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National Parks & Bright Lights

15 days, San Francisco to Los Angeles

A group of hikers making their wy up the Grand Canyon
Map of the route for National Parks & Bright Lights
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Itinerary

Day 1San Francisco

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully experience this fascinating city.

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

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

On the way out of San Francisco, take in some final sights. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, where on a clear day you can see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

Drive past some iconic attractions of the city as we head the towards the Sierra Nevadas. Stop to try some of the region's best produce en route to Yosemite National Park.

Head out on an orientation of one of the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco.

Discover some of the city's most iconic attractions such as bustling Fisherman's Wharf or the stately Golden Gate Bridge.

Private Vehicle
San Francisco – Yosemite National Park7h225km

Travel time includes stops along the way.

Golden Gate Bridge Visit
San Francisco

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.

California Produce Tasting
Central Valley

California's Central Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. Nestled in between California's Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevadas, the region is known for fruits, vegetables and nuts. Stop in the heart of the valley to sample some of the seasonal favorites.

Day 3Yosemite National Park

Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes, and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes, and meadows.

Head to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park.

If lucky, spot black bears, deer or coyotes with a keen eye.

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.

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

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

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.

Day 4Yosemite National Park/Sierra Nevada

Enjoy the morning to explore Yosemite's iconic features before travelling along the Sierra Nevadas southeast to our stop for the night.

Head to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes.

During the months of July through mid October, we intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Yosemite NP with the east side of the mountain range. In the remaining months, the pass is often closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. During these months, we use an alternate route that travels across California, south of the mountain range. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.

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.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park – Sierra Nevada

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

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Optional Activities - Day 4 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.

Day 5Sierra Nevada to Las Vegas

Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley NP. Explore Las Vegas and stroll along the famous Vegas Strip. Opt to take a VIP party limo experience or take in a show.

Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America.

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
Sierra Nevada – Las Vegas

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

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

VIP Party Bus Experience
Las Vegas
45USD per person

Channel your inner celebrity and set off in this party on wheels. Luxuriate in the leather seats, and feel like a star with the neon lights, flat screen TV and booming stereo system. Tour the highlights of Vegas and love the limo life.

Gambling at Vegas Casino
Las Vegas

Hold some cards, toss some dice, place a bet or sit at the slots. Try your luck at gambling in one of the many casinos along the Strip. (The legal age for gambling is 21 years of age.)

Vegas Strip Visit
Las Vegas
Free

Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard and soak in the lights, energy and pulse of the Strip. With an ever-evolving architecture and multitude of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, there's so much to see and do.

Day 6Las Vegas

Enjoy a full free day to explore Las Vegas. Wander the strip, do some shopping, and refuel at one of the many bars or restaurants. Opt to take in a glitzy Las Vegas show or to head out on a day trip to the Hoover Dam.

Your Discover Moment
Las Vegas Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Las Vegas, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like watching a Vegas show, exploring the Vegas Strip, and going on a VIP party limo ride. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Hoover Dam Visit
Hoover Dam
65USD per person

Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam to learn more about this marvel of engineering.

Las Vegas Show
Las Vegas3h-4h
60-200USD per person

Leave the world behind, give in to your senses and prepare to be amazed. Take in one of the many shows available in this entertainment mecca. Live music, burlesque, comedy, magic, Cirque Du Soleil, and more. Whatever your passion, no other city can compete with the range and scale of shows on offer 24 hours a day.

Day 7Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park

Visit Zion, Utah's oldest national park. Explore towering cliffs and massive canyon walls. Hike diverse and exciting trails. Head to Bryce Canyon.

Arrive in Bryce Canyon just in time to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Southwest.

Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National Park

Private Vehicle
Las Vegas – Bryce Canyon5h-6h400km

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

Zion National Park Visit
Zion National Park

Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park

See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Hiking
Zion National Park3h-5h 5-15km
Free

Lace up your hiking boots and journey through the incredible landscape of Zion National Park. With terrain that goes from desert to forest, elevations that range from 1,130m (3,700 ft) to 2,630m (8,726 ft) above sea level, and diverse weather—the hikes at Zion vary greatly. Depending on group condition and interest, the guide will propose different hikes. Possibilities include: Middle Emerald Pool, Watchman Trail, and Angels Landing. See operational notes for more details.

