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)
$6,390 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 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

 

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 Rancho Mirage, where desert luxury meets Hollywood history, with stunning mountain views, world-class resorts, and the timeless glamour of Palm Springs 

 

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

3
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Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Pace

3
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Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

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 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.

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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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Tauck Travel Protection Product

Effective for plans purchased as of August 1, 2025:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.

  • Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.

  • Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.

  • Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 

  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is:

$399 per person - Most North America land tours

$499 per person - The Best of Hawaii

$699 per person - Grand Canadian Rockies / Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest / Vancouver & The Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

If You Have to Cancel

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

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur loss of Guest Protection fee, per person:

$399 per person - Most North America land tours

$499 per person - The Best of Hawaii

$699 per person - Grand Canadian Rockies / Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest / Vancouver & The Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer

Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

60 days or more before departure:

$350 per person - Most North America land tours

$525 per person - Grand Canadian Rockies / Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest Vancouver & The Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer

59-8 days before departure:

$600 per person - Most North America land tours

$925 per person - Grand Canadian Rockies / Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest / Vancouver & The Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer

7-1 days before departure:

$900 per person - Most North America land tours

$1500 per person - Grand Canadian Rockies / Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest / Vancouver & The Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer

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.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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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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