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Best of California

9 days, Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Map of the route for Best of California
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: 06:00 on Day 1
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 18:00 on Day 9

Itinerary

Day 1Las Vegas, Death Valley and Bakersfield

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.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Morning

Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.

Private Vehicle
Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park2h30m-3h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Death Valley National Park Visit
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.

Private Vehicle
Death Valley National Park – Bakersfield3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Four Points Sheraton Bakersfield (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Sequoia National Park

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

Private Vehicle
Bakersfield – Sequoia National Park3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sequoia National Park Visit
Sequoia National Park

Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.

Private Vehicle
Sequoia National Park – Visalia1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

General Sherman Giant Forest Hike
Sequoia National Park 12km

Hike amongst some of the most impressive living things on Earth, giant Sequoias. This trip through the misty heights of the Sierras will take you through the home of General Sherman, the largest tree alive. Tour the other enormous trees and catch some amazing views of the mountains through the forest on this epic hike.

Hiking distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Elevation change: 549m (1800 ft)

Accommodation

Wyndham Visalia (or similar)
Hotel

Day 3Sequoia National Park

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.

Private Vehicle
Visalia – Sequoia National Park1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sequoia National Park Visit
Sequoia National Park

Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.

Buena Vista Peak Hike
Sequoia National Park 1km

Take a quick hike up to Buena Vista Peak, and experience some of the best views in the entire park. With minimal elevation change, you'll have plenty of time and energy to explore and take pictures along the mountain top.

Hiking distance: 3.2km (2 mi) Elevation change: 125m (413 ft).

Private Vehicle
Sequoia National Park – Visalia1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Wyndham Visalia (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 4Yosemite National Park

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.

Private Vehicle
Visalia – Yosemite National Park3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Yosemite National Park Visit
Yosemite National Park

Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst (or similar)
Hotel

Day 5Yosemite National Park

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.

Yosemite National Park Visit
Yosemite National Park

Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike
Yosemite National Park5h-6h 11km

Take the storied Mist Trail as it traverses up the valley, with visits to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Return along the John Muir Trail. Be prepared for a long hike, and incredible scenery!

Distance: 11.2km (7 mi), Elevation Change: 610m (2000 ft)

2

Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Yosemite National Park Hike
Yosemite National Park1h-6h 1-15km
Free

Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Yosemite Bike Rental
Yosemite National Park
30-40USD per person

Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP.

Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD.

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 6Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

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.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park – San Francisco6h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
San Francisco Evening

Take advantage of free time to see all that the Bay City has to offer. Opt to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, chill out on Baker's Beach, take pictures of The Painted Ladies, go to a book or record store in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, or grab some seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.

2

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Cable Car Ride San Francisco
San Francisco1h-3h
7USD per person

Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.

Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed)
San Francisco

Depart from Fisherman's Wharf and catch a glimpse of marine life as we sail around San Francisco Bay. Admire the city's remarkable skyline, get up close and personal with the infamous Alcatraz Island, and sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the sunset and make a mental note to return.

Accommodation

Stanford Court Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Day 7San Francisco/Monterey

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.

Free Time
Monterey Half Day

Check out all of the beauty that Monterey has to offer. From art galleries to delicious seafood restaurants and wine tastings, there is plenty for you to do during your time here.

Private Vehicle
San Francisco – Monterey2h15m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

1

Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Cable Car Ride San Francisco
San Francisco1h-3h
7USD per person

Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.

Accommodation

Hotel Abrego (or similar)
Hotel

Day 8Monterey/Santa Maria

Drive from Monterey to Santa Maria, along the way take in the stunning coastal scenery of Monterey along the 17-Mile Drive. Then, continue on to the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine maybe two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city.

Private Vehicle
Monterey – Santa Maria3h15m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

17-Mile Drive Monterey
Monterey

Drive along this 17-mile dramatic stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula. Encounter wind-sculpted cypress tree forests and rock strewn beaches winding up along the Pacific. Along the way enjoy great views of some of the most envy-inducing homes in the world and the celebrated golf courses of Pebble Beach. You'll be planning how to live here before you're through with the drive.

Free Time
Santa Maria

There are plenty of outdoor activity options in Santa Maria. Choose to visit some of the city’s vineyards or wineries. Try the famous barbecue at a local spot, have a picnic in the park, or shop for souvenirs. The choice is yours.

Accommodation

Historic Santa Maria Inn (or similar)
Inn

Day 9Santa Maria/Los Angeles

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

Please note that your flight must depart no earlier than 14:00.

Private Vehicle
Santa Maria – Los Angeles3h45m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Best of California

| 9 days - Las Vegas to Los Angeles - from $1949 USD