When you hum along to California Dreamin’ on the radio, what wistful wonders come to mind? Giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park? Big reds in Sonoma? Mega stars in Los Angeles? Colossal mansions that dot the entire Pacific coastline? From the City by the Bay to the City of Angels, this ten-day tour of California reveals every heavenly sight that earned the Golden State its name. Yosemite’s Cathedral Spires, 17-Mile Drive’s Lone Cypress, and San Simeon’s Hearst Castle are just a few you’ll want your camera ready for. Between the high energy of Silicon Valley and the high style of Beverly Hills, this encompassing California vacation weaves in plenty of kickback time with visits to a Sonoma vineyard, the quiet Danish village of Solvang, and the tony resort zip codes of Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Don’t forget your shades.
From San Francisco to Los Angeles; 10 days; 7 cities
Highlights:
- World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
- We’ve vetted and hand-selected the best hotels around the world with location, comfort, and style in mind. Enjoy first-class hotels in each destination, and check in with the confidence that we’ve already checked everything out for your comfort and convenience.
Day 1: Welcome to San Francisco!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: City by the Bay
Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Free time this afternoon to explore the city. Ride the world-famous cable cars, shop in Union Square, or visit the Museum of Modern Art. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Day 3: Vineyards & Views
Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge this morning to the charming town of Sausalito. Continue to Sonoma for lunch on your own. Visit a local vineyard for a tour and tasting.
Day 4: The Mountains are Calling
Travel eastward through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Free time this evening.
Day 5: Giants of the Land and Sea
Before departing Yosemite National Park, visit Mariposa Grove, home to many old-growth sequoias. Stand in awe as you look skyward at these massive giants, one of the Earth’s largest and longest living organisms. Then, on to Monterey, home to the famed Cannery Row.
Day 6: Cottages & Cypress Trees
This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a visit to the resort town of Carmel with a scenic drive along the famed 17-Mile Drive. Return to Monterey for free time before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: California Gold
Journey south through Big Sur to San Simeon and visit Hearst Castle. Continue to Solvang for a free evening.
Day 8: Treasures & Traditions
Explore the Danish town of Solvang and enjoy a Globus Local Favorite Danish specialty at a local bakery. Then, travel through the Santa Ynez Mountains to beautiful Santa Barbara to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Continue to metropolitan Los Angeles, the motion picture capital of the world.
Day 9: California Traditions
Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. See the Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills. Later, visit the Getty Museum. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Los Angeles and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: GJ
