California and Mexico

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Los Angeles/San Diego

There's plenty of people-watching to do in LA, where the wacky to the outrageous are ubiquitous. Stroll down star-studded streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills and go shopping on Rodeo Drive.

Day 3 Joshua Tree National Park/Lake Havasu

Take in the spectacular rust-red and green colour-scape of the Southern Californian desert. Enter the Joshua Tree National Park, known for unusual plants including cacti, Mojave yuccas and Joshua trees. Afterwards, cross the Colarado River to see the 72 km long Lake Havasu.

Days 4-5 Grand Canyon

With the dimensions of 450 km long by 630 km wide by 600 m deep, it's easy to see how this canyon achieved its moniker. Overwhelming in real-life, the Grand Canyon is a a natural wonder and impressive at any angle. Try a helicopter flight to get a true idea of its magnitude.

Days 6-7 Las Vegas

Go west through the Kaibab National Forest and on to the famous Route 66. Cross Mojave Desert and reach the neon-lights of Las Vegas. The gambling world of Las Vegas is a cultural landmine. Dance with lady luck with a roll of the die.

Day 8 Lee Vining

The mercury rises in Death Valley one of the hottest deserts on the planet. Make the languid way to Lee Vining, located near the shores of Mono Lake. Cool down and ponder the tufa rock formations from the lake.

Days 9-10 Yosemite National Park

Drive over the Tioga Pass into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Enter into the wilderness of the Yosemite National Park, a World Heritage-listed site. Yosemite's claim to fame is its majestic waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, magnificent granite cliffs and biological diversity.

Day 11 San Francisco

Arrive in the cultural melting pot of San Francisco. Catch a tram or visit the waterfront, feast like a king in Chinatown and peruse zany artwork in SoMa. Later, skip town and head south towards seaside Santa Cruz.

Day 12 Santa Barbara

Travel along the beach road and witness scenes of surfers and sea lions along California's coastline. Enjoy a stay in Santa Barbara by taking up the optional activities of rollerskating, bicycling, hiking, beach volleyball or just relaxing in the sun.

Days 13-14 Los Angeles

Keep moving south towards LA. No tour of LA is complete without a visit to Venice beach where body builders, roller girls and bronzed goddesses can be seen in all their sun-kissed glory.

Day 15 Los Angeles/Tucson

Get an early start from LA and head to Tucson, nicknamed Old Pueblo.

Day 16 Guaymas

Cross the Mexican border in Nogales. Spend the afternoon in the port city of Guayamas and sample local delicacies such as camarones gigantes (massive shrimp).

Day 17 Los Mochis

Enter the urban bustle of Los Mochis (Place of Turtles) and experience the city's enticing mix of restaurants and bars.

Days 18-21 Barranca del Cobre

Take a train to Creel and view Mexico's star attraction. The Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) is part of a series of interconnected canyons caused by over 60 millions years of erosion. It is four times larger and around 90 m deeper than the Grand Canyon. Home to the Tarahumara people, this is a fascinating cultural and geological landmark. Why not join an optional tour with a local guide.

Day 22 Overnight Ferry/La Paz

Relax at the Sea of Cortez before boarding the ferry. Let the mind drift off as the ferry crosses over the Gulf of California to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.

Days 23-24 Cabo San Lucas

Watch a Baja sunset from the superb malecon (waterfront) of La Paz. Head to Cabo San Lucas, a beachside party town perched on the tip of Baja California's peninsula, boasting an unobstructed panaromic view of the area. Hit the beach to swim and sunbake or perhaps take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the underwater world offshore.

Days 25-26 Mulege

Witness the desert landscape transform into a lush valleys, concealing beautiful Mulege. Venture to the Playa Concepcion for adventure sports, or have a go kayaking, snorkelling or hiking to view a collection of mysterious ancient desert paintings.

Day 27 San Ignacio/Guerrero Negro

Journey back into the Catavina Desert and stop at San Ignacio and Sanata Rosalia. Explore the landscape, dotted by giant cacti, elephant trees and boulders.

Day 28 Ensenada

Spend some pesos in this thriving port city that also happens to be a shopper's heaven. Look forward to haggling for hammocks, ceramic, textiles and more. When the sun goes down, be sure to visit Hussong's Cantina - serving tequila to the tune of raucous in-house mariachi since 1892.

Day 29 Los Angeles

Cross the border back into the USA and wind-up in the City of Angels.