Day 8Bryce Canyon National Park/Lake Powell

Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on trails among the amphitheatres and multi-coloured rock pinnacles called hoodoos before heading to Lake Powell. Opt for a barbecue dinner and a sunset horseback ride (seasonal).

Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park

See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.

Private Vehicle
Bryce Canyon National Park – Lake Powell3h265km

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

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Powell Horseback Riding
Lake Powell
75-135USD per person

Take scenic trail rides into an area of unspoiled natural beauty with isolated mesas, valleys, buttes, and narrow canyons.

Horseback Riding Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
65-90USD per person

Hop on a horse and trot around Bryce Canyon National Park to really feel like you are in the Wild West.

Day 9Monument Valley

Visit the Glen Canyon Dam and take a short hike to Horseshoe Bend, shaped by the Colorado River. Discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. Explore on a 4x4 tour led by a Navajo guide.

Take an optional tour to Antelope Canyon, the second largest of its kind in North America.

Private Vehicle
Lake Powell – Monument Valley2h30m210km

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

Glen Canyon Dam Visit
Glen Canyon Dam – Lake Powell

Visit this concrete arch dam, the second largest dam of its kind in North America, built to provide hydroelectricity and flow regulation on the Colorado River in Northern Arizona.

Monument Valley 4x4 Tour
Monument Valley2h-3h

Explore this magical and sacred place by 4x4. See magnificent colours, miles of mesas, buttes, and pinnacles that make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience.

Horseshoe Bend Hike
Horseshoe Bend1h 1km

Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Antelope Canyon Tour
Antelope Canyon
105USD per person

Named for the pronghorn that used to roam the land, Antelope Canyon is a natural sandstone cathedral created by years of flash flooding, wind, and rain. Tour this breathtaking canyon to discover beams of light, flowing rock walls, and spiral arches and soak in the natural beauty of this surreal place.
Book this optional activity on-site with your CEO.

Day 10Grand Canyon National Park

Depart in the morning and stop for lunch at a G Adventures supported Navajo food truck project. Enter the park and drive along the south rim, stopping at Desert View to take in the grandeur of the canyon. Continue into the park and opt to take a short hike into the canyon (weather permitting) or wander along rim trail to admire the views. Enjoy sunset at the edge of the Grand Canyon watching the way the light changes the colours.

Wander along a trail and feel the sunshine and wind on your face while admiring awe-inspiring views. Or sit and watch the changing play of light and shadows.

In the afternoon, opt to watch the most spectacular IMAX Adventure of all, the Grand Canyon Movie.

Private Vehicle
Monument Valley – Grand Canyon National Park3h30m290km

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

Your G for Good Moment: Native Grill Food Truck Experience

Get off the beaten track for an authentic Navajo meal that gives back to the community at the Native Grill Food Truck. Although the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the USA, the Indigenous community living on Navajo land captures less than 7% of the $1.5 billion that this region sees annually. Your meal stop at this family-owned enterprise benefits 50 community members directly, with ripple effects throughout Navajo Nation.

Grand Canyon South Rim Visit
Grand Canyon National Park – Grand Canyon

Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.

Grand Canyon Sunset
Grand Canyon National Park

Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Grand Canyon IMAX Movie
Grand Canyon National Park
14USD per person

On a giant six-story movie screen, watch the most viewed IMAX film of all time, "Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets". Escape, fly, and discover the history and beauty of this awe-inspiring landscape.

Grand Canyon Hike
Grand Canyon1h-4h 1-10km
Free

Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!

Meals included:

Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Grand Canyon National Park/Lake Havasu City

Travel to Sedona for lunch and check out the stunning landscape with a short hike overlooking the red and orange cliffs. Continue on and stop for dinner and to get some kicks on historic Route 66. After dinner, arrive to Lake Havasu City for the night.

Note: If you have pre-booked the Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride you will enjoy your 45-50min ride over the canyon today.

Private Vehicle
Grand Canyon National Park – Lake Havasu City6h-7h560km

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

Sedona Visit
Sedona

Stop for a visit to the town of Sedona. Surrounded by red sandstone formations, this area is known to attract spiritual seekers to the energy vortexes around town. With a vibrant art community, gourmet cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, enjoy time in this alternative desert community.

