San Francisco Strenuous Tours &amp; Trips

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, California, Capitol Reef National Park, Colorado, Death Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Mesa Verde, Moab, Monument Valley, New York, San Francisco, Sierra Nevada, Utah, Venice, York, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Lead by one of the most knowledgeable guides I’ve ever experienced in 40 years of travelling, this full on trip takes you to places in Turkey that many will never visit. Tour Leader Zafer’s passion for Greek, Roman and Ottoman history shone through on a tour which combined the best of Turkey’s historical sites and standout places of interest. Highlights galore, from the beautiful Blue Mosque, hundreds of drifting balloons in the Cappadocia early morning skies to the tragedy of seeing first hand relatively recent history in the form of the killing fields of Gallipoli. If you come expecting a relaxing 5*holiday experience, you should book an all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris. But if you want to dive headlong into a vibrant, colourful country that has been at the forefront of ancient and modern history this 14 day exploration maybe for you especially as we encountered so many exciting surprises along the way. Remember though, travelling over 2,500km does mean there are a number of early starts and long hours in a minibus, which can be hard. However, we were lucky in that our group of 8 intrepid travellers got on well and time passed quickly. Finally, a quick mention for the hotels selected by Explore. They were in the main pretty good 3 star centrally located tourist hotels. Most were small, family owned and whilst not bar one highly starred, they acted as good stopover hotels providing the basics of a good bed, warm shower and a breakfast which set you up for the day. All in all, a trip I would recommend especially in May when the Summer sun has not reached its peak."

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-19%$6,605

14 days From$5,370

Health Safety +

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Central American Highlights

premier

4.2/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Visits

Acropolis, Antigua, Braulio Carillo National Park, Central America, Chichicastenango, Copan, Granada, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Pacific Coast, Palma, Panajachel, Salvador, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Juan, Santiago, Santiago Atitlan

Highlights

Take in the highlights of five fascinating Central American countries in just two weeks
Discover rich wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes
Explore colourful colonial towns and sacred Mayan sites

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

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-19%$4,490

16 days From$3,650

Health Safety +

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Western Wonders

By Cosmos

none

4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Arizona, California, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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12 days From$2,409

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Golden West Adventure

By Cosmos

none

4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Arizona, California, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Yosemite National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

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14 days From$2,789

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Discover South America

By Geckos Adventures

none

4.9/5 Excellent

25 reviews

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cuenca, Inca Trail, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Mendoza, Ollantaytambo, Otavalo, Puno, Quito, San Francisco, Sucre, Uyuni

Highlights

Roam the amazon jungle at night while pretending you're david attenborough (it has a calming influence). float down the river, keeping an out for the glaring eyes of jaguars and caimans
The floating islands of uros on lake titicaca seem like the sort of thing pixar would come up with. spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village
Whether you trek the classic inca trail, the inca quarrytrail or take the scenic train route, trust us, this is going to be one of the highlights of your awesome lives
Don't worry, we won't hog all of your time. you'll have plenty of opportunity to bounce around cuzco, digging deep into the pockets of incan history
The wicked witch of the west had her flying monkeys and red shoes. the witches of la paz have dried llama foetuses and alpaca blankets. while both sound imaginary, the witches' market in la paz is a true bolivian experience

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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42 days From$5,620

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Ecuador and Peru Highlights

By Geckos Adventures

none

4.9/5 Excellent

25 reviews

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Aguas Calientes, Cuenca, Cusco, Inca Trail, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Otavalo, Puno, Quito, San Francisco

Highlights

Unesco is a pretty good judge of character, right? with its colonial architecture, plazas, churches and colourful local life, there's a reason they've listed quito's old town as a world heritage site
There's nothing like munching on a red tomato from an ecuadorian market, eh? saunter (yes, saunter) around the otavalo markets and find yourself smack bang in the middle of souvenir city, population: you
Visit the colonial city of cuenca
Get your adrenaline kicks in banos – or just plonk yourself in a hot spring
Head out on a city tour of lima visiting miraflores, down town and end in the bohemian neighbourhood of barranco.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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23 days From$3,645

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Western USA National Parks Explorer

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Highlights

Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-19%$6,605

14 days From$5,370

Health Safety +

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California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa - 2024

By Collette

premier

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

San Francisco

Highlights

Visit a family-owned olive oil producer for lunch and a tasting.
Sample local vintages during a winery tour and tasting in Napa Valley.
Marvel at the views along scenic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel.
Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard in the Central Valley.
Enjoy a scenic cruise to the green and blue waters of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe.

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

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-19%$3,627

8 days From$2,949

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Central American Highlights

premier

4.2/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Visits

Highlights

Take in the highlights of five fascinating Central American countries in just two weeks
Discover rich wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes
Explore colourful colonial towns and sacred Mayan sites

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-19%$4,490

16 days From$3,650

Health Safety +

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Pacific Northwest & California featuring Washington, Oregon and California - 2024

By Collette

premier

4.7/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Portland, San Francisco

Highlights

S
Visit lively Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous fish and vegetable market.
Venture to Mount St. Helens Visitor Center to learn about its volcanic activity.
Visit Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls.
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Seattle, the "Emerald City."

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

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-19%$4,021

8 days From$3,269

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The Great American Crossing

By Travel Talk

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.9/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

New York, San Francisco

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Did the Jordan Essential Tour, it was absolutely amazing. This was my first Group Travel Tour and I loved it. I was worried about being the oldest one on the tour (I’m 34), but it was a good mix of ages. It was incredible to travel with people of different nationalities. Our Tour guide Issa was great. At all times he was really helpful. Taught us a lot about Jordanien history and culture. The tour was a great mix of everything...sightseeing, exploring, chillin and partying."