BEST OF CALIFORNIA TOUR

California here we come. A mix of modern glamour and bohemian charms, you’ve arrived in the Golden Gate City, a location famous for its rolling hills, colourful houses and eclectic architecture. You’ll be picked up at San Francisco International Airport and whisked straight to your centrally located hotel, the Westin St. Francis, situated in the vibrant heart of the city and the only one on Union Square. There you’ll be left to settle in or go for a quick wander, before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner and wine.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco

Meals: Dinner with Wine

Get ready for a fun-filled day exploring the city. Hop aboard an iconic cable car for a ride along the picturesque streets. Visit the Cable Car Museum in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. Afterwards, take in the city with a few photo stops. Visit the Conservatory of Flowers and Golden Gate Park, before walking across the emblematic Golden Gate Bridge and travelling on to the city of Sausalito. A scenic ferry ride will bring you back to San Francisco, where the rest of your day is at leisure. Your Travel Director is on hand to make suggestions for making the most of your evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll witness the mountainous scenery of Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling through California’s Gold Country, you’ll drive through the imposing Sierra Nevada mountains. Explore spectacular waterfalls and striking rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome on a private, ranger-led valley floor tour. Rest up on your free evening at your lodge, located inside the park and close to Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall. On a clear evening you’ll be able to take in the sparkling night sky over the park.

Hotel: Yosemite Valley Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Leave Yosemite behind as you take in the Sierras before you are swept through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, also known as the “food basket of the world”. Stop at the Merced Fruit Barn which features its diverse produce. In Salinas, the heart of “The Salad Bowl of the World”, enjoy a famer’s agricultural tour of a local farm, known for heirloom artichokes. Once in Monterey you’ll head to your hotel situated on the waterfront street Cannery Row.

Hotel: InterContinental The Clement Monterey

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll journey to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint seaside community where you’ll have ample free time. As you travel along Pacific Coast Highway, stop at Big Sur State Park, home to California Coastal Redwoods. Enjoy a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along 17-Mile Drive. Stop at Pebble Beach and its world-renowned links, as well as Lone Cypress and Seal and Bird Rocks for a glimpse of sunbathing seals and sea lions. A Dine-Around Evening awaits upon your return to Monterey, with your choice of three local restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Head on to sunny Santa Barbara. Along the way, experience a guided tour and wine tasting served at a Paso Robles winery. On arrival, Santa Barbara greets you with its white buildings, terracotta roofs, beautiful weather and an array of bars and restaurants. Walk along Santa Barbara’s Historic State Street to Stearns Wharf. In the evening, dinner awaits at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Visit iconic Mission Santa Barbara, before making your way to Santa Monica and Venice. A Local Expert will take you on a walking tour of Venice Beach, Muscle Beach, the Canals and Walkways and explain Abbot Kinney’s role in the development of the ‘Venice of America’. Continue on to your modern L.A. hotel, in the city’s entertainment district.

Hotel: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Meals: Breakfast

Explore Los Angeles with your Travel Director. Experience a bit of nostalgia in Downtown as you ride aboard the lovingly restored Angel’s Flight Railway. Next, you will be treated to an exclusive and private guided visit of the Los Angeles Theatre, a grandiose historic movie palace. Visit the Hollywood and Highland Centre, where observation decks allow for the best views of the Hollywood sign. See the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre as you walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Drive through the Sunset Strip before heading down Rodeo Drive. Enjoy an Insight Choice between a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum or the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Tonight, toast to your journey at a Celebration Dinner at Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers before a transfer takes you to Los Angeles International Airport. Alternatively, if you want to see more, extend your stay in the City of Angels.

Meals: Breakfast