Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada

Death_valley_national_park_californianevada

Death Valley… its name alone conjures up all sorts of images. It is one of California’s hidden treasures; one of her most misunderstood natural beauties; home to one of California’s most colorful and loveable scoundrels. Won’t you join us as we rediscover the magnificence of one of our national treasurers? You are sure to be surprised by the beauty, intrigued by the stories and awed by the splendor that is Death Valley National Park and the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Travel through all this natural beauty in comfort aboard Supercoach III with other fun-loving adventurers and the services of a Sports Leisure Vacations Tour Director.

Quick Information

Travel along Highway 395 enjoying the
spectacular scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada

Visit Manzanar National Historic Site, a poignant tribute marking a disturbing
period of history, situated at the base of the Eastern Sierra Nevada

Spend two days touring in Death Valley
National Park visiting Scotty’s Castle,
Ubehebe Crater, Zabriske’s Point, the
Devil’s Golf Course, and Badwater Salt
Flats

10 meals: 1 expanded continental
breakfast, 2 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 4
lunches, 2 dinners

Door-to-door transportation

1300/1550 Gold Passport Points

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Be picked up from home by Carey Transportation and driven to the Sports Leisure office where you will meet your fellow travelers. Once on board SuperCoach III it’s a leisurely ride to Lake Tahoe where you are sure to enjoy brunch high above the pines at Harrah’s Forest Buffet. Continuing on, your journey takes you along the rugged eastern Sierra Nevada as you travel along Hwy. 395, past Mono Lake and Mammoth Mountain. Your first night will be spent in Bishop, located in the Owens Valley, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada and White Mountain ranges. Best Western Creekside Inn (BR)
Day 2

Wake up this morning to the crisp clear air of the high desert and a stunning view of the mountains just outside the window. South of Bishop, tucked into the base of the Sierra Nevada, sits Manzanar National Historic Site, a windswept reminder of the indomitable spirit of those interred here during WWII. A docent guide will share the story of the over 10,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry that lived here between 1942 and 1945. In the afternoon, travel over the Panamint Mountains past Stovepipe Wells and the famous Sand Dunes and arrive into Death Valley late in the day. A guided tour of the Lower Valley and a stop at the Visitors Center will get you well-oriented for your first night in the valley. An included BBQ dinner is served outside in the historic date palm grove this evening. Furnace Creek Ranch – 2 nights (ECB,L,D)
Day 3

Death Valley is a land of rich ore and history filled with a cast of characters who traversed the valleys and canyons seeking their fortunes here. Travel north through the valley this morning to Scotty’s Castle and learn the colorful story of Death Valley Scotty and the Spanish Villa that bears his name. Following a tour of the castle, the afternoon will be spent touring the Upper Valley and hearing a few more tales. Upon a late afternoon return to the hotel, the remainder of the day and dinner is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 4

A morning walk in the desert along the boardwalk at Salt Creek shows signs of life few expect to find in the desert. A final farewell lunch at the elegant Furnace Creek Inn is sure to please both the eye and palate. Leaving the valley in the afternoon, cross the Tehachapi Mountains for an evening arrival at our hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy a hosted dinner tonight as you recall the surprises and delights of Death Valley with your fellow travelers. Sheraton Four Points (B,L,D)
Day 5

Head for Sacramento along Highway 99, capturing a few glimpses of the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada as you make your way north with a few stops along the way. Arrive in Sacramento in the early evening where you will be greeted by Carey Transportation and returned home to your front door. (L)