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Adventure Tours   >   North America Adventure Tours   >  Camping America's West

Camping America's West Adventure Tour

North America

  • United States

Think every trail in the Great American West has been blazed by now? Think again, partner. Spread across 21 glorious days, this trip takes you on an incredible loop from beautiful San Francisco and back again with stops in Yosemite, Las Vegas, San Diego, and LA along the way. In between, you'll have the chance to take a dip in the Pacific, raft the Colorado River, hike the Grand Canyon, and stretch out under star-filled skies in the region's top national parks. Three weeks of your life, a memory forever.


Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Tipping  

It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.


Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.


Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

If a group exceeds 16 travellers, there will be a second CEO/CEO Driver co-leading the group to allow for a better overall experience.

While our CEOs are trained and have resources to assist them along the way, the United States is the fourth largest country on the planet, and it is impossible for them to know everything about this massive country. We recommend local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Please note that specific tour guide licenses are required to guide in certain cities and regions, and as such, our CEOs will oftentimes provide brief orientation walks or drives to point out useful places like supermarkets, main squares and ATMs but for more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.


About Accommodation  

Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. We use a combination of hotels and hostels, but most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds.

Multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room), is common in the U.S. and is the way you will be spending your hostel nights. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavor to your trip.

Couples: Please note that due to the types of accommodation used in the U.S., couples will likely be split into separate rooms where we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.

All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person pop-up tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors and vestibules, so that each person has his/her own entrance.

We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America:
1. Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns.

2. Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn't have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower).


Joining Instructions  

The international airport in San Francisco is located 14 miles (22 km) from downtown San Francisco. When arriving at the International Airport in San Francisco, proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where you have three transport options; public Taxi, door-to-door shuttle or the public Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

Taxi
On the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level continue to the designed taxi zones located at the roadway center islands right outside the Arrivals Hall. Uniformed taxi coordinators will help you with any questions you may have but it should be fairly easy to find a taxi. The approximate fare to downtown San Francisco is $40 (depending on traffic) plus gratuity.

Door-to-Door Shuttle also knows as “Shared-Ride Vans”?This is probably the most cost effective way to get to your hotel and definitely cheaper than a taxi ride from the Airport. You will see quite a few shuttle companies, but you can save money and receive detailed joining locations by pre-booking at www.supershuttle.com. The fare to your hotel is around $15-20 plus gratuity.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) public transportation
The cheapest and definitely the most adventurous way to get to your hotel is by BART. The fare to downtown San Francisco is $8.10 (approximately 25 min). The BART station is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (Boarding Area G side). From any Terminal you can reach BART by taking the AirTrain to Garage G/Bart (no fare). Once at the station you need to get a ticket at the vending machine that accepts cash or credit card. Then you need to enter your ticket into the fare gate. The ticket will be returned to you since you will use the same ticket again when you exit BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza SF. From here you have approximately a ten minute walk. Enjoy the first glimpse of beautiful San Francisco!

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.


Optional Activities  

San Francisco
- Haight-Ashbury Visit (Free)
- Alcatraz Visit (33USD per person)
- Golden Gate Bridge Visit (Free)
- Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person)
- Bike Rental San Francisco (8-32USD per person)
- Sunset Sailing San Francisco

Napa Valley
- Canoe Trip (100USD per person)
- Kayak Napa River (70USD per person)
- Napa Valley Wine Tasting (10-25USD per person)

Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite National Park Hike (Free)
- Yosemite Bike Rental (12USD per person)

Las Vegas
- Gambling at Vegas Casino
- VIP Party Bus Experience (45USD per person)
- Las Vegas Show (60-200USD per person)
- Vegas Strip Visit (Free)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Hoover Dam
- Hoover Dam Visit (65USD per person)

Zion National Park
- Hiking (Free)

Bryce Canyon National Park
- Horseback Riding (65-90USD per person)
- Scenic Flight

Moab
- Skydiving (225USD per person)
- Rafting (57USD per person)
- Mountain Biking (103USD per person)
- Hummer Tour (88-180USD per person)

Monument Valley
- Monument Valley Overnight (150USD per person)

Lake Powell
- Powell Horseback Riding (75-135USD per person)

Page
- Slot Canyon Hummer Adventures (90USD per person)

Glen Canyon Dam
- Glen Canyon Dam Visit (Free)

Antelope Canyon
- Antelope Canyon Tour (50USD per person)

Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Hiking (Free)
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (284-309USD per person)

Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Canyon IMAX Movie (14USD per person)

Lake Havasu City
- London Bridge Visit

San Diego
- Gaslamp Quarter District Visit (Free)
- Surf and Boogie Board Rental (8-20USD per person)
- Surf Lesson (69USD per person)
- Old Town San Diego Visit (Free)
- Mission Beach Visit (Free)

Coronado
- Coronado Island Visit (Free)

Los Angeles
- Santa Monica Pier Visit (Free)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (90-150USD per person)
- Venice Beach Visit (Free)


Group Leader  

1 or 2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout, depending on group size.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


Meals  

All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.


Transport  

Air-conditioned private vehicle, walking


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.


