Student Group Travel

Day 1 Lake Tahoe
Only in San Francisco will you hear the chime of the cable cars, overlook Alcatraz, and smell the savory chocolate of Godiva. That's why we kick this tour off with a stint in one of our favorite cities. Pose by the Golden Gate Bridge (it's actually red!), wave hello to the seals at Fisherman's Wharf, and spend some time in one of the world's most renowned Chinatowns.

Next up is a playground for all-seasons, Lake Tahoe. Whether it's adventure sports or a relaxing oasis, Lake Tahoe has it all and then some.

Day 2 Sierra Nevadas
A serene backdrop follows at the famed Sierra Nevadas. An option for adventure awaits underground. Try something new during a caving expedition to explore mysterious caverns by foot, hands and knees. Twist, grind, and crawl on your belly like a reptile for some subterranean adventure. If a glass of vino sounds a little more enticing, then no worries, we're in wine country and can suite your tastes.

Day 3, 4 Yosemite National Park
Love waterfalls? Then you're headed to the right place. At Yosemite, one of USA's national park system's crown jewels, you'll have the opportunity to bike the valley, float the river, or hike the trails of this picturesque paradise. Prepare to be stunned by granite symbols El Capitan and Half Dome that guard over the valley. As a bonus, take one of our most highly recommended hikes to Nevada Falls where a surprise from nature awaits you at the top.

Day 5 Big Sur
Get ready for some Big Sur action! Nestled between the powerful Pacific Ocean and nearby mountains, Big Sur is a mandatory stop in this part of California. There’s some fantabulous hiking and nice vistas around these parts.

Day 6 Pacific Coast and Hwy 1
Sit back, take a deep breath, and get ready for one of the most spectacular rides you'll ever take in your life. Ride the Famous Pacific Coast Highway with breathtaking scenery around every bend as well as a few famous landmarks along the way like Hearst Castle, the unimaginable palace-like estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Day 7 LA/Venice Beach
Hang 10, dude! Grab your swimsuit, shades, and sandals. Soak up some sun on the beach, build a sandcastle, or jump in for a game of ultimate frisbee. While taking in Venice Beach, stroll the boardwalk and shop the local artisan market or watch a street performance. How about topping it off with a stop in Hollywood to walk amongst the stars?

Day 8 Joshua Tree and Las Vegas
Joshua Tree is quite a unique landscape of surreal imagery, seeming as though it was created by the imagination and creativity of Dr Seuss. Take a stroll through this rocky playground. Or if you want to monkey around from rock to rock, try some bouldering.

From one extreme to another, get ready for the bright lights of Sin City. Las Vegas has it all! Enjoy the action with your new friends.

The June 14-21 Tahoe Rambler is the only one that goes in reverse. It is from Las Vegas to San Francisco.

Pre-tour lodging: HI Fisherman’s Wharf is our favorite hostel. Beautiful location, friendly staff, clean, and great price.

Flight times
Fly into San Francisco anytime the Friday before the tour.
Fly out of Las Vegas 6pm or later on the Saturday the tour ends (we arrive in Las Vegas between 3-4pm), or anytime on Sunday.

*only exception is the June 14-21 Tahoe Rambler. It goes in reverse and starts a day later. Fly into Las Vegas Saturday and fly out of San Francisco on Sunday or Monday.