WESTERN USA - CALIFORNIA COAST & YOSEMITE PARK 8 Days from approx $1,095 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your California tour features complete sightseeing, professional Tour Directors and great itineraries, operated by one of the country's oldest and most respected guided tour companies. Discover for yourself why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen their travel packages since 1952.
Day 1 - San Francisco, California See the very best of the Golden State on a fun-filled one week vacation. Fly to San Francisco, the romantic city by the bay. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel, located near lively Fisherman's Wharf. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Join the tour operator for a 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Evening is at leisure to explore San Francisco.
Day 2 - Wine Country, Bay Cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a brief morning sightseeing tour of San Francisco highlights. See Union Square, Chinatown and Nob Hill. Then, head over the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge, an engineering masterpiece, is over two miles long. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook. Continue to Sonoma wine country. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. On your return to San Francisco, drive through Golden Gate Park. Free time at Fisherman's Wharf. Then, enjoy a cruise on San Francisco Bay. See Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco skyline. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are at leisure in San Francisco. B
Day 3 - Yosemite National Park
Head east this morning into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Pass through the historic gold mining towns of the great California Gold Rush. Arrive for lunch on your own at Yosemite National Park. Established in 1890, Yosemite's 1,000 square mile park is an enduring legacy to the conservation efforts of naturalist John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. See the wonders of Yosemite Park. On a sightseeing drive, look for waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, and marvel at the two towering granite monoliths known as Half Dome and El Capitan. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure to explore Yosemite Park. Hike the nature trails through giant cedar, pine and fir trees or just simply relax in the splendor of Yosemite Park. Overnight at Yosemite View Lodge. B
Day 4 - Monterey Bay Aquarium
On your morning drive to Monterey, pass through the fertile San Joaquin Valley and by the San Luis Reservoir, part of the vast California irrigation project. Arrive in Monterey, home of John Steinbeck, who chronicled the adventures of this colorful fishing village. Stop at Cannery Row. Visit the world-renowned oceanfront Monterey Bay Aquarium. See coastal marine life in the Aquarium's 1.3 million gallon giant kelp tank. Look for sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, starfish, and sea otters. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel on Monterey Bay. B
Day 5 - 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, Redwoods
After breakfast, wind along the coast on Pacific Grove's Sunset Drive. Then, enjoy Monterey's famous Seventeen Mile Drive. See delightful natural wonders, including Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. Stop at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, drive to charming Carmel by the Sea and visit the beautifully restored Carmel Mission. Then, a spectacular drive on the Big Sur, one of the most awe-inspiring coastal drives in the world. On one side is the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean with its pounding surf, dramatic cliffs and endless horizon, and on the other is the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Drive over Rocky Creek Bridge and Bixby Bridge. Photo stop at a Big Sur scenic viewpoint. Stop at a redwood grove for close- up views of these towering trees. Old-growth Pacific coast redwoods can live for 2000 years, grow to more than 350 feet tall with a diameter of over 35 feet. Return to Monterey via the Big Sur for a second opportunity to see dramatic vistas. In Monterey, you'll have time to walk along the oceanfront trail near Fisherman's Wharf, where sea lions play. B
Day 6 - Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
This morning, head south to Santa Barbara, home to many stars and celebrities. Arrive at midday in downtown Santa Barbara. Free time for shopping and exploring. Then, an afternoon drive along the Malibu coastline to Los Angeles. Your hotel is in the fashionable West Side, adjacent to Beverly Hills. You stay two relaxing nights at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, host to many glittering Hollywood events. Evening at leisure. B
Day 7 - Hollywood, Beverly Hills
You explore behind-the-scenes Hollywood on your morning visit to Sony Studios, home to the popular shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy," as well as many blockbuster movies, including "Spider-Man." Enjoy a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days as you walk on sound stages where movie history was made. Then, continue to Hollywood. Stop at Mann's (Grauman's) Chinese Theater. Here you see the imprints of Jimmy Durante's nose, John Wayne's fist, and Betty Grable's legs. Stroll Hollywood's most famous sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame, where you see the stars of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson and many more. See the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Next, drive along the Sunset Strip. See the famous Hollywood sign on the hills above. In Beverly Hills, drive along Rodeo Drive, America's most celebrated shopping district. Then, to Santa Monica for free time at Third Street Promenade. Santa Monica is a favorite hangout for celebrities, their entourage and the ever present paparazzi. Drive along Ocean Avenue and see the Santa Monica Pier, which appears in many Hollywood films and TV shows, including "Baywatch." Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. BD
Day 8 - Los Angeles
Your tour ends after breakfast. Thanks for vacationing with us. B
Hotels used for the tour:
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds, sometimes with a cot or rollaway.
