California Dreamin'

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California Dreamin'

Watch the mercury rise in Death Valley, Stare down a deep chasm at the Grand Canyon, Dance with lady luck in Las Vegas, Experience the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park, Be a bohemian in San Francisco, Stand in the shade of giant Redwoods along Big Sur, Visit Los Angeles and people-watch on Venice Beach, Admire the strange landscape of the Joshua Tree National Park

Embark on a dream travel adventure in the west coast of America. Admire all things bold and beautiful in Los Angeles and turn hedonist in Las Vegas where sinners come to flirt with chance. Make a mission to see the epic Grand Canyon, experience the scorch of the sun in Death Valley and then soak in the serenity of the Yosemite National Park. Pay a visit to the bohemian breeding ground of San Francisco and enjoy the beauty of Santa Barbara's coastline. A dream realised, this Californian adventure is a must for the young at heart.

You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no scheduled activities. You can check in after 3pm but if you arrive early you can store your luggage. You won't be meeting your leader or your group until the morning of Day 2.

Los Angeles - the 'City of Angels' - is world-renowned for the streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and the shopping on Rodeo Drive. From Venice Beach to Disneyland, it's a veritable smorgasbord for the senses.

We recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. 

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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There will be an important welcome meeting at 8am this morning. Meet in the hotel reception/lobby. We'll be collecting your insurance details, kitty and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

It's about 3 hours drive to San Diego, depending on traffic (260 km).

San Diego is a great city to experience with major attractions such as Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and the golden beaches of Mission Bay on offer. In the evening, you can head down to the Old Town, which was founded in 1824. Being so near the border, San Diego has some great Mexican food - an excellent option for dinner.

Optional Activities

San Diego Zoo, San Diego - USD42.00

SeaWorld, San Diego - USD69.99

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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There will be an important welcome meeting at 8am this morning. Meet in the hotel reception/lobby. We'll be collecting your insurance details, kitty and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

It's about 3 hours drive to San Diego, depending on traffic (260 km).

San Diego is a great city to experience with major attractions such as Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and the golden beaches of Mission Bay on offer. In the evening, you can head down to the Old Town, which was founded in 1824. Being so near the border, San Diego has some great Mexican food - an excellent option for dinner.

Optional Activities

San Diego Zoo, San Diego - USD42.00

SeaWorld, San Diego - USD69.99

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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Our drive through the hot deserts of southern California to Joshua Tree National Park is around 300 km and takes approx 3.5 hrs.

Known for its many spectacular desert plants including Joshua trees, cacti and Mojave yuccas, Joshua Tree National Park also contains striking rock formations and towering mountain ranges.

Afterwards we continue on to our camp along the Colorado River. After a day of travel and hiking a refreshing dip in the river is the perfect way to unwind.

You can also see London Bridge. The City of London decided to put the 130-year-old bridge up for auction, as it was sinking into the Thames, and construct a new one in its place. Lake Havasu City submitted the winning bid for $2.46 million, but it cost another $7 million to move the bridge to Lake Havasu where it was reconstructed stone by stone.

Included Activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Optional Activities

London Bridge, Lake Havasu - Free

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

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The drive from Lake Havasu to the Grand Canyon is 420 km and takes approx 5.5 hrs.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's seven wonders! It's 450 km long, 6-30 km wide and 1600 m deep. Marvel at this immense canyon on a rim walk or, for those that are feeling more active, a short hike into the canyon will help stretch those legs out.

For a bird's-eye view, there's an option to take a helicopter ride over this breathtaking landscape.

Included Activities

Grand Canyon National Park

Optional Activities

Helicopter flight (25 mins), Grand Canyon - USD220.00

IMAX movie, Grand Canyon - USD13.72

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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The drive from Lake Havasu to the Grand Canyon is 420 km and takes approx 5.5 hrs.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's seven wonders! It's 450 km long, 6-30 km wide and 1600 m deep. Marvel at this immense canyon on a rim walk or, for those that are feeling more active, a short hike into the canyon will help stretch those legs out.

For a bird's-eye view, there's an option to take a helicopter ride over this breathtaking landscape.

Included Activities

Grand Canyon National Park

Optional Activities

Helicopter flight (25 mins), Grand Canyon - USD220.00

IMAX movie, Grand Canyon - USD13.72

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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The drive on from the Grand Canyon and across the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas is 450 km and takes approx 5 hrs.

