California Gold Rush

Days 1 & 2 Las Vegas

We begin our tour in Las Vegas, where we’ll stay for two nights, right on The Strip, with all it’s wonderfully over the top hotels! We’ll have our welcome meal, and you’ll be briefed on the routes and roads, paying particular attention to safe riding practices. We’ll pick-up the bikes on the afternoon of day 2, in readiness for an early start next morning. The rest of the time you are free to do as you please. There’s so much to see in this gamblers’ paradise, from the dancing waters at the Bellaggio, to the calm canals complete with singing Gondoliers at the Venetian. Check it all out, have a little flutter, lose your jetlag and acclimatise to the heat.  While you are in Las Vegas why not consider treating yourself to one of our exciting Helicopter Tours!

 

Day 3  Las Vegas to Lone Pine

The day we’ve all been waiting for! After an early ride up The Strip, we’ll leave Las Vegas and head west to Death Valley, the lowest place in North America, and the hottest place on earth! A series of sweeping mountain curves will take us hundreds of feet below sea level to the valley basin, and the ancient mudflats of long-forgotten seas. More mountain curves will take us back up into the cooler and more comfortable air of the beautiful Eastern High Sierra, where we’ll stay overnight, and look back on our incredible day! Approx 222 miles.

Day 4 Lone Pine to Oakhurst (Yosemite)

From the lowest place in North America yesterday, we’ll ride Tioga Pass today, the highest pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, twisting and curving on our way to Yosemite National Park. Who said America was all long, straight roads? Yosemite is breathtakingly beautiful, and famous for it’s Giant Sequoia groves, granite cliffs, waterfalls & streams. Oh, and don’t forget to look out for bears! Approx 265 miles

Day 5 Oakhurst (Yosemite)

By popular demand, we stay another night, so we can go back into Yosemite to fully explore this stunningly beautiful National Park. Perhaps you’d like to take a ride up to Glacier Point, for stunning views over the park, or explore Mariposa Grove’s giant Sequoia trees. Outside of Yosemite NP, check out Oakhurst itself, or take a ride around to Bass Lake, a popular watersports centre and holiday resort.

Day 6 Yosemite National Park to San Francisco

We leave the High Sierra today, heading westward to the coast, and riding more wonderful roads through an area of outstanding natural beauty. From the headland we’ll catch our first glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, then ride across it as we enter San Francisco, for our two-night stay. Approx 222 miles

Day 7 Free Day San Francisco

Free day to explore this vibrant city. You absolutely must take a ride on a tramcar, visit Chinatown, the shops (and the resident seals) on Pier 39, eat ice cream at Ghiradelli’s, and check out Lombard Street, the ‘crookedest street in the world!’ Or take a boat ride to visit the infamous Alcatraz prison, which stands on a rock in the bay, once the home of notorious criminals but now a fascinating tourist attraction.

Day 8 San Francisco to Carmel

Back on the road again today, and leaving San Francisco we’ll be riding on Highway 1, along the spectacular coastline of the Pacific Ocean. A slight detour inland will take us to visit Alice’s Café, a favourite haunt of bikers, the most famous of whom was Steve McQueen. Then it’s back on Pacific Coast Highway as we ride towards the Big Sur & Carmel. Be sure to look out for migrating whales, which can sometimes be seen as they come up for air off this dramatic coast. Approx 153 miles

Day 9 Carmel to Pismo Beach

Feel the cool Pacific breeze on your face as we continue on the fabulously scenic Highway 1. We’ll take time to enjoy the spectacular views, & you can ride this beautiful stretch at your own pace. Further down the coast, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the massive elephant seals basking lazily on the beach. Overnight near Pismo Beach. Approx 140 miles

Day 10 Pismo Beach to Santa Clarita

Today we continue south towards Los Angeles, occasionally leaving the coastal route to take advantage of fabulous forest and curvy mountain roads, and visiting at an old, 1860’s stagecoach stop for lunch. We’re staying in the hills tonight, away from all the traffic and the hustle and bustle of the sprawling Los Angeles suburbs.   Approx 174 miles

Day 11 Santa Clarita to Palm Springs

You’re going to love today’s ride, on the cool winding mountain roads of the Angeles Crest Highway. We’ll stop to admire the spectacular views, and visit a favourite biker hangout, then continue our descent through the San Bernadino Forest for a refreshing swim in our hotel pool, in the lush tropical oasis of Palm Springs. Approx 192 miles

Day 12 Palm Springs to Laughlin

Leaving Palm Springs, we’ll ride through the amazing landscape and rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park. We’ll join the Historic Route 66 at Amboy, as we head to our Laughlin resort, for our overnight stay right on the banks of the mighty Colorado River. Approx 199 miles

 

Day 13 Laughlin to Las Vegas

Today we’ll ride some of the twistiest parts of Route 66, with a visit to the quaint old silver mining town of Oatman, where wild burros roam the streets. Later we’ll be crossing the magnificent Hoover Dam, built in the 1930’s to harness the power of the great Colorado River. Then it’s back across the Nevada desert to Las Vegas, to return our bikes and later maybe meet up to recap the good times over a farewell meal. Approx 158 miles

Day 14 Departure

Depart for Las Vegas McCarran Airport, homeward bound. 

