Start your journey from Los Angeles by boarding the scenic Coast Starlight Train, where you'll experience the breathtaking coastline as the train hugs the Pacific Ocean. Explore the charming town of Santa Barbara, known for its Spanish architecture, before heading to Solvang, a Danish-inspired village. The day concludes with a visit to Hearst Castle and a stop at Elephant Seal Beach. Overnight stay at a seaside hotel.

• Amtrak Coast Starlight Train

The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a well-known long-distance train that runs along the West Coast of the U.S., connecting Seattle's King Street Station with Los Angeles' Union Station. The full journey takes over 35 hours, with the California stretch offering breathtaking views along Highway 1.

• Santa Barbara

Located 150 kilometers north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The city features charming Spanish and Mexican-style architecture, with red-roofed, white-walled buildings. In the hillside and coastal neighborhoods, houses are surrounded by lush lawns and gardens, giving Santa Barbara its well-deserved reputation as a "garden city." The area has long been a favorite for wealthy businesspeople, political figures, and celebrities. President John F. Kennedy honeymooned here in 1953; President Ronald Reagan's villa in the northwestern mountains hosted world leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev and Queen Elizabeth II between 1981 and 1989; and President Bill Clinton vacationed here shortly after his election in 1992. On weekends and holidays, tourists flock to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles and the nearby desert cities, driving along Highways 101 and 154.

• Solvang

Solvang is a Danish-inspired village known for its European-style architecture, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and traditional Danish crafts and souvenir shops. Visitors can enjoy the sight of windmills and treat themselves to the famous Danish pastries and European-style coffee.

• Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle, located on a 500-meter-high hill in San Simeon on California's central coast, offers stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The castle is a mix of Spanish, Mexican, European, and Mediterranean styles, but it truly embodies the spirit of America. The owner, media tycoon William Hearst, was inspired by European architecture during his childhood travels to Greece and Italy and influenced by the Mexican culture of California (which was once Mexican territory). Using his vast wealth, he created this lavish palace, a symbol of American luxury. At the age of 83, the Hearsts donated the estate to the U.S. government, giving visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of this private American mansion firsthand.

• Point Piedras Blancas

The beach at Point Piedras Blancas is a spectacular sight, often covered with elephant seals. Occasionally, younger seals can be seen playing and sparring in the water. While the Chinese name translates to "Walrus Beach," the correct name is "Elephant Seal Rookery." These large seals, distinguished by their large noses and massive bodies, started migrating here in the 1990s after nearly being hunted to extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population has steadily grown.

Tour Duration:

Coast Starlight Train: 2.5 hours

Santa Barbara: 1 hour

Solvang (Danish Village): 1 hour

Hearst Castle: 2 hours

Point Piedras Blancas: 0.5 hours

 

Enjoy the scenic 17-Mile Drive along the coast and explore the bohemian town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before heading to Silicon Valley for tours of Apple and Google campuses. In the evening, arrive in San Francisco for a tour of Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge.

• 17-Mile Drive

The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic loop that circles the famous Pebble Beach Resort. The west and south sides of the drive run along the Pacific Ocean, while the east side passes through the Del Monte forest. Along the way, you'll see not only famous beaches but also luxurious villas and golf courses. A landmark of Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, stands near the beach. Many seabirds, sea lions, and seals also call this area home, with Bird Rock and Seal Rock being popular attractions.

• Carmel 

Carmel, located near the 17-Mile Drive, was founded in 1903. Many of its early residents were professional artists, and the town's unique, artistic, and tranquil atmosphere has attracted writers, actors, and celebrities. The famous Chinese painter Zhang Daqian also lived here for a time and named his residence "Ke Yi Ju," meaning "Can Stay."

• Monterey Bay

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, established in 1984, is ranked sixth in the world and second in the U.S. The aquarium is home to California sea otters and, more recently, seahorses. It also houses various tropical fish and marine life. The aquarium offers daily performances and feeding times, where visitors can watch the keepers interact with the animals and learn more about their environments and current conditions.

• Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley emerged in the mid-20th century as microelectronics technology rapidly developed. It is home to renowned research universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. The region hosts thousands of high-tech companies, including industry giants like Cisco, Intel, HP, Apple, and Google. This tour will take you to visit the global headquarters of Apple and Google, two of the most influential companies in the world.

• Apple's Headquarters

Apple's headquarter, Located near the circular building is the Steve Jobs Theater, which hosts major events like product launches and can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The theater's exterior features a 20-foot-high glass curtain wall and a 165-foot diameter. The roof, made of carbon fiber, is the largest of its kind, weighing 80 tons and composed of 44 panels. The headquarters, with its ring-shaped building and large central courtyard, has been compared to a "landed spaceship" by Jobs and a "giant glass doughnut" by the media. The visitor center has four sections: an Apple Store, a café, an observation deck, and an augmented reality experience of the entire Apple Park campus.

• Google Headquarters

Google's headquarters, located in Mountain View, is a sprawling corporate campus. Visitors can see a variety of Google's high-tech products on display and even try some for themselves. The campus also offers free bicycles, which are painted in Google's signature colors. Visitors can take photos with Android robots scattered around the campus. The headquarters, called Googleplex, is situated near other tech hubs like the Mozilla Foundation and Microsoft's Silicon Valley Research Institute.

• San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks. It stretches from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 35 and features bustling shops, restaurants, and street performances, particularly around Pier 39. From here, you can enjoy views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.

• Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous symbol of San Francisco and one of the most iconic bridges in the world. Spanning the 1,900-meter Golden Gate Strait in California, the bridge was built over four years using more than 100,000 tons of steel at a cost of $35.5 million. Opened in 1937, the bridge is 2 kilometers long and has six lanes, making it one of the largest single-span suspension bridges in the world. The bridge's striking vermilion color contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and white waves, especially at night when the city lights illuminate it like a giant dragon soaring in the sky. During the California Gold Rush, the bridge served as the gateway to the goldfields, giving it the name "Golden Gate Bridge."

Tour Duration:

Carmel-by-the-Sea: 1 hour

17-Mile Drive: 1.5 hours

Monterey Bay Aquarium: 1 hour

Apple: 0.5 hour

Google: 0.5 hour

Golden Gate Bridge: 0.5 hour

Fisherman's Wharf: 0.5 hour

 

In the morning, we will depart from the hotel and drive to California's natural wonder, Yosemite National Park, enjoying scenic mountain views along the way. Upon arrival, we will explore the stunning landscapes of Yosemite Valley. After a day of adventure, we will head to a hotel near the park for dinner and relaxation.

Itinerary plan A: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of eastern California and is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited national parks in the western United States, comparable to Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The park is centered around Yosemite Valley, through which the Merced River flows, and features several waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls. The landscape is dotted with many majestic peaks, the most famous being El Capitan, a granite wall that rises 1,099 meters vertically from the valley floor, making it one of the highest uninterrupted cliffs in the world. The park's dramatic elevation changes, with mountains, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls constantly coming into view, create a spectacular and awe-inspiring natural scene.

Itinerary plan B: Napa Valley Winery Exploration and Wine Tasting Tour (This itinerary will be implemented in case of road closures in Yosemite National Park)

Napa Valley is one of the premier wine regions in the United States and has become synonymous with American wine culture. It is a symbol of elegance and sophistication in the New World wine industry. Located about 70 kilometers north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is approximately 30 miles long and covers 45,000 acres, filled with vineyards. With its natural advantages—mild climate year-round, plenty of sunlight, large temperature differences between day and night, minimal rainfall, and mineral-rich soil—Napa Valley is renowned for producing some of the finest wines. On this tour, we will visit two different wineries, experiencing their distinct cultures and architectural styles, and enjoy a wine tasting.

After the winery visits, we will head to Fresno for accommodation, which is about 1 hour away from tomorrow's destination.

