Compare Klamath River Wild and Scenic by Orange Torpedo Trips vs Southern California & Joshua Tree National Park end Santa Ana by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 3 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 449 | $ 3,902 |
Price Per Day | $ 150 | $ 488 |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
The Klamath River seems to be a destination where great stories come from. We have stories of big adventure on early season trips when the water is high, the waves are big and we are running “hotshot” high-water trips. Then we have an entirely different kind of story from later in the summer, the stories of six year old kids going on their first big rafting adventure and falling in love with being splashed in roller-coaster rapids and sitting around the campfire at night. |
Explore Southern California’s sublime golden beaches and deserts on a 7-Day Limited-Edition Tour. Traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests and begin your journey in stylish Newport Beach. Discover 1930’s beach life at Crystal Cove State Park and stroll Balboa Island’s pier. Soak up stunning coastal views on board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, revel in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Old Town. With Your-Choice Sightseeing options that include a self-guided tour of the USS Midway or a relaxing harbor cruise in the blue waters of San Diego. Swap the bustle of the city for the calm of nature and walk amongst metal dinosaurs, learn about organic farming and see the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Joshua Tree National Park. This intimate tour will leave you simply enchanted by Southern California, incorporating destinations and experiences not available to larger groups. |
Day 1:
Meet the guides at the Happy Camp at the ranger station at 10:15 AM. Your vehicle will remain here and you will transfer your luggage into our van to be transported to camp (unless on a downriver trip in which case your gear will be packed in a dry bag). From the Ranger station to the put-in is only a couple of minutes.
At the put-in on the Klamath River your guide will give you a thorough safety and paddling orientation before heading downstream towards the many Class II and III rapids. Expect today to be filled with exciting waves and great scenery. Class III rapids such as Kanaka, Devils Toenail and The Trench fill out the morning. Around lunchtime the group will pull over so the guides can make the first riverside lunch of sandwiches salads, cookies and other snacks. After lunch the group will continue down through more thrilling Klamath River whitewater interrupted by big pools for relaxing before reaching the takeout for the day.
At the takeout we load into the van for a quick drive to our base camp for the trip. In camp play some Frisbee with the kids, swim, or enjoy a beverage as the guides prepare your three-course dinner. Finish a hot Dutch oven dessert before you lay back with a great glass of wine, re-live the stories of the day around the fire, and then head into your tent where your cot is waiting for you.
Day 2:
Start with a fresh cup of coffee and a hot breakfast complete with freshly baked cinnamon rolls. After breakfast lather on the sunscreen and climb into the van. Today is another day of exciting Klamath River rapids such as Ferry Point, Independence Creek, and Dragons Tooth. Picture yourself floating between rapids, laying back in your boat and relaxing in the hot sun while the kids try to splash you from the raft.
If the group is up for it the afternoon will include a technical hike/climb up to the falls at Ukanom creek for some swimming and pictures. After your hike and one more exciting rapid the two day will arrive at camp. Camp tonight is typically a beautiful camp with a big swimming hole and lots of sand for games.
Alternate – High-water groups will likely head down river to the confluence of the Cal-Salmon and Klamath River for a big-water day challenging the series of rapids known as the Ikes.
Day 3:
More whitewater and exploring. Some groups choose to re-run a previous section on this day and some prefer to explore a new section of whitewater. Day three is up to the group to decide how they want to spend the day.
Day 1: Arrive Newport Beach
With beautiful beaches, superb scenery and stunning sunsets, the coastal city of Newport Beach embodies the true spirit and beauty of Southern California. Your airport transfer will take you to your waterfront hotel, Lido House. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Lido House
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Orange County Beach Sightseeing
Join your Travel Director for a walking tour of Balboa Island this morning. After a ferry ride, stroll the pier for magnificent views and enjoy the Balboa Fun Zone, made famous in the TV program "Arrested Development". Enjoy stunning coastal views as you drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the surfing mecca of Huntington Beach. Immerse yourself in “Surf City USA” at the intriguing International Surfing Museum. Oddly enough, the museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who has never surfed. Later, enjoy some time at Crystal Cove State Park, one of Orange County's most scenic and pristine stretches of beach and ocean. After some free time at Laguna Beach, return to Newport Beach where the rest of the day is leisurely yours.
Lido House
Breakfast
Day 3: Orange County To San Diego Via Scenic Amtrak Train
Start the day with stunning ocean views on board the scenic Amtrak train to San Diego, "America's Finest City". Then spend the afternoon exploring the famous Old Town. Dating back to 1769 it is California's oldest settlement and today is still considered the heart of San Diego. This evening is then yours to explore the Downtown dining scene. From the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to oceanfront Seaport Village to Little Italy, you won't have any problem finding a restaurant tonight.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Breakfast
Day 4: San Diego Sightseeing
Your Travel Director will lead you on a tour of some of the city's iconic sites this morning, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and Coronado Island. This afternoon, explore San Diego with Insight Choice. Choose to visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier along with an audio guided tour. Or alternatively, choose to take a one-hour boat cruise to tour the spectacular harbor. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant and taste the flavors that are making San Diego one of the newest foodie cities in America.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Visit Anza Borrego State Park
Step back in time in Julian, a small Gold Rush community dating back to the 1870s and taste their famous apple pies. Next travel to Borrega Springs and enter the fascinating world of artist and welder Ricardo Breceda. See his astonishing metal animal sculptures that mark the way to Anza Borrego State Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park then lace up your hiking boots for a hike along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Look out for bighorn sheep and birds, before indulging in more amazing views as you travel the Borrego Salton Scenic Seaway. The evening is at your leisure in Palm Springs.
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Thermal and Joshua Tree National Park
This morning we take a short drive to the agricultural town of Thermal and discover the world of Medjool dates, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Saralyn Delk, owner and farmer at the Regulus Date Ranch, taste dates straight from the trees and see for yourself how good the biodynamic and organic produce tastes. This afternoon, visit the vast Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the visitor’s center and enjoy a moderate hike, keeping an eye out wildlife. Toast your travels this evening, along with your travel companions, at a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs.
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Farewell Southern California
This morning, make the most of your last hours in Palm Springs and join your Travel Director for sightseeing tour highlighting the city's residential architecture. A transfer will take you to John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA), arriving at approximately 1:30 PM.
Breakfast