Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego

Tour Begins: Las Vegas. A transfer is included to your stay at the Four Seasons Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner, setting the stage for the unforgettable adventure of desert discoveries and coastal treasures ahead.

Today, trade the neon lights of Las Vegas for the awe-inspiring natural extremes of Death Valley National Park. Embark on a scenic drive into this striking landscape, where vast desert plains are framed by towering peaks and dramatic canyons. This afternoon, begin exploring Death Valley with visits to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, to learn fascinating insights into the park's ecology and history, and Zabriskie Point, where the golden-banded hills provide a breathtaking panorama. Arrive at The Oasis at Death Valley with time to relax and take in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the lodge this evening, soaking in the serene desert ambiance. 

Today, trade the neon lights of Las Vegas for the extraordinary natural extremes of Death Valley National Park. Embark on a scenic drive into this striking landscape, where vast desert plains are framed by towering peaks and dramatic canyons. Following time for lunch at leisure, begin exploring Death Valley with visits to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you'll learn about the park's ecology and history, and Zabriskie Point, where golden-banded hills provide a spectacular panorama of the surrounding badlands. Arrive at The Inn at Death Valley, a historic desert oasis surrounded by palm gardens and mountain views, with time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Leave the rugged beauty of Death Valley behind as you journey toward the sun-washed elegance of Palm Springs, a desert oasis celebrated for its natural drama and distinctive style. Along the way, take a guided tour exploring the city's fascinating past and its world-renowned architecture. Known as the birthplace of Desert Modernism, Palm Springs showcases mid-century homes and public buildings defined by clean lines, glass walls, and seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor living. Hear stories of the Hollywood legends who once made this retreat their playground – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. among them – and discover how the desert landscape continues to inspire design and culture today. Your stay at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel places you in the vibrant heart of downtown, where contemporary desert style meets laid-back sophistication. After a day of discovery, unwind with a drink at the hotel's rooftop pool overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains or savor the flavors of California cuisine at leisure this evening.

Set out this morning for Joshua Tree National Park, where two great desert ecosystems – the Colorado and the Mojave – meet in a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. The drive unfolds through an ever-changing panorama of desert hills, twisted yucca, and wide-open skies, leading you into a world of wind-sculpted stone and striking rock formations. Within the park, massive granite boulders rise like monuments, while the park's namesake Joshua trees, with their spiky limbs and distinctive silhouettes, stand against the desert sky. Explore this remarkable landscape with a local guide, including a hike along the Hidden Valley trail, where towering rock formations surround a sheltered desert valley once associated with cattle rustlers. Along the way, discover the surprising variety of plant life that thrives in this arid environment and learn how wildlife has adapted to the desert's extremes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the natural beauty of Joshua Tree, before returning to Palm Springs in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – perhaps explore the galleries and shops of downtown or relax beside the rooftop pool of your hotel. Dinner this evening is on your own.

Your day begins with a visit to Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage, part of the former Annenberg Estate, a celebrated retreat that welcomed US presidents, world leaders, and other distinguished guests. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and visitor center, learning about the estate's remarkable history and its role in American diplomacy. Bid farewell to the desert landscapes as you travel toward sunny San Diego, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant coastal setting. Stop in Temecula for lunch at Wilson Creek Winery, where the scenic surroundings and celebrated wines create a memorable midday break. Arrive in the afternoon at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where a welcome drink awaits. A National Historic Landmark and masterpiece of Victorian seaside architecture, the hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since opening in 1888. Its cinematic fame includes the classic movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. With its oceanfront setting, beautiful beach, and inviting restaurants, the hotel is a destination in itself. Dinner is on your own this evening, with a variety of dining options at the hotel or nearby in Coronado.

Start the day with an exploration of San Diego's rich maritime history. Your first stop after breakfast is the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the history of the US Navy. Enjoy exclusive early admission to the USS Midway Museum, before it opens to the public, for a private, docent-led tour that brings the ship's remarkable history to life. Discover what life was like aboard this floating city at sea, from the expansive flight deck where naval aviators once launched into the skies to the spaces where thousands of sailors lived and worked. Following your private tour, remain aboard to explore at leisure, perhaps visiting additional exhibits, listening to firsthand accounts from former crew members, or learning more about the ship's role in American naval history. You'll also receive a one-day pass for San Diego's Old Town Trolley, allowing you to hop on and off as you wish to discover the city's historic neighborhoods, waterfront attractions, and other landmarks. Spend the afternoon exploring San Diego or return to your resort on Coronado Island for some time at leisure. This evening, discover another chapter of local history with a private guided tour of Hotel del Coronado, led by the hotel's historian, before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner.

Tour ends: San Diego. A transfer is included from your Hotel Del Coronado to San Diego International Airport.  Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.