Natural Highlights of California
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | Thursday, Jun 06, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 | Monday, Jun 24, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Jul 03, 2024 | Thursday, Jul 11, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Sunday, Jul 21, 2024 | Monday, Jul 29, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Sunday, Sep 29, 2024 | Monday, Oct 07, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Saturday, Oct 12, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 20, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 | Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
Call or submit a quote to get our Low Prices!
Tour Itinerary
Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of Death Valley, cross the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, explore world-famous Yosemite National Park on a naturalist walk, marvel at ancient trees in Sequoia National Park, enjoy a full day in Kings Canyon National Park
-
Day 1
Las VegasArrive at any time.
Activity: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation: Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Gold Tower (or similar)
-
Day 2
Las Vegas/Death Valley National ParkEnjoy a scenic drive through the desert to Death Valley National Park—the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America. Experience the extremes of this landscape as you pass through the multi-hued badlands of Twenty Mule Team Canyon and descend into Badwater Basin, cradled 282 feet below sea level. Cap off the day at Zabriskie Point as the sun sets over the distinctive Furnace Creek formation.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Death Valley is one of America's most extreme locations - from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There's a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Death Valley National Park/Sequoia National ParkBegin the day searching for animal tracks amid the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where shifting sands soar up to 100 feet high. Then discover Father Crowley Vista Point, where an easy hike offers an epic payoff: a sweeping view over Rainbow Canyon and Panamint Valley. Keep an eye out for fighter jets practicing between the cliffs. Continue around the Sierra Nevada mountains to California's Sequoia National Park.
Activity: Explore the otherworldly landscape of one of America's largest National Parks. The sand dunes here soar up to 100 feet tall, and have no marked trails due to the shifting sands. Keep a keen eye out for animal tracks along the dunes as well, which show just how full of life this seemingly desolate place can be.
Activity: One of Death Valley's best vantage points, this quick there-and-back trail brings you to a sweeping view of the valley floor, with views of Rainbow Canyon below. The local air force base often sends jets to practice flying through what is colloquially known as "Star Wars Canyon" so keep an ear out for potential fly bys!
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Sequoia National ParkEnjoy a full day to explore the legendary trees of Sequoia National Park. Walk in the shadow of its formidable giants—including General Sherman, the planet's largest known living single-stem tree—alongside a naturalist from Sequoia Parks Conservancy. On an afternoon hike along Big Tree Trail, hear how, in 1916, National Geographic deeded tracts of giant trees here to the National Parks Service for safekeeping. This evening, return to the park for an evening of stargazing with a local expert; or, if skies are cloudy, set out on a nighttime walk to witness nocturnal life.
Activity: Walk through California's Sequoia National Park with a naturalist from Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Over 2.5 hours, learn about these impressive giant trees - some so big, they have names. The one called General Sherman is the largest known living single-stem tree on the planet. Then head to Big Tree Trail for an afternoon hike. In 1916, National Geographic deeded tracts of giant trees in the heart of the park to the National Parks Service for safekeeping. Keep your eyes on the lookout for the plaque commemorating the important work the National Geographic Society has done in protecting this treasure of a national park.
Activity: The night sky above Sequoia National Park offers one of California's most dazzling opportunities for stargazing, due to minimal light pollution and a higher altitude. Peer upward alongside an astronomy expert from the park who'll discuss the constellations, planets, and stars that fill the twinkling sky. (Weather permitting, of course.) G. H. Grovesnor, first full-time editor of National Geographic magazine, first fell in love with national parks while observing the stars here in Sequoia NP. Thanks to his subsequent involvement in the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, we're still able today to enjoy one of the most impressive dark skies above the Sierra.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon National ParkEmbark on a spectacular drive, watching as the scenery changes from towering sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the United States. On a journey from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove, be awed by the glacially carved Kings Canyon, and keep an eye out for the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and other majestic wildlife.
Activity: Drive deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains and experience the natural splendour of Kings Canyon National Park. Marvel at the surrounding landscape as the ancient Redwood forests make way for the towering stone peaks and epic valleys as far as the eye can see. Get a closer look at the park with a variety of hikes and lookouts during this stop.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Kings Canyon National Park/Yosemite National ParkHead north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, a natural wonderland of picturesque valleys and ancient granite formations.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
Yosemite National ParkThis morning, join a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist on a guided excursion around the park, gaining an insider's perspective on the human, natural, and geological history of the region. Hike through the heart of Yosemite while hearing about its flora and fauna, and learn how this rugged backcountry became the U.S.'s first protected state park in 1864—and, with the help of John Muir, a national park in 1890. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own; choose your own adventure amid majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, lush meadows, and pristine groves. Keep an eye out for glacial erratics, rock climbers, and a diversity of wildlife. Opt to visit the Ansel Adams Studio or relax by the river with Half Dome as the backdrop.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Venture out into Yosemite National Park for a half-day excursion led by a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist-guide. They'll share their expert knowledge on the human history of the park, from American Indian traditions to legendary characters. They will also provide an insider's perspective on the park's most fascinating sites and share details of the flora, fauna and geological history of the area. Take in the breathtaking views with every step as you hike through this glacial valley, passing cliffs, waterfalls, and endless lush, dense forest along the way.
Free Time: Take advantage of a free afternoon in this stunning natural environment.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Yosemite National Park/San FranciscoPass through the Central Valley of California, stopping at a local farm stand to sample some of the region's best produce. Drive over the Bay Bridge on the way into one of America's most vibrant cities, San Francisco, where your CEO-led guided driving tour of the city begins. Make a visit to Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, walk across a portion of the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Continue past the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square en route to our hotel. This evening, consider joining an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay, departing from Fisherman's Wharf to glide past notorious Alcatraz Island and underneath the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. Take in the 360 degree view from the top of Twin Peaks, before driving through Golden Gate Park en route to Golden Gate Bridge. Have the opportunity to get out and walk across portion of the Golden Gate Bridge, for views of the city skyline in one direction and the Pacific Ocean in the other. Continue past the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square en route to our hotel.
Free Time: Enjoy free time to discover San Fran!
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
San FranciscoDepart at any time.
Activity: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sequoia National Park Naturalist Hike, Sequoia National Park Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sequoia Parks Conservancy Stargazing, Sequoia National Park Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yosemite Naturalist Experience, Yosemite National Park. All national park fees. Death Valley National Park visit. Sequoia National Park visit. Kings Canyon National Park visit. Yosemite National Park visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How big is the group for the Natural Highlights of California?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
This was an excellent small group tour that exceeded our expectations. Staying inside the NP at Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon made it extra special. And the day and night in SF were a delight!