California Discovery

Arrival in Las Vegas, individual transfer are at your own cost from the airport to hotel. Overnight: Hotel Golden Nugget or similar (3 star or similar)

Meals:  Nil

Meet at the lobby at 08:00am. Your guide will welcome you at the hotel. We start by exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip by foot. In the early afternoon we are heading out to reach Death Valley National Park. Our hotel is in the heart of the national park, complete with its own hot spring pool! In the soft evening light, we explore Zabriske Point and the salt flats at Badwater. Then at dark, we head out to the sand dunes for a night time scramble into the sand dunes. Marvel at the immense dark skies and the milky way above. We might see a coyote walking over the dunes and howling at the moon. Maybe you want to enjoy a swim in the hot spring fed pool at your hotel. Overnight at The Ranch at Death Valley, (3-star) or similar. Early or late season we may stay in Bakersfield if Tioga Pass is closed Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km or 2 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We depart after breakfast. California’s 395 parallels the steep escarpment of the Sierra Nevada. At Lone Pine, we see Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the United States outside of Alaska, at 4421 meters. The Sierra Nevada range is still rising because of the clash of tectonic plates. At Lee Vining, we cross over the Sierra at Tioga Pass at 3030 meters. Here, we reach the high alpine plateau of Tuolumne. Photo stops at Tenaya Lake, and Olmstead Point follow. Our accommodations are in the heart of the national park at Curry Village inside Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is a 1000-meter deep granite valley carved by massive glaciers. Some of the world’s tallest waterfalls tumble over the cliffs of the valley. Our rustic glamping tent cabins are below Half Dome surrounded by the immense beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Park. At sunset we ramble through Yosemite Valley where the pink sunlight bathes the cliffs and the wildlife reclaims the valley. Curry Village, rustic tent cabins with communal bathrooms, or similar. Drive time: 300 mi / 500 km or 6 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Wake up to the sound of silence in the heart of the park. Our early morning exploration leads us to Glacier Point, where we take in stupendous views of Half Dome. At Tuolumne Grove we can walk to see the Giant Sequoia trees (5 km, +/- 200m). Afternoon transfer to San Francisco, Caza Hotel, or similar (3-star), 2 nights. Drive time: 200 mi / 320 km or 3-4 hrs

Meals:  B,L

San Francisco does not disappoint. A beautiful city draped over hills by the Pacific Ocean. The views astound as we explore the city on foot and cable car on our half-day city tour. See Union Square, explore Chinatown, the Embarcadero, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There is also time for you to explore the city on your own. In late afternoon (pending availability), come with us to see Alcatraz, when hidden cells are opened to the few as we explore the unknown side of this famous prison island. A night-time cable car ride back to our hotel closes our day of adventures.

Meals:  B,L

We leave San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, the Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies and Haight Ashbury district. Various photo stops are possible. Along the magical Pacific coast, we head towards Monterey and Carmel by the ocean. Choose a whale watching cruise in the afternoon (optional, approximately $100 per person) or time at leisure to explore Monterey on your own. Then, we will enjoy a wonderful wine tasting at the Folktale Winery, where your tasting is included. Maybe you would like to eat your dinner here, which is prepared with organic, locally grown food (not included). Laurel Inn Motel or similar (2-3-star). Drive time: 150 mi / 240 km or 3 hours

Meals:  B,L

Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This cliff hanging highway passes over the Pacific with impressive views over the ocean. We stop where for unforgettable photos. We pass Big Sur, the remarkable Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, the Elephant Seal observatory, Big Creek Bridge, and finally Moro Bay with its remarkable giant rock formation. In the afternoon, join us in a culinary expedition into the famous Paso Robles wine region of California. Let us take you to charming wineries to explore and taste excellent local wine. Possibly, let’s take a dip in a local hot springs pool to soak away your cares. Paso Robles Inn or similar (3-star).Drive time: 150 mi / 250 km – 3 hrs

Meals:  B,L

There is time to walk along the beach at Pismo. The ocean here is much warmer than further north. Feel the sand in your toes and see the massive waves crashing on the sandy beaches while seagulls squawk overhead. At Santa Barbara, you have time to walk along the quaint main street (self-guided). Traveling through Malibu and Santa Monica, we soon reach Los Angeles. Our tour near the ocean, and near the airport, ideally located for an extension. Hotel June, (3-star) or similar. Drive time: 220 mi / 350 km or 4-5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We bid goodbye this morning after what has been an amazing Californian experience. Continue to the airport or your onward arrangements.

Meals:  B