Days 1, 2 - San Francisco
Hilton, Fisherman's Wharf
Opened in April 2000 and centrally located in the middle of the renowned Fisherman's Wharf district, this hotel has a quiet elegance. It received a nine million dollar transformation. Guests can relax in the beautifully appointed lobby in front of a roaring fire. Rooms are air-conditioned with cable TV, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, data line, etc.
Day 3 - Yosemite Park
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite View Lodge is the closest accommodation just outside Yosemite Park. It has a great location with the wild and scenic Merced River just outside the door. There is an outdoor pool and spa, with the Merced River in the background. Rooms have phones, cable TV and HBO.
Days 4, 5 - Monterey Bay
Embassy Suites
The Embassy Suites is located on Monterey Bay near Seaside Beach, two miles from Fisherman's Wharf in historic Monterey. Several restaurants are within walking distance. There is a wonderful paved hiking trail from nearby the hotel to downtown Monterey. The Embassy Suites features an indoor pool, whirl pool, sauna, fitness center and outdoor sun deck.
Days 6, 7 - Los Angeles
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is located on the fashionable West Side, adjacent to Beverly Hills. This elegant hotel is set on seven acres and features a world-class spa and fitness center and a newly-renovated swimming pool. This hotel has been the choice of dignitaries, celebrities, and Hollywood VIP's for more than 40 years.
Airport Transfer Information:
Arrival Transfers
The tour operator does not provide arrival transfers from the San Francisco, California airports to the Hilton Fisherman's Wharf (2620 James Street at Bay Street) in San Francisco. You can transfer by taxi, shuttle or the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART): From San Francisco Airport (SFO), taxis cost approximately $45.00 and take 30 minutes. Super Shuttles (800-258-3826 or 800-BLUEVAN) cost $17.00 per person and take 45 minutes, no advance reservations necessary. Blue Super Shuttle vans depart every 15 to 20 minutes from the upper level of the airport just outside United, U.S. Air and the International terminal. The BART station at the San Francisco Airport is located just beyond the International Terminal. Take the Red AirTrain from your domestic terminal or walk and follow the signs to the International terminal. The walk takes between 5 minutes (Terminal 3) and 15 minutes (Terminal 1). Take a San Francisco bound BART train to the Embarcadero Station (a 30 minute ride). Get off at Market and Embarcadero. Board a F-Market street car towards Fisherman's Wharf, and get off at the end of the line. From there, walk three blocks to the Hilton. BART costs $8.10 and the street car costs $1.25 per person. For more information see www.bart.gov. From Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco, taxis cost $45.00 and take 40 minutes. Super Shuttles (800-258-3826 or 800-BLUEVAN) cost $26.00 per person and take 1 hour, advance reservations required. Upon arrival at the Oakland Airport, call Super Shuttle for pickup instructions. The Oakland Airport is linked to the Coliseum Station (the nearest BART station) by the AirBART Bus. Take a San Francisco-bound train to the Embarcadero Station (a 30 minute ride). Get off at Market and Embarcadero, and take the F-Market street car towards Fisherman's Wharf, and get off at the end of the line. From there, walk three blocks to the Hilton. BART costs $3.80 and the AirBART Bus costs $2.00 ($.50 for Children & Seniors) per person. For more information see www.bart.gov.
Departure Transfers
The tour operator does not provide departure transfers from the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Super Shuttles cost $14.00 per person and should be arranged in advance through the hotel concierge or by calling Super Shuttle (800-258-3826). Taxis cost $35 to $40.00 and travel can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
What is included in the tour price?
Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.
What is not included in the tour price?
Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porter fees, visas, phones, valet, all items of a personal nature, food and beverages not on the regular menu and tips to the Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour's price.
Are meals included?
Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Most meals are included in the USA and Canada. Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Coffee and tea are provided at all meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.
DEPARTURE DATES May - September
PRICES From approx $1,095 US per person based on double occupancy
Departures on or within the seasons shown will determine the price
More Tours and Cruises Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
