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Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego
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Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Palm Springs (California)
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Ends in
Palm Springs (California)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 16, 2028 to DEC 3, 2028
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$6,990.00
Overview
Experience the breathtaking contrasts of the American Southwest, where rugged desert landscapes meet the captivating allure of the Pacific coast. Journey from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to Death Valley's dramatic desert terrain, Palm Springs' architectural charm, and San Diego's coastal beauty.
From the neon glow of Las Vegas to the sunlit shores of San Diego, your journey unveils the breathtaking contrasts of the American Southwest. Stand in awe at Death Valley's vast desert terrain, where golden dunes and rugged peaks create an otherworldly landscape. Discover the architectural elegance and Hollywood history of Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, then explore the surreal rock formations and twisted Joshua trees in the national park. Savor fine wines in Temecula before arriving at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where ocean breezes and Victorian grandeur welcome you. With early access to the USS Midway (the home of the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, also known as the Top Gun flight school) and time to explore San Diego's vibrant districts, our colder weather adventure blends natural wonders, cultural gems, and coastal beauty into an unforgettable experience.
Visited During Tour
Palm Springs (California)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
More Details Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego tour dates available from Tauck. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Tauck Tour Code DO2028
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Day
1Arrive in Las Vegas
Tour Begins: Las Vegas. A transfer is included to your stay at the Four Seasons Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner, setting the stage for the unforgettable adventure of desert discoveries and coastal treasures ahead.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Four Seasons Las Vegas -
Day
2Into the Heart of Death Valley
Today, trade the neon lights of Las Vegas for the awe-inspiring natural extremes of Death Valley National Park. Embark on a scenic drive into this striking landscape, where vast desert plains are framed by towering peaks and dramatic canyons. This afternoon, begin exploring Death Valley with visits to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, to learn fascinating insights into the park's ecology and history, and Zabriskie Point, where the golden-banded hills provide a breathtaking panorama. Arrive at The Oasis at Death Valley with time to relax and take in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the lodge this evening, soaking in the serene desert ambiance.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: The Inn at Death Valley -
Day
3Explore Death Valley, Artist's Palette & Badwater Basin
Prepare for a day filled with dramatic landscapes and otherworldly beauty in Death Valley National Park. Set off on a guided tour showcasing the park's most iconic sites, where nature's artistry is on full display. Marvel at the swirling pastel hues of Artists Palette, where mineral-rich hills shift in color with the sunlight. Stand at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where salt flats stretch endlessly beneath towering peaks. Experience the eerie stillness of Devil's Golf Course, an expansive field of jagged, crystallized salt formations so rugged that, as legend has it, "only the devil could play golf here." This afternoon, continue your Death Valley discoveries with additional guided sightseeing, or unwind at The Inn at Death Valley, a historic hideaway that has welcomed travelers since 1927. Nestled in a stunning oasis, the Inn offers sweeping desert views, lush palm gardens, and a storied past that includes hosting Hollywood legends and world leaders. Lounge by the spring-fed pool, stroll through the serene grounds, or simply relax and take in the timeless beauty of this remote retreat. Whether adventuring deeper into Death Valley or savoring a quiet moment at this desert icon, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: The Inn at Death Valley -
Day
4Modernism and desert elegance in Palm Springs
Leave the rugged beauty of Death Valley behind as you journey toward the sun-washed elegance of Palm Springs, a desert oasis celebrated for its natural drama and distinctive style. Along the way, take a guided tour exploring the city's fascinating past and its world-renowned architecture. Known as the birthplace of Desert Modernism, Palm Springs showcases mid-century homes and public buildings defined by clean lines, glass walls, and seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor living. Hear stories of the Hollywood legends who once made this retreat their playground – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. among them – and discover how the desert landscape continues to inspire design and culture today. Your stay at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel places you in the vibrant heart of downtown, where contemporary desert style meets laid-back sophistication. After a day of discovery, unwind with a drink at the hotel's rooftop pool overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains or savor the flavors of California cuisine at leisure this evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel -
