• 9 Days
  • From $5,499
  • Airfare Included

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Desert & Stargazing Tour

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Moderate
11 Meals:
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

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 its 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 traveling 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 celebratory Farewell Lunch and leisure time in the lively city of Las Vegas.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to California
    Upon arriving in Los Angeles, we check in to our accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening.
  • Day 2: Los Angeles
    Our adventure begins with guided exploration alongside a local expert, discovering landmarks that have shaped the City of Angels. Drive past architectural icons like the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall and historic City Hall before taking in sweeping views of the city and the famed Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory. We then stop in Hollywood, where you can stroll the Walk of Fame and enjoy free time for lunch in the heart of the entertainment capital. This afternoon, 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 acquainted with fellow travelers over an incredible Welcome Dinner in Santa Monica.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3: Hollywood History & Leisure Time
    This 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 Springs
    Today, 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 enjoying a delicious lunch, a local guide joins us for a city tour while sharing the unique geology, Native heritage, wildlife, and the influence of 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 Park
    Take advantage of a free morning in downtown Palm Springs! Browse the boutiques and cafés along Palm Canyon Drive, visit the acclaimed 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 uniquely adapted to this rugged environment. Tonight, have dinner on your own in nearby Yucca Valley before returning to our hotel in Palm Springs.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 6: The Oasis at Death Valley
    Today’s journey through Southern California includes fascinating stops, such as the whimsical artistry of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch along historic Route 66. Walk through 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 our accommodations: The Ranch at Death Valley, part of The Oasis at Death Valley resort. As a sister company to Holiday Vacations, this historic desert retreat allows us to offer an unparalleled experience in the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Tonight, savor 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 Park
    This 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 the 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 some 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, minimal light pollution, and some of the darkest conditions in the country, Death Valley National Park offers a spectacular opportunity to view countless stars, planets, and the Milky Way illuminating the night sky.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 8: Las Vegas
    Our 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 Home
    We return home with incredible memories from our time exploring California and Nevada’s most famous destinations.

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. Griffith Observatory
  • Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
  • Los Angeles Original Farmers Market
  • 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
  • Time at leisure in Los Angeles (incl. Hollywood), Santa Monica Pier & Las Vegas

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.