Botanica
California Wildflowers & Desert Gardens
Los Angeles to San Francisco
Trip Highlights
West Coast Wildflowers
Marvel at the wildflowers within the stunning nature reserves of California.
Desert Garden Design
See the striking desert gardens of Palm Springs, California. Be inspired by the creative designs of these arid oases.
The Inspiring Huntington Gardens
Visit Huntington Gardens, whose grounds comprise one of the most diverse collections of plants in the world.
Trip Inclusions
- Travel with a small group of 10-25 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
- Includes eight nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels, return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, plus 17 meals and select beverages
- Relax aboard a comfortable coach with an experienced and informative Tour Manager
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Gaze in awe at the orange and yellow wildflowers permeating the fields of Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Admire the merging of art, architecture and gardens during visits to the J. Paul Getty Museum, Filoli Gardens and Sunnylands
- Spend time in Palm Springs, in the Coachella Valley, and see how a variety of plants have adapted to the arid environment
- Wander the awe-inspiring landscapes of Joshua Tree and Yosemite national parks
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness rating: High
- Group size: 10 to 20 guests
- Some excursions may require a high level of mobility and fitness. Some days may involve walking up to 6-8km a day
- Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles today and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and meet your fellow travellers.
Stay: Two Nights: Los Angeles, Hilton Pasadena or similar
Daily :Los Angeles Farmers Market, Getty Museum and Huntington Gardens
Begin your day with a visit to LA’s most famous farmers market, which was founded in 1934. Afterwards, visit the architectural masterpiece, the J. Paul Getty Museum, with views of the Los Angeles skyline. The stunning gardens surrounding this museum were designed by artist Robert Irwin. The waterfall terraces flow down to the azalea maze, which resembles a floating labyrinth, creating a unique centerpiece to the garden. After exploring the gardens, lose yourself in one of the art galleries filled with European treasures. Finish the day at Huntington Gardens, sprawled over 207 acres, with 14,000 different plant species. The massive grounds are maintained by 40 gardeners. There are gardens here representing all parts of the world, including Australia. We will also see a Desert Garden and a Jungle Garden, as well Japanese and Chinese gardens.
Daily :Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs
Depart Los Angeles this morning and drive to Joshua Tree National Park, a popular desert region between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Here, we can not only admire the spring wildflowers, but also the park's namesake Joshua trees, cacti, and Mojave yuccas. Continue to Palm Springs, a desert city in Southern California, which was once a popular destination for Hollywood stars during the middle part of the 20th century. The city has retained some of its glamorous past in its retro architecture, and it has also been an inspiration for desert-style garden designs around the world.
Stay: Two Nights: Palm Springs, Parker Hotel or similar
Daily :Palm Springs Sightseeing and Sunnylands Center & Gardens
After an orientation tour of Palm Springs, visit Sunnylands Center & Gardens, the public access point to the Annenberg estate. The nine-acre gardens showcase more than 70 native and arid-adapted plants from the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The design demonstrates the sustainability of a lush, multi-coloured garden within a desert environment.
Daily :Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and Tulare in the San Joaquin Valley
Today, we leave Palm Springs and drive to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Witness a technicolour display of California poppies, the state’s official flower, with countless bright orange petals opening up towards the sun. After lunch, continue to Tulare, in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Stay: Overnight: Tulare, four- or five-star hotel
Daily :Yosemite National Park
Travel to Yosemite National Park, a natural wonder with stunning lakes, massive granite domes, towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The park is also home to giant sequoia trees and wildflowers. Afterwards, we continue to the city of Merced, where we stay overnight.
Stay: Overnight: Merced, four- or five-star hotel
Daily :Merced and San Francisco City Tour
Travel to San Francisco, the ‘City by the Bay’. Enjoy a city orientation tour, taking in the zigzagging Lombard Street, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy a sunset cruise this evening.
Stay: Three nights: San Francisco, four- or five-star hotel
Daily :Filoli Gardens and Ruth Bancroft Garden
Considered among America’s finest gardens, Filoli is now owned by the National Trust. We explore the different sections of the gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Pool Pavilion Garden, a large Walled Garden, Rose and Knot Gardens. The gardens also feature topiary and beautifully manicured hedges. This afternoon, visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery. Ruth was a pioneer in dry gardening and created what is recognized as one of America's finest examples of a dry garden, appropriate for a Mediterranean climate.
Daily :San Francisco
Your tour concludes after breakfast today with a transfer to the airport.
Daily :Price & Availability
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April 2025 - April 2025
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Everything was wonderful. There were great sightseeing trips and the guides were very knowledgeable.
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