California Dreaming
Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – Monterey – San Francisco
Los Angeles
Hollywood Hills, Movie Stars, iconic palm tree lined boulevards, high end shopping and beaches . The City of Angeles has something for everyone.
6 or 7 days tour
6 days option
Tour starts: Los Angeles, CA
Tour ends: San Francisco, CA
7 days option
Tour starts: Los Angeles, CA
Tour ends: San Francisco, CA
Inclusion
All tours are tailored to the client’s desired standard and specifications but all include:
Hotel accommodation and motorcoach transportation. Admissions to attractions, local guides and meals (incl all taxes and fees) as detailed in the itinerary.
Note: Groups traveling along this route are limited to a maximum of 40 guests per coach as Highway 1 can only be driven with shorter vehicles of up to 12 meter length.
Exclusions
Flights (unless specified for domestic connections), driver, guide and tour escort gratuities.
Tour Highlights
The glittering lights of Hollywood followed by vistas of the endless blue Pacific meandering along the rugged coastal Highway 1 await on this tour, topped off by the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge backdrop against the San Francisco Bay.
Santa Barbara
Once a Spanish mission outpost, now dubbed the riviera of California, is the weekend playground for Hollywood Stars.
Central Coast
Marked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and surrounded by vineyards the many beach towns here are a true representation of the relaxed “California Surfin’” way of life.
Hearst Castle
America’s most glamourous castle will offer you breathtaking views and a glimpse back into the time of old Hollywood.
Monterey
Once a quiet fisherman’s town, now home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
San Francisco
City by the Bay built on 48 hills with crooked Victorian rooflines, wind-sculpted treetops and the endearing sight of the Golden Gate presiding over Angel Island once the gateway for the Asian Pacific immigration boom.
Tour on map
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
Los Angeles
Day 1-2
2
Santa Barbara
Day 3
3
Solvang
Day 3
4
San Luis Obispo
Day 3
5
Hearst Castle
Day 4
6
Big Sur
Day 4
7
Monterey
Day 4
8
San Francisco
Day 5-6-7
Detailed Program
Day 1
Los Angeles arrival
Welcome to the City of Angels where the sun is always shining! After your arrival at Los Angeles International or Ontario airport, transfer to your hotel. The night is yours to enjoy.
Day 2
Los Angeles sightseeing
This morning embark on a city tour of the “Big Orange” a nickname in juxtaposition to the famed “Big Apple” of New York. It was chosen to express that Los Angeles needs to be peeled and parted to be enjoyed. It is not just one, but many different cities. Start in Downtown the hip and happening LA Live, home to the biggest events and games in the city. See Disney Hall built by the famed architect Frank Gehry. Then move to Hollywood, home of the movie industry. Visit the Chinese Theatre with its famed hand and footprints of the stars, meander a bit on the Walk of Fame and perhaps find your favorite star on the sidewalk. At nearby Hollywood&Highland complex you will have a great photo spot to take your selfie with the Hollywood sign as a backdrop. Next is the Farmer’s Market area and museum row (optional add on: Visit one museum), perhaps stop for a picture of the Urban Lights before walking through the Farmers Market and enjoying lunch on own from one the food stands.
Next, see Beverly Hills and get a glimpse of Rodeo Drive before moving to the Beach and Santa Monica which is the end of the famed Route 66. Here take the afternoon at leisure for shopping or perhaps a ride on the iconic Ferris Wheel of the Santa Monica Pier.
The city tour is very customizable and can be modified according to group’s interest.Day 2
Day 3
Los Angeles – Santa Barbara - Solvang - Central Coast/San Luis Obispo area
Today your first highlight will be a trip along the “American Riviera” and to Santa Barabara. Situated on El Camino Real, the historic route connecting California’s chain of 21 missions, this once humble Catholic outpost has transformed into an upscale seaside resort that remains a popular weekend escape for Angelenos.
Enjoy the charm of the Spanish mission-style architecture, mild Mediterranean climate, and stunning ocean views of this historic mission town. Take a brief walking tour through the historic core along State Street before lunch in town (optional add on: A visit to the historic mission with self-guided or docent-guided tour). After lunch continue your tour up the scenic road to Solvang, a charming Danish replica village situated in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. Be sure to taste the exquisite baked goods prepared by Solvang’s renowned bakeries before traveling north to end the day in the San Luis Obispo area of California’s Central Coast.
Day 4
San Luis Obispo Area – Hearst Castle – Big Sur – Monterey
In the morning, tour famous Hearst Castle. The sprawling, beautiful former estate of media mogul William Randolph Hearst offers splendid views of the coast. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the grand rooms inside the famous castle, with time to stroll the garden and pool areas while enjoying panoramic views, before heading north along Pacific Coast Highway 1.
This route will take you along one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes of the world. Stop at Elephant Seal Beach where you can observe hundreds of Elephant seals in a permanent rookery. The coach will take you slowly along the meandering road along Big Sur with ample time for photo stops .Keep your eyes out for California Gray Whales migrating south along the coastline— catching a spouting whale in the distance is an experience you’ll never forget!
Overnight in Monterey, home to the waterfront street immortalized by John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Cannery Row. Enjoy the evening at leisure in this former fisherman’s community.
Day 4
Day 5
Monterey – San Francisco
This morning, your tour will start with 17-Mile Drive. This special stretch of coastal drive meanders through the famed golf resort of Pebble Beach . Here you will have an opportunity to snap a picture of the Lone Cypress, one of the most iconic nature images in the world. Then it is on to San Francisco.
Upon arrival enjoy the local specialty clam chowder in a bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch before heading onto a city tour of this fabulous City. See the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies houses, the curviest street in the world (Lombard Street) Union Square and more.
Day 6
San Francisco Sightseeing or Depart Home
7 Day option: This morning, take the ferry to the notorious prison of Alcatraz. Situated on a small island just off the coast, the federal penitentiary that operated from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to what San Franciscans call “the rock” and was immortalized in many Hollywood movies. The presence of infamous inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud helped to establish the island’s notoriety. Once known as one of the world’s toughest prisons is now a National Recreation Area and award winning museum. An included self-guided audio tour will teach you all about the island’s history.
The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps shopping in the city or at a nearby outlet mall or exploring on own.
Note: Alcatraz Island tours are subject to availability and must often be booked well in advance. In case it is not available groups can take a Bay Cruise instead.
6 Day option: Depending on your scheduled flight time take the morning at leisure or transfer to the airport for your return home
Day 6
Day 7
Depart Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure home.