18 to 35s One Week from San Francisco to Vegas
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay with the super-cool multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts or just take a self-paced walk along the trendy city streets. Wander through the vintage stores along funky Haight Street or catch the tram down to the waterfront. After the meeting tonight, maybe grab dinner and get to know your group.
This morning, you’ll drive into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the magnificent Yosemite National Park. Passing gorgeous scenery along the way, catch a glimpse of one of Yosemite’s most recognisable features – Half Dome. This massive rock formation has a dramatically sheer face that gives it that distinctive shape. You'll spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park, with two full days available to explore at your own pace.
Head into the national park this morning and join your leader for an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk through. From there, continue to Yosemite Valley to check out some of the park’s best-known spots. You could see the thundering Yosemite Falls, take in both Half Dome and Merced River from Sentinel Bridge and a whole lot more.
The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Maybe hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4 to 5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and bears along the way!
Today is free for you to continue discovering the wonders of the park. Instead of hiking, you might like to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley on two wheels. You can also visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants, and in the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River is highly recommended. Otherwise, there’s no shortage of trails for you to explore, from the famous Mist Trail to the more challenging Four Mile Trail. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations if you need help narrowing down the options!
Settle in for a scenic drive today through the Sierra Nevada, sandwiched between Central Valley and Death Valley. Depart Yosemite via Tioga Pass, stopping at Mono Lake on the way. This ancient, highly saline lake is known for its eerie tufa towers (limestone formations) and the migratory birdlife that flocks here for the huge population of brine shrimp and alkali flies. Snap a few photos, then continue to the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp for the night. In town, maybe go to Erick Schat’s European-style bakery for a delicious treat, or perhaps visit some nearby natural hot springs.
Drive to the capital of glitz and glam in the heart of the desert this morning – Las Vegas, Nevada. Vegas may be known for its casinos and late-night antics, but there's plenty more to it than meets the eye. After checking into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the bits that take your fancy. Hit the shops, see a world-class stage show, check out the Las Vegas Sphere or simply enjoy the people-watching as you stroll along the Strip.
Tonight, maybe grab dinner at one of the buzzing restaurants around town – your leader will have some great recommendations.
Today marks the end of your adventure and with no further activities, you’re free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Trip Inclusions
- Disconnect in Yosemite National Park as you hike through hushed sequoia groves, stand in awe of Half Dome and sleep under the stars. With two full days and three nights here, there's time to explore with your leader and choose your own adventure.
- See where the day – or night – takes you in Las Vegas as you explore its glitzy, neon-filled streets at your own pace.
- Soak up the independent spirit of San Francisco before your trip starts, ticking the Golden Gate Bridge off your must-see list and maybe wandering through the vintage stores, local cafes and waterfront.
- Check out the otherworldly Mono Lake, formed at least 760,000 years ago, on your way to Sierra Nevada, where you’ll spend a night camping and stargazing.
- Hike, cycle, raft! With loads of free time, you can find the perfect walking trail in Yosemite, soak your muscles in the hot springs of Bishop and find some cool restaurants and bars once the sun goes down in San Fran and Vegas.
- Camping (with facilities) (4 nights)
- Hotel (1 night)
- Hostel (multishare) (1 night)
- Private vehicle
- 1 Breakfasts included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Our Basix trips are designed for travellers of any age on a budget. Using simple, clean and centrally located accommodation (typically with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating), local transport where we can, along with plenty of free time.
This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!
Dates & Pricing
Flexible Deposit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
