California Chilling - San Francisco to LA

 

Today we'll leave the gem of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as we travel down the west side of the mountains. The Sierra Nevada mountain range holds the highest mountain in the lower 48 states, Mt Whitney. We’ll finish the day off with a visit to an 'all American' bar for a game of pool and a typical dinner. (B,D)

 

We head to Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America and one of the hottest places in the world. There are opportunities for some short walks to take in the amazing desert landscapes, salt flats and nearby mountain ranges. Even though this place seems dry and lifeless, you might just catch a glimpse of a roadrunner or a pupfish in the spring. From here it’s all guns blazing towards the City of Sin, Las Vegas! There’s time to cool off by the hotel pool before diving head first into the night life of the Las Vegas Strip. The dazzling lights of the incredible hotels and casinos are just the beginning, with people watching and free outdoor shows getting you warmed up for the night ahead. To kick start your Vegas party experience there’s an included party bus tour of the strip. The night is then yours for the taking, why not take in one of the world famous Vegas shows or visit one of the many casinos. You then have a full day to make the Vegas experience complete. World class shopping, indoor shooting ranges, helicopter rides, incredible buffets, art museums and more await you in Vegas. (B,L) (D)

 

As the famous song says, get your kicks on Route 66! Today we'll follow this historic highway as we head to the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy impressive views of the mile deep canyon by walking along the rim between the many viewpoints and see over 2 billion years of colourful geological history. Learn more about the geology, animal life, Native American history and exploration of the Canyon by joining a Ranger talk or visiting a museum. Cap the day off by taking in the sunset.

 

Why not top yesterday's views by taking a helicopter ride over the canyon before we depart. This bird's eye view is the highlight of any visit to the Grand Canyon. Today our goal is the California-Arizona border. Lake Havasu is a reservoir created by the damming of the mighty Colorado River, the source of much of Southern California's water and the river that created the Grand Canyon. And where there's a river there’s often a bridge, the locals went to London for theirs. The Thames and the Colorado, the London Bridge has seen them both, take a look for yourself. (B,D)

 

Driving through the wide open spaces of the Mojave Desert we head for our final destination, Los Angeles. We say goodbye to the desert and hello to the bright lights, freeways, palm trees and urban sprawl of the City of Angels. (B)