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)
$6,990 USD
Journey Type
Land
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

3
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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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If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

 


Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

 

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Trip Prep & Essentials

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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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