The Californian

Tour Information

9 night Tour Begins San Diego, Ends San Francisco: 2 nights San Diego; 2 nights Los Angeles;1 night Cambria; 1 night Monterey; 1 night Yosemite National Park; 2 nights San Francisco.

Experience all the sights and sounds of California on this incredible journey as you travel from scenic San Diego to cosmopolitan San Francisco. Stroll through the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, look out for celebrities in Hollywood, view the spectacular landscapes at Yosemite National Park and sample delectable wines in the renowned Californian Wine Country.

Day 1

Fly from the UK - San Diego
Welcome to San Diego! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (MD)

Day 2

San Diego Sightseeing & at Leisure
From the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park, San Diego entices visitors and locals alike with a combination of fascinating history, lively street life and some of the best weather in the country. Get acquainted with the city on a guided orientation tour and then enjoy some leisure time to do some shopping, visit the San Diego Zoo or cruise the picturesque harbour. This evening, join your travelling companions for a Highlight Dinner in the waterfront wonderland of Seaport Village.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 3

SAN DIEGO - SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - LOS ANGELES
Travelling up the sun-kissed coast past the beachside community of La Jolla, arrive in San Juan Capistrano, home to the second oldest Spanish mission in California. Visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Spectacularly located on a hill above west Los Angeles sits the Getty Center and its world-renowned collection of classical and modern art. Stroll around the grounds admiring paintings and sculptures, the magnificent gardens and the views. Enjoy an evening at leisure in the City of Angels.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City (F)

Day 4

LOS ANGELES SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Immerse yourself in Tinseltown today – cruise around Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard, spot the Hollywood sign and look for your stars along the Walk of Fame. See Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, opened in 1927 and home to hundreds of premieres and three Academy Award ceremonies. Then, be treated to a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, which is the current home of the Oscars. If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, you’ll find plenty of choices to sate your appetite at the historic LA Farmers Market with its collection of restaurants and shops. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city: perhaps set out for some people watching and beach combing at Venice Beach or browse the shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 5

LOS ANGELES - SANTA BARBARA - CAMBRIA
After a leisurely morning, wind your way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara, situated between the expansive Pacific and chaparral-clad hills of Los Padres National Forest. Savour some time to relax and enjoy lunch before continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway to the beautiful seaside village of Cambria. This evening, toast to your travels with a wine pairing at a convivial dinner.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Cambria Pines Lodge (F)

Day 6

CAMBRIA - SAN SIMEON - CARMEL - MONTEREY
Begin your day at “La Cuesta Encantada” — the enchanted hill — upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. An expert guide leads you through the property with its 165 rooms and acres of gardens and pools — and brings the story of the newspaper magnate to life. Then it’s on through the lush vineyards of California’s Central Coast to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the many shops, wander down to the water’s edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone Cypress tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author John Steinbeck, and lively, picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Marriott Monterey (SF)

Day 7

MONTEREY - SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce. Ascend the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada on your way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, which John Muir called “the hope of the world.” In the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, pass the misty splendour of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls, gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome and take a leisurely stroll by the sparkling Merced River.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge (MF)

Day 8

YOSEMITE - NAPA SONOMA VALLEYS - SAN FRANCISCO
Descend from the mountains and head north to Sonoma, where you visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and an alfresco Be My Guest Lunch, featuring local wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and cured meats. Cruise the scenic Carneros Highway through Napa before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, take an optional guided tour of the largest Chinatown in the United States. Sample fortune cookies and browse traditional apothecary shops — and then celebrate your discoveries at a sumptuous Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. After dinner, revel in the remarkable tableau of San Francisco’s twinkling city lights.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco (MD)

Day 9

SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from Fisherman’s Wharf to the magnificent Golden Gate, and from crooked Lombard Street to fashionable Alamo Square. There’s a story around every corner of San Francisco, and you have some time this afternoon to follow your own path before toasting your companions during a festive Farewell Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 10

DEPART SAN FRANCISCO
A complimentary transfer is provided to San Francisco International Airport.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 11

Arrive back in the UK

What's Included

• Return scheduled transatlantic flights from the UK
• Professional Tour Director
• First Class hotel accommodation in hotels listed or of a similar standard
• Sightseeing and excursions including:
• San Diego Tour the city’s major attractions.
• San Juan Capistrano Visit this famous historic mission.
• Hollywood Visit the Kodak Theatre; see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Los Angeles Drive along the Sunset Strip and see Beverly Hills; visit The Getty Center.
• Santa Barbara Visit this beautiful beach resort dubbed "America’s Riviera."
• Cambria Overnight in this quaint seaside city.
• San Simeon Join a guided tour of Hearst Castle.
• Central Coast Drive through the scenic vineyards of Central California.
• Carmel Stroll down Ocean Avenue past quaint stores and art galleries.
• Monterey Peninsula Travel along the fabled 17 Mile Drive.
• Monterey See Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• San Joaquin Valley Drive through California’s breadbasket.
• Yosemite National Park See Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
• Napa Sonoma Valleys Drive along the scenic Carneros Highway and visit a winery.
• San Francisco Enjoy a city tour including the city’s most famous landmarks.
• Audio Headsets For all guided visits and included sightseeing
• Meals as detailed in itinerary