Packing List  

Camping:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
• Socks
• Thermal base layer
• Travel pillow
• Windproof rain gear

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park
Your Discover Moment: Las Vegas. Entrance fees to all national and state parks with hiking and walking excursions. Death Valley visit. Orientation to Las Vegas. Sunset at the rim of the Grand Canyon. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents while camping. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Accommodation  

Hotels/hostels (4 nts, some multi-share), participation camping (16 nts)


Important Notes  

1. An essential part of your trip is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing it away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEO will do all the meal planning, but we do ask the clients to help with the preparation and washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Self-inflating mattresses are also provided, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.

2. Sleeping bags are a necessary for this tour, and can be purchased upon arrival if required.

3. In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.

4. All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It's a healthy way to discover North America's beauty and landscape.

5. Tioga Pass is a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park, and we travel through the pass en route. In the spring and autumn seasons, there's a chance that the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In such a case, we use an alternate route. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.

6. Please note that some trips could be a combination of multiple G Adventure tours. You should expect some group members to join or leave the tour between tour segments.

7. The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. Please be prepared for such extreme conditions.

8. Regarding our wi-fi equipped vehicles: we have limited bandwidth, and in the interests of allowing all travellers to access the wi-fi, travellers should limit their access to reasonable levels. Please note that wi-fi is not always available due to areas with limited or no cell phone service (e.g. in parts of national parks).

9. Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas or New Orleans is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.

While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.

10. A NOTE ON HOMELESSNESS:
San Francisco hosts a considerable population of homeless. Homelessness is a crisis in America, and nowhere is it more evident than here; with as many as 10,000 people without permanent homes, San Francisco has become the homeless capital of America.

As you explore San Francisco with your G Adventures group, you will likely encounter the city's homeless. While we understand the urge to help those in need, we recommend that you not donate directly to people you meet on the street. The best response is to smile, say that you do not have any money and continue on your way.

San Francisco is a beautiful and safe city, and our hotel is ideally situated for further exploring on your own. That said, when exploring independently, we suggest you avoid the area to the southwest of the hotel.

We completely understand that stifling the urge to help out can make you uncomfortable. There are dozens of shelters, food banks and aid organizations dedicated to helping the city's needy, and your CEO will be more than happy to help you make a donation. It really is the best way to make a change.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Laundry  

Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Highlights  

Learn about Navajo culture, hike through stunning national parks, stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, try your luck in Las Vegas, drive California's scenic Highway 1.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Meals Included  

16 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners


Money Exchange  

The United States currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in the USA, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is very difficult to find in the USA and most banks do not accommodate.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com


Group Size Notes  

Max 22, avg 16.


What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.

For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.

The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. It is therefore important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings - a light jacket is necessary.

Seasonal temperature ranges:
March - May ; September to December: -7 C to +30 C
June - August: 0 C to + 35 C

Additionally, a set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the G Adventures Local Representative. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.


EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS?


G Adventures Local Representative (Las Vegas) ?
From outside the USA: 1-412-423-8143
From within the USA: 412-423-8143


If you are unable for any reason to contact our local representative, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.


Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


About our Transportation  

We use 25-passenger vehicles perfect for cross-country road trips on our 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours in the United States. Our new fleet of more cushy vehicles give travellers all the comfort of a big coach bus, but with a small-group experience. They put rider wellbeing first and foremost, with high-backed bucket seats and built-in headrests for all seats on board, huge 92cm-tall (36 in) windows that make every seat a window seat, an aisle way with enough headroom for most of stand upright, sliding seats that free up more shoulder room while on the road, A/C, charging stations, wi-fi, and loads of other features. We use a trailer to carry luggage and camping equipment. These are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.
This is not a physically demanding journey. However, please take note of the travel times and distances in the itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most clients feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience! A typical day of driving will include about six hours driving by one of the CEOs and two to five hours of stops along the way. Keep in mind that North America is a really big place - New York to New Orleans alone is the equivalent of driving across most of Europe, and we cover that much ground in a single week. Driving time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep, relax, and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

While we try to travel into and out of cities during non-rush hour times, heavy traffic is a reality of some of the places we visit. As a result, some drives may be a bit longer than listed in the day-to-day itineraries. Bring your patience and a smile, and we'll get through it!


Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


My Own Room Exceptions  

Days 1,18


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room/Tent" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room/tent for all nights, except for the below.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Day 1 San Francisco

Arrive at any time.

There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and the city's famous cable cars await you.

Day 2 San Francisco/Napa Valley

Enjoy a free morning in San Francisco. Opt to ride a cable car over the steep hills, check out Haight-Ashbury, or wander the streets. Later, trade in the city for the vineyards of beautiful Napa Valley and opt for a wine tasting.

Day 3 Napa Valley/Yosemite National Park

Leave the Napa Valley behind, and head to beautiful Yosemite. Drive through the park to discover peaks, granite domes, giant sequoias, and majestic waterfalls before setting up camp.

Day 4 Yosemite National Park

Use free time to explore by foot, bike or shuttle.

Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Opt to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park/Sierra Nevadas

Enjoy a final morning in Yosemite. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes, and meadows. Afternoon trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers.

