Compare Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys by Intrepid Travel vs Grand Tour of California: San Francisco to Los Angeles by Go Ahead Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
Price From | $ 2,412 | Check price |
Price Per Day | $ 302 | Check price |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
|
|
Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Fall in love with the rugged and diverse American West on this eight-day adventure, from the sun-baked dunes and canyons of Death Valley to Yosemite National Park's granite peaks and pine forests. Explore the highlights of the wild west coast and stroll the neon-lit boulevards of Las Vegas, walk through giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, take scenic drives and hikes to natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, spend some free time to explore Monterey Bay at your own pace, check out coastal parks in California, enjoy dinner at a local winery and end it all with a catamaran cruise in the bay of San Francisco, taking in all the iconic sites from the water during sunset. |
From San Francisco’s Painted Ladies and Yosemite National Park to Monterey’s Cannery Row and star-studded Los Angeles, there’s plenty to love about California. Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the vineyards of Napa Valley. Drive along the stunning coastline of Big Sur, and see what makes the Golden State one of a kind. |
Day 1 Las Vegas
Welcome to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas, Nevada! It may be a gambler’s paradise, but if the tables aren't your thing, there's still plenty to discover in this neon metropolis. Maybe wander along the famous strip, past impersonators, billboards and hotels to the choreographed Bellagio Fountain show. Hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of hotels like The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York. Your trip starts at 6 pm tonight with a welcome meeting. After, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional dinner and indulge in some nightlife?
Day 2 Las Vegas to Fresno
This morning, depart Las Vegas and begin your road trip. This is a long driving day and a great opportunity to experience the dramatic change in landscape from the desert to the mountains of California. You'll have plenty of stops to stretch your legs and take photos. The first stop is Death Valley National Park. Don't let the name fool you – this park features huge sand dunes, canyons, sculpted rocks, valleys and volcanic craters. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry (the highest recorded temperature in the world was measured in local Furnace Creek at 56.6 degrees Celsius in 1913), so remember to drink plenty of water and don't overexert yourself. Stop along the way at Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin and the Mesquite Dunes, where you’ll have the chance to explore with some short walks. Continue around the Sierras to the south, where things get much greener. You’ll spend the night in Fresno, where you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 3 Yosemite National Park
This morning, head north to the world-famous Yosemite National Park – featuring colossal granite cliff faces, cascading waterfalls (depending on the season), and sequoia forests, the scenery in Yosemite attracts travellers from all over the globe. When you arrive, wander through the jaw-dropping Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest known trees on Earth. These colossal, ancient wonders are adapted for survival – they’re resistant to disease, thanks to a large content of tannin in the wood, and their thick asbestos-like bark means that they can withstand the hottest of forest fires, making them almost indestructible. Make the scenic drive into Yosemite Valley and explore sites like Yosemite Falls and the visitor center, before settling in at a local restaurant in Yosemite Valley for a fun pizza dinner and a cold beer (if you fancy).
Day 4 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a full day to explore the spectacular scenery of Yosemite National Park. The breathtaking landscapes have made Yosemite a favourite among hikers for generations, and there are plenty of trekking routes on offer with varying degrees of difficulty. Your leader will choose a hike based on the group’s ability and desires. If you feel like breaking a sweat, the hike to Vernal Falls features plenty of switchbacks and depending on the season, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the cascading waterfall beneath the giant Half Dome. Feel like taking it easy? No problem, there are plenty of gentle trails on offer, too. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and watch for bears!) along the way. Make the winding trip up to Glacier Point for incredible views over the valley, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome – don't forget your cameras today, as this is one of the best places in the park to get amazing photos.
Day 5 Monterey
After breakfast this morning, depart Yosemite for coastal California and the haven of Monterey. Your leader will take the group on an orientation walk when you arrive to get your bearings. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace – maybe head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Tonight, maybe get a recommendation from your leader on one of the best dinner spots in the area or just kick back on the beach and watch the sunset.
Day 6 California Coast / Monterey
Today you’ll head out on a full-day exploration of the glittering coast and the surrounding villages and parks with your group. Make the most of the scenic parks along California Highway 1 and check out Sea Lion Point. Check out the gorgeous local beaches in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, explore tidepools and relax on the white sands, surrounded by turquoise waters and cliffs. Head out on an easy coastal hike for epic views over the ocean, then cap off the day with a visit to a local winery in the Carmel Valley for a wine tasting and dinner with views of the surrounding vineyard.
Day 7 San Francisco
This morning after breakfast, you’ll follow the coast to Santa Cruz, stopping at the famous pier for some free time to grab lunch, sit on the beach and enjoy the vibes. Visit Half Moon Bay for a short beach walk and then carry on to San Fran. When you arrive, head out on a tour of the city and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you’ll hit the water for an incredible catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.
Day 8 San Francisco
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
SAN FRANCISCO 3 nights
Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
Included meals: Dinner
Welcome to California! Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your hotel. Then, meet your fellow travelers at an included welcome dinner.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Today’s guided tour introduces you to the highlights of San Francisco, the “City by the Bay.”
