San Francisco to Los Angeles – This adventure is perfect for a person who has limited time and budget, but still wants to get the most out of the trip. It covers the majority of the most visited places of the western states like California, Nevada and Arizona. You will visit two most popular national parks in the US— Yosemite and Grand Canyon.
Day 1: San Francisco
Our adventure begins at 8am in the hostel. After a welcome meeting and a tour overview, we are off for a city orientation. We will see the highlights of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and China Town. After lunch, we head out of the city and across the Central Valley towards the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where we will camp just outside Yosemite National Park. Tonight your leader will cook you a welcome American-style BBQ.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: D – American BBQ
Day 2: Yosemite/Bishop
Early start today as we spend most of our time in Yosemite Valley. Your leader will help you plan your morning with some great activities. There are many amazing hiking trails and swimming spots along the Merced River, or there are bikes for rent with over 15 miles of paved trails to ride. In the morning you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the great Yosemite Falls. After lunch, we will go on a hike through the redwoods. Then head to Upper Yosemite over scenic Tioga Pass. Once on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will travel south to our next campsite.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Death Valley/Las Vegas
We get up early again today and make our way towards Death Valley National Park and the Mojave Desert. We spend the day exploring Death Valley, including the Sand Dunes, salt flats, Zabriskie Point and Bad Water Basin. Remember to bring water with you today because we may face extreme heat. At this time of the year, temperatures average 110 degrees and hotter. After Death Valley, we head to Las Vegas with enough time to freshen up before our night out on the town.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B, L
Day 4: Las Vegas
Today is your free day to explore the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. On the Strip you can find famous shows, the Mobster Museum, art galleries, and numerous night clubs for your entertainment. If last night’s schedule made you feel somewhat tired, then take a day off and relax by the pool.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: None
Day 5: Grand Canyon
Leaving Las Vegas, we start our journey early towards the Grand Canyon so we can spend quality time in Grand Canyon National Park, known as one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You will have the afternoon to explore the Canyon, ride a bike or take a hike down to the Canyon. Tonight we meet for sunset at a special place along the Canyon.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: D
Day 6: Route 66/Colorado River
The journey continues as we head down Route 66, past the famous towns of Seligman and Oatman, where you can kiss a donkey. Later today, enjoy water activities along the Colorado River, then tonight we sleep underneath the stars.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Los Angeles/Santa Monica
Today we get an early morning start and drive to Los Angeles. If time is permitting, we will make a stop in the iconic Joshua Tree National Park. This afternoon your leader will take you on a city orientation that includes Hollywood Walk of Stars, TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) and Beverly Hills. We will see the Hollywood sign before heading to Santa Monica.
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Meals: B
Day 8: Santa Monica
This is the final day of your tour. Your hostel is located very close to the beach and also has many shops surrounding it. If you have a later flight tonight, the hostel can hold your bags until it is time for you to leave for the airport.
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: None