11 DAY LA TO THE BAY

| 11 DAYS

11 DAY LA TO THE BAY

THE ONE THAT TAKES YOU ON AN 11 DAY ROLLERCOASTER FROM LA TO SAN FRAN

3 states, 11 days, 1 damn fine vacay. From the Golden Gate to the Hollywood sign, your eyes will be a popping the whole trip long. We’ll feast on legit Mexican food, marvel at Joshua Trees and party in Vegas.

DAY 1 – Arrive Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It’s packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann’s Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement. Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world’s wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA’s oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel. Maybe later travel out to LA’s quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing broadwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladders gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town’s hottest bars and clubs.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See Beverly Hills

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 along the unmistakable Pacific coastline as it gloriously winds 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.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Drive through the O.C. & along the scenic Pacific Coast

Panoramic view of the city’s skyline from Coronado Bridge

See downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island & Old Town San Diego

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Speedboat Adventure

USD $57.00

DAY 3 – San Diego

San Diego

Today you’ll go about your ways like a true Cali native with a full day of outdoor excitement. Surf, sun and 42 miles of beachside bliss will have you hanging ten like Kelly Slater in no time. For those maybe feeling a little less adventurous who’d rather get up close and personal with 4000 animals, then the famous San Diego Zoo will be a must see for you. By nightfall you’ll have worked up an appetite so get ready to dig into a Mexican Feast! Margarita anyone?

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Visit Mission Beach (weather permitting)

Go loco as you feast on traditional Mexican cuisine

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

San Diego Zoo

USD $49.00

DAY 4 – 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.

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See the Sonoran Desert

DAY 5 – 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.

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Lower J on 4WD jeep tour

Hot Air Balloon

USD $180.00

DAY 6 – 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.

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Capture some incredible photos with a visit to a panoramic viewpoint

Hike along the Canyon’s South Rim

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Helicopter Flight – Imperial

Helicopter Flight – North Canyon

USD $186.00

DAY 7 – 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 skool 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. 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.

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City sightseeing tour

Visit Fremont Street for the light-and-laser show

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

VIP club entry

DAY 8 – 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.

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Go wild in Vegas with a Party Bus

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

VIP club entry

High Roller Anytime

USD $32.00

DAY 9 – 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 make a quick pitstop as we blaze through the Mojave Desert and its iconic Joshua trees on the way to blissful Bass Lake.

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 10 – 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.

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 11 – Bass Lake to San Francisco

Bass Lake

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

San Francisco

Say farewell to your new Contiki fam on arrival back in San Francisco. Perhaps a reunion in Thailand?

WHAT YOU GET

10 nights accommodation

6 nights in Hotel, 2 nights in Lodge, 2 nights in Contiki Special Stay

Hotels, lodges and resorts are the name of the game. Think comfy pillows and lively communal areas for you and your new travel buddies to socialise.

12 included Meals

5 Dinner, 7 Breakfast

We’ll get 12 of your meals and you get the rest. You can refuel over breakfast and grab some authentic American dinners from us but you’ll also get an opportunity to sample some of this country’s best gourmet fare.

Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

All transport included during the trip

Included in your trip is transport on our fleet of comfy, state of the art coaches. They’re kitted out with all the necessities: USB charge points, WiFi, Air Con and a rocking sound system. You bring the other essentials, like tunes, friendships and stories from the night before.

Your group

Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world

Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.

Experiences

12 included, 9 optional that you can add

Strap yourself in for a wild ride. You’ll be cruising the Las Vegas strip in a party bus, soaking up the sunshine at Bass Lake and getting down with the hippie vibes in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. You’ll also get your kicks on Route 66 and experience the mind blowing expanse of the Grand Canyon. There’s plenty to blow your mind between LA and The Bay.