Day 1: Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas, a colorful, high energy city, famous for its entertainment and casinos, great restaurants and more.  Meet your guide and traveling companions and receive tour documentation and information during dinner.  One night in Las Vegas.  (Note that we are happy to arrange accommodations and assist with activities for those who wish to arrive a day or two earlier in Las Vegas).

Day 2 Las Vegas, Death Valley, Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine

Travelling through the starkly beautiful Death Valley National Park, we stop for a morning walk near Zabriskie Point, and at several other scenic viewpoints. Then, climb up into California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains to the base Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the Continental US. Stop for a short hike in the Alabama Hills, which served at the backdrop for many American Western films, and spend the night in Lone Pine, California.

Day 3: Lone Pine, Laws, Mono Lake, Bodie State Park, Bridgeport

Visit the memorable Laws California, with its historic homes and outdoor Railroad Museum, explore the unique ancient Mono Lake with its otherworldly Tufa spires. Then explore the gold rush ghost town at Bodie State Park. We will spend the night in the small farming town of Bridgeport.

Day 4: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa

Today we ascend 9900 feet (3000 meters) into the Sierra Nevadas to the entrance of Yosemite National Park. View Yosemite Falls, towering Giant Sequoia trees, glacial meadows, half dome, and many other breathtaking sights. Spend the night in the historic mining town of Mariposa or nearby Oakdale.

Day 5: Mariposa, San Luis Reservoir, San Juan Bautista

Stop in the hills of the San Joaquin Valley to contemplate one of California’s largest reservoirs, then learn about some of California’s cultural history at the historic Spanish Mission, San Juan Bautista. We’ll drive to Monterey on the beautiful Pacific Coast, where we spend two nights.

Day 6: Monterey, Pacific Coast, Cabrillo HWY

Spend the morning in Monterey, visiting Cannery Row, made famous in John Steinbeck’s stories, optional visit to Monterey Bay aquarium.  In the afternoon we will travel along the pacific coast, stopping at the beautiful Pebble Beach. We will travel the breathtaking Cabrillo Highway and return to Monterey in time to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Day 7: Monterey, Santa Cruz, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Today we head north along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, we will stop at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the popular surfing town and then on to San Francisco, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. We will drive to Sausalito California for our farewell dinner.

Day 8: San Francisco

Here we say good bye.  You can choose to explore San Francisco independently, with its colorful neighborhoods, science and art museums and unique cultural highlights like Haight St.  We are happy to arrange additional nights of accommodation and give you tips about what to see and do in this amazing city.