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Day 1
ARRIVE LOS ANGELES (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Los Angeles! Relax, get settled in and perhaps enjoy a stroll through the amazing architecture of downtown LA's high-rise buildings. Tonight, gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 2
LOS ANGELES SIGHTSEEING
As the sun rises on the City of Angels, set out to see some of Hollywood's most famous sites including Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame and the legendary Sunset Strip. See fabulous Rodeo Drive, with all of its exclusive shops and boutiques. At lunchtime, wander around the LA Farmers Market, and be delighted at the food choices offered by local farmers and vendors. This afternoon, experience the Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour and be immersed in the inner sanctum of the entertainment industry.
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Day 3
LOS ANGELES - PALM SPRINGS
Travel east to Palm Springs, a desert oasis known for its crystal blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, palm tree lined streets and starry nights! Visit the Coachella Valley to learn about the local agriculture and date farms in the desert before trying a date shake, a typical treat and Local Speciality of the area. Then discover Palm Spring's mid-century modern architecture reflecting a bygone era when Rat Packers, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin spent time in this sultry desert haven. This evening, ascend two and a half miles to a pristine wilderness aboard the world's largest rotating gondolas. The breathtaking 10 minute ride up the San Jacinto mountains reveals spectacular views and a Highlight Dinner awaits at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 4
PALM SPRINGS - JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK - SANTA BARBARA
Visit Joshua Tree National Park, and discover the Joshua Tree, an important part of the Mojave Desert ecosystem. Learn about the geologic landscape of the park that has long fascinated visitors to this desert. Next head to 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 this afternoon and enjoy the seaside town sometimes referred to as the American Riviera.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 5
SANTA BARBARA - SOLVANG - SHELL BEACH
Walk along the golden coast this morning or enjoy the elegant Spanish Revival architecture of Santa Barbara before visiting the Old Mission and its beautiful grounds and gardens. After, delight in a culinary adventure at a Be My Guest lunch. Your host, a local chef and author, shares the bounty of local, seasonal foods for the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Travel to Solvang, in the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country, to stroll the quaint Danish style village. Continue up the coastline to Shell Beach and arrive at your hotel, perched atop bluffs overlooking some of the world's most unspoiled beaches.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
SHELL BEACH - HEARST CASTLE - MONTEREY (2 NIGHTS)
Travel north to “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 many rooms and acres of gardens and pools—and brings the story of the newspaper magnate to life. Then it's up California's Central Coast Highway 1, hugging the rocky cliffs, high above the dazzling Pacific, to Big Sur. Hidden coves with sandy beaches, towering redwoods touching the sky and sea lions cavorting in the clear waters will take your breath away. Arrive in Monterey, made famous by native Californian author John Steinbeck, and lively, picturesque Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy dinner with your travel companions this evening.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 7
MONTEREY SIGHTSEEING - CARMEL - MONTEREY FREE TIME
Cruise the scenic 17-Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links on the way 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. Back in Monterey, enjoy Cannery Row, where the rest of the day is free. Stroll the shops and restaurants, walk alongside Fisherman's Wharf to hear barking sea lions and watch the fishing boats or maybe visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see marine life in a whole new way.
Day 8
MONTEREY - SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Travel east today through California's Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. Arrive at Sequoia National Park, home to towering trees, spectacular valleys and inspiring waterfalls. As California's very first national park, and the country's second, Sequoia has been a protected place for more than a century. Enjoy dinner at the lodge this evening.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 9
SEQUOIA - KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK - BASS LAKE
Take the scenic ride to Kings Canyon National Park this morning. Here, amidst hundreds of soaring trees as tall as urban skyscrapers, try to wrap your arms around nature's giants, and marvel at the majesty of these amazing trees. With its deep valleys, soaring trees, and distinctive rock outcroppings, few visitors to Kings Canyon National Park are surprised to discover that John Muir once called this place “a rival to Yosemite.” Spend the night at a lakeside resort, amongst the forest of trees on beautiful Bass Lake.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 10
BASS LAKE - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - SAN FRANCISCO (2 NIGHTS)
Travel into magnificent Yosemite National Park, passing the misty splendour of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls. After an exploration of the park you're on your way to San Francisco, stopping to visit the Hilmar Cheese Company. Sample the award-winning American-style cheese and tour the hands-on exhibits displaying the way cheese is made. This Local Speciality cheese has won numerous Gold medals at the California State Fair! This evening, arrive in the City by the Bay and revel in the remarkable tableau of San Francisco's twinkling city lights.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 11
SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING
Take an intimate culinary stroll through San Francisco's famed Ferry Building Marketplace. Here, discover a Local Speciality where business owners, artisans and purveyors share their personal stories and their passion for local, organic food. Then embark on a city exploration that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to the magnificent Golden Gate Park, stopping at the Cable Car Museum for a Unique Insight. There's a story around every corner of the city, and the rest of the day you have time to follow your own path. Take a ride on a Cable Car, visit Pier 39 for unparalleled bay views, shopping, dining and entertainment or just stroll historic Fisherman's Wharf!
Day 12
SAN FRANCISCO - SONOMA - NAPA (2 NIGHTS)
Travel inland into wine country and the beautiful Sonoma Valley, taking in breathtaking views at every turn. The sun-dappled fields, lush vineyards and fragrant flowers provide an idyllic backdrop for your next adventure. Enjoy a Local Speciality during a visit to an olive press to tour and learn about the harvesting process and making of olive oil. This afternoon find yourself in historic Sonoma Plaza, flanked by the Presidio and Mission San Francisco de Solano – the last California mission built – where you can browse the unique shops.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 13
NAPA
Relish a free morning in Napa on your own. Stroll downtown Napa in search of food and wine tastings at its world-renowned wineries and outstanding restaurants. Tour a local winery before joining your fellow travellers for wine tasting and a Farewell Dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy dinner in the lovingly restored Pullman cars for a taste of the golden age of rail travel. Travel through the beautiful vineyards, in one of Napa's most distinctive restaurants.
Day 14
NAPA - DEPART SAN FRANCISCO
Travel back to the City by the Bay stopping first for a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory. See a real working candy factory, a Local Speciality, where over 150 different sweet treats are created. Learn the secrets of the legendary jelly bean, and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. Say farewell to your new found friends today as your journey comes to an end with a complimentary transfer to San Francisco International Airport or to the hotel in San Francisco if you choose to extend your stay.