Land Journey

Sand and Surf: Death Valley to San Diego

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Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 26 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

Days
8
From (per Person)
$7,990 USD
Journey Type
Land
Passengers
26
Time of Year
Jan - Mar, Oct, Dec
Cities & Landmarks
Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zabriskie Point, Las Vegas, Sunnylands, Badwater Basin
Death Valley National Park

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

Explore two extraordinary national parks – Death Valley and Joshua Tree – uncovering surreal desert landscapes, otherworldly rock formations, rare ecosystems, and the stories shaped by nature's most dramatic forces

 

Exclusive early access to the USS Midway offers a private, docent-led tour of this historic aircraft carrier before public opening hours, followed by time to explore its fascinating exhibits

 

Step into the timeless elegance of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, your seaside resort in San Diego that has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since 1888

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

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

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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Most days involve walking in the 2–3.5-mile range (~4,000–7,000 steps), with frequent stairs, cobblestones, and standing for 90+ minutes. Activity is consistent across consecutive days, requiring stamina and balance throughout the itinerary.

Pace

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Full days with little downtime. Select days may offer opt-out opportunities or lighter alternatives. Ideal for travelers who want to stay engaged, but with some room to pace themselves.

View Full Itinerary

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

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 dramatic landscapes of Death Valley National Park to the sunlit shores of San Diego, this eight-day Tauck journey reveals the remarkable contrasts of Nevada and Southern California. Discover expansive salt flats and rugged peaks, explore the architectural elegance and Hollywood history of Palm Springs, and marvel at the surreal rock formations and twisted Joshua trees of Joshua Tree National Park. Enjoy lunch at a Temecula winery before arriving at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where ocean breezes and Victorian grandeur welcome you. With early admission to the USS Midway Museum for a private, docent-led tour and time to explore San Diego's vibrant districts, your journey blends natural wonders, cultural discoveries, and coastal beauty into an unforgettable experience.

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The Tauck Difference in the National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

The Intersection of Two Deserts

Arrive at Joshua Tree National Park where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts merge... creating an ecosystem unlike any other. Here, the creosote and cacti, weird rock formations, boulder hills, wandering canyons and windswept desert plains where giant yucca plants, appropriately named Joshua Trees, create unimaginable landscapes. Along nature trails that wind through Lost Horse Valley, hidden oases, long abandoned mining camps and the Wonderland of Rocks, there is so much more than meets the eye at this timeless sanctuary.

Artist's Palette

Nature's Natural Palette

One of the most unique areas of Death Valley National Park is Artist's Palette, specifically, a portion of the nine-mile drive known as "Artist's Drive." Famous for its beautiful, vibrant colors that the outer facing rocks showcase, this phenomenon is caused by the oxidation of different metals found within the rock formations and is due to the chemical weathering and hydrothermal alteration occurrences within the area. Each metal, when oxidized, produces a different color. Iron compounds produce pink, red and yellow colors whereas mica and manganese produce green and purple respectively. These colors are likely a remnant of explosive volcanic times of the past! Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this jaw-dropping scenery.

The Inn at Death Valley

A hidden gem within the surrounding desert...

Amidst the shifting sand dunes, hidden canyons and gargantuan rock formations sits The Inn at Death Valley. Surrounded by palm trees and other unique desert flora, this property has transformed into a desert oasis unlike any other. Once an exclusive desert escape for the Hollywood elite the likes of Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard, The Inn at Death Valley is bringing back the Old Hollywood feel after a multi-million dollar renovation to its property finished in 2019. Relax by the spring-fed pool, enjoy the sunset from one of the stone patios, partake in a round of 18 at the world's lowest elevation golf course and witness the awestruck beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy like you've never seen before!

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Find your tour

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Trip Prep & Essentials

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How do I book this journey?

You can call us at 800-468-2825 or contact your travel advisor.

A $600 deposit will be due at the time you book this journey. When you call, please let us know the tour name and your preferred departure date, and have the following information ready for all travelers:

  • Full name (as it appears on passport or driver's license)
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Phone number(s)
  • Emergency contact (name and phone number of someone not traveling with your group)

Final payment is due to Tauck 120 days before departure for all journeys.

