Tour Pace
Easily manageable distances between overnight stops allow
feature-packed touring days. The tour starts and ends with two-night stays
in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of
the world's most exciting cities.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE SAN
FRANCISCO
Welcome to California! Take a
complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport
to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director in the afternoon.
Hotel: Omni San Francisco.
DAY 2 - SAN FRANCISCO
SIGHTSEEING
Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on
Union Square, the famous
cable cars, the stately
Victorian homes of Pacific Heights
and the beautiful Golden Gate Park.
After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for
a walking tour through Chinatown, including
stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by a Welcome Drink and an
authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. Ride back to the hotel
aboard San Francisco's famous cable cars. (Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner)
DAY 3 - SAN FRANCISCO -
NAPA & SONOMA
Cross the majestic Golden Gate
Bridge and enter California's
wine country. Discover the
delightful town of Sonoma
with its historic plaza and streets lined with quaint shops.
Pick up a gourmet picnic lunch at the
famous Sonoma Cheese Factory and head for a local winery for a tour and wine
tasting. Then head out to the township of Napa and
step aboard the beautifully restored Napa
Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling past
the wonderful vistas of the Napa Valley. Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a
Renaissance Resort & Spa. (Full Breakfast,
Lunch, Highlight Dinner)
DAY 4 - SONOMA VALLEY -
YOSEMITE
Travel through California's Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada
Mountains to Yosemite National Park.
Explore the floor of the valley with its spectacular
waterfalls, the imposing rock
formations of El Capitan and Half Dome,
and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close
to the Yosemite Falls. Hotel: Yosemite
Lodge at the Falls.
(Full Breakfast)
DAY 5 - YOSEMITE -
MONTEREY
Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of
Yosemite Valley, or take a
short walk to the magnificent Yosemite
Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San
Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruits
at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of
Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the
art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean
Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey
Peninsula and along the scenic
17-Mile-Drive. Pass the famous
Pebble Beach Golf Course, Lone Cypress
and multi-million dollar
mansions before arriving at charming
Monterey.
We end the day with a lecture and private
dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and
time to view some of the outstanding exhibits. Hotel: Monterey Marriott.
(Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner)
DAY 6 - MONTEREY -
SANTA BARBARA
Stop in San Simeon for a guided
tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William
Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the
Central Coast to the elegant resort of
Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside
paradise before checking into your beachfront hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte.
(Full Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - SANTA BARBARA -
BEVERLY HILLS
Join a private guided tour of
the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21
California Missions along California's El Camino Real. Then,
journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous
Malibu on your way to
Santa Monica. Take time to
stroll along the famous Santa Monica
Pier, Third Street Promenade and enjoy the
superb views over the
panoramic coastline, beach and beautiful park.
Visit the JP Getty Center with its world-
class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic
architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Drive
along Sunset Boulevard and
down Rodeo Drive to your
hotel in chic Beverly Hills.
The evening is free, with the restaurants of Rodeo Drive a short stroll
away. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills.
(Full
Breakfast)
DAY 8 - L.A. &
HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING
Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard special minibuses, past
movie stars' mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide
about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the
Hollywood Sign, view
Grauman's Chinese Theatre and
stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Experience the glitz and glam of
Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards
ceremony. The afternoon is free. Perhaps join our optional
Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour?
(Full Breakfast)
DAY 9 - DEPART LOS
ANGELES
As your California vacation comes to an end, a
complimentary transfer to Los
Angeles International Airport is provided. This itinerary can be combined
with the Enchanting Canyonlands.
(Full Breakfast) |