Along the way, drive a section of the famous Route 66 and stop in the nostalgic township of Seligman.

Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do along the Strip for gamblers and non-gamblers alike - there's the casinos and shows, of course, plus shops, amusement rides, dance clubs and great value 'all you can eat' buffets.

Included Activities

Las Vegas Strip tour

Route 66

Optional Activities

Limo tour, Las Vegas - USD25.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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The drive on from the Grand Canyon and across the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas is 450 km and takes approx 5 hrs.

Along the way, drive a section of the famous Route 66 and stop in the nostalgic township of Seligman.

Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do along the Strip for gamblers and non-gamblers alike - there's the casinos and shows, of course, plus shops, amusement rides, dance clubs and great value 'all you can eat' buffets.

Included Activities

Las Vegas Strip tour

Route 66

Optional Activities

Limo tour, Las Vegas - USD25.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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This is a long driving day covering more than 550 km through Death Valley and across the Eastern Sierra.

One of the hottest deserts on the planet, temperatures in Death Valley rise to record-breaking levels (up to 56C in summer).

Death Valley National Park includes a wealth of geological phenomena: large sand dune formations, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys and volcanic craters. The canyon and mountain walls change colour with the changing sunlight. Elevations fluctuate from 85 m below sea level near Badwater Point (the lowest point in the United States) to 3756 m above sea level at Telescope Peak. Stop at the visitor centre and, heat permitting, take a walk on the stunning salt flats.

** NOTE** On early and late season departures the Central California Valley may replace the Sierra Nevada as a night stop as snow levels in the Sierra Nevada range may leave roads closed.

Included Activities

Death Valley National Park

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

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The drive to Yosemite is around 300 km to the west, travelling over the Tioga Pass (snow levels permitting) into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

One of the most famous parks in the USA, Yosemite National Park's colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and redwood trees attract visitors from all over the world.

There are plenty of hikes available in Yosemite, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4-5 hours) or to the serenity of Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels, and perhaps even a bear, along the way. There are also non-hiking activities such as bicycling around Yosemite Valley, visiting the park's museum, photo gallery, shops, restaurants and just walking the trails on the valley floor. In the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River followed by a few drinks at the park's cafe is just the trick.

Included Activities

Yosemite National Park

Optional Activities

Bike rental (2 hrs) (in season), Yosemite National Park - USD20.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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The drive to Yosemite is around 300 km to the west, travelling over the Tioga Pass (snow levels permitting) into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

One of the most famous parks in the USA, Yosemite National Park's colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and redwood trees attract visitors from all over the world.

There are plenty of hikes available in Yosemite, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4-5 hours) or to the serenity of Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels, and perhaps even a bear, along the way. There are also non-hiking activities such as bicycling around Yosemite Valley, visiting the park's museum, photo gallery, shops, restaurants and just walking the trails on the valley floor. In the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River followed by a few drinks at the park's cafe is just the trick.

Included Activities

Yosemite National Park

Optional Activities

Bike rental (2 hrs) (in season), Yosemite National Park - USD20.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

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The drive today is around 240 km and takes about 3.5 hrs.

San Francisco is a chilled out city with a vibrant, multicultural heart. You can catch a tram to visit the waterfront, feast like a king in Chinatown or peruse zany artwork in SoMa.

Take a half day city tour with your leader. Explore the city in the van from the Golden Gate Bridge to the 'Painted Ladies' of Alamo square. Get your cameras ready.

Included Activities

City tour

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nts)

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The drive today is around 240 km and takes about 3.5 hrs.

San Francisco is a chilled out city with a vibrant, multicultural heart. You can catch a tram to visit the waterfront, feast like a king in Chinatown or peruse zany artwork in SoMa.

Take a half day city tour with your leader. Explore the city in the van from the Golden Gate Bridge to the 'Painted Ladies' of Alamo square. Get your cameras ready.

Included Activities

City tour

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nts)

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The journey south is around 500 km and takes approx 6 hrs.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

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We take the scenic route to Los Angeles, a journey of around 60 km, taking about 1 hr.

Los Angeles - the 'City of Angels' - is world-renowned for the streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and the shopping on Rodeo Drive. From Venice Beach to Disneyland, it's a veritable smorgasbord for the senses.

If you are flying out today we suggest you don't book a flight before 8pm to allow enough time to transfer to the airport for check-in 2 hours before your flight.

As there's a great deal to do in Los Angeles, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city.

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner