Best of California

Tour Information

8nt Tour Begins San Francisco, Ends Los Angeles: 2nts San Francisco; 1nt Sonoma; 1nt Yosemite National Park; 1nt Monterey; 1nt Santa Barbara; 2nts Los Angeles

Experience the sights, sounds, tastes and pleasures of the Golden State of California. From its stunning shorelines and beaches to its outstanding natural beauty and its vibrant, bustling cities. Soak up the glamour of Hollywood or visit world-renowned museums and aquaria. Revel in award-winning wines and superb cuisine. California is a sun soaked feast for the senses!

Day 1

UK - SAN FRANCISCO
Enjoy your complimentary V.I.P. Door to Door transfer to your departure airport before your scheduled flight to San Francisco. A complimentary transfer is provided to your first hotel where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink at the hotel. Hotel: The Stanford Court Renaissance San Francisco Hotel

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 Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant.

Day 3

SAN FRANCISCO - NAPA & SONOMA
This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country, Napa Valley. After free time in Napa, step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Later, drive along the scenic Carneros Highway to Sonoma Valley and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening is at leisure. Hotel: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Day 4

SONOMA - YOSEMITE
Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor 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 highest waterfall in North America.
Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls

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 fruit 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 Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. 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: InterContinental the Clement Monterey

Day 6

MONTEREY - SANTA BARBARA
Head south this morning and 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. For your Dine-Around dinner this evening, choose from a selection of excellent local restaurants.
Hotel: Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort

Day 7

SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES
Visit 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 popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city’s newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination.
Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A.

Day 8

HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING
Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized mini-coaches, 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. This afternoon, why not join an optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour?

Day 9

RETURN TO UK
As your California holiday comes to an end, a complimentary transfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided, unless you would like to extend your holiday to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure.

Day 10

ARRIVE UK
On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will your waiting car for your return V.I.P door to door transfer home.

What's Included

Included Premium Highlights

• Travel through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
• Tour a winery and enjoy wine tasting in California’s premier wine growing district
• Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst
• Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions
• Explore the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art
• Board specialized mini-coaches for a cruise through Beverly Hills past the homes and mansions of celebrities past and present
• Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre

Included Personal Insights

• Enjoy a walk with your Tour Director through San Francisco’s Chinatown to learn more about the famous streets, alleyways, buildings, restaurants and shops
• One of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s docents engages you with an interesting presentation about the amazing array of fish, animal and plant exhibits

Included additional Excursions & Sights

• See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
• Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Sonoma Plaza
• Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Yosemite National Park
• Visit picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue
• Take the scenic 17 Mile Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Links and fabulous mansions
• Drive down Santa Barbara’s State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf
• Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities’ beachfront homes
• Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
• Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s
• Chinese Theatre

Included First Class Services

• Welcome Drink reception
• Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
• Escorted by a professional Tour Director - Maximum group size of 40 people
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
• First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Document wallet, Welcome on Tour book with map and information pack

Included Quality Dining

• 2 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco and Monterey (HD) plus choose from a selection of restaurants on a Dine-Around evening in Santa Barbara (DA)
• 8 Full Breakfasts (B) and 1 Lunch onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (L)

VIP Door to Door Transfers

• Complimentary private door to door transfers included within 100 miles of your local airport