California's Great National Parks

California's Great National Parks

109 Views
8 Days From

$3925

$3234

California's Great National Parks

8 Days Starting in Las Vegas, United States and ending in Los Angeles, United States

Visiting: Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Los Angeles

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DCGPZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3925 $3234 Operator discount: -$691 -18%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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 Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes, and the iconic Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Experience the thrill of the High Roller in Las Vegas, the serenity of forest bathing in Sequoia, and the grandeur of the world's largest living tree, General Sherman. Enjoy unique experiences like a gondola ride at Mammoth Mountain and stargazing under Sequoia's brilliant skies. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, this adventure promises to connect you with nature and culture in a truly meaningful way.

Highlights

  • Visit Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and Death Valley National Park.

  • View Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park.

  • See the iconic El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite.

  • Experience a scenic drive along Tioga Pass (seasonal).

  • Take a ride on the Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola.

  • Explore the world's largest living tree, General Sherman, in Sequoia National Park.

  • Enjoy a guided Forest Bathing meditation in Sequoia National Park.

  • Discover Hollywood and find your favorite celebrity's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Itinerary

Expand All

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 a Welcome Reception 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

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: Yosemite National Park

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: Sequoia National Park

Accommodation: Wuksachi Lodge

Accommodation Name: Wuksachi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After departing Yosemite, get ready for a unique Be My Guest Experience incorporating mindfulness while embracing the outdoors over a guided Forest Bathing meditation followed by lunch. Then, 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 and spend 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

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

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 Farewell 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

  • Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.

  • Cherry-picked Hotels

    Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.

  • Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Sightseeing and Extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the package.

  • Audio Headsets

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Transport and Transfers

    All transport and transfers shown in the itinerary are included.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and Free Time

    Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

  • 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 style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through California's stunning landscapes, from the bustling streets of Las Vegas to the tranquil beauty of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

Accommodation

Experience the comfort of Horseshoe Las Vegas, Mammoth Mountain Inn, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Wuksachi Lodge, each offering unique settings from the vibrant cityscape of Las Vegas to the serene natural beauty of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the Yosemite National Park visit?

    In Yosemite National Park, you will meet a climber and naturalist who will share the dynamic history of climbing in the park. This includes storytelling, photographs, and demonstrations of old and new climbing gear. You will also learn about efforts to improve trails, restore habitats, and protect wildlife.

  • What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Sequoia National Park?

    The 'Be My Guest' experience in Sequoia National Park includes a unique Forest Bathing session led by Susan Madden, a certified meditation instructor and forest bathing guide. The experience begins with a simple meditation, followed by learning the fundamentals and science behind Forest Bathing. It concludes with a plated meal at Tenaya Lodge, accompanied by conversation and storytelling.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Death Valley National Park?

    During the visit to Death Valley National Park, you will explore the solitude and desolation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include scenic views at Zabriskie Point, learning about the valley's unique geological features, and descending below sea level to the Badwater Basin.

  • What is the significance of the 'Make Travel Matter' experiences on this tour?

    The 'Make Travel Matter' experiences on this tour aim to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. In Yosemite, you will learn about climbing and conservation efforts, while in Sequoia, you will enjoy a guided stargazing session under the Milky Way, learning about constellations and the history of human space exploration.

  • What is included in the accommodation during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. Notable accommodations include the Yosemite Valley Lodge, located close to Yosemite Falls, and the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, surrounded by forest and Sierra peaks.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and includes two dinners and two lunches as part of the dining summary.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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