Overview
Itinerary
Begin your exploration in Las Vegas.
This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at The LINQ before you head out to the Las Vegas Strip.
In the evening you will find yourself soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel. (WR) Stay: Horseshoe Las Vegas
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley—UNESCO World Heritage Site and barren, yet unexpectedly lively land of extremes which we will have an opportunity to explore for part of today. Admire scenic views of the undulating rocky landscape at Zabriskie Point and learn about the valley's unique geological features, history and intriguing weather patterns. Descend below sea level to the Badwater Basin. After lunch at 1849 Restaurant at The Ranch at Death Valley, we continue through the desert landscape of Death Valley ascending to Mammoth Lakes, our home for the night. (B/L) Stay: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Take a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain (seasonal) and enjoy the stunning views while you enjoy a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a scenic drive on the June Lake Loop for your first peak at the bright blue waters of June Lake. The alpine scenery of Aspens and willows is a feast for the eyes along this winding road before lunch at Lee Vining. Touch the clouds through the Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter the UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Driving past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, journey to Yosemite Valley. Our Stays With Stories accommodation tonight includes a cozy lodge atmosphere and is located just a stone's throw from Yosemite Falls. Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park and Mammoth Lakes overnight will be replaced with Bakersfield or similar. This overnight change will affect sightseeing for this day. (B) Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Explore Yosemite National Park, famed for its ancient sequoia trees, grand meadows and iconic rock formations. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet a naturalist through the Yosemite Conservancy who will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite, sharing fascinating stories, photographs, demonstrations and a look at climbing gear. Learn about the science behind the emotions climbers feel when inching up a wall.
Afterwards, you can explore Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks or Bridalveil Falls at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours in Yosemite where the possibilities are endless. (B/D)
After departing Yosemite, stretch your legs in Kings Canyon National Park and gaze towards the sky as you greet the giant boughs of General Grant Tree. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Kings Canyon before you continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Towering redwood trunks frame your journey to Sequoia National Park where we'll spend the night in our Stays With Stories accommodation surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and spend the evening gazing upwards at the star-spangled sky as a local naturalist guides you through the constellations. (B) Stay: Wuksachi Lodge
Tread in the footsteps of giants, walking beneath the soaring sequoia canopy to see first-hand the world's largest living tree, General Sherman. Learn about the Giant Forest and its history during a stop at the Giant Forest Museum, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Big Trees Trail, connecting with the invigorating natural surroundings before meeting up with a Local Specialist and Old West pioneer reenactor for an insightful lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park on your terms, using the complimentary shuttle system (seasonal). (B/L)
Discover local secrets stopping at McKellar Family Farms for a fun and enlightening Be My Guest experience. Meet Bob McKellar for a private tractor-pulled wagon tour and hear stories of the land's development before your farm-to-table lunch. Next, travel to Los Angeles where you'll enjoy a visit to Hollywood, the entertainment capital. As our encounter with California's epic natural beauty comes to an end, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D) Stay: Beverly Hills Marriott
After our tremendous journey through California's national parks, the time has come for us to say goodbye. Prepare to leave Los Angeles International Airport or consider extending your stay. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley National Park, Giant Forest Museum, McKellar Family Farms
- View Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park, General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
- See El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls
- Scenic drive Along Tioga Pass
- Tickets Included Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola
Be My Guest
- Sequoia National Park: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience Forest Bathing, an immersive practice that uses all your senses to connect with your surroundings. Meet your host Susan Madden, certified meditation instructor, labyrinth facilitator and forest bathing guide. To help you create a more peaceful life, Susan's scientifically proven practices have been shown to improve health. Begin with a simple meditation before learning the fundamentals and science behind Forest Bathing. Following the presentation, sit down to a plated meal at Tenaya Lodge for conversation and storytelling with Susan.
- Fresno: Visit McKellar Farm for an insider experience with farmer Bob McKellar. Bob will take you on a private, tractor pulled wagon tour of the farm followed by a fascinating Q and A session. Cap off your visit with a farm-to-table lunch, where you will learn how the farm was started by Bob's family members in 1927 and has grown a variety of produce, including Thompson grapes, olives, oranges, and mandarins.
Dive Into Culture
- Sequoia National Park: Immerse yourself in the pioneer history of the Old West, joining a living-history reenactor and Local Specialist for a lunch and stories of early life in the mountains.
Iconic Experience
- Las Vegas: A true must-see. Live “Viva Las Vegas” from the sky as you hop on the High Roller, North America's tallest observation wheel standing 550 feet tall. The 30-minute ride offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the glittering lights and neon signs of the Strip below.
- Death Valley: You'll truly feel the solitude and vastness of Death Valley today as you head out on a guided tour of the park's most famous sites. You'll discover the unique geological features of Death Valley, a land of sand dunes and volcanic craters, intriguing weather-patterns, and the highest-recorded temperatures in the United States.
- Mammoth Lakes: Ascend Mammoth Mountain by gondola and enjoy the stunning views over a tasty breakfast.
Make Travel Matter®
- Yosemite National Park: Meet a climber and naturalist that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite. Enjoy storytelling, photographs, see the old and new climbing gear, as well as ask questions about how they help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers, and more. This Make Travel Matter experience targets United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land improving, protecting, and conserving wildlife and/or restores natural ecosystems
- Sequoia National Park: Meet your Local Specialist and enjoy stories and the latest astronomical news under one of California's most brilliant skies. The Milky Way galaxy spills out across the broad Sequoia sky, an explosion of stars, planets and infinite questions. Spend the hour touring constellations, galaxies, planets, and the history of human space and exploration.
Trafalgar Difference
- Yosemite National Park: Stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge located close to Yosemite Falls in the middle of the national park.
- Sequoia National Park: The Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Brochure
Trafalgar USA (2025)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
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 Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. 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.
