Best of California

9 Days
From CAD 3899
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Desert heat, pine forests, and coastal breezes are the main features of this trip through some of the best scenery that the American West has to offer. Travel to a land of extremes in Death Valley, tip your head back to see the tops of the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, witness the majesty of Yosemite from the famous Tunnel View, and hit the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss, so pack a bag, lace up those hiking boots, and hit the road.

Highlights

  • Hike in Death Valley; the U.S. national park with the lowest elevation
  • Wrap your arms around the biggest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park
  • Witness breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park
  • Sightsee your way down the coast's famous Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles stopping in Monterey and Santa Maria.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2510

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Budget

TransportTransport: Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Budget

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: NUDL

StartStarts: Las Vegas, United States

FinishFinishes: Los Angeles, United States

DurationDuration: 9 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Death Valley National Park visit
  • Sequoia National Park visit
  • Yosemite National Park visit
  • Stops in Monterey and Santa Maria en route to Los Angeles
  • Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotel (8 nts).
  • 2 lunches

Transport

  • Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Group Leader

  • 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3899 (CAD 433 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Las Vegas, Death Valley and Bakersfield

In the morning, after a brief orientation with your CEO the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You'll visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you'll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park's landscapes with visits to Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Learn about Borax mining and if there's time, stop at the sand dunes. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Bakersfield and get some rest for tomorrow's adventure.

2

Day 2: Sequoia National Park

Spend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world's largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia

3

Day 3: Sequoia National Park

Immerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you're looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below.

4

Day 4: Yosemite National Park

Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.

5

Day 5: Yosemite National Park

It's all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick.

Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.

6

Day 6: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.

7

Day 7: San Francisco/Monterey

Wake up in San Francisco and spend the morning as you wish. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, take a walk, or hop on a cable car and coast up and down the city's many hills. Then the group will drive to the coastal town of Monterey where you'll have free time. Head to the Monterey Aquarium, walk down by the water to visit Old Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Cannery Row to check out art galleries and other boutique shops.

8

Day 8: Monterey/Santa Maria

Drive down the idyllic Highway 1 from Monterey to Santa Maria. Along the way stop and walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Coast and McWay Falls.

Continue on down the coast to Santa Maria and spend time in the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine or two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city.

9

Day 9: Santa Maria/Los Angeles

Leave the hills and vineyards of Santa Maria behind and continue driving south to Los Angeles where the tour ends on arrival.

Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Tony C.  -  Traveled, November 2023

The x2 Guides were excellent at organising everything & had fantastic attitudes to everything.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/05/2023

 

Richard V.  -  Traveled, November 2023

The trip was very interesting and covered a lot of territory in the short time period. It also helped that the tour guide Charlie was full of energy and enthusiasm as well as knowledgeable.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/14/2023

 

Jorne V.  -  Traveled, November 2023

everything was good

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/14/2023

 

Matthew F.  -  Traveled, September 2023

It was a very convenient and cost effective way to see a lot. The pace of the tour constantly changed. The the guide put a 100% effort into insuring we got the best out of every moment. couldn't of been more happy with it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/12/2023

 

Laura S.  -  Traveled, September 2023

Fantastic tour as always, such lovely people and the best guide

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/12/2023

 

Sabrina J.  -  Traveled, September 2023

The organization was top. The tour guide as well. Everything worked flawlessly.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/12/2023

 

Alexander L.  -  Traveled, July 2023

Great to cover so much ground in a short space of time. Comfortable transport and accommodation.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/11/2023

 

Lukas S.  -  Traveled, July 2023

It was really all fantastic. I have never experienced such a great time with wonderful people and in a beautiful country. The daily itinerary was top-notch, and the tour guide was great too. Is it strange that not all writings were translated into German? Also, that the review is only in English?

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/11/2023

 

James C.  -  Traveled, July 2023

The tour leader and activists/hikes

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/11/2023

 

Silke L.  -  Traveled, March 2023

small groups, well organised and very good guide

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/28/2023

 

Josee P.  -  Traveled, March 2023

Well organized, excellent guide, small group.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/28/2023

 

Bonnie H.  -  Traveled, March 2024

The tour wasn't what I expected based on the itinerary or the activity level of 3 in the tour description. Website was not intuitive, documents were not easy to find. The itinerary apparently hasn',t been updated in the past year even though some of the details have changed, for example, itinerary states a two night stay in canvas walled tents, Yosemite Bug. That has changed to a two night stay at Oakhurst Inn. While Oakhurst Inn was fine and Oakhurst had plenty of interesting places to eat, it was too far at 1 hour 45 minutes/2 hours to Yosemite.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/28/2023

 

Chiara C.  -  Traveled, October 2023

Trip well organized, especially good for solo travelers

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/08/2023

 

Tuula L.  -  Traveled, October 2023

Intresting trips

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/08/2023

 

Siobhan B.  -  Traveled, October 2023

It was a great trip with a knowledgeable guide

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/18/2023

 

Andrew D.  -  Traveled, September 2023

I cannot fault it but I know some people would not like sharing a room.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2023

 

Thomas C.  -  Traveled, September 2023

Very good tour and company of people very diverse.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2023

 

Jessica L.  -  Traveled, July 2023

The hotels were mostly in poor condition, unsafe areas, and the tour guide was unaccommodating. The guide was combative and passive aggresive/ unaccommodating. I personally felt antagonized.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/09/2023

 

Laurie S.  -  Traveled, July 2023

Great tour leaders, well organized tours.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/09/2023

 

Elina K.  -  Traveled, July 2023

The daily schedule was overwhelmed with long transfers and spending night in middle of nowhere

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/02/2023

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