Hike one of the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Be in awe of the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of the most scenic drives in California: the Tioga Pass!

In the afternoon, visit ancient Mono Lake and walk among dramatic and fascinating tufa towers. Arrive in Bishop, surrounded by peaks which soar more than 14,000 ft (4,267m) in elevation.

Note: we intend on using the Tioga Pass, a scenic route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. In the spring and autumn seasons, there's a chance that the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In such a case, we will use an alternate route, and will spend the night in Lake Isabella instead of Bishop. The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plan for the area will be confirmed during the trip.

Day 6 Sierra Nevadas/Las Vegas

Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park before travelling to Las Vegas. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, stroll along the famous Vegas Strip, or opt to take a VIP party limo experience.

Visit one of the country's most rugged landscapes, the legendary Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot and home to the lowest point in North America.

Day 7 Las Vegas

Take in the sites, sounds, and atmosphere of Las Vegas on a free day with your travel buds. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, view a glitzy show, or simply people watch in one of the liveliest cities in the U.S.

Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.

Day 8 Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park

Travel past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls in Zion National Park, and hike diverse and exciting trails (weather permitting).

Boasting endless hiking possibilities, the region that the Virgin River has sculpted into a profound landscape masterpiece is a great setting to spend the afternoon. High plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls surround visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty.

Day 9 Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab

Explore Bryce Canyon and see its famous hoodoos before driving along isolated Scenic Byway 12 to Moab.

Day 10 Moab

Hike through the surreal rock formations of Arches National Park. Opt to go rafting, mountain biking or on a Hummer tour. Catch a gorgeous sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Explore Arches National Park, carved and shaped by eons of weathering and erosion. It contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. Explore the park's viewpoints and hike to sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, and soaring pinnacles.

Day 11 Moab/Monument Valley

Magnificent views await in Canyonlands National Park. Opt to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley.

Travel amid spectacular views along the paved scenic drive. Take a break and escape to one of the many trails, providing an unforgettable Canyon Country experience that will last a lifetime. Later, explore Monument Valley on an optional 4x4 tour led by a Navajo guide. Stay overnight in the Tribal Park to see the sun rise from a perspective very few ever experience!

Day 12 Monument Valley/Lake Powell

Travel to Lake Powell and enjoy its deep blue water surrounded by orange-red cliff walls. Take a short hike to Horseshoe Bend, which is shaped by the Colorado River. Opt for a tour of Antelope Canyon.

Opt to take a tour to Antelope Canyon and wander through this breathtaking cave to see beams of light, flowing rock walls, and and spiral arches created by flash flooding, wind, and rain.

Day 13 Lake Powell/Grand Canyon National Park

Continue to the Grand Canyon and explore this natural wonder. Enjoy sunset at the canyon rim.

Day 14 Grand Canyon National Park

Enjoy free time in Grand Canyon National Park.

Enjoy a free day to discover the Grand Canyon. Opt to wander throughout the park and take a hike. Hire a bike, check out a museum or see the canyon from the sky by helicopter.

Note: If you have pre-booked the Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride you will enjoy your 45-50min ride over the canyon today.

Day 15 Grand Canyon National Park/Lake Havasu City

Say farewell to the Grand Canyon and continue to Lake Havasu. Check out the famous London Bridge or cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River.

Day 16 Lake Havasu City/San Diego

Visit Joshua Tree NP, then head to San Diego. Sun, sand, food, and fun all await in this beautiful beach city.

When the sun sets, experience the Gaslamp Quarter District with numerous pubs and nightclubs.

Day 17 San Diego

Enjoy free time in San Diego. Try the fish tacos the city is famous for, and check out the Old Town.

Day 18 San Diego/Los Angeles

Cruise along the incredible Pacific coastline then through Orange County to Los Angeles. Be on the lookout for celebrities while passing a few popular sites on the way into California's most glamorous city.

The CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive into town.

Enjoy free time in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach.

For our night in Los Angeles, we give up camping in favour of a more comfortable experience in a hostel.

Day 19 Los Angeles/Santa Barbara

Enjoy a free morning in LA. Later, travel up the coast to camp out in Santa Barbara.

Day 20 Santa Barbara/Santa Cruz

Travel along Highway 1, which offers breathtaking views of the classic Californian coast. Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the impressive coastline of Big Sur. Follow the winding roads of the coast out of Big Sur to Santa Cruz for the night.

Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs make this journey down California's Coast Highway 1 an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur. Later, witness a waterfall cascading from granite cliffs into the ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Day 21 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Trip ends upon arrival to San Francisco. Opt to explore by bicycle or set sail into the setting sun.

There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city. Speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Haight-Ashbury, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and the city's famous cable cars await you.

Please note this trip ends on arrival to San Francisco. If you are departing on arrival to San Francisco, you will not have enough time to participate in the Sunset Sailing extra. Post-tour accommodation is required to purchase this extra.

Details

Duration: 21 Days

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Service Level: Camping

Trip Type: Small Group

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Merchandising: Vans with Wifi



Call Us: 01 2311889



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