Tour Duration:

Yosemite National Park: 3 hours

Napa Valley Wineries: 3 hours

 

After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel and begin a day of adventure. Our first stop is Kings Canyon National Park, where we will admire the spectacular canyon scenery and experience the power of nature. Next, we'll head to the adjacent Sequoia National Park to see one of the world's largest and oldest trees—the giant sequoia. The majestic sight of these towering trees will leave you in awe. Together, these parks form a natural wonder in inland California, offering the perfect setting to explore the beauty of nature. Afterward, we will drive to Los Angeles to visit the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and experience the charm of this iconic movie city.

• Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, located in the northwestern Pacific coastal region of California, USA, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The park is home to the world's tallest trees, the giant sequoias, which can grow up to 350 feet tall. The park contains the largest remaining area of old-growth sequoia forests, covering more than 170 square kilometers of trees that are over 100 years old. Its proximity to the ocean creates a mild and humid climate, ideal for the growth of the redwoods. The park offers stunning and varied scenery, from tranquil forests and mountains to towering trees, providing an awe-inspiring visual experience.

• Kings Canyon National Park

Located in California, Kings Canyon National Park is renowned for its majestic canyons and diverse natural landscapes. With deep gorges, dense forests, and flowing rivers, it is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the canyon and the purity of nature.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame

If you're a fan of Hollywood movies, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. This 2.1-kilometer-long sidewalk features over 2,000 star plaques honoring contributors to the entertainment industry, including notable Chinese stars like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.

Tour Duration:

Sequoia National Park: 2.5 hours

Kings Canyon National Park: 1.5 hours

Hollywood Walk of Fame: 0.5 hours

 

In the morning, we will depart from the beautiful city of Los Angeles, heading north along Highway 15. We'll pass through the San Bernardino National Forest and enter the Mojave Desert, the largest desert in North America. Along the way, you'll enjoy the unique scenery of the American West's desert landscape. We will make a stop at the Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful art installation also known as the "Seven Magic Rocks." After a brief stop, we'll continue driving for about an hour to reach the famous desert city of Las Vegas. We will show you the spectacular exterior of the new Sphere, one of the most talked-about and innovative architectural wonders in the world! You may also choose to join an optional Las Vegas night tour. We will stay overnight in Las Vegas.

• Seven Magic Mountains

This stunning man-made attraction is located about 20 miles south of Las Vegas and was designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. It features seven 30-35-foot-high stacks of brightly colored boulders sourced locally and painted with neon colors. The vibrant rocks stand out dramatically against the desert backdrop.

• Las Vegas Sphere (MSG Sphere)

Designed by the renowned architecture firm Populous, the Sphere is a futuristic mega-structure. It uses 31,351 square meters of fixed aluminum profiles and 2,647 square meters of pre-perforated aluminum. The structure also includes 4,900 conical and 1,075 pre-perforated panels, ensuring long-term durability. The panels are designed with a mottled gray finish to minimize LED light reflection.

Tour Duration:

Seven Magic Mountains: 0.5 hour

Las Vegas Sphere: 1 hour

Las Vegas Night Tour: 2-3 hours

 

Las Vegas is one of the world's four major gambling cities, known as a world-famous destination for tourism, shopping, and vacationing. It has earned the titles of "The Entertainment Capital of the World" and "The Marriage Capital of the World." Of the 38.9 million tourists who visit Las Vegas each year, the majority come for shopping and dining, while only a minority come specifically to gamble. Today, you will have the entire day free in Las Vegas, allowing you to forget the stresses of work and life and fully indulge in the entertainment and relaxation this city offers.

Visitors can choose from the following themed activities:

Option A: Grand Canyon West Rim & Skywalk tour with a visit to the Hoover Dam

In the morning, we will arrive at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you can explore Eagle Point and Guano Point. You can also walk on the Skywalk (optional), offering unique perspectives to admire the sunlight reflecting off the canyon walls, creating stunning visual effects. Additionally, you may choose to take an optional helicopter ride and scenic boat tour to view the beauty of the Colorado River from above and below. Afterward, we will drive to Hoover Dam, the tallest dam in the Americas, to tour the dam’s engineering marvel and power plant before returning to Las Vegas.

