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Inspiring Adventures
Two National Parks
Los Angeles Farmers Market
Santa Monica Pier
Roadside Icons
Las Vegas
Discover the remarkably diverse landscapes of the American Southwest on a journey from the glamour of Los Angeles to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, uncovering star-studded history, renowned landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders along the way. Begin by exploring Los Angeles with a local guide as you visit iconic neighborhoods, such as Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Step into the magic of film at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and see more of the city at your own pace before heading to glamorous Palm Springs, where celebrity roots and stunning desert scenery await. Then, venture into the otherworldly beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and travel along historic Route 66 to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. Spend two nights inside Death Valley National Park with unparalleled experiences! Marvel at towering sand dunes, volcanic craters, and Badwater Basin during the day, followed by an exclusive sunset cocktail reception and stargazing beneath some of the darkest skies in the country. Our adventure concludes with a celebratory Farewell Lunch and leisure time in the lively city of Las Vegas.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Los Angeles
Discover the glitz, glamour, and iconic sights of the City of Angels! Join a local guide for sightseeing, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2,000 stars celebrate figures from the entertainment industry, and Rodeo Drive, renowned for its luxury boutiques. Take in views of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory, then dive into the artistry of filmmaking at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. With free time to explore independently, you can explore the galleries of Melrose Avenue, visit a renowned attraction – like the La Brea Tar Pits, or simply relax at a sidewalk café and take in the energy of the city.
Death Valley National Park
Known as the driest national park, this striking landscape offers breathtaking scenery of towering mountains, salt flats, colorful badlands, and sweeping sand dunes that define one of the world’s most extreme landscapes. During the day, take in views of the park’s most famous features, such as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. As the sun begins to set, gather for a private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and watch the desert glow warmly in the fading light. Then, settle in for two remarkable evenings of stargazing in this Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best night skies in the world. Gaze upon a brilliant display of stars, planets, and constellations stretching across the otherworldly desert sky.
Joshua Tree National Park
Become immersed in two distinct desert ecosystems in this surreal landscape, home to iconic Joshua trees, massive granite boulders, twisted cacti, and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Take in the quiet beauty of sculpted rock formations that seem to balance on one another and vast open skies as you explore short trails and look for wildlife adapted to the rugged environment, such as bighorn sheep.
Palm Springs
Stay two nights in this upscale resort city nestled in the Colorado Desert, celebrated for its midcentury-modern architecture and stunning backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. On a guided city tour, learn what makes this sun-soaked destination so distinctive while seeing its most famous sights, including the Walk of the Stars and Movie Colony neighborhood. Take advantage of free evenings to explore at your own pace, savor local eateries, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular mountain views, or wander through the lush Moorten Botanical Garden.
- Day 1: Fly to CaliforniaUpon arriving in Los Angeles, we check in to our accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Day 2: Los AngelesOur adventure begins with guided exploration alongside a local expert, discovering landmarks that have shaped the City of Angels. We drive past architectural icons like the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall and historic City Hall, then take in sweeping views of the city and the famed Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory. In Hollywood, stroll the Walk of Fame and enjoy free time for lunch in the heart of the entertainment capital. This afternoon, we browse the world-famous boutiques of Rodeo Drive, venture through the palm-lined streets of glamorous Beverly Hills, and soak up the laid-back coastal atmosphere with leisure time at Santa Monica Pier. Tonight, we get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner in Santa Monica.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3: Hollywood History & Leisure TimeThis morning, we step into the magic of moviemaking with a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Browse fascinating exhibits celebrating the artistry, history, and unforgettable stories behind the silver screen. Then, enjoy free time for lunch at the beloved Original Farmers Market, a Los Angeles institution filled with tempting eateries and local flavors. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, admire classic vehicles at the Petersen Automotive Museum, celebrate music legends at the GRAMMY Museum, or discover prehistoric fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits. Whatever you're drawn to, there are countless opportunities to tailor the afternoon to your interests.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Palm SpringsToday, we trade the bright lights of Los Angeles for the sun-soaked desert glam of Palm Springs, celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery, mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and star-studded legacy. After lunch, a local guide leads us on a city tour and shares insights into the unique geology, Native heritage, wildlife, and movie stars who helped shape this iconic destination. We also learn about the area's distinctive architecture and impressive wind farms that harness the desert's natural resources. Later, we check in to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Joshua Tree National ParkTake advantage of a free morning in downtown Palm Springs! Browse the boutiques and cafés along Palm Canyon Drive, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, explore the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, or simply soak up the city's laid-back atmosphere. This afternoon, we venture into the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts converge to create one of America's most distinctive natural environments. Marvel at the park's namesake Joshua trees, towering rock formations, resilient desert plants, and wildlife adapted to this rugged environment. Tonight, savor dinner at leisure in nearby Yucca Valley before returning to our hotel in Palm Springs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: The Oasis at Death ValleyToday’s journey through Southern California includes a fascinating stop to see the whimsical artistry of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch along historic Route 66. Walk among hundreds of handcrafted bottle trees in this colorful outdoor gallery, created by folk artist Elmer Long using his lifelong collection of glass bottles and discarded treasures. After lunch in Baker, have your camera handy for a photo opportunity with the World's Largest Thermometer, a roadside landmark commemorating the record-breaking temperatures of nearby Death Valley. By early evening, we reach The Ranch at Death Valley, part of The Oasis at Death Valley resort. This desert retreat, a sister company to Holiday Vacations, offers an unparalleled experience amidst the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Tonight, indulge in a buffet dinner and discover the on-site amenities, including a refreshing spring-fed pool, a beautiful golf course, and a western saloon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Death Valley National ParkThis morning, we embark on a guided adventure through one of the world's most unique desert environments in the Lower 48’s largest national park. Begin at Furnace Creek Visitor Center to learn about Death Valley National Park's geology, history, and extreme conditions before visiting Harmony Borax Works, a historic site that reveals the story of the area's once-thriving mining industry. Continue to Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic formation carved into the desert, then admire the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where endless waves of golden sand create a famous scene. We return to The Ranch for time at leisure before gathering for an exclusive experience back at Harmony Borax Works. Enjoy a private cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres as the sun sets over the desert, followed by a remarkable evening of stargazing. With exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution, this is a spectacular chance to spot stars, planets, and, when conditions permit, the luminous band of the Milky Way.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Las VegasOur day starts with a visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Stand in awe before the vast salt flat that stretches beneath the surrounding mountains to form one of the park's most iconic sights. We then continue to our final destination: Las Vegas! Upon arrival, savor a delicious Farewell Lunch to celebrate our desert adventure, then the day is yours to explore the Entertainment Capital of the World. There’s something for every interest – stroll the famous Strip, catch a show, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, watch performances on Fremont Street, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere in this one-of-a-kind city.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 9: Fly HomeWe return home with incredible memories from our time exploring California and Nevada’s most famous destinations.
Dec 1-9, 2027
$5,499
per person
$7,249
per person
Sep 17, 2027
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights in Los Angeles
- 2 nights in Palm Springs
- 2 nights at The Ranch at Death Valley
- 1 night in Las Vegas
Attractions & Highlights
- Los Angeles guided city tour feat. Hollywood Walk of Fame & Griffith Observatory
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Palm Springs guided city tour & time at leisure
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Photo stops at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch & World’s Largest Thermometer
- Death Valley National Park guided tour, stargazing & Badwater Basin
11 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Santa Monica
- Private sunset cocktail hour in Death Valley National Park
- Farewell Lunch in Las Vegas
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport