National Parks & Bright Lights
15 days from San Francisco to Los Angeles
From $ 3599
Duration15 days

From the Golden Gate Bridge to glowing canyon walls at sunset, this trip captures the beauty of the cities and wilderness of the western US. It’s perfect for the traveller looking to breathe in the scent of the sequoias of Yosemite by day but wanting the comforts of a hotel at night. Prepare yourself for otherworldly hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park and desert scenery in Death Valley – the lowest spot on the continent – before taking an optional helicopter ride above the incomparable Grand Canyon. You won’t just visit the west coast, you’ll live it.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: San Francisco
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Los Angeles
    Ages: 12+
National Parks & Bright Lights - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: San Francisco
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully experience this fascinating city.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: San Francisco/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.
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.
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
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.
Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes, and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes, and meadows.
Day 4: Yosemite National Park/Bakersfield
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.

Drive to Bakersfield for the night.
Hike past Yosemite's waterfalls and amongst the giant sequoias while keeping a keen eye out for wildlife.
Day 5: Bakersfield/Las Vegas
Visit desolate Death Valley — the hottest, driest, and lowest spot on the continent. Carry on to Las Vegas and explore the famous Vegas strip. Opt to take a limousine tour or try your luck at the slots.
Day 6: Las 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.
Day 7: Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park
Arrive in Bryce Canyon just in time to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Southwest.
Visit Zion, Utah's oldest national park. Explore towering cliffs and massive canyon walls. Hike diverse and exciting trails. Head to Bryce Canyon. Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 8: Bryce 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).
Day 9: Monument Valley
Take an optional tour to Antelope Canyon, the second largest of its kind in North America.
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.
Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park

Start place: Monument Valley

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.
Travel to the Grand Canyon and wander along trails. Admire the views and enjoy sunset at the rim of the Grand Canyon. Opt to watch the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. Enjoy a pizza dinner at the rim at Grand Canyon.

End place: Grand Canyon National Park

Meals: D
Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park/Lake Havasu City

Start place: Grand Canyon National Park

Opt to get a bird's-eye view of the Grand Canyon with an optional helicopter flight. Travel to Sedona and check out the stunning landscape and vibrant spiritual community. Continue on to Lake Havasu City for the evening and visit the famous London Bridge. Note: If you have pre-booked the Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride you will enjoy your 45-50min ride over the canyon today.

End place: Lake Havasu City

Day 12: Joshua Tree National Park/San Diego

Start place: Lake Havasu City

When the sun sets, experience the Gaslamp Quarter District with numerous pubs and nightclubs.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park, then head to San Diego. Sun, sand, food, and fun all await in this beautiful beach city.

End place: San Diego

Day 13: San Diego

Start place: San Diego

San Diego is a great city to experience where life is lived outdoors.
Enjoy free time to explore or just sit back and relax in the sun and sand.

End place: San Diego

Day 14: San Diego/Los Angeles

Start place: San Diego

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

End place: Los Angeles

Day 15: Los Angeles

Start place: Los Angeles

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this famous city.
Depart at any time.

End place: Los Angeles

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Native Grill Food Truck Lunch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Las Vegas
  • Golden Gate Bridge Visit
  • California Produce Tasting
  • Yosemite National Park Visit
  • Yosemite National Park Hike
  • Death Valley National Park Visit
  • Zion National Park Visit
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
  • Glen Canyon Dam Visit
  • Horseshoe Bend Hike
  • Monument Valley 4x4 Tour
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Visit
  • Grand Canyon Sunset
  • Sedona Visit
  • Route 66 Visit
  • London Bridge Visit
  • Joshua Tree National Park Visit
  • Orientation Drive, Los Angeles
  • Entrance fees to all national parks with hiking and walking excursions
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Air-conditioned private vehicle, Hiking, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (14 nts)
  • Meals

    1 lunches,
    1 dinners

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