Tour Duration:

Grand Canyon: Approximately 2-3 hours

Option B: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend （Upper / Lower Antelope Canyon Optional）

In the morning, we will depart from Las Vegas and drive to Page City to visit Horseshoe Bend, one of National Geographic's top 10 photography locations in the United States. Afterward, we will visit the world-famous Antelope Canyon, one of the top 10 photography spots globally. We will enter the canyon with a Navajo guide. After the tour, we will return to Las Vegas.

Note: Lower Antelope Canyon will be closed for maintenance from January 13 to January 26, 2025.

• Antelope Canyon

Located in northern Arizona, Antelope Canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosion of soft sandstone by various forces, including flash floods during the monsoon season. The rapid surge of water, combined with the canyon's narrow passageways, causes significant vertical erosion, resulting in the corridors at the canyon's base and the smooth, flowing edges along its walls. Though it is a slot canyon, when you descend to the bottom, it feels like a magnificent natural palace. The canyon walls appear soft but are solid rock, with surfaces that seem carefully polished. When sunlight enters the serene canyon, the dance of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing spectacle.

• Horseshoe Bend

Named one of National Geographic's top seven photography spots in the U.S., Horseshoe Bend features the Colorado River, which glows a fluorescent green under the sunlight, winding in a 360-degree curve through the red-brown canyon. This meander creates a stunning horseshoe-shaped bend, giving the site its name. Standing on the cliff's edge, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the blue sky, green water, and red rocks.

Tour Duration:

Antelope Canyon: Approximately 70 minutes

Horseshoe Bend: 1 hour

Special Notes:

1) Tripods and monopods are not allowed in Antelope Canyon.

2) Recommended items: camera, bottled water, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a sunhat.

Option C: Explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Grand Canyon Day Tour

The tour will depart from the vibrant city of Las Vegas and head to one of the world's natural wonders, the Grand Canyon National Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and experience its vastness and depth. Afterward, we will drive along Route 66 back to Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located at the South Rim and is a popular spot for visitors. It offers various facilities and information about the canyon, including films and a 3D topographical map.

• Grand Canyon National Park

Known as the greatest of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona and covers 1,904 square miles. It was established in 1919 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River and is considered one of the must-see national parks in the U.S.

• South Rim – Main attraction: Mather Point

Tour Duration:

Grand Canyon: Approximately 2-3 hours

 

Option D: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks Day Tour

We will visit two of Utah's most stunning national parks: Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Enjoy the natural beauty of these American national parks on a relaxing and scenic trip.

• Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is the smallest national park in the U.S., but it boasts a magnificent landscape of towering orange-red rock spires. These unique, neatly arranged yet distinct stone pillars form a massive "amphitheater," reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum.

• Zion National Park

Zion is Utah's oldest, most diverse, and most visited national park, covering 229 square miles (593 square kilometers). It features a stunning canyon with towering rock formations that soar into the sky. The narrow, deep canyon offers spectacular views from the valley floor and is perfect for hiking, wading, and rock climbing (some areas require professional licenses).

Tour Duration:

Bryce Canyon: 1 hour

Zion National Park: 1-2 hours

Option E: Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley National Park, located in the desert valley of California and along the California-Nevada state line, lies to the east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It covers a total area of 3,000 square kilometers, which is one and a half times larger than the state of Delaware. Of this area, 550 square kilometers are below sea level. The park is about 224 kilometers from Las Vegas. Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the continental United States and is known as the hottest and lowest point in North America. Death Valley has a very high rating and popularity on Google Reviews. As of 2019, it had over 17,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.7/5, placing it on par with the much-loved Grand Teton National Park.

Tour Duration:

Death Valley: 2 hours

Option F. Free time in Las Vegas.