LA to the Bay

DAY 1 - Arrive Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Get yourself in gear for glamour, grit, and the American Dream. Today we’re in Los Angeles, where stars are born and history is made. The day is yours, where first? Feel famous at Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held, see the handprints of industry greats in cement at Mann's Chinese Theatre, cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue. Go for a drive through one of the world's wealthiest suburbs, Beverly Hills, or maybe sunbathe in Santa Monica, LA's oldest beach resort. Get a feel for street life on the buzzing boardwalk of Venice Beach, see bodybuilders pumping iron at the famous open-air gym, Muscle Beach. Then wrap up for the evening at the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), where you can grab dinner alongside the towering billboards or keep the party going at one of the many clubs in the area.

DAY 2 - Los Angeles to San Diego

Los Angeles

Next up, the O.C. – Orange County. You’ll join the crew and find yourselves cruising on the Surfliner Train as it cruises across the Pacific coastline before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego.

San Diego

Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego. We'll start embodying the easygoing vibes with a visit to the eclectic mix of vibrant neighbourhoods around this city, including Balbao's Park for some Mother Nature time. Consider yourself a thrill seeker? Why not drive your very own speedboat (yes you can take the wheel) with a guide around the San Diego Harbour.  

DAY 3 - San Diego to Phoenix

San Diego

Now you've had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it's time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer.

Phoenix

This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won't forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We'll enjoy a picnic in the gorgeous Papago Park, surrounded by red buttes and fishing lagoons. Dreamy or what?

DAY 4 - Phoenix to the Grand Canyon via Sedona

Phoenix

A hot air balloon ride over the "Valley of the Sun" – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There's a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don't miss out.

Sedona

Grand Canyon

The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona. We'll settle in for the night at our comfy Lodge in the heart of the National Park before the great Grand Canyon reveals itself tomorrow. Take a step outside and take a peep at the endless starry skies, tomorrow will be a day to remember. 

DAY 5 - Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon

You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, there's also the option of a bike ride, then the day will end with a spine-tingling sunset. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter. 

DAY 6 - Grand Canyon to Las Vegas via Route 66

Grand Canyon

With the majestic Grand Canyon left behind for now, we stop off at several spots along the famous Route 66, but most notably, Seligman, a town steeped in history for some rustic old school Americana vibes.

Route 66

Las Vegas

Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses, starting first up with the iconic Hoover Dam. This is Las Vegas - sometimes known as Sin City - a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You’ll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). A nighttime tour of the famous ‘Strip’, including  a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight's agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about.

DAY 7 - Las Vegas

Las Vegas

You have today all to yourself but you’ll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas' weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city's realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). Tonight live like a baller while you cruise along the 'Strip' in a party bus and don't stress, the bills on us. Later, you’ll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.

DAY 8 - Las Vegas to Bass Lake via San Joaquin Valley

Las Vegas

From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip’ to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again.

Barstow

Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination. 

San Joaquin Valley

We'll drive past Joshua Trees, the famous symbol of the Mojave Desert and onto our Special Contiki Stay at Bass Lake Resort. 

Bass Lake

This afternoon you’ll become enamored with the tranquility of Bass Lake. Wind down in your chalet after a long day of travel, taking in your picturesque surroundings. Later on, kick back and enjoy the view from the chalet deck - it is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the jacuzzi and breathe in the fresh mountain air while getting some much needed R & R after fast and furious Vegas. 

DAY 9 - Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park

Bass Lake

This beautiful mountain paradise is perfect for relaxation and recuperation but it certainly isn’t a one trick pony. Bass Lake offers plenty of watersports and adventurous options, seasonal weather permitting.

Yosemite National Park

The Breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore. Back at Bass Lake swim or enjoy watersports on the lake. 

Bass Lake

Back at our Bass Lake base, there'll no doubt be a need for that jacuzzi and a night of staring up at the starry skies. This is what we call living. 

DAY 10 - Bass Lake to San Francisco

Bass Lake

Today we bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot full of nature and tranquillity and look forward to a very different experience as we prepare to be a crew of city slickers once more...

San Francisco

After getting a dose of San Fran exploring on a walking tour, admiring the street art and fog emerging over the Golden Gate Bridge,  as skateboards zig zag past. You could opt for a spot of sunset sailing tonight to end things on a high - and then there's no better way to reminisce than over one final meal.

DAY 11 - Depart San Francisco

San Francisco

And just like that, it's time for the journey to come to an end.  It's been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.