USA Road Trip — California & the Southwest

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Choose to rent a Stand up Paddle board or surf board to get out on the water and enjoy some sun. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Make a stop at Santa Monica where you can choose to lounge in the sand, catch some waves, hang out on the water, visit a farmer's market, or take a walk down the pier. Choice is yours during your morning here.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Make stops along the way in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo.

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Today you will drive up Highway 1 seeing some incredible scenery along the way with stops in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Carmel, and Monterey.

ACTIVITY: After stopping to see the Elephant Seals this is the perfect place to hop out and stretch those legs while viewing some of the best scenery along Big Sur. Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park is named after a well-respected pioneer woman. The park features redwood, tan oak, madrone, and an 80-ft waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean waters below. Get ready for panoramic views of miles of rugged coastline.

Afterwards, make quick pit stops in Carmel and Monterey to wander around town, search for fun places to grab a bite to eat, and take in the scenery along the California coast.

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Enjoy a morning walk in the area before traveling further north to San Francisco where you can grab a late lunch before checking into your hotel. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Stop along the way for a walk in Half Moon Bay before arriving in San Francisco in time for a late lunch.

ACTIVITY: It's no secret that California has a beautiful coastline. Head out on a hike in Half Moon Bay to enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and of course rugged cliffs. You'll also be able to see Redwoods, wildflowers, hills, and rolling farmland depending on which hike you choose.

ACTIVITY: Set just along the ocean with rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the best cities in the U.S. to visit. Full of history, charming neighbourhoods, parks, beaches, museums, and so many entertainment options that your head will spin. Embark on an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city and see landmarks like Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Haight Ashbury, cable cars, and so much more.

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Lower Yosemite Falls before visiting the visitor centre. Finish the day with a stop at Tunnel View to see El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

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.

Visit the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite and hike the trail through the old growth trees to see the famous Bachelor and Three Graces. Wander the famous Grizzly Giant loop which offers the largest Sequoia grove in the park.

Enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, Wawona Meadow Trail, or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

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.

ACTIVITY: Tour the famous Grizzly Giant Loop trail and see stunning natural wonders of Yosemite, such as the parks largest Sequoia grove, with over 500 mature trees. Check out some of the most iconic trees, like Tunnel Tree, the Bachelor and Three Graces.

Approx. hiking time is 1.5hrs, distance is 3.2km (2 mi) with 91m (300 ft) of elevation change.

FREE TIME: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.

This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

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.

ACTIVITY: Follow a paved path for a mile (1.6km) up to the Vernal Falls’ footbridge, an almost totally uphill journey, then climb steep steps on the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls (3.9km roundtrip). Enjoy a spectacular vantage point from the top of the falls. Continue along the John Muir Trail to reach Nevada Falls (8.7km roundtrip), along rocky switchbacks. Return along the John Muir Trail to get back to camp.

FREE TIME: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: EVENING Take advantage of your hostel located just across the street from the beach and explore Hermosa. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy.

Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

ACTIVITY: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards as you glide through the water and dismount in the sand.

FREE TIME: Take advantage of your hostel located just across the street from the beach and explore Hermosa. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.

ACTIVITY: Hike the trails in Joshua Tree NP, get up close to the iconic trees, climb a rock outcrop and watch for desert wildlife.

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.

After a full day of hiking you will be more than ready to eat and tonight is arguably the best dinner you’ll ever have; a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset. Relax with your group and simply enjoy being in the great outdoors, we’re pretty sure it can’t get any better than that.

ACTIVITY: Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!

ACTIVITY: Find a spot to sit and dig in to the most scenic dinner you've ver had! Enjoy some pizza as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon offering breathtaking views while the canyon walls glow red and orange in the fading light. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona where you’ll visit Lake Powell. Set up camp near the lake and enjoy free time to explore the area. Choose from the available water toy rentals and get out on the water where you can float lazily on the lake in the afternoon sun. Talk about relaxing!

In the evening lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment before the sun sets and the group heads back to Lake Powell.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.

Rise and shine to pack up camp, wave good-bye to Lake Powell, and drive to Bryce Canyon National Park stopping to enjoy the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes along the way.

Once in the park, take advantage of free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to an off-the-radar expanse of photographic bliss; Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Hike through the park leaving footprints in the sand and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape of pink hues and vibrant blue skies on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss and the best part? The crowds don’t know about it yet!

ACTIVITY: See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend your free time wandering this wonderful national park. Check out the Queen Garden and Navajo loop trails, walk along the rim trail, visit Sunrise point and Inspiration point and take plenty of pictures of the famed hoodoos.

Enjoy one last early morning hike before leaving Bryce and travelling with the group to Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Get ready for an experience like no other with Zion Glamping Adventure. Camp in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to some of the most beautiful areas of the American Southwest.

Stay in permanent canvas tents that provide both privacy and comfort, enjoy shared outdoor showers, outhouses, and areas with a fire-pit, grill, and picnic table. Indulge in available activities like, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs around the campfire, play games like horseshoe and cornhole, and practice your roping skills.

Enjoy the great outdoors, relax in comfort, and experience the wonder of this alluring place.

FREE TIME: Enjoy yourself in a private canyon where we'll be Glamping during our time in Zion National Park. Go on a hike, play some games, or simply relax in one of the comfortable and luxurious tents. If you are in need of more adventure opt to go off-roading or horseback riding.

Spend the day exploring Zion National Park. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at our Glamping tents and choose from a variety of activities offered like off-roading, hiking, or horseback riding through the canyon. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

ACTIVITY: Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.

ACTIVITY: Get ready for an experience like no other with Zion Glamping Adventure. Camp in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to some of the most beautiful areas of the American Southwest.

Stay in permanent canvas tents that provide both privacy and comfort, enjoy shared outdoor showers, outhouses, and areas with a fire-pit, grill, and picnic table. Indulge in available activities like, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs around the campfire, play games like horseshoe and cornhole, and practice your roping skills.

Enjoy the great outdoors, relax in comfort, and experience the wonder of this alluring place.

Today, take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time in Las Vegas to explore the strip, take in a glitzy show, or try you luck at a Casino. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat and people watch because hey, it's Vegas, and you're bound to witness something interesting.

Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley and visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the Devil’s Golf Course. Then, transfer to the hotel in Ridgecrest and relax this evening.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: The 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Wake in Ridgecrest and drive southwest to Los Angeles. Tour ends on arrival to L.A.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.