own, then join us at the hotel this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. (B/D)

Tour ends: Palm Springs. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage to Palm Springs Airport. (B)

Tour Begins: Las Vegas. A transfer is included to your stay at the Four Seasons Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner, setting the stage for the unforgettable adventure of desert discoveries and coastal treasures ahead. Stay: Four Seasons Las Vegas (D)

Today, trade the neon lights of Las Vegas for the awe-inspiring natural extremes of Death Valley National Park. Embark on a scenic drive into this striking landscape, where vast desert plains are framed by towering peaks and dramatic canyons.

Upon arrival, time at the historic Ranch at Death Valley, first opened in 1933.

This afternoon, begin exploring Death Valley with visits to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, to learn fascinating insights into the park's ecology and history, and Zabriskie Point, where the golden-banded hills provide a breathtaking panorama. Arrive at The Oasis at Death Valley with time to relax and take in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the lodge this evening, soaking in the serene desert ambiance. Stay Two Nights: The Oasis at Death Valley (B/D)

Prepare for a day filled with dramatic landscapes and otherworldly beauty in Death Valley National Park. Set off on a guided tour featuring the park's most iconic sites featuring the colorful hues of Artist's Palette along Artist Drive, Dantes Peak for a birds-eye view overlooking the epic landscape of Death Valley, and Badwater Basin, a scenic salt flat and the lowest point in North America. After lunch at the hotel, you may choose additional sightseeing aboard the motorcoach or enjoy time at your hotel. Dinner tonight is at your leisure, with options at your hotel or nearby. (B/L)

Leave the rugged beauty of Death Valley behind and travel to the chic and serene Palm Springs area. Embark on a guided tour highlighting the area's fascinating history and iconic architecture. Known for its signature style of "Desert Modernism," Palm Springs boasts sleek, mid-century modern homes and innovative indoor-outdoor designs that blend seamlessly with the desert environment.

Along the way, you'll learn about the city's history and the stars who have lived here, some include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Relax at your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Stay: Marriot Desert Springs (B/L/D)

Today's journey takes you to the enchanting landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, where surreal rock formations and the iconic Joshua trees create a dreamlike setting. During your visit within the national park head out for an easy one-mile loop walk through a scenic rock-enclosed trail. Afterward, head to the nearby town of Joshua Tree for a relaxed lunch at your choice of local eateries.

In the late afternoon, return to Palm Springs, where you can choose to explore downtown or unwind at your resort with its array of amenities. Dinner this evening is at your leisure at your hotel. Stay: Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage (B/D)

Your day begins with a visit to Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage for a stroll through its beautifully curated gardens. Bid farewell to the desert landscapes en route to sunny San Diego, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant attractions – from the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Balboa Park. Travel to Temecula for lunch at Wilson Creek Winery, where the scenic mountainous surroundings and award-winning wines create a memorable midday break.

Arrive late-afternoon at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where you'll step back in time at this National Historic Landmark, a masterpiece of Victorian seaside architecture that has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since 1888. Its cinematic fame includes the classic movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. Dinner is on your own this evening with options to explore locally or from one of several restaurants located at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Del Coronado (B/L)

Start the day with an exploration of San Diego's vibrant maritime history. Your first stop after breakfast is to the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Enjoy exclusive access before the ship opens to the public, as docents share captivating stories of what life was like aboard ship. Visit the flight deck and delve into interactive exhibits, with time to explore on your own.

Next, embark on a guided tour of San Diego's iconic landmarks. Discover the charm of the Gaslamp Quarter, the flavors of Little Italy, the history of Old Town, and the serene beauty of Balboa Park. Weather permitting, take in breathtaking views from Cabrillo National Monument, named after Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo who first landed ashore the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego Bay on September 28th, 1542.

This afternoon you may choose to visit downtown San Diego for additional exploration, revisit the USS Midway, or relax at your resort on Coronado. Join your fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner, surrounded by the coastal beauty of San Diego. (B/D)

Tour ends: San Diego. A transfer is included from your Hotel Del Coronado to San Diego International Airport. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B)