The Californian 2013

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Downtown Los Angeles, USASanta Monica Pier in California, USAFisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, USAPier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, USAGolden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USAYosemite National Park in California, USA
Downtown Los Angeles, USA
Santa Monica Pier in California, USA
Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, USA
Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, USA
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA
Yosemite National Park in California, USA
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE SAN DIEGO (2 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to San Diego! Get acclimated with the hotel and relax. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow companions at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (MD)

    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 DIEGO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    From the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park, San Diego entices visitors and locals alike with a combination of fascinating history, lively street life and some of the best weather in the country. Get acquainted with the city on a guided orientation tour and then enjoy some free time to do some shopping, visit the San Diego Zoo or cruise the picturesque harbour. This evening, join your travelling companions for dinner.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

  • Day 3

    SAN DIEGO - SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - LOS ANGELES (2 NIGHTS)

    Travel up the sun-kissed coast to San Juan Capistrano, home to the seventh oldest Spanish mission in California. Visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Stop and grab a bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica before a visit to The Getty Center. Spectacularly located on a hill above west Los Angeles sits its world-renowned collection of classical and modern art. Stroll around the grounds admiring paintings and sculptures, the magnificent gardens and the views. Enjoy an evening on your own in the City of Angels.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City (F)

    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

    LOS ANGELES SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    Immerse yourself in Tinseltown today. See Grauman's Chinese Theater, opened in 1927 and home to hundreds of premieres and three Academy Award ceremonies, and then be treated to a private tour of the Kodak Theater, which is the current home of the Oscars. Spot the Hollywood sign and look for your favourite stars along the Walk of Fame. Cruise Sunset Boulevard, as you make your way to Beverly Hills and view the high-end shops of Rodeo Drive. If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, you'll find plenty of choices to sate your appetite at the historic LA Farmers Market with its colourful collection of restaurants and shops. The rest of the day is on your own.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 5

    LOS ANGELES - SANTA BARBARA - CAMBRIA

    After a leisurely morning, wind your way up 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 and enjoy lunch before continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway to the beautiful seaside village of Cambria. This evening, toast to your travels at a convivial dinner.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Cambria Pines Lodge (F)

    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

    CAMBRIA - SAN SIMEON - CARMEL - MONTEREY

    Begin your day at "La Cuesta Encantada"—the enchanted hill—upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. A guide leads you through the property with its 165 rooms and acres of gardens, and pools—and brings the story of the newspaper publisher to life. Then it's on through the lush vineyards of California's Central Coast 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. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author John Steinbeck, and lively, picturesque Fisherman's Wharf.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Marriott Monterey (SF)

    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 - SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

    Head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce. Ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada on your way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, which John Muir called "the hope of the world". In the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, pass the misty splendour of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls, gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome and take a stroll by the sparkling Merced River.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (SF)

    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 8

    YOSEMITE - SONOMA & NAPA VALLEYS - SAN FRANCISCO (2 NIGHTS)

    Descend from the mountains and head north to Sonoma, where you visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and an alfresco Be My Guest lunch featuring a wine tasting and local wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and cured meats. Cruise the scenic Carneros Highway through Napa before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, take an optional guided tour of the oldest Chinatown in the United States, followed by a Chinese banquet dinner.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest)

    Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco (MD)

    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

    SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you to see the sights of San Francisco from Fisherman's Wharf to the fashionable Alamo Square. There's a story around every corner of San Francisco, and you have some time this afternoon to follow your own path before toasting your travelling companions during a festive Farewell Dinner.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

  • Day 10

    DEPART SAN FRANCISCO

    Your journey comes to an end with a complimentary transfer to San Francisco International Airport.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Take an exclusive tour of a family-owned winery in Sonoma and enjoy an alfresco lunch with wine and the vineyards as your backdrop.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • San DiegoTour the city's major attractions.
  • San Juan CapistranoVisit this famous historic mission.
  • HollywoodVisit the Kodak Theater; see Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Los AngelesDrive along the Sunset Strip and see Beverly Hills; visit The Getty Center.
  • Santa BarbaraVisit this beautiful beach resort dubbed "America's Riviera."
  • CambriaOvernight in this quaint seaside city.
  • San SimeonJoin a guided tour of Hearst Castle.
  • Central CoastDrive through the scenic vineyards of Central California.
  • CarmelStroll down Ocean Avenue past quaint stores and art galleries.
  • Monterey PeninsulaTravel along the fabled 17-Mile Drive.
  • MontereySee Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
  • San Joaquin ValleyDrive through California's breadbasket.
  • Yosemite National ParkSee Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
  • Napa/Sonoma ValleysDrive along the scenic Carneros Highway and visit a winery.
  • San FranciscoEnjoy a city tour including the city's most famous landmarks.

Dining

  • 9 full breakfasts

  • Be My Guest lunch with wine in Sonoma

  • 4 evening meals:

  • Welcome Reception with light appertisers and drinks with your Travel Director in San Diego

  • 2 three-course dinners
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in San Francisco

Travel Highlights

  • First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and onboard restroom
  • The services of one of our professional Travel Directors throughout your journey
  • 9 nights First Class accommodation
  • Airport Transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 10
  • Complimentary keepsake photo and My Journey book
  • Audio HeadsetsFor all guided visits and included sightseeing

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
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  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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