HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience some of the highlights of California and Nevada in a short period of time. Enjoy the freedom to discover cities and national parks at your own pace, while letting someone else drive you from A to B
- Towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, redwood forests and epic night skies - Yosemite National Park feels like utopia. While other tour groups breeze through in a day, you'll spend two nights in the park, allowing for a full day of hiking and exploring
- For many, Death Valley conjures up images of a flat and barren wasteland. Be surprised by the park's ethereal landscapes of sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, extinct volcanic craters and, in the spring, fields of wildflowers
- All roads lead to California. Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic, multicultural 'City by the Bay'? This city is perfect for relaxation and activity
The Vegas to San Fran tour starts in Las Vegas and ends in San Francisco. The Vegas to San Fran is an Explorer tour that takes 5 days taking you from Las Vegas to San Francisco and through other destinations in North America.
Take in Las Vegas through to San Francisco and make your way across the countryside through scorching Death Valley and the forests of Sierra Nevada. Enjoy the decadence of Sin City and then leave the desert as you make tracks for California’s mountain region. Trek and explore Yosemite, marvel at the size of Half Dome, and then head on to the coast as you move through constantly changing scenery.
ITINERARY
Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby today at 6 pm. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. We recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. In the evening, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet, check out one of the many shows on offer or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub.
ACCOMMODATION Hotel OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES- Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD 15
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD 24
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD 5
- Las Vegas - Fremont Street Experience - Free - USD 5
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free - USD 5
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD 20
Today is a long day of driving (approximately six hours). You'll cover more than 550 kilometres through Death Valley and across the Eastern Sierra. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on the planet, with temperatures rising to 56°C in the summer. The park features huge sand dunes, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys and volcanic craters. The canyon and mountain walls change colour with the changing light. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the United States) to 3,756 metres at Telescope Peak. Stop at the visitor centre and, if it's not too hot, take a walk on the stunning salt flats.
ACCOMMODATION- Camping (with facilities)
Driving west, travel through the Tioga Pass (snow levels permitting) into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Your destination is Yosemite National Park. One of the most famous parks in the USA, Yosemite's colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and redwood forests attract visitors from all over the world. You'll spend two nights in the park in order to have a full day of exploration tomorrow. The total driving time today is approximately five hours, or longer if the Tioga Pass is closed.
ACCOMMODATION- Camping (with facilities)
Today is a free day to get out and discover the park. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4-5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and perhaps even a bear along the way. You might prefer to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley. Visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants along the way. In the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River followed by a few drinks at the park's cafe is just the trick.
ACCOMMODATION- Camping (with facilities)
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD 12
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free - USD 12
- Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD 30
Leave Yosemite behind today and drive west for about four hours to San Francisco. The 'City by the Bay' has a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You might like to check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventures cat cruise on the bay.
The trip finishes on arrival into San Francisco after a stop to check out the Golden Gate Bridge. No accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, perhaps head out for some dumplings in Chinatown or pasta in North Beach. If you do wish to spend extra time in San Francisco we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES- San Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Camping (with facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (1 night)
- Private vehicle
- Death Valley National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Any international flights to Las Vegas and from San Francisco are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this Vegas to San Fran tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
