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Trips to West Coast USA for Geography, Geology and Environmental Science Students

The cities and landscapes of the USA's West Coast offer a wealth of captivating visits of world-class proportions ideal for students of Geography, Geology and Environmental Sciences. The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park all offer outstanding environmental features to study and have earnt the area the title of America's 'Golden West'.

Prices start from£1299pp

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Daytime flight & transfer to accommodation Overnight: San Francisco
2 Full day San Francisco city tour followed by a visit to Alcatraz Explore Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf. Overnight: San Francisco
3 Visit to Muir Woods Continue to Bakersfield Overnight: Bakersfield
4 Death Valley National Park Overnight: Las Vegas
5 Explore Las Vegas Overnight: Tusayan
6 Grand Canyon Transfer to airport Overnight flight to the UK
7 Arrive in the UK
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  • 2
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  • 5
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Morning Daytime flight & transfer to accommodation
Afternoon Overnight: San Francisco
Evening
Morning Full day San Francisco city tour followed by a visit to Alcatraz
Afternoon Explore Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf. Overnight: San Francisco
Evening
Morning Visit to Muir Woods
Afternoon Continue to Bakersfield
Evening Overnight: Bakersfield
Morning Death Valley National Park
Afternoon Overnight: Las Vegas
Evening
Morning Explore Las Vegas
Afternoon Overnight: Tusayan
Evening
Morning Grand Canyon
Afternoon Transfer to airport
Evening Overnight flight to the UK
Morning Arrive in the UK
Afternoon
Evening

Price Shown includes

  • 5 nights’ room only accommodation
  • Return flights & airport transfers in resort
  • Coach transportation throughout your stay
  • Visits including: San Francisco tour, Muir Woods, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon, Pier 39 & Fishermans Wharf
  • Services of a Local Guide in San Francisco only
  • Extensive group travel insurance
  • 1 in 10 free place ratio

Price shown is based on 20 paying passengers departing from a London airport on selected dates and is subject to availability.


On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

  • Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices
  • Services of a Local Guide

Top visits for college groups in West Coast USA

San Francisco Tour

The city lies on the world-renowned San Andreas Fault, and is well documented for its approaches to hazard management. Admire the amazing view of the city from Twin peaks, opt for a San Francisco Bay cruise under Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, or head down to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. We highly recommend a visit to the new California Academy of Sciences for all groups. The Academy recently opened a new 400,000 square foot facility which houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a four-storey rainforest all under one roof.

Muir Woods

An opportunity to observe a truly remarkable ecosystem, only 30 minutes from San Francisco! On your morning coach excursion, students will observe the diversity of flora and fauna. Giant Redwood Sequoia trees will provide an excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of ecosystems.

Death Valley National Park

Students can experience first-hand Death Valley’s harsh, arid environment, dramatic scenery and landscapes. Your group will cross over the 5,000ft Towne Pass before taking a closer look at the desert. One of the hottest places on earth, this region is contrasted by the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Grand Canyon

This vast chasm is arguably one of the most spectacular geographical sites in the world. Opt to take one of several set walks to explore this awe-inspiring canyon. A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Pier 39 & Fishermans Wharf

Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf is a shopping centre and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco. At Pier 39 there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performers, an interpretive centre for the marine mammal centre, the aquarium of the bay, virtual 3D rides and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39’s marina. 

Universal Studios

This visit takes students beyond the classroom to brings education to life. Take learning to a new level with Universal Studies - the hands on, inside out, real life, beyond the imagination educational programme available at Universal Studios, that will will excite and inspire your group.

Hoover Dam Tours

For groups staying for two nights in Vegas, a visit to the famous Hoover Dam is a must. You can take a 30 minute tour of the Hoover Dam power plant and take a look around the visitors centre. Alternatively, opt for the hour long guided tour, which includes the 30 minute option plus a tour of the passageways of the dam itself.

Yosemite National Park

A wilderness park renowned for the mountain and valley scenery, waterfalls, grand meadows and forests containing the groves of giant sequoias. (May to October only due to seasonal weather)

Las Vegas

This glitzy city, built in the middle of the desert, is a testimony to man’s ability to overcome the challenge of the physical environment. Its main street and focal point is the Strip, just over 4 miles long. This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains synchronized to music as well as replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower.


Study themes

 

  • Tourism Impacts & Sustainability
  • Rural Environmental Geography