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Day 1
ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the City by the Bay! Take your complimentary transfer to the hotel, perfectly situated right on the Embarcadero waterfront. Gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow adventure-seekers for a Kick-off Party at 6 p.m.
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
SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Let's see if you'll leave your heart in this great city! See the many city sights, including Pier 39's sea lions, known as the "Sea Lebrities," the "Painted Ladies" of Alamo Square and so much more! One of the most exciting spots in town is the California Academy of Sciences—an aquarium, a planetarium and a natural history museum all rolled into one. You'll be among the 40,000 creatures that creep, crawl, fly, slither, waddle and swim in this one-of-a-kind museum. Dinner this evening is a delicious chinese banquet Highlight Dinner in Chinatown. But first, explore the many alleys and stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. You're in luck—these famous Local Specialities, fortune cookies, are as fresh as they come!
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Day 3
SAN FRANCISCO - GOLD COUNTRY - LAKE TAHOE
Head toward Sacramento and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. This is where gold was found in 1848, spurring the legendary Gold Rush. Learn golden nuggets of knowledge as you visit a replica of the mill and see if you can strike it rich panning for gold! Later, continue to Lake Tahoe, where you'll be treated to heavenly views from the Lake Tahoe Gondola. Save some pixels on that camera, because coming up is the 2,781-metre high observation platform on The Deck.
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
LAKE TAHOE - MONO LAKE - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)
Now it's time to venture to another planet—or at least a place that looks like another planet. Between one and three million years old, Mono Lake seems to come from another place, thanks to its odd-looking limestone formations called "tufa towers." Learn about the lake's history at the Mono Lake Visitor Centre and get interesting accounts about its history, geology and rich birdlife from an expert naturalist. Next, travel over the Tioga Pass (weather permitting) to Yosemite National Park. Gather 'round a Local Expert and learn about the park's famous black bears and why you better not leave out any picnic baskets.
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
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is awesome! You and your wide-eyed compadres will be introduced to Yosemite Valley's most famous icons as you ride aboard a private open-air tram while a Park Ranger gives you the scoop on the park's history, geology, and plant and animal life. Be sure to take the easy hike to the Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the United States. This afternoon is free to pursue your own interests! You might want to take a bike ride on 19 kilometres (12 miles) of paved trail, rent a raft for a float down the Merced River or attend one of the many ranger presentations offered daily. Your Travel Director will be on hand to help you plan your day! This evening, after a yummy barbecue Highlight Dinner, enjoy gooey s'mores around the campfire.
Day 6
YOSEMITE - SALINAS VALLEY - CARMEL - MONTEREY (2 NIGHTS)
Head west today into Salinas Valley, also known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," where you join an agricultural education tour to discover what makes Monterey County the number one vegetable growing region in the world. Later, when approaching the breathtaking California coast, look out for the Lone Cypress Tree along 17-Mile Drive, a stunning coastline rich in marine life and beautiful mansions. Drive along the top-ranked Pebble Beach Golf Links and wonder how anyone can focus on their swing with such amazing views to distract them! Spend some free time exploring the village of Carmel, where quaint cottages look like they've been plucked from the pages of a storybook. Travel on to Monterey, where John Steinbeck's life and work come to life at Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
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 & FREE TIME
There's something special in store for you today—a private behind-the-scenes look at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Before the aquarium even opens, this exciting tour gives you a chance to interact with staff and see the marine life in a whole new way. Afterward, enjoy free time to take in the aquarium's various exhibits at your own pace. Discover the Giant Octopus which, in the open ocean, can grow up to 9 metres (30 feet) long and weigh nearly 272 kilograms (600 pounds); the Kelp Forest, one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world; the stunning one-million gallon Outer Bay, home to giant tunas, sharks and turtles; or maybe explore the ocean at Splash Zone, where you can dive into a kelp forest and see sharks and penguins. Later, you have a choice of included activities—you might take a kayak for a paddle on Monterey Bay or hop on a bicycle and pedal from Cannery Row to the Pacific Grove Lighthouse! Tonight, gather up the gang and head to the beach for a classic Beach Party Farewell Dinner complete with grass huts, tiki torches and a roaring bonfire. Enjoy a scrumptious barbecue and ice cream sundae bar, followed by delectable s'mores and games of beach volleyball and bocce!
Day 8
MONTEREY - ROARING CAMP - DEPART SAN FRANCISCO
Heading inland towards the Santa Cruz mountains, arrive at Roaring Camp, the coolest train depot this side of the Mississippi. Here you'll ride into the past aboard an authentic narrow-gauge steam train that'll take you over trestles and through towering California Redwood groves. Along the way, conductors narrate the history of the railroad and surrounding giants of the forest. As the train hisses to a stop, it'll be time to disembark into the 21st century and conclude your amazing California adventure. A complimentary transfer will take you to San Francisco International Airport and, for guests extending their stay, back to the hotel in San Francisco. Please do not schedule any flights before 4:30 p.m.