California's National Parks

Experience the splendours and diversity of the stunning National Parks of California. Marvel at the magnificent waterfalls, gigantic trees and miles upon miles of sand dunes. Exclusive to Kuoni, this fly-drive offers daily departures and a chance to relax on the beautiful white sand beaches of Waikiki.

MEAL PLAN → No meals included.
ACCOMMODATION → A combination of three and four star hotels are included, but in remote areas such as National Parks or small towns this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic. Hotels will be confirmed with final itineraries.
TOUR INCLUDES → Prices include an Alamo rental car on a rental only basis including unlimited mileage and size depending on the number of people in your party. See p220-221 for details of allocated cars and Alamo’s rental packages. A comprehensive step-by-step fly drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information is included in your California’s National Parks fly-drive.
GRATUITIES → Tipping is common practice in North America.
We recommend between 10-15% for waiting staff, barmen and guides and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.
TRAVEL TIPS → Early booking is recommended if travelling between June-September. Most National Parks also charge an entrance fee, so ensure you carry small dollar bills with you.

Day 1 → United Airlines flight from Heathrow to San Francisco arriving later the same day. Choose to transfer on your own or pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel, which will be your base for the next two nights. San Francisco is one of America’s most beautiful cities and it certainly will not disappoint. The best way to explore is by foot or by traditional cable car. During your stay walk around the souvenir shops and attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf, walk down Lombard Street ‘The Crookest Street in the World’ or walk around the colourful areas in Chinatown. Don’t miss a visit to one of the cities most popular attractions, Alcatraz Island which housed some of America’s most notorious criminals including Al Capone.

Day 3 → Drive inland to the stunning scenery of Yosemite National Park. You will have two nights to enjoy one of America’s most loved National Parks. We recommend that you get advice from a local ranger on what to do or you can take one of the many hiking trails available (approx.189 miles).

Day 5 → Head east along the scenic Tioga Pass (open seasonally) to Death Valley. The landscape you will experience in Death Valley could not be more different from Yosemite. Here you will find the lowest point in the western hemisphere, with mountains as high as 11,000 feet, large sand dunes, isolated valleys, volcanic craters and one of the hottest and driest climates in the whole world (approx. 334 miles).

Day 6 → Drive east through the Mojave Desert to the fascinating city of Las Vegas, where you will spend the next two nights. Las Vegas is undoubtedly one of the most glamourous, glitzy and spectacular cities in the world. Watch the mesmerising dancing fountains at the Bellagio or ride along in a gondola on the canal inside the Venetian and enjoy the thrilling roller coaster ride at the New York New York hotel (approx. 187 miles).

Day 8 → Drive to the airport and drop your rental car off before you catch your United Airlines flight to Heathrow via Chicago arriving the following day.

HAWAII EXTENSION
Day 8 → Fly United Airlines via San Francisco to Honolulu where you will be met and transferred to a Resortview room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (superior four star) for five nights or more.
Day 13 → Depart on your United Airlines flight via San Francisco arriving Heathrow the following day.

Destination introduction

The western states of the USA have an abundance of some of the most spectacular natural sightseeing in the world, from the blue waters and rugged coastline of California to the barren deserts of Arizona and Nevada.