Compare LA to Vegas Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Hawaii Big Island by Trek America (Operations Suspended)
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 5 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 1,470 | $ 1,125 |
Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 141 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
The classic USA road trip with all of the hassle taken out – jump on board a five-day whip around from LA to Vegas, covering all the hotspots with local knowledge to guide you. This trip will give you a taste of all the things that make the Wild West such an epic place to visit. Stroll among the bizarre flora of Joshua Tree National Park, gaze over the edge of the Grand Canyon and people-watch on the sandy boardwalks of Santa Monica. If you want to hit the road and leave the rest of the world in your dust but are a little tight on time, this LA to Vegas adventure is just the ticket. |
Say ‘Aloha!’ to the tropical Big Island of America’s 50th state, Hawaii, with its unique landscape and culture. If it's beautiful beaches and action-packed days you want then you're in the right place, Hawaii is pure paradise! Get off the usual tourist track to discover the real Hawaii – stay in remote oceanside campsites and cabins, hike lush trails, snorkel with turtles and witness one of the most active volcanoes in the world. |
Day 1 Los Angeles
Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the lobby today at 6 pm. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. If you do arrive early, perhaps take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or spend some time learning about the lives of the rich and famous on a celebrity homes tour. After the welcome meeting, we’ll head beachside and visit Venice and Santa Monica beach for a stroll and some people watching. Day 1 is all about introductions, so why not spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers with an optional group dinner.
Day 2 Joshua Tree National Park
Today, you’ll head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants – including the park’s namesake Joshua trees – along with cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges, so you might like to head out on a scenic hike around the park or take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. You’ll head to Lake Havasu City later on to your accommodation for the night, and check out London Bridge: a 280-metre structure rebuilt in Arizona in 1971 after being transported, piece by piece, from the banks of the Thames in London.
Day 3 Grand Canyon National Park
Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, along a section of the famous Route 66, stopping in at the eccentric town of Seligman. Once we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, be ready to visually delight in the natural beauty for hours. This stunning gorge is 1.5 kilometres deep, formed by over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. You'll spend two nights here, and you’ll need it, to allow for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 4 Grand Canyon National Park
Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Stroll along the meandering South Rim Trail or hike your way down to Plateau Point. With eagles soaring overhead and chasms extending as far as the eye can see, it’s so important for you to experience its vast gorges from multiple viewpoints. In the early evening, relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's natural wonders.
Day 5 Las Vegas
Head out of the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas. Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. As there is no accommodation organised for tonight, you are free to leave at any time upon arriving in Las Vegas. If you would like to spend some more time here, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 1: Kailua-Kona Town - Punalu'u Beach Park
Accommodation: Camping included
The West Coast of Hawaii is known as ‘Kona Side’ and is famous for its awesome weather. Sample some of the most delicious coffee on a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm. Next up is an activity you are sure to fall in love with. As you get your swimwear on, board Zodiac-style motorboats and take to the water for an island tour and included snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay Park. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife. End today with a night at Punalu’u Beach Park – what a first day!
Day 2-3: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Cabins included
First up, you have time to explore Punalu’u and Pu'uhonua O Honaunua National Historic Park on foot. You’ll take tons of photos and have the opportunity to spot the friendly Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that frequent the area. Of course we can’t guarantee you’ll see them, but keep watch on the beaches or in the crystal clear waters throughout your trip. Next we turn up the volume as you enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. Hike the trails over smoking ground and through old lava tubes. For the next two nights you’ll overnight just outside the national park in cabins.
Day 4: Hilo Wailuku River State Park
Accommodation: Hostel included
The historic town of Hilo is also home to the Wailuku River State Park where you’ll visit the gorgeous 25 metre-high Rainbow Falls and the famous Boiling Pots. End your day with a walk down the ‘Hilo Walk of Fame’ where you can see Banyan Trees planted by celebrities. For a different perspective of the island, fly overhead in a helicopter and for a magical end to the day, opt for an evening sunset cruise to Onomea Bay along the tropical Hamakua coast.
Day 5: Akaka Falls State Park - Laupahoehoe Beach
Accommodation: Camping included
Cruise along Onomea Scenic Drive, a beautiful stretch of road that snakes through lush tropical rainforest. The road will lead you straight to Akaka Falls State Park where you’ll hike to the stunning Akaka Falls, which plummets 130 metres! Stop for a visit at the World Botanical Gardens with more than 5,000 species of Hawaiian and tropical flora. Here you’ll start to see how different Hawaii is to the rest of America’s other 49 states. Finally, it’s on to the Laupahoehoe Beach where you’ll be spending the night by the ocean’s edge.
Day 6: Waipio Valley - Hawi Town - Spencer Park Beach
Accommodation: Camping included
This morning you stop at Tex Drive where you have the option to devour a delicious Hawaiian sensation - fresh malasadas (deep fried dough balls covered in sugar). You continue following the coast to a viewpoint for the sacred and unbelievably beautiful Waipio Valley. A locally led tour of the valley and introduction to Hawaiian history and culture is included which will help you to dig beneath the surface of this beautiful area. Afterwards you’ll have free time to explore the small town of Hawi. Drift off to the sounds of crashing waves with a night on Spencer Park Beach where you spend the next two nights.
Day 7: Lapakahi State Park
Accommodation: Camping included
Lapakahi State Park is a rugged coastal park which’ll give you a glimpse of life as a Native Hawaiian. Today is a free day but why not hike to the black sand beach of Pololu Valley or even opt for a helicopter flight for a birds-eye view?
Day 8: Kiholo Bay - Kailua-Kona Town
Accommodation: None included. Tour ends at 17:00 hrs
Spend the morning exploring the beach, shopping for souvenirs or taking one last coastal hike. Finally, it’s time to head back to Kona Town where after a walking tour of the town, your Hawaiian adventure comes to an end!
This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.