- Ride up Twin Peaks, the hills near the center of San Francisco, and take in spectacular panoramic vistas
- Pass the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, location of cultural movements in the 1960s, and the posh neighborhoods of Pacific Heights and Nob Hill
- Drive through North Beach and see the iconic Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill
- Visit Golden Gate Park and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Enjoy a free afternoon strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Alcatraz Island $59pp*
Embark on a short ferry ride from Embarcadero Pier for an up-close look at the infamous “inescapable” federal penitentiary at Alcatraz Island. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of this iconic American landmark and uncover its intriguing history, including details on the great 1962 escape.
Must be booked 20 days before departure
Day 3: Free day in San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Spend a free day exploring San Francisco on your own or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Tasting $115pp*
With over 600 wineries between Napa and Sonoma Valley, California’s wine country stands out among the world’s best-renowned viticulture regions. Visit a vineyard in Napa Valley for a tour and wine tasting, then enjoy an included lunch in Napa. Later, head to Sonoma Valley to tour another local vineyard, followed by wine tastings. Please note: The order of the day is subject to change.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $125)
YOSEMITE REGION 2 nights
Day 4: Transfer to Yosemite National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the Central Valley on the way to Yosemite. In the afternoon, enter the national park for a discussion on Yosemite, led by a park ranger.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Yosemite Valley
Learn about the Yosemite Valley’s history and geology on a guided sightseeing tour with a park ranger.
- View Bridalveil Fall, named for the ethereal mists that surround the falls
- Drive up Inspiration Point for phenomenal photos of Half Dome and El Capitan, icons of the Yosemite Valley
- Take in the sights at the historic Tunnel View overlook, offering one of the most famous views of the park
- Enjoy a free afternoon in Yosemite National Park or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Yosemite's Glacier Point $55pp*
Depart from Yosemite Lodge for a sweeping tour of the Yosemite Valley, riding up to Glacier Point. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the park from the overlook at Glacier Point, towering 3,200 feet above the valley, and see the iconic landmarks, from El Capitan and Half Dome to Yosemite’s many beautiful waterfalls. Choose to ride back down to the bottom, or set out on an adventure and hike to the base on your own. Please note: this excursion is seasonal and runs from late May through October only. This excursion includes high altitudes and walking on uneven terrain, which may be difficult for some travelers.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $65)
MONTEREY 1 night
Day 6: Transfer to Monterey
Included meals: Breakfast
Drive from Yosemite to Monterey, a coastal city brimming with rich history and cultural diversity. Spend free time exploring Cannery Row before visiting the world-famous Monterey Aquarium.
SANTA BARBARA REGION 2 nights
Day 7: Hearst Castle via Big Sur
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey south alongthe Pacific Coast Highway, a cliffside roadway boasting exhilarating views, crossing the mountainous region of Big Sur. Stop for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the storied hilltop mansion of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, before arriving in the Santa Barbara region.
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Santa Barbara
Included meals: Breakfast
Get to know the city of Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera,” on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour.
- Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Franciscan mission established in 1786
- See Stearns Wharf, an iconic wooden pier in the Santa Barbara Harbor
- Pass the historic County Courthouse, a Greek Revival-style building decorated with beautiful interior murals
- View El Presidio, a former Spanish military outpost in downtown Santa Barbara
- Take time to explore Santa Barbara on your own or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Santa Barbara Wine Country $65pp* Details
Travel through the Santa Ynez Valley outside of Santa Barbara, a wine region famous for its pinot noir. On the road, stop in the charming town of Solvang and soak in its Dutch-influenced art and architecture, including a replica of Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue, honoring Hans Christan Andersen. Later, enjoy tours and wine tastings at local vineyards, which helped inspire the movie “Sideways.”
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $75)
LOS ANGELES 1 night
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Los Angeles
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue on the Pacific Coast Highway as you travel to Los Angeles, stoppingfor lunch at a West Hollywood farmers market. Then, immerse yourself in lively L.A . on a guided sightseeing tour.
- Ride down Rodeo Drive through glamorous Beverly Hills
- Stroll through Hollywood, passing Gruman’s Chinese Theatre and the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame
- View the iconic Hollywood sign from the Hollywood and Highland Center, a bustling entertainment complex
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.
Day 10: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to explore San Diego.
Add San Diego $529 pp
Please note: Extension is not available on all departure dates.
Discover what makes San Diego “America’s Finest City.” From its pristine beaches to the historic downtown, this coastal California hot spot delights at every turn.
SAN DIEGO 2 nights
Day 10: San Diego via La Jolla
Included meals: Breakfast
Continue on to San Diego, stopping in the seaside town of La Jolla along the way. In the afternoon, get an introduction to “America’s Finest City” on a panoramic tour.
- Pass through Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban cultural park and location of the world-famous San Diego Zoo
- Explore Coranado Island, a peninsulacity with small-town coastal charm
- Visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter and admire the neighborhood’s beautifully restored Victorian buildings
- See the Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s landing at San Diego Bay
Day 11: Free day in San Diego
Included meals: Breakfast
Explore San Diego on your own or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - USS Midway Museum & Harbor Cruise $75pp* Details
Begin with a self-guided audio tour of the USS Midway, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, narrated by sailors who lived or worked on the ship. See over 60 locations throughout the museum during your visit, from the engine room to the control tower. Then, drive to the north side of the harbor, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon cruise on the San Diego Bay.
Must be booked 20 days before departure
Day 12: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.