This was a great trip, made better by a fantastic guide who went out of her way to ensure everyone had a great time.
California Tour Holidays
Our Trips to California
The coastline of Southwest USA is indeed a remarkable place and an absolute magnet for creative types searching for inspiration and like-minded souls. Of course, you don’t have to be a writer or a painter or even an actor to enjoy a California tours. From the unique and expansive national parks to the city landmarks that are known the world over, this is an incredible location and a ‘must visit’ at least once in your lifetime.
With its unique and expansive national parks to famous city landmarks, a trip to California, the “Honey Sunshine State”, is filled with surprises. Home to Yosemite National Park, the Big Sur, Death Valley and vast forests and lakes, California is the perfect destination for adventure.
Wrapped inside the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in northern California, Yosemite National Park lays claim to some of the greatest natural wonders on Earth. Marvel at the enormity of the waterfalls that thunder down jagged rock faces and come face-to-face with wildlife such as black bears, deer, bob cats and cayotes. The ancient sequoia trees can be found in three groves throughout the park and can tower up to several hundred feet above the ground, making you feel insignificant in their presence. Make sure you head up to some of the vantage points of the park to take in astounding views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Half Dome.
As well as exploring the lunar-like landscapes of Death Valley and experiencing the immensity of Grand Canyon, you can also get a flavour of San Francisco. This vibrant city is home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz and will intoxicate you with its bohemian charm.
Our California Tour Holidays
California Tour Highlights
1. Yosemite National Park – This is an absolute haven for any hiking enthusiast and an ‘absolute must’ on any California tour holiday bucket-list. With over 800 miles of recognised trails, Yosemite National Park offers some of the most captivating scenery in all of the USA, from a backdrop of waterfalls, to sweeping canyons and sky scraping giant sequoias, these are some of the best vistas that you’re ever likely to encounter.
2. Death Valley National Park – One of the world’s hottest, driest and lowest places, don’t let the name put you off – Death Valley is packed with stunning landscapes to awe and amaze. Water-sculpted canyons, singing sand dunes and serene salt flats are all found right here.
3. San Francisco – California boasts some of the world’s hottest cities in every sense imaginable and no trip is complete without discovering the hidden and obvious gems in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf are a must on your California trip. Rest assured this west-coast heavyweight packs a punch when it comes to culture, cuisine and scenery .
4. Lake Tahoe – As the largest lake of its kind in North America, it comes as no surprise that the shores of Lake Tahoe provide endless biking and hiking trails around it’s awe-inspiring setting. Water sports like kayaking, water skiing and stand-up paddle boarding are also pretty popular here too.
Gordon McGowan Trek America: Canyons & National Parks
Marin Popa Trek America: Canyons & National ParksThe itinerary was very well-balanced, including a combination of various sightseeing and walks. For us, first-time visitors to these parts of the USA, every day brought something new and amazing, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Mike, our guide, is a consummate professional – he ensured everything went like clockwork and without doubts or worries, he gave us all the information we needed, told us in an attractive storytelling manner short historical, geographical, and social narratives, enabling us to understand better the places we saw. His permanent optimism and sense of humor made everything look easy and every minute pleasant and worth remembering. The whole atmosphere was relaxing and as magical as the sites we visited. Thanks! Suggestions for improving the experience: 1. It should be noted that the seats in the van are quite narrow, especially in the last row. There were 11 of us and we fit in the van relatively comfortably. A party of 13 would feel very tight, especially on the longer drives. 2. The best accommodations were in Tonopah and Zion. I understand that there are few other options in most of the locations, but at the price we paid, better motels would have been welcomed. Sorry if I seem a bit picky – all in all, it was a trip to remember, an experience of a lifetime.
Carolyn Smith Trek America: Canyons & National ParksVery well chosen set of destinations, excellent guide. Informative, helpful, attentive and dynamic
FAQs on California Tours
What are the main sights on California tours?
The western US state of California is brimming with incredible sights, from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and magnificent national parks to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the hilly roads of San Francisco. There’s certainly a lot to explore in California but a few of the most famous sights include Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks, the giant redwood trees, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, Death Valley, Monterey and Salt Lake City.
What is the best time of the year to visit California?
Between the months of June and September is a great time to visit California. Although there tends to be good weather year-round, the summer months are particularly pleasant with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. However, depending on what you plan to see on your trip, the time to visit may vary. Hiking trips that take you among lofty peaks or desert landscapes are best taken in spring or autumn as the temperatures are cooler. If you prefer to travel when there are fewer crowds, spring is your best option, and you’ll also see beautiful floral displays of wildflowers in the national parks. Alternatively, visit during the autumn to enjoy the stunning fall colours.
Which is the best national park to visit in California?
California is home to 10 national parks, each with its own unique charms, iconic views and landscapes. While Death Valley introduces you to the vast and dramatic desert, Yosemite will amaze you with its glacial landscape, wild bears and waterfalls. Sequoia boasts some of the largest trees in the world and the impressive Mount Whitney, which stands at 4,421m. Grand Canyon National Park is arguably the most spectacular, spanning around 300 miles and plummeting more than 6,000ft into the valleys below and the Colorado River. To experience its true enormity, it’s definitely worth hiking beneath the rim trails.
Where is the best place to see black bears in California?
If you’re looking for bear encounters on California tours, the best places to go are Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, which are home to hundreds of black bears. Because bears prefer habitats that are sheltered and have a rich supply of berries, insects and acorns, you’ll most likely find them foraging in woodlands. In California, bears are seldom found in the south and are more often found in the north, east and west of the state. During the winter months, the bears will hibernate in hollow trees and logs, beneath giant roots or in caves so you’re unlikely to see them.
Do I need a Visa to visit California?
If you’re from the UK or most of the EU countries, you can travel to California without a Visa. Instead, you must apply for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is a much more straightforward and quicker process than applying for a Visa and will only cost you around $21US. The application process can be done online and usually takes just a day or two to be approved. The ESTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows you to stay in the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. Always check the entry requirements for your country and nationality well in advance of travelling.
What food is popular to eat in California?
California is a great place for food lovers and with so many restaurants, cafes and diners to choose from, you’ll be in your element. The California burrito has its own take on this classic Mexican dish by adding fries for even more satisfying carbs! If you’re a lover of fried chicken then it doesn’t get much better than dry fried chicken wings with garlic, ginger and red peppers, a must for anyone visiting San Francisco. A trip to California wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the world-famous burgers. With the likes of Five Guys, In-N-Out Burger and many other burger bars strewn across the state, it’s not difficult to get your hands on this indulgent treat.
Is Las Vegas worth visiting?
Slap bang in the middle of a desert, Las Vegas is an unlikely location for such a glamorous and hedonistic city. Although it’s known as the gambling capital of the world owing to its endless casinos, it also has some of the best restaurants, hotels and entertainment. While the bright lights and vibrant nightlife aren’t for everyone, it’s certainly worth exploring on a trip to California. Behind its glitzy façade, you’ll also find botanical gardens, hiking trails and showstopping fountains.
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