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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of California’s National Parks

Best of California’s National Parks

From $ 3,695 AUD

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Description

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer. Soaring Sequoias that’ll make your jaw drop and Yosemite’s dramatic waterfalls will leave you awe-inspired – all within the same state! As you take in the big sites, you’ll have a local leader filling you in on all the small details, with no story going untold as you leave no stone unturned on this naturally epic escapade.

Trip Name
Best of California's National Parks
Last Updated
2024-08-20
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience the world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.
  • Cap off your Yosemite National Park experience with a pizza picnic in the park, breaking bread and sharing stories with your fellow travellers as the sun begins to set.
  • Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic and multicultural 'City by the Bay', swapping natural wonders for one that’s man-made as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Las Vegas
Welcome to Nevada! Las Vegas will be your gateway to the grandeur of the Golden State. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to bathe in Vegas’ glow. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to really experience the city, allowing time to do the classics (think casinos, drive-through weddings and live shows) as well as scratching below the surface to see Las Vegas’ diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scene.
Day 2 - Sequoia National Park
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 3 - Sequoia National Park
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.
Day 6 - San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.
Day 7 - San Francisco 
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 3,840-
20-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 3,770-
04-05-202510-05-2025AUD $ 4,495-
18-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 3,770-
08-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 3,930-
22-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 3,840-
06-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 3,990-
13-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 3,990-
20-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 4,080-
27-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 3,990-
10-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 3,840-
24-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 3,840-
07-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,990-
14-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,990-
21-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,840-
28-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 3,840-
05-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 3,695-
12-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 3,695-
19-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 3,880-
03-05-202609-05-2026AUD $ 3,880-
17-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 3,880-
07-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 4,030-
21-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 4,030-
05-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 4,190-
12-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 4,190-
19-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 4,190-
09-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 4,030-
23-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 4,030-
06-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
13-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
20-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,030-
11-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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