Groves of larger-than-life sequoias frame your path through the Land of Giants and the natural wonders of California, from the inferno of Death Valley to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
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Begin your exploration of California's national parks in Las Vegas. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at The LINQ. In the evening you will find yourself soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Harrah's Las Vegas
Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park – Mammoth Lakes
Immerse yourself in the solitude and desolation of Death Valley-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. After lunch at 1849 Buffet at The Ranch at Death Valley, we continue through the desert landscape of Death Valley ascending to Mammoth Lakes, our home for the night.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mammoth Mountain Inn
Take a scenic Gondola ride to the peak of Mammoth Mountain and enjoy the stunning views while you enjoy a tasty breakfast. Touch the clouds through the Tioga Pass (seasonal) and enter the UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Driving past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, we journey to Yosemite Valley where we'll embark on a special valley floor tour. View Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridal Veil Falls. Our 'Stay with a Story' tonight exudes a cosy, ski-lodge atmosphere and is located just a stone's throw from Yosemite Falls.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Yosemite Valley Lodge
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Yosemite Free Time
Explore the Yosemite National Park today, famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and grand meadows, there is plenty to explore here. Join a Local Specialist Park Ranger to delve into the natural history, flora and fauna, and people who found sanctuary in these tranquil emerald-green surrounds over the centuries. Our tour takes us out to view Yosemite Valley's El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridal Veil Falls. The rest of the day is free to go for a walk or hike and take in the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite.
Yosemite National Park – Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (2 Nights)
Stretch your legs in Kings Canyon and gaze towards the sky as you greet the giant boughs of General Grant Tree Enjoy a birds-eye view of the Kings Canyon before you continue along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Towering redwood trunks frame your journey to Sequoia National Park, where we'll spend the night in our 'Stay with a Story' surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Spend the evening gazing upwards at the star-spangled sky as a naturalist and Local Specialist guides you through the constellations.
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 surrounds. Immerse yourself in the pioneer history of the Old West, joining a living-history reenactor and Local Specialist for a barbecue lunch and stories of early life in the mountains. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the park on your terms, using the complimentary shuttle system (seasonal).
Travel to Los Angeles, where you'll stroll down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, considered America's epicenter of luxury, fashion and lifestyle. As our invigorating encounter with California's epic natural beauty comes to an end, we join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.
After our tremendous journey through California's national parks, the time has come for us to say goodbye. Prepare to leave Los Angeles and take your transfer to Los Angeles International Airport or consider extending your stay.
See the Yosemite highlights with a Park Ranger and learn about the natural history, indigenous people, flora and fauna. Stargaze with a naturalist, enjoy a living history with a reenactor telling stories of early life in the mountains. (Days 4, 5, 6)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay at the rustic Yosemite Valley Lodge within walking distance of Yosemite Falls and the Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. (Days 3, 4, 5, 6)
Sightseeing highlights
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SEE General Grant Tree in King's Canyon National Park, General Sherman, Sequoia National Park, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls, Badwater Basin in Death Valley
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VISIT Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley National Park
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
California's Great National Parks Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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3 Trafalgar trips= 3 winners.
Trip Rating
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4
The parks were magnificent, I wouldn't change a thing, (as if).Our tour guide was not quite as up to date as our previous one. However he performed his duties well. The itinerary was good except for our needed diversion due to weather. The day of the trip should not be counted in the trip as it was just breakfast-----------.
The parks were wonderful! Most of the hotels were very good. The special meals/dinners provided were excellent. However, the options for non included dining were limited. The one change that should be made is the farewell dinner. It was held at a local restaurant which had excellent food, but which was so loud that you couldn't hear the person next to you when you were trying to talk. It would have been much better to have had the dinner catered at the hotel in a private room.
I loved the tour and had been waiting to do this particular trip to these parks. Awesome to walk around in them and experience such grandeur. Robert our tour director was an amazing man and did a superb job. Icannotsay enough about how he helped meld this group. And this was the best group with which I have traveled. And our driver was friendly and amazing how he got this huge coach into small places. I rate both of them very highly. My only complaint would be the hotel that had no hot water. Everything else was great. I love these national parks and agree it was the best idea America has had and kept. Kudos to our director and driver.
Good trip in which to see nature of the West coast.
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4
Several sites advertised on itinerary were closed at this time of year, tho were said to be seasonal. Weather was nice while we were there, but guess seasonal means the workers have gone back to school.
Bus driver was very professional, courteous and anyone who can drive mountain roads in my opinion, is excellent. Travel director kept us on schedule and filled 'down time' on bus with interesting "getting to know you games"
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Trip Notes
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Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.