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9-Nights Best of California from $5,195
Insight Vacations
OFFER ID 1505901
Best Of California
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from San Diego to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- Los Angeles: Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrace the tradition of filmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- Santa Barbara: Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop.
- Santa Barbara: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Los Angeles: Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country's great dining destinations. Tonight we'll visit a popular restaurant highlighting LA's local culture and cuisine. Sol Agave - is an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out losing the authenticity of MEXICO!
- San Francisco: Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner experience. Restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Food Guide, received numerous accolades within the restaurant industry, and ranked #5 best new restaurant in 2019.
- Los Angeles: Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrace the tradition of filmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- Santa Barbara: Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop.
- Santa Barbara: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- Yosemite National Park: Meet a local naturalist guide to learn how rock-climbers help preserve and protect Yosemite's ecosystem. Your visit contributes to the Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the park, and targets United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land improving, protecting, and conserving wildlife and/or restores natural ecosystems.
- San Diego: Board your coach and enjoy far-reaching ocean vistas as your journey takes you along the coast to Los Angeles.
- Los Angeles: Explore the rich culture, history, and architecture of downtown Los Angeles from the 18th century to the present with the LA Conservancy - a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks. Experience a bit of nostalgia in Downtown as you ride aboard the lovingly restored Angel's Flight Railway - the shortest railway system built in the 20th century. Continue your journey through DTLA exploring iconic places like Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, the Bradbury Buidling, and the US Bank Tower.
- Paso Robles: In the heart of the lovely Paso Robles wine country lies the beautiful Pasolivo ranch which has been producing award-winning California olive oil and welcoming visitors to their orchards and olive oil tasting room for over a decade. Be introduced to Pasolivo and its history, followed by a short walk to the olive groves. Learn about how olives are grown, milled, and pressed. Afterwards, enjoy a structured olive oil tasting including four olive oils, spices, vinegars, breads.
- Yosemite National Park: The stunning Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Many feel the 1,800 year old Grizzly Giant is worth the visit all by itself. It measures 209 feet high with a circumference of 96 feet. Includes Big Trees Loop (.3 miles), Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles). Without shuttle access it's a 4-mile roundtrip hike to Mariposa Grove from parking area. In 1864 President Lincoln signed l
9 nights from $5,195 per person
Insight Vacations: Best of California
Day 1 - Welcome to San Diego
Kick off your trip at your downtown hotel neighboring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, putting you right in the soul of the city.Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Kimpton Alma, San Diego
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - San Diego Sightseeing
Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavors at one of the popular eateries. This afternoon, board your coach and enjoy far reaching ocean views as you travel up the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles. The evening is at your leisure.
Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Los Angeles Sightseeing
An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue your journey through Downtown Los Angeles exploring Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and US Bank Tower while learning about the history and architecture from the 18th-century to the present. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood’s most sought-after theater for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country's great dining destinations. Tonight we'll visit a popular restaurant highlighting LA's local culture and cuisine. Sol Agave is an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out losing the authenticity of MEXICO!
Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - Journey to the American Riviera
Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of road hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance. Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. Explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.
Accommodations: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Discover California's Central Coast Relaxed Start
This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded around the mission by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Giant Sequoias
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop will be the stunning Mariposa Grove (seasonal), the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for public use, resort, and recreation. Its most famous resident, The Grizzly Giant, is an 1,800-year-old sequoia tree, measuring 209ft (64m) high with a circumference of 96ft (29m). Once you've settled into your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the nearly 2500ft (762m) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.
Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
Join the Yosemite Conversancy and meet a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, you'll see the famed El Capitan which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment.
Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Day 8 - On to San Francisco
Travel towards the West Coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colorful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. In the afternoon, explore the Castro District with a Local Expert. Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum Celebration Dinner.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10 - Farewell California
It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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EJS Travel LLC
(616) 214-8995