Compare Yosemite Photography Holiday by Creative Escapes vs Best of California 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

DAYS 1 & 2 : LA & PALM SPRINGS

After touching down in LAX on the first day of your Yosemite Photography Holiday, we’ll whisk you off to our chic retreat in the Hollywood Hills – and chance to first meet the team who will be leading you on this tour of Calfornia – plus chance to unwind after a long flight. After a restful nights sleep, and a hearty American Diner breakfast, we hit the highway towards Coachella Valley, through the spectacular wind farms and arrive in Palm Springs in time for lunch at our luxury boutique hotel, Colony Palms, once a secret hangout for Hollywood stars in the 1930’s – now refurbished to the highest order for our comfort. Come the afternoon, we’ll start with an exposure session, learning all about your camera, then a tour of the area’s famous art deco architecture. You’ll then have time to relax around the pool and spa, then end the day with drinks and dinner at the uber-chic Parker Hotel, just down the strip.

DAYS 3 & 4: JOSHUA TREE

A short landscape class in the morning looking at master landscape photographers will prepare you for our first shooting encounter in the afternoon, Joshua Tree. With its surreal geologic features, we will learn techniques on how to spot, approach and capture to best effect varied landscapes, in rapidly shifting light conditions. Later, we’ll review our images poolside, our team giving you both individual and group feedback on your images. Next morning, we’ll spend time looking at composition, finding more unusual approaches to make your images stand out from the norm – taking composition beyond the postcard ‘syndrome’ – then back out to visit Pioneer Town, an old ghost town with a saloon, church, working post office, and some very interesting locals – chance to step back in time and shoot the Wild West.

DAYS 5 & 6: DEATH VALLEY

We set off first thing for Death Valley, arriving at the Furnace Creek in time for lunch. Our afternoon session will teach you how to understand light and prepare you for tonight’s first sunset shoot in this unique landscape. Later, your tutor will give a live demo – chance to learn some insider tips that will elevate your images to that next level. We then shoot a sequence of disk images on the valley floor, and on into the darkness to shoot long exposures at night, in conditions with almost zero light pollution.

Next day, a whole day’s shoot in monumental Death Valley awaits, starting with a short trip to the salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in America (and the hottest place on earth). We’ll then catch the afternoon light on the Ubehebe Crater, located in the black volcanic sands in the northern half of the valley, before setting up our tripods in the Mesquite Sand Dunes, to pay photographic homage to the likes of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. A day’s photography at its very best.

DAYS 7 & 8 : YOSEMITE

Up early, we head north and arrive for lunch at our final stop, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, one of only a handful of hotels with access to Yosemite National Park. Here, we take our skills to the next level, in the park made famous by Ansel Adams, and reveal techniques on how to ‘see’ in Black and White, understand- ing tones and the Zone system, plus see how filters in-camera can make dramatic effects to your images. Next morning, we take our first glimpse at the valley floor, touring all the major locations made famous by Ansel Adams, and trying our hand at some of the techniques he used to create his world renowned images. Later, we’ll review the best of the day on the big screen, with the backdrop of the sun setting over Yosemite National parklands – and hold some 1-on-1 sessions to personally tune your work – before some fine dining at the Sierra Restaurant.

DAYS 9 & 10 : YOSEMITE

Over the next few days, we leave behind the trail left by Ansel Adams, and document our own version of Yosemite National Park, touring a multitude of incredible locations by dawn, daytime and dusky conditions. With 1-on-1 live tuition at each location, we’ll shoot Horsetail Falls in rich, sunset light, get incredible vistas over Half Dome shot from Glacier Point, then south to Mariposa Grove to capture the centuries-old Giant Sequoia’s. We’ll take our time at Tunnel View, waiting for the best light on El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall – this is two full days – a smorgasbord of the finest locations the Park has to offer, and you’ll bag each one in turn, amassing a killer collection of epic landscapes, in time for our outdoor pop-up exhibition and final nights feast, chance to revel in just how far we have come on our photographic journey through California.

DAY 11: LA

Next morning, you’ll have chance to get some final 1-on-1 feedback from your professional tutors on your progress emerging style and tips on where next to take your photography. Before lunch, we sadly say our farewells, exchange email addresses with new found friends (and creative collaborators) and board the plane back home – chance to reflect on 11 days odyssey through magical California, from art-deco chic of Palm Springs, the historic Wild West beyond Joshua Tree, sparkling crystalline salt formations at the base of Death Valley – and it’s myriad alien landscapes to boot quite unlike anywhere else. And finally, Yosemite, the World’s most photogenic national park, where you’ll amass a bagful of photographic trophies, and complete the experience of our road trip of a lifetime.

Day 1: Welcome to San Diego

After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.This afternoon, board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Modern-style Union Station in Los Angeles.

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie palaces of the Broadway District. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Another option is to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a fantastic collection of artworks from ancient times to modern day. To top off your perfect day, dine at Nick and Stef’s, an outstanding steak house in Downtown LA.

Day 4: Train Journey to the American Riviera

Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast where the shoreline wraps around to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries before you further explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country Relaxed Start

Join your Amtrak rail journey one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon visit the Eberle Winery for a tour of the vineyard and the unique underground caves. Born out of necessity to store more wine barrels, the caves provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting of a selection of excellent local wines.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Farm-to-Table dinner at Thomas Hill Organics—a 10 acre collaborative supporting local agriculture with a focus on fresh, organic and straight-from-the-earth ingredients.

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet (64 metres) tall.

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet (739 metres). See the Half Dome, a rock formation with a distinct shape, and El Capitan, a granite rock monolith rising 3000 feet (914 metres) above the valley floor. Take in the spectacular scenery from Tunnel View, encompassing towering mountains, dense forests and the Bridalveil Falls. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Day 8: On to San Francisco

Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Travel through the SoMa District and Mission Bay to see the incredible growth and urbanization the city has experienced in recent years. Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavors in the area best known for creative ice cream parlours, craft doughnut shops, independent cafes and the best Mexican bites. Visit Balmy Alley and see the most concentrated collection of urban murals in the city.Tonight, toast to your travels at a local restaurant at your Celebration Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell California

After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.