For more information, please visit our Travel Terms & Conditions page.

What's included in the price?

The price of this journey includes:

  • All accommodations
  • Meals (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Airport transfers and land transportation (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Basic internet in hotel rooms and aboard ships (where available; service not guaranteed)
  • Entertainment and special dinners arranged by Tauck
  • Sightseeing and shore excursions on cruises
  • Standard luggage handling
  • The services of and gratuities to hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, safari guides and trackers
Gratuities to your Tauck Director and drivers are not included in the price of this journey and are extended at your discretion.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities to your Tauck Director and drivers are not included in the price of this journey and are extended at your discretion. However, all appropriate gratuities for hospitality staff, housekeeping, drivers, and local guides are included.

Is airfare included?

Airfare to and from your tour's starting and ending point is not included in the price. However, if your itinerary includes on-tour flights during your journey, those are included. To make your travel plans even easier, Tauck can also help you book international airfare.

Do I need a passport, visa, or any other travel documents?

U.S. citizens:

If you are flying within the United States, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, such as a valid U.S. passport. For current REAL ID information and a list of acceptable identification, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.

Non-U.S. citizens:

Travel documentation requirements vary based on citizenship and immigration status. Contact the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate to determine the documentation required for your travel.

Traveling with children as a guardian:

If you are traveling as the guardian of children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents authorizing emergency treatment in case of an illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling without BOTH parents. Tauck is not responsible for travel disruptions caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Currently, there are no vaccinations recommended for the countries visited during this journey. For the most up-to-date health and vaccination information, we recommend you consult with a travel medical specialist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassies of the countries you'll visit.

How physically demanding is this journey?

Tauck journeys are designed for guests in good health. Depending on your destination, you may walk longer distances, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain. To help you choose the experience that suits you best, we've created a rating system for the activity level and pace of each itinerary. You can find the ratings for this journey in the overview section above. For more details about what to expect on tour, visit our Activity & Pace page.

Can Tauck accommodate mobility limitations?

The responsibility of your Tauck Director is to ensure the larger group enjoys a relaxing and seamless journey; therefore, he or she cannot provide ongoing assistance to any one guest. 

Accessibility Accommodations: Guests who require accessibility accommodations must notify Tauck at the time of booking, or as soon as the need for accommodation arises. Guests are also responsible for promptly notifying Tauck if there is a material change in their mobility, accessibility, cognitive, or other participation-related needs after booking and prior to departure that may affect their ability to participate in the Trip or require accommodations, special arrangements, or reassessment of participation. Tauck will make reasonable efforts, in coordination with our suppliers, to attempt to accommodate such requests. Unfortunately, not all requests can be fulfilled. We are not responsible for denial of service by carriers, hotels, or other independent suppliers.

Personal Assistance: Tauck regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, dining, or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you. 

Mobility Requirements: Due to operational constraints, including limited cargo space, stairs, and uneven or difficult terrain, we regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or electric scooters. 

For more information on mobility expectations, please visit our Activity & Pace page.

What's the minimum age to travel on this journey?

This journey has the following age restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 5+
  • Recommended age: 8+
The following activities on this journey have additional age restrictions:
  • Hot air balloon ride: 15+
On all Tauck journeys:
  • At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation
  • All travelers under the age of 18 must share a room or cabin with, and be accompanied by, an adult age 18 or older
  • All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian

We encourage families to be thoughtful when traveling with children, as our itineraries may include activities, pacing, and experiences that that aren't well suited to very young guests. It is for that reason we created Tauck Bridges – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together.

If a child is unable to participate in a scheduled activity, a parent or guardian is responsible for staying with them, as childcare is not provided during the journey.

With consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.

Does Tauck offer Travel Protection?

Yes! Tauck's Travel Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins, as well as benefits while you are traveling. The cost of Travel Protection for this itinerary is $399 per person. If you wish to take advantage of this coverage, it must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

What if I need to cancel?

You may cancel your reservation without penalty within 10 days of your initial deposit.

After 10 days, cancellations – regardless of reason – may involve fees from travel and hotel providers, which vary by tour.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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