Seligman (Route 66) Visit
Seligman

Take a trip back in time to the birthplace of Route 66. Established in the early 1900s as the first transcontinental highways in the U.S, Route 66 has a lot of history on it's original length of almost 2,500 miles. Starting in Chicago, Illinois and travelling through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before ending at the ocean in Santa Monica California. The creation of the Interstate system bypassed the majority of Route 66, creating ghost towns along it's original route, though there are a few iconic Americana towns still delivering experiences from the past. Check out the historic general store, original motels, and don't forget to get your kicks!

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon helicopter ride is a must! Enjoy a bird's-eye view for 45 to 50 minutes as you fly over the canyon, taking in the stark contrast of the blue-green Colorado River against the thousand shades of red rock found in the canyon. From above, you can fully appreciate the greatness of the gorge and see why it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Day 12Joshua Tree National Park/San Diego

Make a quick stop to see a bit of London spanning across the Colorado River. Then head to Joshua Tree National Park, for a hike amongst the boulders and yuccas. Continue to San Diego, where sun, sand, food, and fun all await in this beautiful beach city.

When the sun sets, experience the Gaslamp Quarter District with numerous pubs and nightclubs.

Private Vehicle
Lake Havasu City – Joshua Tree National Park2h30m-3h240km

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

London Bridge Visit
Lake Havasu City30m

From spanning the Thames to crossing the Colorado River, check out the 1800s London Bridge shipped from England and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Joshua Tree National Park Visit
Joshua Tree National Park

Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.

Private Vehicle
Joshua Tree National Park – San Diego2h30m-3h30m260km

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

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Gaslamp Quarter District Visit
San Diego
Free

After the sun sets, historic Gaslamp Quarter District comes to life. Rich history mixed with modern flair, Gaslamp is booming with restaurants, bars, speakeasies, live music and dancing.

Day 13San Diego

Enjoy free time to explore or just sit back and relax in the sun and sand.

San Diego is a great city to experience where life is lived outdoors.

Free Time
San Diego Full Day

Spend the day in San Diego anyway you like.

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Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow

Surf and Boogie Board Rental
San Diego
8-20USD per person

Boardwalk, bay, beach or surf, rent whatever you need to soak up the sun. Hire a surf board, paddle board, boogie board or kayak to catch the waves your way. Don't forget your sunscreen.

Gaslamp Quarter District Visit
San Diego
Free

After the sun sets, historic Gaslamp Quarter District comes to life. Rich history mixed with modern flair, Gaslamp is booming with restaurants, bars, speakeasies, live music and dancing.

Old Town San Diego Visit
San Diego1h-2h
Free

Learn about San Diego while visiting its many historic sites. Enjoy local food and drinks in the heart of Old Town.

Coronado Island Visit
Coronado
Free

Coronado Island’s white-sand beach, mild surf and postcard worthy sunsets, is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. If the acclaimed beaches aren’t enough, check out the charming bayside district with breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline. Walk, ride, motor in a golf cart; there are many options to get around that don't involve a car.

Surfing Lesson
60USD per person

Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.

Day 14San Diego/Los Angeles

Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to Los Angeles. See the stars on the most famous sidewalk in Hollywood on an orientation to the area. Drive through Beverly Hills and check out Rodeo Drive.

Discover why Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach are highlights of Los Angeles. Opt to rent a bike.

Private Vehicle
San Diego – Los Angeles2h190km

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

Orientation Drive
Los Angeles

Drive around to spot some of the main highlights of the area. See the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign, and swing by Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles2h-4h
90-150USD per person

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience at Universal Studios, home to thrilling theme park rides, live shows, and a real working movie studio. In the evening, check out some of Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants, and cinemas at CityWalk.

Venice Beach Visit
Los Angeles
Free

Explore this hangout for the creative and the artistic. Venice is known for its circus-like Ocean Front Walk, and pedestrian promenade highlighting street performers, fortune tellers, artists, and vendors.

Bike Rental

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Santa Monica Pier Visit
Los Angeles
Free

Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city.

Day 15Los Angeles

Depart at any time.

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this famous city.

National Parks & Bright Lights

| 15 days - San Francisco to Los Angeles - Sold Out