LA to the Bay | 2026
LA to the Bay | 2026
LA to the Bay | 2026
11 Days Starting in Los Angeles (CA) and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Barstow, Bass Lake, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LATB26
Recommended For:
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
3 states, 11 days, 1 damn fine vacay. From the Golden Gate to the Hollywood sign, your eyes will be a popping the whole trip long. We'll feast on legit Mexican food, marvel at Joshua Trees and party in Vegas.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We’ll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, Mann’s Chinese Theatre (the home of the Oscars), plus a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.
Day 2: Los Angeles To San Diego
Location: San Diego, Los Angeles
Accommodation: Days Hotel San Diego Hotel Circle (or similar)
Today you’ll join the crew to travel the Pacific Coast Highway before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego. First up, we'll stop at one of the white sand beaches on the SoCal coast, then do San Diego by night hitting up the Gas Lamp District. Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego.
Day 3: San Diego To Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, San Diego
Accommodation: Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now you've had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it's time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer. This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won't forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We'll enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste and spend the afternoon in Scottsdale Old Town – the Most Western Town in Arizona!
Day 4: Phoenix To The Grand Canyon
Location: Phoenix, Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A hot air balloon ride over the "Valley of the Sun" – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There's a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don't miss out. The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona.Â
The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona. We'll settle in for the night before the great Grand Canyon reveals itself tomorrow. Take a step outside and take a peep at the endless starry skies, tomorrow will be a day to remember.
Day 5: The Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, there's also the option of a bike ride, then the day will end with a spine-tingling sunset. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter.
Day 6: The Grand Canyon To Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses. This is Las Vegas - sometimes known as Sin City - a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You’ll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the famous ‘Strip’, including  a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight's agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about.
Day 7: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
You have today all to yourself but you’ll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas' weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city's realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). Tonight you’ll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.
Day 8: Las Vegas To Bass Lake Via Barstow
Location: Las Vegas, Barstow, Bass Lake
Accommodation: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip’ to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again. Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination. This afternoon you’ll become enamored with the tranquility of Bass Lake. Wind down in your chalet after a long day of travel, taking in your picturesque surroundings. Later on, kick back and enjoy the view from the chalet deck - it is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the jacuzzi and breathe in the fresh mountain air while getting some much needed R & R after fast and furious Vegas.
Day 9: Bass Lake (Including Yosemite National Park)
Location: Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, Bass Lake
Accommodation: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This beautiful mountain paradise is perfect for relaxation and recuperation. The Breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore. Back at our Bass Lake base, there'll no doubt be a need for that jacuzzi and a night of staring up at the starry skies. This is what we call living.
Day 10: Bass Lake To San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, Bass Lake
Accommodation: Hotel Zephyr (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot full of nature and tranquility and look forward to a very different experience as a crew of city slickers once more.
After getting a dose of San Fran exploring, spend your final night with your Contiki fam with an included dinner. There's no better way to reminisce than over a delicious meal.
Day 11: End San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
And just like that, it's time for the journey to come to an end. It's been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions