Ultimate California Southbound

All content by Intrepid

8 days (ex San Francisco)

Destinations visited: USA, Los Angeles, San Francisco, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jun 24, 2012 and save 25% $1,013

from USD$1,350

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Description

Embark on an epic road trip under the hazy Californian sun. Travel through some of the country's best national parks, including Yosemite, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. Dance with Lady Luck in Las Vegas and wind up amid the cultural contradictions of captivating Los Angeles, an exciting whirlwind of stardust and desert rocks. Experience these colourful fragments of American culture and much more, with memories sure to be vivid long after the Ultimate California tour has ended.

Highlights

Sip lattes overlooking San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Admire the granite cliffs in Yosemite park.
Camp under a canopy of stars in the Sierra Nevada.
Stay cool in Death Valley.
Dance with Lady Luck in Las Vegas.
Enjoy a spot of hiking in the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon.
Experience a western sunset over the Colorado River.
Follow a trail of stardust through the stirring city of Los Angeles.

Itinerary

Day 1 San Francisco

It's all here in the city of San Francisco, a laidback place with a liberal attitude and thriving cosmopolitan culture. Experience its many faces with free time to visit Alcatraz, Chinatown and Golden Gate Park.

Day 2 Yosemite National Park

The ultimate California adventure ventures out into a photographer's dreamscape at Yosemite National Park. The combination of hulking granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls and green meadows set against a dazzling blue sky make Yosemite an unforgettable place to visit.

Day 3 Sierra Nevada

Travel into the Eastern Sierra Nevada and spend the night camping out under a canopy of stars.

Days 4-5 Death Valley/Las Vegas

The name says it all - Death Valley is a desolate, barren area and also one of the hottest places on earth. Take time to explore this surreal landscape then continue on to delve into America's jingling hip pocket, Las Vegas. Nevada's neon-hued entertainment centre is as thrilling as it is obnoxious.

Day 6 Grand Canyon

One of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a remarkable 450 km long, 1.6 km deep and up to 30 km wide. Take an afternoon hike along the rim or into the canyon itself. Nothing beats ending the day with a multi-hued sunset over the Grand Canyon.

Day 7 Lake Havasu

See wild creatures scamper across the sand dunes and experience the extremities of the Californian climate. Discover exotic cacti, moody mountains and curious rock formations, then press on further following the western sun over the Colorado River to camp beside Lake Havasu.

Day 8 Joshua Tree National Park/Los Angeles

Wind through the Joshua Tree National Park in southern California and end the journey among the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.

Group Size

Maximum of 13 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts), Hostel (1 nt)

Transport

Van

Budget

Allow USD $120 for meals not included.

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from USD$1,350

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