Day
5Joshua Tree National Park, sculpted by wind and time
Set out this morning for Joshua Tree National Park, where two great desert ecosystems — the Colorado and the Mojave — meet in a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. The drive itself unfolds through an ever-changing palette of ochre hills, twisted yucca, and wide desert sky, leading you into a world of wind-sculpted stone and silent valleys. Within the park, the terrain feels both ancient and otherworldly: massive granite boulders rise like monuments, while the park's namesake Joshua trees, with their spiky limbs and defiant silhouettes, stand as sentinels over the desert floor. During your visit, take a hike along one of the park's scenic trails, surrounded by fantastical rock formations and a surprising abundance of desert flora. Watch for cholla cactus, ocotillo, and desert marigold brightening the landscape, and listen for the flutter of birds or the rustle of a lizard among the stones. The light shifts constantly, transforming the desert from soft gold to deep rose as the sun arcs across the sky. Pause to take in the stillness – a silence so complete it feels almost sacred. By late afternoon, return to Palm Springs, where the contrast between desert wilderness and modern comfort is striking. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – perhaps explore the galleries of downtown or relax beside the rooftop pool of your hotel. Dinner this evening is at your leisure at your hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel -
Day
6Depart for sunny San Diego & lunch at a winery
Your day begins with a visit to Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage for a stroll through its beautifully curated gardens. Bid farewell to the desert landscapes en route to sunny San Diego, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Balboa Park. Travel to Temecula for lunch at Wilson Creek Winery, where the scenic mountainous surroundings and award-winning wines create a memorable midday break. Arrive late-afternoon at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where you'll step back in time at this National Historic Landmark, a masterpiece of Victorian seaside architecture that has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since 1888. Its cinematic fame includes the classic movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. Dinner is on your own this evening with options to explore locally or from one of several restaurants located at your hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Del Coronado -
Day
7Early Access to the USS Midway & San Diego's Iconic Landmarks
Start the day with an exploration of San Diego's vibrant maritime history. Your first stop after breakfast is the USS Midway, one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in the history of the US Navy. Enjoy exclusive access before the ship opens to the public – discover the captivating stories of what life was like aboard this floating city at sea. Step onto the expansive flight deck, where naval aviators once launched into the skies, and explore interactive exhibits that bring the ship's legacy to life. Wander through restored crew quarters, engine rooms, and the command center, gaining a deeper appreciation for the daily lives of those who served – you'll have an opportunity to spend as much time here as you please. Following your visit, you'll have an opportunity to take the San Diego Old Town Trolley tour, which enables you to explore San Diego and stop as you please; this afternoon, enjoy free time in San Diego or at your resort on Coronado Island, where ocean breezes and golden sands invite you to unwind. Conclude your journey with a farewell reception and dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Del Coronado -
Day
8Journey Home
Tour ends: San Diego. A transfer is included from your Hotel Del Coronado to San Diego International Airport. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Tauck is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego tour:
Tauck Values
The following is being included by Tauck on this tour:
- Explore two unique national parks for Tauck – Death Valley and Joshua Tree – uncovering surreal desert landscapes, otherworldly rock formations, rare ecosystems, and the stories shaped by some of nature's most dramatic forces
- Exclusive early access on the USS Midway provides a behind-the-scenes look at this historic aircraft carrier, with docent-led insights, interactive exhibits, and access before public hours
- Step into the timeless elegance of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, your seaside resort in San Diego that has been a haven for royalty, celebrities and dignitaries since 1888
- Two nights at The Oasis at Death Valley, where vast desert silence, shifting sands, and endless skies create a retreat as timeless as the land itself
- Two nights in Palm Springs, where desert luxury meets Hollywood history, with stunning mountain views, world-class resorts, and a memory of timeless glamour
- An overnight stay at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, an intimate retreat above the Strip, where luxury, tranquility, and dazzling city views redefine the Vegas experience
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Tauck. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Tauck (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.