Southern California Break: Los Angeles and Palm Springs
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,735
FIRST-CLASS|TAILOR MADE: Leaving the hustle of LA for the tranquility of the desert you understand the diversity of California’s landscapes. For a surreal experience veer off towards Joahua Tree and its otherworldly scenery. Palm Springs has a trendy scene and back in LA you can exchange desert views with those of Santa Monica and other famous beaches.
Begin your 5-day Southern California vacation in the bustling city of Los Angeles, gazing upon the stunning Hollywood Hills from the luxurious Mondrian Los Angeles on the peak of Sunset Boulevard. Take a short walk to the Sunset Plaza and indulge in high-end shopping and dining before exploring more of West Hollywood’s classic art galleries, trendy restaurants, cafes, and famous nightlife.
Leave the Hollywood action behind as you venture into the California desert, embracing the cinematic transition from palm-lined boulevards to the mountainous desert terrain surrounding the elegant Palm Springs. Enjoy lunch among the giant Cabazon Dinosaurs or explore the otherworldly landscape within Joshua Tree National Park before unwinding at the luxurious JW Mariott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, an exotic desert oasis framed by the San Jacinto Mountains.
Hop into your open-air Jeep and embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the San Andreas Fault Zone's maze of geological rifts and canyons. Discover the region’s incredible wildlife, plants, and seismic landscape from your expert naturalist guide as you cruise through Coachella Valley's Indio Hills. Explore the intimate stone corridors and towering granite walls on foot and discover stories of the indigenous Cahuilla people who lived off the land for thousands of years.
Retrace your steps to the heart of Los Angeles, taking a scenic detour past the hundreds of wind turbine silhouettes against the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. Continue through the sweeping cliffside road along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway en and descend back into the timeless city of L.A., where you’ll enjoy a guided bus tour of L.A.’s greatest attractions. Make your way from the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame through Beverly Hills to the Santa Monica Pier, Bel-Air, the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign, Capito Records, and the Original Farmer’s Market.
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,735
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Los Angeles
On arrival in Los Angeles, pick up your car rental and drive to your hotel.
Los Angeles has its own imprint on our imaginations. From the movies we watch to the music we listen to, it’s hard not to feel like you ‘know L.A.’ The truth is unless you live there, you really can’t. But even a couple of days in the City of Angels is enough to fall in love with it, whether you’re looking for Hollywood legends, soaking up the Pacific sun, or searching for ‘the real L.A.’ (if such a thing exists) in this megacity’s hippest neighbourhoods.
The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring "The City of Angels" at your own pace.
Overnight Los Angeles.
Accommodation: Mondrian Los Angeles
Located at the peak of Sunset Boulevard and the base of the Hollywood Hills, between Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Beverly Center and Universal Studios are 1 mile and 5 miles away respectively. You are in walking distance to restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, Sunset plaza and art galleries in the heart of hip West Hollywood. Following an audacious 20-million-dollar renovation, this always inspiring luxury hotel, nestled atop the hills of West Hollywood is yours to enjoy.
| Meal Plan | Room Only |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Los Angeles to Palm Springs
The transition from iconic palm-lined boulevards to breathtaking desert vistas makes this a fabulous drive. Consider a pit stop at Cabazon's colossal dinosaurs or explore Joshua Tree National Park's mystical rock formations. The allure of quaint desert towns like Desert Hot Springs adds charm to the adventure. Finally, as the San Jacinto Mountains come into view, Palm Springs- a perfect blend of retro glamour and natural beauty - is not far away.
Overnight Palm Springs
Accommodation: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
This hotel is a lush, exotic oasis amidst pristine open desert in Palm Desert, about 20 km from Palm Springs. A refreshed luxury hotel, it features superb service, redesigned venues, magnificent views and family-friendly amenities. Recharge in reimagined hotel rooms and suites which benefit from modular furniture, hardwood floors, indulgent bathrooms, workspaces with built-in USB ports and balconies. Enjoy entertaining space and views of the pool or lake in our Suites. Take a dip in our outdoor pools, test your swing on two championship golf courses or play a set on the tennis courts, or pamper yourself at the day spa and indulge at one of our popular restaurants.
| Meal Plan | Room Only |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Palm Springs: San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour
Board your open-air Jeep and embark upon a scenic and informative exploration of the stunning landscape of an active earthquake zone, travelling across private property only accessible by 4WD and only open for this specific tour. This exciting 4WD adventure to the private Metate Ranch reserve on the San Andreas fault line is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any visitor to the Coachella Valley. Discover the unique geography of this tortured landscape as you explore the skeleton of the earth. Visit a natural oasis and uncover the mysteries of the hardy plants and animals carving out an existence in the dry barren landscape. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used the desert’s plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, shelter, and more. You will have an opportunity to walk among the stone corridors and sheer granite walls of ancient canyons as you learn the fascinating history of the primal forces that shaped the valleys and surrounding landscape and the people that called this place home for millennia.
Overnight Palm Springs
Palm Springs to Los Angeles – Los Angeles: Half-Day Best of LA Tour
Today much depends on the time you plan to leave Palm Springs. You might also, depending on the time of your flight from LA, consider moving the Best of LA tour to the following day. This would offer more interesting driving options. One is a scenic detour through the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm, where giant turbines dot the landscape against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Then, continue through the artistic enclave of Idyllwild, nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, offering a serene escape. Wrap up your adventure with a drive along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, treating you to panoramic views of Southern California before descending back to the vibrant city life of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles: Half-Day Best of LA Tour - Admire LA's top attractions on a guided bus tour that takes in Hollywood, Paramount Studios, and the Greek Theatre. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach, the Original Farmers Market, and the Griffith Observatory. Meet your guide on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then climb aboard the bus and head straight to Santa Monica. On the drive, listen to entertaining stories and take in Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive. See views of the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood and the Getty. Stop at Santa Monica Pier and Beach for an hour to explore the famous boardwalk, shop along the 3rd Street Promenade, and see why Southern California is famous for its beaches. Head back to the bus to take in Culver City and Museum Row. Get insider tips on the best restaurants and museums. Have an hour lunch break at the Grove/the Original Famers Market which is known for some of LA's best dining and shopping. Continue past Fairfax, Melrose, Paramount Studios, the Greek Theatre, and Griffith Park. Take in sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin from the Griffith Observatory. Capture pictures of views of Downtown Los Angeles, the ocean, and the Hollywood sign. As you head back to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to end your tour, see the Capitol Records Building and explore more of Hollywood Blvd.
Overnight Los Angeles
Accommodation: Mondrian Los Angeles
| Meal Plan | Room Only |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Depart Los Angeles
Drop your rental car at Los Angeles Airport and return home unless you plan to extend your stay in the area.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 5 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Mazda 3 or similar)
- 2 nights first-class accommodation in Los Angeles
- 2 nights first-class accommodation in Palm Springs
- Shared Palm Springs: San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour
- Shared Los Angeles: Half Day Best of LA tour
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Road tolls
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
4 Aug 2024
