Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Best of Scenic California" (NUCJ), but here are some similar trips.
Best of Scenic California
9 days, Las Vegas to San Francisco
Itinerary
Day 1Las Vegas
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2Las Vegas/Death Valley National Park
Drive through the desert on the way to Death Valley National Park. Home to the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America. Check out cool spots in the park like Twenty Mule Team Canyon, the Devils Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. Admire the desolate landscape and feel the sun’s intense heat.
See the spectacular landscape of Death Valley on the drive into the park. Continue through Twenty Mule Team Canyon, see the eroded rock salt at the Devils Golf Course. Then descend to the lowest point of elevation in North America on a visit to Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level.
Expect high temperatures of 100°F to over 120°F (38°C to over 49°C). Drink plenty of water and carry extra supplies. Avoid hiking at mid-day.
Death Valley National Park Visit
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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Death Valley National Park/Sequoia National Park
In the morning head to the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Explore the shifting dunes and then contine o to Father Crowley Vista Point which is an easy hike, but involves epic views. Afterwards the group will drive around the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sequoia National Park.
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes
Explore the otherworldly landscape of one of America's largest National Parks. The sand dunes here soar up to 100 feet tall, and have no marked trails due to the shifting sands. Keep a keen eye out for animal tracks along the dunes as well, which show just how full of life this seemingly desolate place can be.
Father Crowley Vista Point
One of Death Valley's best vantage points, this quick there-and-back trail brings you to a sweeping view of the valley floor, with views of Rainbow Canyon below. The local air force base often sends jets to practice flying through what is colloquially known as "Star Wars Canyon" so keep an ear out for potential fly bys!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Sequoia National Park
Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park for a full day. Visit General Sherman, the world’s largest known living tree with a naturalist from the Parks Conservancy. In the afternoon the group will hike the Big Tree Trail and learn all about the history and of these trees and what the future holds for their protection. Tonight, head back out into the park for some stargazing with a local expert.
In cases where the night sky is cloudy, we will replace the star gazing activity with a nighttime nature walk in the National Park. Embark on a one-mile walk to experience the dramatic changes of the soundscapes and nocturnal biodiversity of the area. This engaging walk will awaken awareness and provide an in-depth experience of Sequoia’s nocturnal plants and animals.
Sequoia National Park Naturalist Hike
Walk through California’s Sequoia National Park with a naturalist from Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Over 2.5 hours, learn about these impressive giant trees – some so big, they have names. The one called General Sherman is the largest known living single-stem tree on the planet. Then head to Big Tree Trail for an afternoon hike.
Sequoia Parks Conservancy Stargazing
The night sky above Sequoia National Park offers one of California’s most dazzling opportunities for stargazing, due to minimal light pollution and a higher altitude. Peer upward alongside an astronomy expert from the park who’ll discuss the constellations, planets, and stars that fill the twinkling sky. (Weather permitting, of course.) Luckily, we are still able today to enjoy one of the most impressive dark skies above the Sierra.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon National Park
Today’s drive is nothing short of mesmerizing as the scenery changes from the looming sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the U.S. You’ll drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and experience the awe of Kings Canyon.
Kings Canyon National Park Visit
Drive deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains and experience the natural splendour of Kings Canyon National Park. Marvel at the surrounding landscape as the ancient Redwood forests make way for the towering stone peaks and epic valleys as far as the eye can see. Get a closer look at the park with a variety of hikes and lookouts during this stop.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Kings Canyon National Park/Yosemite National Park
Travel north to Yosemite National Park. Make a quick stop to the Sentinel Dome trailhead and climb to the pinnacle where the group will have a picnic and enjoy a beautiful view of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. The other option is to go on a hike in Mariposa Grove before continuing on to Glacier Point for more incredible views.
We recommend viewing the documentary Free Solo prior to your trip or downloading this film on your devices to watch during today's drive. Watch as free climber Alex Honnold grapples with the route, his body and his mind to conquer this almost 3000 foot rock face.
Please note: Glacier Point Road is closed in the winter and has varying opening dates based on snowfall. When Glacier Point Road is closed, we will substitute with a hike in the old growth forest of Mariposa Grove: Stop Mariposa Grove, the largest old growth forest in the park to enjoy picnic lunch and a hike amongst these magnificent trees. Continue into the park to Tunnel View to get your first sight of Half Dome, one of the most iconic views in the park.
Yosemite National Park Visit
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Yosemite National Park
Head out on a guided excursion through the park with a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy. You’ll hike through the heart of this valley and learn about how the backcountry of this area became a protected state park in 1864 and then a national park in 1890 with the help of John Muir. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own through the park’s meadow’s waterfalls, lakes, and groves. Keep your eyes on alert for any wildlife and search for rock climbers on El Capitan.
Yosemite National Park was carved by glaciers and became a protected state park in 1864. It wasn’t until 1890 that this area would officially reach National Park status. 95% of the park’s hiking is in the backcountry, but there are still plenty of hikes throughout the valley that are easily accessible through the shuttle system. Hike amid giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and flowing waterfalls.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Yosemite Naturalist Experience
Venture out into Yosemite National Park for a half-day excursion led by a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist-guide. They'll share their expert knowledge on the human history of the park, from American Indian traditions to legendary characters. They will also provide an insider's perspective on the park's most fascinating sites and share details of the flora, fauna and geological history of the area. Take in the breathtaking views with every step as you hike through this glacial valley, passing cliffs, waterfalls, and endless lush, dense forest along the way.
Free Time
Take advantage of a free afternoon in this stunning natural environment.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Yosemite Bike Rental
30-40USD per personSet 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.
Yosemite National Park Hike
FreePanoramic 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Travel from Yosemite’s bold landscape through the Central Valley towards San Francisco. Stop at a local farm stand en route to try some of the freshest produce in the region. Then, cruise over the Bay Bridge into one of the coolest cities in America. Take some time to settle into the hotel before embarking on a guided driving tour of the city. From the views at Twin Peaks to walking across a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge there’s no shortage of landmarks to see or things to do. In the evening there is an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay which departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. A great way to cap off this adventure.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to discover San Fran!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
San Francisco City Tour
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. Take in the 360 degree view from the top of Twin Peaks, before driving through Golden Gate Park en route to Golden Gate Bridge. Have the opportunity to get out and walk across portion of the Golden Gate Bridge, for views of the city skyline in one direction and the Pacific Ocean in the other. Continue past the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square en route to our hotel.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed)
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9San Francisco
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.