Overview
Itinerary
America's captivating desert landscapes take center stage on this epic journey which begins in the playground of Las Vegas. Relax after your journey or tame Lady Luck.
This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel, for sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip. (WR)
Admire the towering red cliffs and sandstone peaks of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area this morning. Keep a keen eye out for its highest peak, La Madre Mountain, before continuing to Death Valley, one of the largest national parks in the USA. Aptly named for its unforgiving landscapes, Death Valley is a stunningly beautiful land of extremes. Join your travel companions for dinner with wine, before settling into your oasis hotel, located within the borders of the national park. (B/D) Stay: The Ranch at Death Valley
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley on a guided tour of the park's most famous sites including Zabriskie Point, and of course Badwater Basin and its massive salt flats – the lowest point below sea level in the western hemisphere. Today will be a photographer's dream so bring your cameras. Free time this afternoon to enjoy our desert oasis and relax at one of the most remarkable spring-fed swimming pools in the world. *Please note that, in the event of extreme temperatures during summer months, the order of today's activities is subject to change. (B)
Heading south today you leave Death Valley and travel along the Mojave National Preserve, visit the desert Ghost Town of Calico. Our destination tonight is gorgeous Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley.
Tonight, you'll dine at a restaurant that has been serving local residents for over 20 years. (B/D) Stay: Palm Mountain Resort and Spa
Start your morning with a celebrity and lifestyle tour of Palm Springs shedding light on the city's unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes.
This afternoon, join a ride on the Palm Springs' Aerial Tramway and walk along the top of the mountain, with spectacular views of the valley. Afterward, we learn about industrial wind energy farming. Then, don't miss VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs this evening. A festive pedestrian street fair is located just across the street from the hotel. (B)
See the peculiar outstretched boughs of the Joshua Tree when you explore the national park that bears the name of this unusual-looking desert plant. Learn how the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems come together here and keep an eye out for the incredible variety of plants and animals that find sanctuary in its vast protected wilderness. You'll have some free time at the resort this afternoon to soothe body and mind at the Spa before an evening at leisure. (B)
This morning, travel around the Salton Sea before journeying to Yuma stopping at the stunning Imperial Sand Dunes before arriving at Yuma Territorial Prison. Rich in controversial history, the prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Later this evening head to Naked Dates Organic Date Farm and enjoy a tour of the farm and an exclusive Be My Guest dinner and Connect With Locals where Medjool dates are the star of the show. (B/D) Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Yuma
Spot the saguaros as you travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Touted as the most biologically diverse of all North America's deserts, the Sonoran Desert is also home to an array of significant archaeological and historical sites including three mountain ranges separated by wide valleys and the saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Old West.
You'll feel like you've wandered into an old Western as you traverse this epic landscape. Your next stop is Tucson, a culturally diverse town surrounded by mountains, which holds the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. You will have the afternoon and evening to discover the unique flavors and aromas of Tucson. (B) Stay: Lodge On The Desert
This morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a visit to the birthplace of Tucson, Arizona known as Mission Garden. Archaeologists have documented 4,100 years of continuous cultivation here and we learn about the multi-cultural, ethno-agricultural heritage plots, each representing one of the many ethnic groups that farmed the Tucson Basin over the last four millennia on a walking tour.
End at the Garden Shop where you'll be treated to a tasting of seasonal fruit (or edible plant, or vegetable). After lunch, celebrate the symbol of America's west at Saguaro National Park. The giant saguaro is America's largest species of cacti, and you'll learn how this national park strives to protect this majestic plant.
Tonight, savor a Farewell Dinner to end your tour. (B/D)
Our journey through desert landscapes is at its end as you make your own way to Tucson International Airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Coachella Valley Yuma Territorial Prison and Calico Ghost Town and Palm Springs Windmill Energy Farm
- Explore Palm Springs and Tucson
- Discover some of the desert National Parks of the US including Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park
- See Las Vegas from above from the Highroller
Be My Guest
- Tucson: Unlock the best of the flavours of Tucson on a visit and tour of Borderlands Brewing Company, a local secret that boasts an all-women production facility. Learn about the beer making process from Head Brewer Ayla Kapahi, who is passionate about empowering women and minorities in the craft beer industry and co-founded Pink Boots of Southern Arizona, a non-profit that supports women in alcohol fermentation sciences. After your tour, sip on a flight of four of their best brews guided by Ayla and her team. Afterward, sit down to a southwest inspired lunch of a loaded tachos appetizer, salad and a tacos platter including carne asada, shrimp and veggie tacos with a side of beans - with vegetarian options available.
Iconic Experience
- Red Rock Canyon: Admire the towering red cliffs and sandstone peaks of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
- 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.
- Los Angeles: Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 and was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. The town that once gave miners a good living lost its hustle and became a “ghost town.” Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950's architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880's. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California's Silver Rush Ghost Town.
- Palm Springs: Enjoy a celebrity and lifestyle tour of Palm Springs shedding light on the city's unique mid-century architecture, featuring an amazing collection of custom homes.
- Palm Springs: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway along cliffs of Chino Canyon right to the top of the mountain. Pause to enjoy the fantastic views of the valley below.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Visit Joshua Tree National Park, which shares the name of the iconic desert plant. The twisted branches and jagged leaves of the Joshua Tree is like something out of a fairy tale. Learn how two distinct ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado deserts come together in Joshua Tree. Many animals, such as the desert tortoise, the jackrabbit and the desert bighorn sheep, call this vast wilderness home. With a keen eye, perhaps spot some yourself.
- Salton Sea: Surrounded by sand, the Salton Sea glistens like a jewel in California's crown. Less than an hour's drive from Greater Palm Springs, this huge body of water was born accidentally in 1905. It was even once meant to be the Riviera of the Americas, but Mother Nature had other plans. Start your visit to the area at the Visitor Centre in Mecca. You'll find a fascinating interpretive Centre with plenty of history (including old posters and advertisements from the Salton Sea's past as a vacation destination).
- Yuma: Visit The Yuma Territorial Prison, a living museum of the Old West with structures over a century old, you will be transported to the past. Now one of the territory's most recognizable historic landmarks.
- Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park consists of two separate areas—the Tucson Mountain District about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District, about 10 miles (16 km) east of the city. Today we visit the Rincon Mountain District to better understand how both districts preserve Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna, and flora, including the giant saguaro cactus.
Make Travel Matter®
- Palm Springs: Welcome to the first operating wind farm in Southern California! The Palm Springs Windmill Tours take you on a journey in which you will learn about wind energy, how wind turbines work and the history of the wind farm. Your expert guide describes the inner workings of wind turbines and their contributions to our energy grid. This Make Travel Matter Experience addresses United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 Affordable and Clean Energy and Goal 13 Climate Action. From the novice participant to engineer-types, everyone will leave the tour with a better understanding of how this renewable energy is fast becoming part of our energy solution.
- 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)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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.
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