March 30

Today we continue our journey north through the increasingly desert-like landscape of the Sonoran Desert into the southern Californian desert — to Palm Springs, the immaculately clean little city with more than 30 golf courses in the surrounding area. Our first stop is the cable car: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The gondola, imported from Switzerland, ascends to an altitude of 2,592 metres. Up here you can enjoy the breathtaking views as well as go hiking. The tram takes you to the summit of Mount San Jacinto Mountain. The 360-degree rotating cabins leave no panorama hidden. Once at the top, you are surrounded by unspoilt nature in the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness Area.

The tram runs Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. On weekends and during school holidays it starts as early as 08:00 am. The last ride up departs at 8:00 pm and the last descent at 9:45 pm (subject to change). Tip: allow plenty of time, as it is always busy. You can also pre-book your ticket at: www.pstramway.com. In the evening we take a dip in the pool and explore Palm Springs city centre — a shopping promenade lined with bars and restaurants.

If you have more time to spare, there are further sights worth visiting: the Moorten's Botanical Garden, the Palm Canyons, or the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation with its 3,000 fan palms. Also worth seeing is The Living Desert (wildlife sanctuary) or the Wayfarer Chapel (glass church).