LA to the Bay | 2026
LA to the Bay | 2026
LA to the Bay | 2026
11 Days Starting in Los Angeles, USA and ending in San Francisco, USA
Visiting: Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Bass Lake, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LATB26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco with the "LA to the Bay" tour in 2026. This adventure kicks off in the glitzy streets of Los Angeles, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway to the laid-back vibes of San Diego, then venture into the desert metropolis of Phoenix. Experience the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon with a hike along the South Rim, and dive into the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas. Reconnect with nature at Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park, where breathtaking landscapes await. Finally, wrap up your adventure in the charming city of San Francisco, taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. With a mix of city excitement and natural wonders, this tour promises an epic West Coast experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Kawada Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to LA, home to celeb-swamped suburbs, blistering beaches, open-air gyms and of course, all things Hollywood. We’ll start our West Coast adventure with a visit to Beverly Hills, Mann’s Chinese Theatre (the home of the Oscars), plus a wander around Santa Monica. Does it get more star-studded than this? We think not.
Day 2: Los Angeles To San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Days Hotel San Diego Hotel Circle (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Days Hotel San Diego Hotel Circle (or similar)
Today you’ll join the crew to travel the Pacific Coast Highway before winding around to the super laid back locale of San Diego. First up, we'll stop at one of the white sand beaches on the SoCal coast, then do San Diego by night hitting up the Gas Lamp District. Recline into relaxation mode and take in the laid back nature of San Diego.
Day 3: San Diego To Phoenix
Location: Phoenix
Accommodation: Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now you've had a taste of living the San Diego dream, it's time to crank up the heat as we enter the desert. We say farewell to our California love and delve a little deeper inland to see what Arizona has to offer. This impressive metropolis is situated right smack bang in the middle of the desert and is a sight you won't forget anytime soon. Uninterrupted sunshine is expected for approximately 300 days a year, making this place a super steamy urban mirage perfect for shopping and sporting events. We'll enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste and spend the afternoon in Scottsdale Old Town – the Most Western Town in Arizona!
Day 4: Phoenix To The Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A hot air balloon ride over the "Valley of the Sun" – sounds like a bucket list kind of thing (because it is) and you have the chance to tick it off the list right here. There's a champagne breakfast provided in the deal too so try to keep breathing so you don't miss out. The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona. The thrill of the desert continues and the next stop will make any nature lover weak at the knees. This location is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders and the pride of Arizona. We'll settle in for the night before the great Grand Canyon reveals itself tomorrow. Take a step outside and take a peep at the endless starry skies, tomorrow will be a day to remember.
Day 5: The Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You deserve a full day out here to truly appreciate the wilderness taking in its dramatic scenery. This day will be like no other; beginning with a hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, there's also the option of a bike ride, then the day will end with a spine-tingling sunset. Incredibly, there's also the option to view this wonder from the best and most thrill-seeking seat in the house – a helicopter.
Day 6: The Grand Canyon To Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get ready for a full-blown, non-stop assault on the senses. This is Las Vegas - sometimes known as Sin City - a place of dreams & epic debauchery. This huge man-made entertainment precinct in the middle of the desert is all about total excess. You’ll be blinded by the bright lights and gob smacked at the thought of all that money running through more than 75 massive casinos. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the famous ‘Strip’, including a stop for pics at the legendary Vegas sign will show you just what is on offer after dark in this absolutely outrageous city. Fremont Street is on tonight's agenda, where the main attraction is a super impressive light and laser show, before no doubt heading out and straight into what Vegas is all about.
Day 7: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
You have today all to yourself but you’ll need to run to a tight schedule to fit in all of Vegas' weird and wonderful charms. Travel the world in a day, taking in the famous Bellagio fountain, a Venetian gondola and even an Egyptian pyramid, all whilst staying firmly within the city's realm. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking). Tonight you’ll witness the 24-hour party scene first hand when you head out for a night with the crew.
Day 8: Las Vegas To Bass Lake Via Barstow
Location: Bass Lake
Accommodation: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
From the ridiculously flashy Vegas ‘Strip’ to the outdoor capital of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this change of scenery will bring you and the crew back to nature again. Hungry for In n Out Burger? Dumb question. Get your fast food fix on this West Coast takeaway fave, then sit back and relax as we head to our next destination. This afternoon you’ll become enamored with the tranquility of Bass Lake. Wind down in your chalet after a long day of travel, taking in your picturesque surroundings. Later on, kick back and enjoy the view from the chalet deck - it is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the jacuzzi and breathe in the fresh mountain air while getting some much needed R & R after fast and furious Vegas.
