California's Great National Parks

Begin your exploration in Las Vegas. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner before soaring 550 feet above the centre of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel. (D) Stay: Harrah's Las Vegas

Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley, a 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.

We continue through the desert landscape of Death Valley ascending to Mammoth Lakes, our home for the night. (B) Stay: Mammoth Mountain Inn

Take a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain (seasonal) and enjoy the stunning views while you enjoy a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a scenic drive on the June Lake Loop for your first peak at the bright blue waters of June Lake. The alpine scenery of Aspens and willows is a feast for the eyes along this winding road before lunch on your own at Lee Vining. Touch the clouds through the Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter the UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park.

Driving past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, journey to Yosemite Valley. Our Stays With Stories accommodation tonight includes a cosy lodge atmosphere and is located just a stone's throw from Yosemite Falls.  

Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park and Mammoth Lakes overnight will be replaced with Bakersfield or similar. This overnight change will affect sightseeing for this day. (B) Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge

Explore Yosemite National Park, famed for its ancient sequoia trees, grand meadows and iconic rock formations. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience through the Yosemite Conservancy hearing a climbers fascinating stories, photographs, demonstrations and a look at climbing gear. Learn about the science behind the emotions climbers feel when inching up a wall.

Afterwards, you can explore Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks or Bridalveil Falls at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours in Yosemite where the possibilities are endless. (B)

After departing Yosemite, get ready for a Be My Guest experience with naturalist Dan Webster. Learn how fire shapes forest ecosystems during his engaging talk, then enjoy lunch with him and dive deeper into the wonders of the Sierra Nevada.

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 bird's-eye view of Kings Canyon before you continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Towering redwood trunks frame your journey to Sequoia National Park, where you'll spend the night in your Stays with Stories accommodation, surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, spending the evening gazing upwards at the star-spangled sky as a local naturalist guides you through the constellations. (B/L) Stay: Wuksachi Lodge

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 surroundings.

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

Descend the Sierra Nevada mountain range into Southern California for an unrivalled view of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. You will enjoy a visit to Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, for your chance to find your favourite celebrity's Hollywood Star. As our encounter with California's epic natural beauty comes to an end, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a dinner. (B/D) Stay: Beverly Hills Marriott

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