Day 1
Fly to San Diego
On arrival at San Diego International Airport, independently make your way to your hotel for your first night. For ease of travel, we can pre-book your overseas airport transfers to your hotel at a supplement. Early evening, meet up with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception including drinks and a light informal meal.
Overnight: Intercontinental San Diego. Welcome dinner with wine included
Day 2
San Diego, then journey by Pacific Surfliner train to Los Angeles
This morning explore “Americas Finest City” as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Discover the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego, then continue to Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19 century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.
This afternoon, you will board the Pacific Surfliner train and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as tavel along the coast, through Orange County to the Mission Moderne-style Union Station in Los Angeles.
Overnight: Intercontinental Los Angeles. Breakfast included
Day 3
Los Angeles
An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the French Baroque inspired Los Angeles Theatre for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie theatres palaces of the Broadway District. Next stop is Hollywood - take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame.
This afternoon you have a choice of excursions – you can visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum or head to the brand new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Another option is to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a fantastic collection of artworks from ancient times to modern day.
To top off your perfect day, dine at Nick and Stef’s, an outstanding steak house in Downtown Los Angeles.
Overnight: Intercontinental Los Angeles. Breakfast and Dinner with wine included
Day 4
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara by Pacific Surfliner train
Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving to at the coast and follow the Pacific shoreline to Santa Barbara.
On arrival, spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and restaurants before further exploring Santa Barbara with a choice of excursions. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, or take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.
Overnight: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Breakfast included
Day 5
Santa Barbara – Paso Robles Wine Country by Pacific Surfliner
Join the Pacific Surfliner one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo central California. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon visit the Eberle Winery for a tour of the vineyard and the unique underground caves.
Tonight, savour a delicious and creative dinner at the Downtown Thomas Hill Organics Farm-To-Table restaurant.
Overnight: Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Breakfast & Dinner with wine included
Day 6
Paso Robles – Yosemite National Park
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park. En route stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet tall. Enjoy two nights in Yosemite.
Overnight: Yosemite Valley Lodge. Breakfast included
Day 7
Yosemite National Park
Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet. See the Half Dome, a rock formation with a distinct shape, and El Capitan, a granite rock monolith rising 3000 feet above the valley floor. Take in the spectacular scenery from Tunnel View, encompassing towering mountains, dense forests and the Bridalveil Falls.
Spend the rest of your day at leisure or maybe choose to join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery
Overnight: Yosemite Valley Lodge. Breakfast included
Day 8
Yosemite – San Francisco
Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurant, 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.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero. Breakfast included
Day 9
San Francisco
This morning, take your chance to visit the Ferry Building across the road 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, Golden Gate Park, the SoMa District and Mission Bay.
Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavours in the area best known for creative ice cream parlours, craft doughnut shops, independent cafes and the best Mexican bites. Visit Balmy Alley and see the most concentrated collection of urban murals in the city.
Tonight, toast to your travels at a local restaurant at your Celebration Dinner
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero. Breakfast and Dinner with wine included
Day 10
Fly home
After breakfast, make your way independently to San Francisco airport for your flight home.
Breakfast included
