Experience superb geography in some of the best known landscapes on earth. From the urban parody of Las Vegas in its arid desert setting to the giant redwood trees and waterfalls of the magnificent Yosemite Mountains, a West Coast USA Geography trip will not fail to impress.
Tour through one of the oldest national parks in the world, where 95% of the land is truly wilderness country. Students will be able to identify the hydrologic processes that have shaped its vast glacial ‘U’ shaped valleys and hulking mountain landforms.
Pause to draw breath at the colossal chasm of the Grand Canyon, glimpse the Colorado deep in the valley as it snakes its way on to Las Vegas. Stop at the Hoover Dam, where students can descend through the rock wall of Black Canyon for a guided tour of this extraordinary engineering project. Evaluate the costs and benefits of the siting of Las Vegas in a desert basin and consider the implications of water abstraction on downstream communities.
Prepare to be moved at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Investigate how communities prepare for and respond to these destructive phenomena and ‘fly’ back in time on an amazing interactive experience to witness the 1989 and 1906 earthquakes. This fantastic trip offers opportunities to study effects of plate movement along the San Andreas Fault, conduct a range of urban studies in Los Angeles or San Francisco and observe highly contested cultural landscapes of indigenous peoples.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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Geography Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £1589
10 Days to West Coast USA
Day 1:
Transatlantic flight to San Francisco, meet your transfer and check in to your accommodation. In the evening take a ride on the world-famous San Francisco trams.
Day 2:
In the morning take a tour of San Francisco includes Union Square, China Town, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf with a view of Alcatraz Island. Afternoon transfer to Oakhurst.
Day 3:
Full day in Yosemite National Park taking in Mirror Lake, El Capitan and the Granite domes, Sentinel Dome. Overnight in Fresno/Visalia (seasonal).
Day 4:
Morning transfer to Las Vegas. Spend the full day and night in Vegas. Take a tour of the city and its environs with opportunities to study topics such as water conflicts and tourist impacts. In the evening enjoy the Bellagio Water Show an outdoor music and light show.
Day 5:
In the morning transfer to Grand Canyon National Park. Unravel the mystery of the Canyon's creation at the visitor Centre and walk along the rim trail. Late afternoon transfer to Williams/Flagstaff (subject to availability).
Day 6:
In morning depart for Anaheim. Visit the Calico Ghost Town, a restored mining town, to experience the importance of this region in gold rush days. Overnight at Anaheim.
Day 7:
Take a guided coach tour of Los Angeles. Drive through Beverley Hills to the beaches, taking in some of the famous sites such as the Kodak theatre and Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the beaches & pier of Santa Monica. Spend the afternoon in Universal Studios and the evening exploring City Walk.
Day 8:
Spend the full day in Disneyland. Visit the eight themed areas, inc. Frontierland, Adventureland, Mickey's Toontown, and Main Street, U.S.A. Stay for the evening and experience the magic of a Disney fireworks show. Overnight Anaheim.
Day 9:
Morning at leisure before meeting your transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight home.
Day 10:
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
