California Classics

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Detailed Trip Description

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, see the famous sights of California on this best selling nine-day vacation. Visit Fisherman's Wharf and cruise across the bay before enjoying a hilltop luncheon and wine tasting in the Sonoma Valley. Next, sightsee in Yosemite National Park, with its spectacular lakes, meadows, and waterfalls. Scenic 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific coast offers amazing views of Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, and the Lone Cypress. And you'll see the resort towns of Carmel and Monterey before traveling to San Simeon to explore the Hearst Castle. Visits to the Danish town of Solvang and Spanish Santa Barbara are also included before touring the famous landmarks of Los Angeles.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Welcome to the Golden State!
Hotels

Welcome to the Golden State! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6:30 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR). Hotel : San Francisco Marriott (SF)

San Francisco, California, United States Hotels picture

Day 2 - San Francisco, California, United States

 
Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more.

Sea Cruises

Afterward, enjoy a spectacular CRUISE across San Francisco Bay.

Museums

Still plenty of time for pursuing your favorite interests and activities—ride the world-famous cable cars, shop in Union Square, or visit the Museum of Modern Art. (B)


Day 3 - Napa, California, United States

 
San Francisco–Sonoma–Napa.
Sightseeing

This morning, visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito, located near the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. After free time to explore this Mediterranean-style village with its trendy shops, galleries, and breathtaking views, continue to California’s famous wine-making region.

Wine

Today’s highlight features an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and WINE TASTING under olive trees and grape trellises at Viansa Winery. The balance of the day is at leisure in Napa. (B,L). Hotel : Napa Valley Marriott (SF)


Day 4 - Yosemite Ntl Park, California, United States

 
Napa–Yosemite National Park.
National Parks

Depart Napa for the Sierra Nevadas and sightsee in YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Yosemite has innumerable lakes, meadows, ice-sculptured domes, forests, waterfalls, and unspoiled alpine scenery. (B,D). Hotel : Yosemite View Lodge (F)


Day 5 - Monterey, California, United States

 
Yosemite–Carmel–Monterey.
Sightseeing

A highpoint on today’s journey is the beautiful 17-Mile Drive, with views of famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and the tenacious Lone Cypress. Enjoy a visit to the resort town of Carmel, a popular retreat haven for writers, artists, and celebrities. Then on to Monterey and Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck. (B). Hotel : Hilton Garden Inn (F)


Day 6 - Monterey, California, United States

 
Monterey–San Simeon–Solvang.
Sightseeing

This morning, journey south to San Simeon and visit HEARST CASTLE, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, which houses splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. The tour shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate. Then to your resort hotel near Solvang. (B,D). Hotel : Santa Ynez Marriott (F)


Day 7 - Los Angeles, California, United States

 
Solvang–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles.
Sightseeing

Visit downtown SOLVANG, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. Free time to browse through the charming shops featuring Danish imports and rich pastries. Through the Santa Ynez Mountains to beautiful Santa Barbara, where the Spanish influence is apparent in quaint whitewashed and tile-roofed buildings. Visit the impressive 200 year-old MISSION, with its world-famous twin bell towers. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wharf. Hollywood celebrities’ homes dot the shoreline from Malibu to Santa Monica on your way to metropolitan Los Angeles, the motion picture capital of the world. (B). Hotel : Los Angeles Marriott (D)


Day 8 - Los Angeles, California, United States

 
Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Mann’s Chinese Theater, and see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Afternoon at leisure to take advantage of an optional excursion to Universal Studios or Historic Hollywood.

This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell celebration dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)


Day 9 - Los Angeles, California, United States

 
Airport Transfers

The vacation ends this morning after breakfast with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)


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