California's Great National Parks
8 Days from $2,408 per person
Groves of giant sequoias frame your path through the Land of Giants and the natural wonders of California, from the inferno of Death Valley to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Overview
Groves of giant sequoias frame your path through the Land of Giants and the natural wonders of California, from the inferno of Death Valley to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
-
Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas
Begin your exploration of California's national parks in Las Vegas, where you'll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception this evening.
-
Day 2: Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park – Mammoth Lakes (2 Nights)
Immerse yourself in the desolation of UNESCO-listed Death Valley. Enjoy scenic views of the undulating rocky landscape at Zabriskie Point and learn about the valley's unique geological features, history and intriguing weather patterns. After lunch at Furnace Creek, travel to Mammoth Lakes.
-
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes and Devils Postpile Sightseeing
Ride up the Scenic Gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain (when operating), for 360-degree views of the Sierra. We view the basalt columns of Devils Postpile (seasonal) then spend the rest of the day at leisure.
-
Day 4: Mammoth Lakes – Yosemite National Park
Enter UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park and journey to Yosemite Valley for a valley floor tour with a Park Ranger and Local Specialist. View Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridal Veil Falls. Our accommodation tonight is within walking distance of Yosemite Falls.
-
Day 5: Yosemite National Park – Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (2 Nights)
Stretch your legs in Kings Canyon and see General Grant Tree. Continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop before arriving in Sequoia National Park where our accommodation is surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Spend the evening with a naturalist and Local Specialist guiding you through the constellations.
-
Day 6: Sequoia National Park Excursion
Walk beneath the sequoia canopy to see General Sherman. Learn about the Giant Forest and its history, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the Big Trees Trail. Immerse yourself in the pioneer history of the Old West, joining a living-history reenactor and Local Specialist for a barbecue lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park on your terms.
-
Day 7: Sequoia National Park – Los Angeles
Travel to Los Angeles, where you'll be joined by a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour to see Hollywood's most famous icons. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
-
Day 8: Depart Los Angeles
Say goodbye to LA and take your transfer to Los Angeles International Airport or consider extending your stay.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 May 19 | 25 May 19 | $2,675$2,408pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 1 Jun 19 | 8 Jun 19 | $2,695$2,426pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 15 Jun 19 | 22 Jun 19 | $2,725$2,453pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Jul 19 | 27 Jul 19 | $2,750$2,475pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 10 Aug 19 | 17 Aug 19 | $2,750$2,475pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 7 Sep 19 | 14 Sep 19 | $2,695$2,426pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Oct 19 | 12 Oct 19 | $2,675$2,408pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 17 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $1,150 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $85 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
-
Professional Travel Director
-
Sightseeing with Local Experts
-
VIP Access
-
WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
-
Most Meals
-
Hotel Tips
-
Expertly Selected Hotels
-
Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
13 meals:7 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
Included Highlights
Stays with Stories
- Stay at the rustic Yosemite Valley Lodge within walking distance of Yosemite Falls and the Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park
Local Specialist
- See the Yosemite highlights with a Park Ranger and learn about the natural history, indigenous people, flora and fauna. Stargaze with a naturalist, enjoy a living history with a reenactor telling stories of early life in the mountains and hear stories of movie stars as you travel through Tinseltown, Hollywood
Sightseeing Highlights
- See General Grant Tree in King's Canyon National Park, General Sherman, Sequoia National Park, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls, Devils Postpile National Historic Monument, Badwater Basin in Death Valley
- Visit Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Lakes, the summit of Mammoth Mountain on a scenic gondola ride, Death Valley National Park
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
-
Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
-
Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
-
Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
-
Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
