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Joshua Tree Landscape

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From the Desert

to the Beach

Trip Duration:

8 days

January to March or October to December

Pricing From:

From $ 6,690 Per Person, Double Occupancy 

Registration Code:

Ask for tour code: TCKDO2027

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Your Southwest U.S.

Getaway Itinerary

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Day 1

Your vacation begins in Las Vegas.  Arrival transportation 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.

Desert Landscape View

Day 2

After breakfast, depart 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.

Salt Flat Landscape

Day 3

Prepare for a day filled with dramatic landscapes and otherworldly beauty in Death Valley National Park. Set off on a guided tour showcasing the park's most iconic sites, where nature's artistry is on full display. Marvel at the swirling pastel hues of Artists Palette, where mineral-rich hills shift in color with the sunlight. Stand at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where salt flats stretch endlessly beneath towering peaks. Experience the eerie stillness of Devil's Golf Course, an expansive field of jagged, crystallized salt formations so rugged that, as legend has it, "only the devil could play golf here." This afternoon, continue your Death Valley discoveries with additional guided sightseeing, or unwind at The Inn at Death Valley, a historic hideaway that has welcomed travelers since 1927. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.

Palm Tree Promenade

Day 4

Departing Death Valley, journey toward the sunwashed 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. 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.

Desert Cactus Landscape

Day 5

After breakfast, set out 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 itself unfolds through an ever-changing palette of ochre hills, twisted yucca, and wide desert sky, leading you into a world of wind-sculpted stone and silent valleys. Within the park, the terrain feels both ancient and otherworldly: massive granite boulders rise like monuments, while the park's namesake Joshua trees, with their spiky limbs and defiant silhouettes, stand as sentinels over the desert floor. During your visit, take a hike along one of the park's scenic trails, surrounded by fantastical rock formations and a surprising abundance of desert flora. Watch for cholla cactus, ocotillo, and desert marigold brightening the landscape, and listen for the flutter of birds or the rustle of a lizard among the stones. The light shifts constantly, transforming the desert from soft gold to deep rose as the sun arcs across the sky. Pause to take in the stillness – a silence so complete it feels almost sacred. This afternoon, return to Palm Springs, where the contrast between desert wilderness and modern comfort is striking. The rest of the day is yours – perhaps explore the galleries of downtown or relax beside the rooftop pool of your hotel. Dinner this evening is at your leisure at your hotel.

Vineyard At Sunset

Day 6

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage for a stroll through its beautifully curated gardens. Bid farewell to the desert landscapes en route to sunny San Diego, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Balboa Park. Travel to Temecula for lunch at Wilson Creek Winery, where the scenic mountainous surroundings and award-winning wines create a memorable midday break. Arrive late-afternoon at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where you'll step back in time at this National Historic Landmark, a masterpiece of Victorian seaside architecture that has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since 1888. Its cinematic fame includes the classic movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. Dinner is on your own this evening with options to explore locally or from one of several restaurants located at your hotel.

Pier at Sunset

Day 7

After breakfast, begin the day with an exploration of San Diego's vibrant maritime history. The first stop is the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the history of the US Navy. Enjoy exclusive access before the ship opens to the public – discover the captivating stories of what life was like aboard this floating city at sea. Step onto the expansive flight deck, where naval aviators once launched into the skies, and explore interactive exhibits that bring the ship's legacy to life. Wander through restored crew quarters, engine rooms, and the command center, gaining a deeper appreciation for the daily lives of those who served – you'll have an opportunity to spend as much time here as you please. After your visit, you'll have an opportunity to take the San Diego Old Town Trolley tour, which enables you to explore San Diego and stop as you please; this afternoon, enjoy free time in San Diego or at your resort on Coronado Island, where ocean breezes and golden sands invite you to unwind. Conclude your journey with a farewell reception and dinner.

Luggage On Trolley

Day 8

After breakfast, airport transportation  is included from your Hotel Del Coronado to  the San Diego International Airport. 

Colorful Palm Trees
Vacation Highlights:

Explore two unique national parks – Death Valley and Joshua Tree – uncovering surreal desert landscapes, otherworldly rock formations, rare ecosystems, and the stories shaped by some of nature's most dramatic forces

 

Exclusive early access on the USS Midway provides a behind-the-scenes look at this historic aircraft carrier, with docent-led insights, interactive exhibits, and access before public hours

 

Step into the timeless elegance of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, your seaside resort in San Diego that has been a haven for royalty, celebrities and dignitaries since 1888

Is This Trip Right For Me?

The traveler for this trip is an active, upscale explorer who appreciates an engaging, fully guided itinerary that pairs rugged, surreal landscapes with high-end, premium hospitality.

 

Because the tour is physically challenging—carrying an activity level rating of 3 out of 4 and requiring daily walking of 2 to 3.5 miles over uneven, unpaved desert surfaces and frequent stairs—it is ideal for individuals with good stamina and balance who want to stay highly engaged throughout the day.

 

This traveler likely has a keen interest in natural history, geology, and American lore, given the deep dives into the unique ecosystems of Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks, balanced by exclusive, structured cultural stops like a private, behind-the-scenes military history tour of the USS Midway. Furthermore, they seek all-inclusive luxury and seamless logistics, preferring to retreat after a demanding day of sightseeing into highly curated, historically significant or ultra-exclusive properties like The Inn at Death Valley and the iconic, Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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