HIGHLIGHTS
- While other trips breeze through spectacular Yosemite National Park in a day, on this adventure you'll spend two nights in the park, allowing for a full day of hiking and exploring. With its pine forests, skyscraper tall Sequoia trees, waterfalls and dramatic granite cliff faces, Yosemite feels like something out of 'The Land Before Time’
- Don't let the name fool you. With its water-sculpted canyons, extinct volcanic craters, palm-shaded oases and salt flats, Death Valley is rich in natural beauty and endemic wildlife, and is often a highlight of the trip
- Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination year-round. In summer it is all about water activities, and in winter, it's all about the snow. Head out for a snowshoe hike in winter or take a dip in the alpine blue lake waters during the summer months
- Due to popular demand from past travellers, spend time in California's Joshua Tree National Park. The park's rugged desert scenery, natural cactus gardens and lush oases mark the meeting place of the Mojave and Sonora deserts
The USA National Parks Explorer tour starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles. The USA National Parks Explorer is an Explorer tour that takes 18 days taking you from San Francisco to Los Angeles and through other destinations in North America.
Explore all the natural and urban beauty that western US offers. Spend time in the big parks of the States – Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and more. Discover a new landscape around every corner: from huge sculpted cliffs and monster trees to alien deserts filled with strange rocks and massive sand dunes. Sip wine in Sonoma, spend time with a Native America tribe and giddy up on a horse ride through the Old West. Overload your senses in ‘Sin City’ Las Vegas and relax in the city of Angels.
ITINERARY
Day 1:San Francisco
Welcome to the San Francisco, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. This evening head out with the group on an Urban Adventures tour, which includes a guided walk through San Francisco's famous Little Italy and North Beach districts and dinner at a local restaurant.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 2: Sonoma
This morning hit the road out of San Francisco and drive north to the beautiful Sonoma Valley wine region. The small town of Sonoma was the site of the rebellion, which paved the way for California's independence from Mexico. Enjoy lunch, a wine tasting and an optional winery tour at a local vineyard. Explore the historic buildings and scenic trails of nearby Jack London State Park - the area the famous writer and adventurer once called home. Spend the second night of the trip in Sonoma.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Sonoma - Jack London Cottage
Day 3:Yosemite National Park
Today is a long day of driving (approximately seven hours), as you head east to Yosemite National Park where you'll spend the next two nights. Featuring sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and waterfalls, the scenery in this World Heritage-listed park is amazing to explore.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Motel
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a free day to explore Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of hikes to do, each varying in difficulty. Perhaps take a 4-5 hour hike to the top of Nevada Fall or a short and easy walk to the serene Mirror Lake. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and perhaps even a bear) along the way. You might like to hire a bike and cycle around Yosemite Valley, stopping by the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants on the way. In the heat of summer, float down the Merced River on a raft and enjoy a few drinks at the local cafe.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Motel
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD 12
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free - USD 12
- Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD 30
Day 5: Lake Tahoe
Make the short drive to Lake Tahoe (approximately 2–3 hours). Enjoy free time for the rest of the day. If it's summer, perhaps using it to hike, swim, rent bikes or simply relax. An optional sunset sailing cruise on the lake is also available. In winter, your optional activities revolve around snow – strap on some snowshoes and go for a hike, take a sleigh ride, or try your hand at ice skating. In the evening, return to camp for dinner with the group.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Lake Tahoe - Kayaking/watersports - USD 25
- Lake Tahoe - Sunset champagne cruise - USD 75
Day 6 Eastern Sierra / Lone Pine
Drive south to Death Valley (approximately 6 hours). On the way to Lone Pine perhaps stop at Manzanar National Historic Site, a former Japanese Internment Camp during WWII. Spend the night in the town of Lone Pine, not far from the entrance to Death Valley. Here there's the option to visit the Museum of Western Film History, which celebrates the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Iron Man, Django Unchained, How The West Was Won, and True Grit.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Lone Pine - Museum of Western Film History
Day 7: Death Valley
This morning we drive the short distance into Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park is a geologically rich area, featuring huge sand dunes, canyons, sculpted rocks, valleys and volcanic craters. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Point (the lowest point in the USA) to 3756 metres above sea level at Telescope Peak. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry, so pack plenty of water. Perhaps hike up to Dante's View for amazing vistas over the valley. Check out Ubehebe Crater or find a shady trail through Golden Canyon. Set up camp in Death Valley National Park.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Death Valley National Park - Hiking (seasonal) - Free
Day 8: Las Vegas
It's a short three-hour drive through Nevada today, to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas. This city may be the gambling capital of the world, but if this isn't your thing there's a lot more to do in town. Wander along the Strip past impersonators, billboards and hotels, checking out the Bellagio fountain show. Head to a rooftop amusement park, hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York hotels. In the evening, join up with the group for an included buffet dinner, Vegas style. If you're up for it, see an after dinner show or hit up a nightclub.
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ACCOMMODATION
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ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD 110
- Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD 300
- Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD 15
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD 20
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum Tour - USD 28
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD 20
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel (13 nights), Motel (4 nights)
- 6 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
- Private vehicle
- San Francisco - Dinner Urban Adventure
- Sonoma - Jack London State Historic Park
- Sonoma - Wine Tasting
- Sonoma - Picnic lunch
- Yosemite National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Las Vegas - Buffet Dinner
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee
- Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- International Flights
- Any international flights to San Francisco and from Los Angeles are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is not included in this USA National Parks Explorer tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
