15 DAyS - STA Travel

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CAlIFoRNIA
DREAMIN’
15 DAyS,
FR $2,330
CAMPING
loS ANGElES loS ANGElES
is there a cooler place on the planet than
California? The quick, simple and correct answer
is no. Just about everyone who resides in this
sexy state can be described as slick, trendy
or chic – with the exception perhaps of David
Hasselhoff. So if you find yourself stuck in
all too familiar routines, let this radical road
trip liberate you to the heights of singing 'tiny
dancer' and feeling almost famous. Swap that
tired tee for something more colourful, shed that
old hair cut for a sleek new style and re-energise
your tastes, ideas and beliefs from boredom to
hippiedom. Over 14 days you’ll check out all of
California’s best hangouts. Starting out in Los
Angeles, you’ll saunter down the pacific coast
to San Diego, taking in countless beachside
sanctuaries. You’ll then swap laid-back living
for the raw abandonment of the great outdoors
– Joshua Tree, The grand Canyon, Death valley
and Yosemite will all feature, as will a wee dip
into the hedonistic side of American life in Las
vegas. pass through the bohemian breeding
ground of San Francisco and enjoy the beauty of
Santa Barbara's coastline. You’ll eventually arrive
back into LA beautifully sun bleached, dreamily
enraptured and ready to take on the world.
bEST bITS
• hit the road on meandering highway 1
• Relax amid big Sur’s dramatic coastline
• Enjoy a slice of the Med in Santa barbara
• Stroll the starry streets of los Angeles
• bask on the golden beaches of San Diego
• Check out the weird plants at joshua Tree
• Stare into the abyss at the Grand Canyon
• Dance with lady luck in glitzy las Vegas
• Feel the mercury rise in Death Valley
• let yosemite’s wild beauty amaze you
• Visit the legendary Cannery Row
• unleash your inner boho soul in San Fran
DAy 1: loS ANGElES
Arrive at any time and set out exploring. LA will
be gluttony for your star struck, celeb-fixed
eyes! Stroll along the Hollywood and Beverly
Hills boulevards, or cruise down to venice Beach,
where body builders and bronzed goddesses
dominate the landscape. Take a stroll along the
market stalls or work in a few chin-ups at the
open air gym!
DAyS 2-3: SAN DIEGo
meet your fellow tour buddies and hit the road,
cruising along to San Diego. You’ll have a couple
of days here to enjoy the various highlights of
this glorious ocean view city. Check out Balboa
park, visit the famous San Diego Zoo or take it
easy on one of the golden mission Bay beaches.
DAy 4: joShuA TREE N.P & lAkE hAVASu
Driving through the hot deserts of Southern
California, you’ll enter Joshua Tree National park
known for its many spectacular desert plants
including Joshua Trees, cacti and mojave Yuccas.
This California desert country also contains
striking rock formations and towering mountain
ranges. Afterwards you’ll cross the Colorado
river for the 72km long Lake Havasu - ideal for
a bit of watersport action.
DAyS 5-6: GRAND CANyoN
Turn north towards one of the world’s seven
natural wonders, snaking 450km through the
desolate Arizona landscape, the grand Canyon
is up to 30km wide by 1600m deep and truly
overwhelming in reality. You’ll have plenty of time
to explore and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The sunsets are especially impressive - the rich
colours of the ancient rocks deepen as the night
sky falls, creating a palette of moody hues. make
sure you have your camera ready. For those who
want more, an optional helicopter flight gives
you an amazing perspective.
DAyS 7-8: lAS VEGAS
venture into the wilds of Kaibab National Forest
and then ride on the famous route 66. Cross the
iconic mojave Desert and reach the neon lights
of Las vegas - capital of the gambling world.
enjoy the many casinos and nightlife of this
glittering city, take a chance with Lady Luck and
make friends with elvis impersonators a plenty.
DAy 9: SIERRA NEVADA
Your drive today will take you through one of
the hottest deserts on the planet - Death valley.
Here temperatures can rise to record-breaking
levels of up to 56ºC. This national park includes
a wealth of geological phenomena: large sand
dune formations, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys
and volcanic craters abound. The canyon and
mountain walls change colour with the changing
sunlight. elevations fluctuate from 85m below
sea level, near Badwater point (the lowest point
in the United States) to 3756m above sea level
at Telescope peak. Stop at the visitor Centre and
at several viewpoints, then heat permitting you’ll
hike up through the sand dunes.
DAy 10: yoSEMITE NATIoNAl PARk
Drive over the Tioga pass into the heart of the
Sierra Nevada mountains and to one of this
trip’s highlights - the UNeSCO World Heritage
Yosemite National park. enjoy hiking amid aweinspiring
granite cliffs such as the world famous
Half Dome, walk under the cooling breeze of
majestic waterfalls or just relax and take in the
scenery. There are a wide range of hikes in this
park along with other activities, such as photo
galleries, museums, restaurants, bike rentals and
guided ranger talks.