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8-Nights Best of California from $5,245
Insight Vacations
OFFER ID 1556424
Best Of California
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- Los Angeles: Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrace the tradition of filmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- Santa Barbara: Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop.
- Santa Barbara: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Los Angeles: Enjoy a globally inspired menu in the heart of downtown at Joey DTLA.
- Pismo Beach: Enjoy a seasonal three-course dinner at a local hot spot.
- San Francisco: Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner experience. Restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Food Guide, received numerous accolades within the restaurant industry, and ranked #5 best new restaurant in 2019.
- Los Angeles: Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrace the tradition of filmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- Santa Barbara: Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop.
- Santa Barbara: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- San Francisco: Meet a local baker and see how real sourdough is made.
- Sausalito: Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and experience the charming seaside town of Sausalito.
- Yosemite National Park: Meet a local naturalist guide to learn how rock-climbers help preserve and protect Yosemite's ecosystem. Your visit contributes to the Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the park, and targets United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land improving, protecting, and conserving wildlife and/or restores natural ecosystems.
- Los Angeles: Explore the rich culture, history, and architecture of downtown Los Angeles from the 18th century to the present with the LA Conservancy - a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks. Experience a bit of nostalgia in Downtown as you ride aboard the lovingly restored Angel's Flight Railway - the shortest railway system built in the 20th century. Continue your journey through DTLA exploring iconic places like Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, the Bradbury Buidling, and the US Bank Tower.
- Paso Robles: In the heart of the lovely Paso Robles wine country lies the beautiful Pasolivo ranch which has been producing award-winning California olive oil and welcoming visitors to their orchards and olive oil tasting room for over a decade. Be introduced to Pasolivo and its history, followed by a short walk to the olive groves. Learn about how olives are grown, milled, and pressed. Afterwards, enjoy a structured olive oil tasting including four olive oils, spices, vinegars, breads.
- Yosemite National Park: The stunning Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Many feel the 1,800 year old Grizzly Giant is worth the visit all by itself. It measures 209 feet high with a circumference of 96 feet. Includes Big Trees Loop (.3 miles), Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles). Without shuttle access it's a 4-mile roundtrip hike to Mariposa Grove from parking area. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for ""public use, resort, and recreation."" This landmark le
8 nights from $5,245 per person
Insight Vacations: Best of California
Day 1 - Welcome to Los Angeles
Los Angeles conjures up notions of Hollywood glamour, gorgeous beaches and multi-faceted neighborhoods. With over 100 museums and 2754 names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the City of Angels offers plenty of sights to tempt curious travelers. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Los Angeles Sightseeing
A nostalgic ride on the city's landmark Angel's Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia marks the beginning of your insightful journey into the City of Angels. As you continue through Downtown LA, learn about the history and architecture of the city from 18th Century to today as you explore the Grand Central Market, Bradbury Building and US Bank Tower. In legendary Hollywood, get up close and personal taking photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and strolling along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood’s most sought-after theater for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, learn the insights into the history of filmmaking at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Tonight, Los Angeles is yours to explore on your own with an abundance of dining options.
Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Journey to the American Riviera
Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of road hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance. Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. Explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.
Accommodations: Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Discover California's Central Coast Relaxed Start
This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Vespera Resort, Pismo Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5 - Giant Sequoias
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop will be the stunning Mariposa Grove (seasonal), the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." It's most famous resident, The Grizzly Giant, is an 1,800-year-old sequoia tree, measuring 209 feet (64 m) high with a circumference of 96 feet (29 m). Once you've settled into your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the nearly 2500 foot (762 meters) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.
Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
Join the Yosemite Conversancy and meet a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, you'll see the famed El Capitan which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment.
Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - On to San Francisco
Travel towards the West Coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colorful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Get Insider Access and learn how real sourdough bread is made with a baker at Boudin Bakery, a San Francisco staple since 1849. In the afternoon, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and experience the charming seaside town of Sausalito. Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9 - Farewell California
It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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