California's Great National Parks
California's Great National Parks
$3825
California's Great National Parks
8 Days Starting in Las Vegas, USA and ending in Los Angeles, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, Death Valley, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Mountain, June Lake, Lee Vining, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest Museum, Los Angeles, Hollywood
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCGPZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through California's breathtaking national parks, starting in the vibrant city of Las Vegas and concluding in the star-studded streets of Los Angeles. This tour takes you through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Mammoth Lakes, and Death Valley. Marvel at iconic sights like El Capitan and Half Dome, and experience the serene beauty of Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin. Enjoy a scenic gondola ride on Mammoth Mountain and explore the night sky with a local naturalist in Sequoia. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of included meals and free time, this tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation amidst nature's grandeur.
Must-see Highlights
- Visit High Roller Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park and Giant Forest Museum
- View Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park and General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
- See Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall
- Scenic Drive along Tioga Pass (seasonal)
- Tickets Included Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola
Make Travel Matter®
Yosemite National Park: Meet a climber and naturalist that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite. Enjoy storytelling, photographs, see the old and new climbing gear, as well as ask questions about how they help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers, and more. This Make Travel Matter® Experience targets United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, improving, protecting, and conserving wildlife and/or restores natural ecosystems.
Sequoia National Park: Meet your Local Specialist and enjoy stories and the latest astronomical news under one of California's most brilliant skies. The Milky Way galaxy spills out across the broad Sequoia sky, an explosion of stars, planets and infinite questions. Spend the hour touring constellations, galaxies, planets, and the history of human space and exploration. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Be My Guest
Sequoia National Park: Get an inside look at Yosemite’s fire ecology with naturalist Dan Webster. He’ll share how fire shapes the forest and what it means for the future of these landscapes. After an engaging talk, sit down for lunch with Dan – your chance to ask questions and hear more stories about life in the Sierra Nevada.
Trafalgar Difference
Yosemite National Park: Stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge located close to Yosemite Falls in the middle of the national park.
Sequoia National Park: The Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Soar Above the Neon Lights of Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Horseshoe Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Horseshoe Las Vegas
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your exploration in Las Vegas. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner before soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel.
Day 2: Travel Through Stoic Death Valley National Park
Location: Death Valley, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Mammoth Lakes
Accommodation: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Accommodation Name: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and barren, yet unexpectedly lively land of extremes which we will have an opportunity to explore for part of today. Admire scenic views of the undulating rocky landscape at Zabriskie Point and learn about the valley's unique geological features, history and intriguing weather patterns. Descend below sea level to the Badwater Basin. We continue through the desert landscape of Death Valley ascending to Mammoth Lakes, our home for the night.
Day 3: Dine in the Clouds at Mammoth Mountain Stays With Stories
Location: Mammoth Mountain, June Lake, Lee Vining, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain (seasonal) and enjoy the stunning views while you enjoy a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a scenic drive on the June Lake Loop for your first peak at the bright blue waters of June Lake. The alpine scenery of Aspens and willows is a feast for the eyes along this winding road before lunch on your own at Lee Vining. Touch the clouds through the Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter the UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Driving past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, journey to Yosemite Valley. Our Stays With Stories accommodation tonight includes a cozy lodge atmosphere and is located just a stone’s throw from Yosemite Falls. Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park and Mammoth Lakes overnight will be replaced with Bakersfield or similar. This overnight change will affect sightseeing for this day.
Day 4: Stroll or Hike in Yosemite Make Travel Matter
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Yosemite National Park, famed for its ancient sequoia trees, grand meadows and iconic rock formations. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience through the Yosemite Conservancy hearing a climbers fascinating stories, photographs, demonstrations and a look at climbing gear. Learn about the science behind the emotions climbers feel when inching up a wall. Afterwards, you can explore Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks or Bridalveil Falls at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours in Yosemite where the possibilities are endless.
Day 5: Enjoy the Night Sky Under Sequoias and Stars Stays With Stories Make Travel Matter
Location: Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park
Accommodation: Wuksachi Lodge
Accommodation Name: Wuksachi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After departing Yosemite, get ready for a Be My Guest experience with naturalist Dan Webster. Learn how fire shapes forest ecosystems during his engaging talk, then enjoy lunch with him and dive deeper into the wonders of the Sierra Nevada. Stretch your legs in Kings Canyon National Park and gaze towards the sky as you greet the giant boughs of General Grant Tree. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kings Canyon before you continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Towering redwood trunks frame your journey to Sequoia National Park, where you’ll spend the night in your Stays with Stories accommodation, surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, spending the evening gazing upwards at the star-spangled sky as a local naturalist guides you through the constellations.
Day 6: Meet the World's Largest Living Tree Dive Into Culture
Location: Sequoia National Park, General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest Museum
Accommodation: Wuksachi Lodge
Accommodation Name: Wuksachi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tread in the footsteps of giants, walking beneath the soaring sequoia canopy to see first-hand the world’s largest living tree, General Sherman. Learn about the Giant Forest and its history during a stop at the Giant Forest Museum, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Big Trees Trail, connecting with the invigorating natural surroundings before meeting up with a Local Specialist and Old West pioneer reenactor for an insightful lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park on your terms, using the complimentary shuttle system (seasonal).
Day 7: Get a Taste of Hollywood
Location: Los Angeles, Hollywood
Accommodation: Beverly Hills Marriott
Accommodation Name: Beverly Hills Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Descend the Sierra Nevada mountain range into Southern California for an unrivaled view of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. You will enjoy a visit to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, for your chance to find your favorite celebrity's Hollywood Star. As our encounter with California’s epic natural beauty comes to an end, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a dinner.
Day 8: Farewell California
Location: Los Angeles
Meals Included: Breakfast
After our adventurous journey through California's national parks, the time has come for us to say goodbye. Prepare to leave Los Angeles International Airport at your leisure or consider extending your stay.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio Headsets for Flexible Sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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All Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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Alternative Hotel Options
Hotels of similar standard and location may be used if necessary.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Sequoia National Park: Immerse yourself in the pioneer history of the Old West, joining a living-history reenactor and Local Specialist for a lunch and stories of early life in the mountains.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience as you explore California's stunning national parks.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels, including Horseshoe Las Vegas, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Wuksachi Lodge, and Beverly Hills Marriott, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the tour.
Dive into Culture
- Sequoia National Park: Immerse yourself in the pioneer history of the Old West, joining a living-history reenactor and Local Specialist for a lunch and stories of early life in the mountains.
Iconic Experience
- Las Vegas: A true must-see. Live “Viva Las Vegas” from the sky as you hop on the High Roller, North America's tallest observation wheel standing 550 feet tall. The 30-minute ride offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the glittering lights and neon signs of the Strip below.
- Death Valley: You’ll truly feel the solitude and vastness of Death Valley today as you head out on a guided tour of the park’s most famous sites. You’ll discover the unique geological features of Death Valley, a land of sand dunes and volcanic craters, intriguing weather-patterns, and the highest-recorded temperatures in the United States.
- Mammoth Lakes: Ascend Mammoth Mountain by gondola and enjoy the stunning views over a tasty breakfast.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Las Vegas, USA.
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Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Los Angeles, USA, with a drop-off at Los Angeles International Airport.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Yosemite National Park, where you will hear climbers' fascinating stories and learn about the science behind climbing. Additionally, in Sequoia National Park, you will have a guided stargazing experience with a local naturalist.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
