18 to 35s Real San Francisco to LA

Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay with the super-cool multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts or just take a self-paced walk along the trendy city streets. Wander through the vintage stores along funky Haight Street or catch the tram down to the waterfront. After the meeting tonight, maybe grab dinner and get to know your group.

This morning, you’ll drive into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the magnificent Yosemite National Park. Passing gorgeous scenery along the way, catch a glimpse of one of Yosemite’s most recognisable features – Half Dome. This massive rock formation has a dramatically sheer face that gives it that distinctive shape. You'll spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park, with two full days available to explore at your own pace.

Head into the national park this morning and join your leader for an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk through. From there, continue to Yosemite Valley to check out some of the park’s best-known spots. You could see the thundering Yosemite Falls, take in both Half Dome and Merced River from Sentinel Bridge and a whole lot more. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Maybe hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4 to 5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and bears along the way!

Today is free for you to continue discovering the wonders of the park. Instead of hiking, you might like to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley on two wheels. You can also visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants, and in the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River is highly recommended. Otherwise, there’s no shortage of trails for you to explore, from the famous Mist Trail to the more challenging Four Mile Trail. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations if you need help narrowing down the options!

Settle in for a scenic drive today through the Sierra Nevada, sandwiched between Central Valley and Death Valley. Depart Yosemite via Tioga Pass, stopping at Mono Lake on the way. This ancient, highly saline lake is known for its eerie tufa towers (limestone formations) and the migratory birdlife that flocks here for the huge population of brine shrimp and alkali flies. Snap a few photos, then continue to the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp for the night. In town, maybe go to Erick Schat’s European-style bakery for a delicious treat, or perhaps visit some nearby natural hot springs.

Drive to the capital of glitz and glam in the heart of the desert this morning – Las Vegas, Nevada. Vegas may be known for its casinos and late-night antics, but there's plenty more to it than meets the eye. After checking into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the bits that take your fancy. Hit the shops, see a world-class stage show, check out the Las Vegas Sphere or simply enjoy the people-watching as you stroll along the Strip. Tonight, maybe grab dinner at one of the buzzing restaurants around town – your leader will have some great recommendations.

With another day in Las Vegas, continue to discover all things over-the-top. See the Eiffel Tower of the USA, check out the Bellagio Fountains or visit one of the city’s many museums. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new members of your group. If you didn’t head out last night, maybe get your group together and head out for one of Sin City's best shows, bars or restaurants. You might as well go all out in Las Vegas, right?