Day 9: Bass Lake (Including Yosemite National Park)
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Pines Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This beautiful mountain paradise is perfect for relaxation and recuperation. The Breathtaking majesty of Yosemite National Park can only be truly appreciated in person. A land inundated with mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers & rock formations, you can stick to your trusty two feet or jump on a mountain bike to explore. Back at our Bass Lake base, there'll no doubt be a need for that jacuzzi and a night of staring up at the starry skies. This is what we call living.
Day 10: Bass Lake To San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel Zephyr (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Zephyr (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we bid farewell to this achingly picturesque spot full of nature and tranquility and look forward to a very different experience as a crew of city slickers once more. After getting a dose of San Fran exploring, spend your final night with your Contiki fam with an included dinner. There's no better way to reminisce than over a delicious meal.
Day 11: End San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
And just like that, it's time for the journey to come to an end. It's been more than real, & we sense more travels on the horizon.
What's Included
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 4 dinners and 7 breakfasts.
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Los Angeles Experience
Explore the palm-lined playground of the rich and famous, visit the red pagoda on Hollywood Boulevard, and soak up the Cali vibes at the iconic pier.
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Phoenix Experience
Enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste and explore Scottsdale Old Town.
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Grand Canyon Experience
Hike the South Rim for awesome views and enjoy a full day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Las Vegas Experience
Tour the famous 'Strip', enjoy a light and laser show on Fremont Street, and explore the city's unique attractions.
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Yosemite National Park Experience
Orientation of the Yosemite Valley to explore Half Dome, El Capitan, and Cook’s Meadow.
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San Francisco Experience
Stroll around the hilly streets, taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Los Angeles: This needs no introduction. See the palm-lined playground of the rich and famous!
- Los Angeles: Sure, it’s a bit random. But this red pagoda on Hollywood Boulevard has held more movie premieres than you’ve had hot dinners.
- Los Angeles: Soak up those cool Cali vibes and explore the iconic pier and array of boutiques, bars and eateries.
- Phoenix:
- Grand Canyon: Lace up your walking boots and pack some extra water. The South Rim is a must-do hike for awesome Grand Canyon views.
- Grand Canyon: An experience you’ll want to relive in your mind. Over and over again. #travelgoals
- Las Vegas: Just when you thought Vegas couldn’t get any crazier, this nightly light show comes along and proves you wrong. Intense!
- Las Vegas: Where else would you find the Eiffel Tower and a Sphinx on the same street? See all the weird and wonderful Vegas highlights.
- Yosemite National Park: An orientation of the Yosemite Valley to prep you for a day of exploring. See Half Dome, El Capitan and Cook’s Meadow.
- San Francisco: Stroll around the hilly streets of San Fran, taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Mode of Transport
Travel along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, explore the desert landscapes of Arizona, and experience the vibrant cityscapes of Las Vegas and San Francisco, all while enjoying the convenience of organized transportation throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of accommodations including the Kawada Hotel in Los Angeles, Days Hotel San Diego, Days Inn by Wyndham Mesa, Red Feather Lodge at the Grand Canyon, The Strat Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, The Pines Resort at Bass Lake, and Hotel Zephyr in San Francisco.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, you will visit Beverly Hills, Mann's Chinese Theatre, and wander around Santa Monica. You'll also have the chance to soak up the cool Cali vibes and explore the iconic pier along with an array of boutiques, bars, and eateries.
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What unique experience is offered in Phoenix?
In Phoenix, you have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the 'Valley of the Sun', which includes a champagne breakfast. You'll also enjoy an Arizonan BBQ dinner at Rustler’s Rooste and explore Scottsdale Old Town.
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What can I do at the Grand Canyon during the tour?
At the Grand Canyon, you can enjoy a full day of hiking through the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, with options for a bike ride or a helicopter tour. The day will end with a stunning sunset view.
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What is included in the Las Vegas itinerary?
In Las Vegas, you'll tour the famous 'Strip', take pictures at the legendary Vegas sign, and experience the Fremont Street light and laser show. You have a free day to explore attractions like the Bellagio fountain, Venetian gondola, and Egyptian pyramid.
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What activities are available at Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park?
At Bass Lake, you can relax in your chalet, enjoy the pool and jacuzzi, and take in the mountain air. In Yosemite National Park, you can explore the breathtaking scenery on foot or by mountain bike, including mountains, waterfalls, and rock formations.
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How does the tour conclude in San Francisco?
The tour concludes in San Francisco with a final night spent exploring the city and enjoying an included dinner with your travel companions, reminiscing over the experiences shared during the tour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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