Itinerary
Day 1 – San Francisco, California
See the best of California on a fun-filled vacation that includes two nights in a national park lodge at the base of Yosemite Falls. Your Golden State adventure begins in San Francisco, the romantic city by the bay. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf. Rooms are available for check-in after 3:00 p.m. Join Caravan for a 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Evening is at leisure to explore San Francisco.
Day 2 – Wine Country
After breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of San Francisco highlights. See Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Golden Gate Park. Then, head over the Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering masterpiece. Continue to Sonoma wine country. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. On your return to San Francisco, stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook. Afternoon and evening at leisure. You may wish to ride a historic cable car, cruise on San Francisco Bay, or dine and shop on Fisherman’s Wharf. B
Day 3 – Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel
This morning, head south along the California coast. Enjoy a train ride through coastal redwoods. Continue to Monterey, home of John Steinbeck, who chronicled the adventures of this colorful fishing village. Free time at Cannery Row. Next, wind along the coast on Pacific Grove’s Sunset Drive. Then, enjoy Monterey’s famous Seventeen Mile Drive. See natural wonders, including Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. Drive by the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, a spectacular drive on the Big Sur, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring coastal drives. On one side is the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean with its pounding surf, dramatic cliffs and endless horizon, and on the other is the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Photo stop at a Big Sur scenic viewpoint. Return north via the Big Sur for a second opportunity to see dramatic vistas. Drive through charming Carmel By The Sea. Overnight on Monterey Bay. B
Day 4 – Yosemite National Park
This morning, pass through the fertile San Joaquin Valley and by the San Luis Reservoir, part of the vast California irrigation project. Arrive at Yosemite National Park for a relaxing two night stay. Your lodge is inside Yosemite Park, and is the closest lodging to the base of Yosemite Falls. Established in 1890, Yosemite’s 1,000 square mile park is an enduring legacy to the conservation efforts of naturalist John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. Brief orientation drive upon arrival. Overnight in Yosemite National Park. B
Day 5 – Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a valley floor orientation drive showcasing the wonders of Yosemite Park. Look for waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, and marvel at the two towering granite monoliths known as Half Dome and El Capitan. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore Yosemite Park. Hike the nature trails through giant cedar, pine, and fir trees or just simply relax in the splendor of Yosemite Park. Your two night stay inside Yosemite allows time for a comprehensive visit. Overnight in Yosemite National Park. B
Day 6 – Hearst Castle, Central Coast
Head south through California’s Central Valley. Stop and look for Elephant Seals resting along a Pacific Ocean beach. Then, enjoy a visit to Hearst Castle. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, politicians and Hollywood movie stars were frequent guests at William Randolph Hearst’s castle. Movie star Cary Grant considered the pool one of the most romantic spots on earth. Continue south. Photo stop at Morro Bay, the Gibraltar of the Pacific. Overnight along California’s Central Coast. B
Day 7 – Santa Barbara, Santa Monica
Morning visit to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Sightseeing drive of downtown Santa Barbara. Photo stop at the Santa Barbara waterfront. Continue south along the Malibu coastline to Santa Monica. Photo stop overlooking Santa Monica Pier, a backdrop for many Hollywood films and TV shows, including “Baywatch.” Continue to your hotel in the fashionable West Side of Los Angeles, near Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay. Evening at leisure. B
Day 8 – Hollywood, Beverly Hills
Explore behind-the-scenes Hollywood on your morning visit to Sony Studios. The studio is home to the popular shows “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy,” as well as many blockbuster movies, including “Spider-Man.” Enjoy a rare glimpse of old Hollywood’s glory days as you walk on sound stages where movie history was made. Then, continue to Hollywood. Stop at the Chinese Theater (Grauman’s). Here you may see the imprints of Jimmy Durante’s nose, John Wayne’s fist, and Betty Grable’s legs. Stroll Hollywood’s most famous sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame. Look for the embedded stars commemorating your favorite entertainers. See the dramatic entrance of the Dolby (Kodak) Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Next, take the Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills and pass Rodeo Drive, America’s most celebrated shopping district. Return to your hotel. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. Farewell dinner tonight. BD
Day 9 – Los Angeles
Your tour ends after breakfast. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. B
Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds, sometimes with a cot or rollaway.
Days 1, 2 – San Francisco
Argonaut Hotel
The Argonaut is a luxury boutique hotel perched on the edge of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf. It is located in the historic Haslett Warehouse, a grand building built in 1907 of exposed brick, Dougas Fir beams, and plenty of seaside character. The hotel’s Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar is a local favorite. The fitness center is open 24/7. In-room spa services include a variety of massages and body wraps. Fully furnished guest rooms include luxury bath amenities, plush bath robes and a yoga mat.
Day 3 – Monterey Bay
Embassy Suites
The Embassy Suites is located on Monterey Bay near Seaside Beach, two miles from Fisherman’s Wharf in historic Monterey. Several restaurants are within walking distance. There is a wonderful paved hiking trail from nearby the hotel to downtown Monterey. The Embassy Suites features an indoor pool, whirl pool, sauna, fitness center and outdoor sun deck.
Days 4, 5 – Yosemite Park
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a national park lodge located in the heart of Yosemite Valley inside Yosemite National Park. Perfect for exploring, the lodge is an easy walk from the base of the waterfalls beneath which it is located and convenient for hiking one of the many trails originating nearby. The main lodge complex emphasizes glass and wood detailing to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The lodge features two dining establishments, a lounge area, a seasonal swimming pool, a gift shop, bike rentals and Wi-Fi. Elevation is approximately 4,000 feet.
Day 6 – Central Coast
Inn at Morro Bay
The Inn at Morro Bay is located along California’s Central Coast at the base of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock and surrounded by 4,000 acre of rugged woodlands. Services and amenities include a heated pool and jacuzzi, restaurant and lounge.
Days 7, 8 – Los Angeles
InterContinental Century City
The InterContinental Century City Hotel is located on the Avenue of the Stars, next door to Fox Studios and adjacent to Beverly Hills. This hotel features a 24-hour fitness center with an outdoor heated infinity pool and deck, sauna and steam room. All rooms have balconies or sun decks.
What is included in the tour price?
Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. Airfare is additional coast. CALL FOR DEPARTURE DATES AND AVAILABLITY