Sand & Surf: Death Valley to San Diego

Tour Begins: Las Vegas. A transfer is included to your stay at the Four Seasons Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner, setting the stage for the unforgettable adventure of desert discoveries and coastal treasures ahead.

Today, trade the neon lights of Las Vegas for the awe-inspiring natural extremes of Death Valley National Park. Embark on a scenic drive into this striking landscape, where vast desert plains are framed by towering peaks and dramatic canyons. This afternoon, begin exploring Death Valley with visits to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, to learn fascinating insights into the park's ecology and history, and Zabriskie Point, where the golden-banded hills provide a breathtaking panorama.

Arrive at The Oasis at Death Valley with time to relax and take in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the lodge this evening, soaking in the serene desert ambiance.

Prepare for a day filled with dramatic landscapes and otherworldly beauty in Death Valley National Park. Set off on a guided tour showcasing the park's most iconic sites, where nature's artistry is on full display. Marvel at the swirling pastel hues of Artists Palette, where mineral-rich hills shift in color with the sunlight. Stand at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where salt flats stretch endlessly beneath towering peaks. Experience the eerie stillness of Devil's Golf Course, an expansive field of jagged, crystallized salt formations so rugged that, as legend has it, "only the devil could play golf here."

This afternoon, continue your Death Valley discoveries with additional guided sightseeing, or unwind at The Inn at Death Valley, a historic hideaway that has welcomed travelers since 1927. Nestled in a stunning oasis, the Inn offers sweeping desert views, lush palm gardens, and a storied past that includes hosting Hollywood legends and world leaders. Lounge by the spring-fed pool, stroll through the serene grounds, or simply relax and take in the timeless beauty of this remote retreat. Whether adventuring deeper into Death Valley or savoring a quiet moment at this desert icon, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.

Leave the rugged beauty of Death Valley behind as you journey toward the sun-washed elegance of Palm Springs, a desert oasis celebrated for its natural drama and distinctive style. Along the way, take a guided tour exploring the city's fascinating past and its world-renowned architecture. Known as the birthplace of Desert Modernism, Palm Springs showcases mid-century homes and public buildings defined by clean lines, glass walls, and seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor living. Hear stories of the Hollywood legends who once made this retreat their playground – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. among them – and discover how the desert landscape continues to inspire design and culture today.

Your stay at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel places you in the vibrant heart of downtown, where contemporary desert style meets laid-back sophistication. After a day of discovery, unwind with a drink at the hotel's rooftop pool overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains or savor the flavors of California cuisine at leisure this evening.

Set out this morning for Joshua Tree National Park, where two great desert ecosystems — the Colorado and the Mojave — meet in a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. The drive itself unfolds through an ever-changing palette of ochre hills, twisted yucca, and wide desert sky, leading you into a world of wind-sculpted stone and silent valleys. Within the park, the terrain feels both ancient and otherworldly: massive granite boulders rise like monuments, while the park's namesake Joshua trees, with their spiky limbs and defiant silhouettes, stand as sentinels over the desert floor.

During your visit, take a hike along one of the park's scenic trails, surrounded by fantastical rock formations and a surprising abundance of desert flora. Watch for cholla cactus, ocotillo, and desert marigold brightening the landscape, and listen for the flutter of birds or the rustle of a lizard among the stones. The light shifts constantly, transforming the desert from soft gold to deep rose as the sun arcs across the sky. Pause to take in the stillness – a silence so complete it feels almost sacred.

By late afternoon, return to Palm Springs, where the contrast between desert wilderness and modern comfort is striking. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – perhaps explore the galleries of downtown or relax beside the rooftop pool of your hotel. Dinner this evening is at your leisure at your hotel.

Your day begins with a visit to Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage for a stroll through its beautifully curated gardens. Bid farewell to the desert landscapes en route to sunny San Diego, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Balboa Park. Travel to Temecula for lunch at Wilson Creek Winery, where the scenic mountainous surroundings and award-winning wines create a memorable midday break.

Arrive late-afternoon at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where you'll step back in time at this National Historic Landmark, a masterpiece of Victorian seaside architecture that has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since 1888. Its cinematic fame includes the classic movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. Dinner is on your own this evening with options to explore locally or from one of several restaurants located at your hotel.

Start the day with an exploration of San Diego's vibrant maritime history. Your first stop after breakfast is the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the history of the US Navy. Enjoy exclusive access before the ship opens to the public – discover the captivating stories of what life was like aboard this floating city at sea. Step onto the expansive flight deck, where naval aviators once launched into the skies, and explore interactive exhibits that bring the ship's legacy to life. Wander through restored crew quarters, engine rooms, and the command center, gaining a deeper appreciation for the daily lives of those who served – you'll have an opportunity to spend as much time here as you please.

Following your visit, you'll have an opportunity to take the San Diego Old Town Trolley tour, which enables you to explore San Diego and stop as you please; this afternoon, enjoy free time in San Diego or at your resort on Coronado Island, where ocean breezes and golden sands invite you to unwind. Conclude your journey with a farewell reception and dinner.

Tour ends: San Diego. A transfer is included from your Hotel Del Coronado to San Diego International Airport. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.