California's Great National Parks

Begin your exploration in Las Vegas. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at The LINQ before you head out to the Las Vegas Strip. In the evening you will find yourself soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley—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. After lunch at 1849 Restaurant at The Ranch at Death Valley, we continue through the desert landscape of Death Valley ascending to Mammoth Lakes, our home for the night.

Take a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain (seasonal) and enjoy the stunning views while you enjoy a tasty breakfast. Touch the clouds through the Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter the UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Driving past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, we journey to Yosemite Valley where we’ll embark on a special valley floor tour. View Yosemite Valley’s El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. Our Stays With Stories experience tonight includes a cozy, lodge atmosphere and is located just a stone’s throw from Yosemite Falls.

Explore Yosemite National Park today, famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, grand meadows, and iconic rock formations. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet a naturalist through the Yosemite Conservancy that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite through fascinating stories, photographs, and demonstrations. The Yosemite Conservancy is a non-profit organization that has provided over $140 million to Yosemite for more than 700 completed projects. They help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers. After the tour, you can explore Yosemite Valley’s El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. The rest of the day is yours and in Yosemite the possibilities are endless.

Departing Yosemite, 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 birds-eye view of the Kings Canyon before you continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Towering redwood trunks frame your journey to Sequoia National Park, where we’ll spend the night in our Stays With Stories surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and spend the evening gazing upwards at the star-spangled sky as a local naturalist guides you through the constellations.

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 surrounds. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park on your terms, using the complimentary shuttle system (seasonal).

Stop at McKellar Farm for a Be My Guest experience. Meet Bob McKellar for a private tractor-pulled wagon tour, and hear stories of the land's development before your farm-to-table lunch. Next, travel to Los Angeles, where you'll enjoy a visit to Hollywood, the entertainment center of Los Angeles. As our invigorating encounter with California’s epic natural beauty comes to an end, we join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.

After our tremendous journey through California's national parks, the time has come for us to say goodbye. Prepare to leave Los Angeles International Airport or consider extending your stay.