Gold Rush California guided motorcycle tours USA prices:                              

 

Per person:	2020
2 people, 1 bike, 1 room	£3915
2 people, 2 bikes, 1 room	£5295
1 person, 1 bike, 1 room	£6250

Trikes are available for this tour – Please ask for details and prices

Gold Rush California guided motorcycle tours USA, what’s included: 11 days Harley-Davidson rental including sales & environmental taxes, Welcome Meal, EVIP PLUS Theft & Damage Waiver, custom mesh riding jacket for rider & pillion, fuel & oil, support vehicle, 13 nights hotel accommodation, some breakfasts, drinking water, National Park entrances, tour guides.  And the best time ever!

If you would like a quote without EVIP ZERO Theft & Damage Waiver, custom mesh riding jacket for rider & pillion, fuel & oil, please ask.

Optional – Grand Canyon & Sedona Self-Drive Tour Extension:

 If you have an extra 3 days, why not take the opportunity to continue on a short Self-Drive Tour, to visit the Grand Canyon, one of Arizona’s must-see attractions?

Day 13   The rest of the group will be leaving Laughlin this morning and heading back to Las Vegas, at the end of their tour. But you still have some fantastic riding to look forward to in the next few days!  Today you’ll join the longest remaining continuous stretch of the iconic Route 66, and visit the old silver mining town of Oatman, steeped in western history. You’ll continue on one of the most scenic sections, over the twisty Sitgreaves Pass, and on to Kingman, where you’ll say your goodbyes to the rest of the group.  Your next stop is Seligman, where the great Route 66 revival began. This afternoon, the road begins to climb up to the cooler and higher altitudes of the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you can enjoy the spectacular views from the canyon rim, or simply sit and soak up the spiritual atmosphere while watching the sun slowly set on one of the natural wonders of this world.  231 miles

Day 14  Free day to explore the Grand Canyon further – why not take a helicopter flight over the Canyon rim for the most scenic and exhilarating flight of a life time? Grand Canyon Village is home to many shops and restaurants, or perhaps you’d like to go for a horse ride, or simply enjoy some rest and relaxation; the choice is yours!

Day 15  Look out for wildlife as you leave the Grand Canyon area this morning, and head down to Flagstaff on Route 66. Picking up the scenic road through Oak Creek Canyon, carry on to beautiful Sedona, which is characterised by its massive red rock formations. If it’s hot, (and it usually is!) a refreshing swim in the river will set you up for the ride to the charming old ghost town of Jerome, to overnight in a traditional 1800s cowboy Saloon hotel.      134 miles

Day 16  Leaving Jerome today and continuing the ride towards Kingman, you’ll negotiate an awesome 158 curves in just 12 miles of the 89A highway! Later, crossing into Nevada with a ride over the spectacular Hoover Dam, you’re heading back to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Time to return your motorcycles, & spend a final night in Las Vegas looking back on the wonderful adventures and fantastic riding you have enjoyed on the Golden Gate Tour.        270 miles

Day 17  Depart for Las Vegas McCarran Airport, homeward bound.

Optional 3 days additional cost per person:	2020
2 people, 1 bike, 1 room	£665
2 people, 2 bikes, 1 room	£980
1 person, 1 bike, 1 room	£1190

Trikes are available for this tour – Please ask for details and prices

What’s Included: Extra 3 days Harley-Davidson rental including sales & environmental taxes, EVIP ZERO Theft & Damage Waiver, extra 3 nights hotel accommodation. Main luggage transported back to Las Vegas for collection on return of bike, & transport back to Las Vegas hotel.

A deposit of £300 per bike is required if you reserve your place more than 24 weeks before the tour starts. 50% of the tour price is required  24 weeks before the tour starts and the balance is due 12 weeks before the tour starts.

Supplementary Liability Insurance is also available at £18 per day.

When you are going to be riding in hot temperatures, you may wish to consider our mesh and hyperkewl products to help keep you cool

Cars are also available for this Tour – please ask for prices

We hold a pre-tour meeting around 6-8 weeks before departure, where we give a detailed talk on what to expect on your guided tour, information on riding in the USA, what to wear and bring, and we provide you with an information pack.  The meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, meet your fellow riders, and revs up your excitement for the tour!

While you are in Las Vegas why not consider treating yourself to one of our exciting Helicopter Tours!

N.B.   Fuel & oil, & support vehicle, water & guides are included on guided tours only.  This itinerary may change slightly subject to availability or road conditions. All mileages are approximate. In the case of major Exchange Rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to alter prices & issue a currency surcharge/refund if necessary. Flights not included.