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The Californian
10 DAYS FROM £2349
From San Diego drive north, following America's most famous coastline, taking in Los Angeles, 17-Mile Drive, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley and concluding in San Francisco.
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Tour Pace
Leisurely Lively
Tour experience
Scenic City
Included Sightseeing
- San Diego Tour the city's major attractions.
- San Juan Capistrano Visit this famous historic mission.
- Hollywood Visit the Kodak Theatre; see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Los Angeles Drive along the Sunset Strip and see Beverly Hills; visit The Getty Center.
- Santa Barbara Visit this beautiful beach resort dubbed "America's Riviera."
- Cambria Overnight in this quaint seaside city.
- San Simeon Join a guided tour of Hearst Castle.
- Central Coast Drive through the scenic vineyards of Central California.
- Carmel Stroll down Ocean Avenue past quaint stores and art galleries.
- Monterey Peninsula Travel along the fabled 17 Mile Drive.
- Monterey See Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
- San Joaquin Valley Drive through California's breadbasket.
- Yosemite National Park See Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
- Napa/Sonoma Valleys Drive along the scenic Carneros Highway and visit a winery.
- San Francisco Enjoy a city tour including the city's most famous landmarks.
Included Dining
- Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in San Diego (WD)
- 9 full breakfasts (FB)
- Be My Guest lunch with wine in Sonoma (BG)
- 1 three-course dinner in Cambria (D)
- Highlight Dinner with wine in San Diego (HD)
- Farewell Dinner with wine in San Francisco (FD)
- 13 included meals in total
Included Private Car UK Transfers
- Exclusive door to door airport transfers
Included Flights
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Day 1 (Door to Door)
Arrive San Diego (2)
Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to San Diego where a transfer is provided to your first hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6pm, gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (MD)
Day 2
San Diego sightseeing and at leisure
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 leisure time to do some shopping, visit the San Diego Zoo or cruise the picturesque harbour. This evening, join your travelling companions for a Highlight Dinner in the waterfront wonderland of Seaport Village. (FB, HD)
Hotel: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (MD)
Day 3
San Diego - San Juan Capistrano - Los Angeles (2)
Travelling up the sun-kissed coast past the beachside community of La Jolla, we arrive in San Juan Capistrano, home to the second oldest Spanish mission in California. We visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Spectacularly located on a hill above west Los Angeles sits the Getty Center and 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 at leisure in the City of Angels. (FB)
Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City (FC)
Day 4
Los Angeles sightseeing and at leisure
Immerse yourself in Tinseltown today as we cruise around Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard. Spot the Hollywood sign and look for your favourite stars along the Walk of Fame. We see Grauman's Chinese Theatre, opened in 1927 and home to hundreds of premieres and three Academy Award ceremonies. Then, we are treated to a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, which is the current home of the Oscars. 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 collection of restaurants and shops. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city. Why not set out for some people watching and beach combing at Venice Beach or browse the shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive? (FB)
Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City (FC)
Day 5
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Cambria
After a leisurely morning, we wind our way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara, situated between the expansive Pacific and chaparral-clad hills of Los Padres National Forest. There is some time to relax and enjoy lunch before we continue north along the Pacific Coast Highway to the beautiful seaside village of Cambria. This evening, toast your travels with a wine pairing at a convivial dinner. (FB, D)
Hotel: Cambria Pines Lodge (FC)
Day 6
Cambria - San Simeon - Carmel - Monterey
We begin our day at "La Cuesta Encantada" - the enchanted hill - upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. An expert guide leads us through the property with its 165 rooms and acres of gardens and pools and brings the story of the newspaper magnate 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 we arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author John Steinbeck. (FB)
Hotel: Marriott Monterey (SFC)
Day 7
Monterey - San Joaquin Valley - Yosemite National Park
Today we head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce.We ascend the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada on our way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, which John Muir called "the hope of the world." In the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, we 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 leisurely stroll by the sparkling Merced River. (FB)
Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge (MFC)
Day 8
Yosemite - Napa/Sonoma Valleys - San Francisco (2)
We descend from the mountains and head north to Sonoma, where we visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and an alfresco Be My Guest Lunch, featuring local wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and cured meats. We take the scenic Carneros Highway through Napa before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, maybe take an optional guided tour of the largest Chinatown in the United States. Sample fortune cookies and browse traditional apothecary shops and then celebrate your discoveries at a sumptuous Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. After dinner, revel in the remarkable tableau of San Francisco's twinkling city lights. (FB)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco (MD)
Day 9
San Francisco sightseeing and at leisure
As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. We embark on a morning exploration that takes us from Fisherman's Wharf to the magnificent Golden Gate, and from crooked Lombard Street to fashionable Alamo Square. There's a story around every corner of San Francisco and there is some time this afternoon to follow your own path before toasting your companions during a festive Farewell Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf. (FB, FD)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco (MD)
Day 10
Depart San Francisco
Bid farewell to California. After breakfast a complimentary transfer is provided to San Francisco International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (FB)
Day 11 (Door to Door)
Arrive UK
On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.
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Cambria Pines Lodge (SFC)
The Cambria Pines Lodge is nestled on 25 wooded acres and offers a peaceful, relaxing experience. Accommodation ranges from rustic cabins to elegant suites all with modern facilities surrounded by beautiful landscape.
Marriott Monterey (SFC)
Located within the heart of downtown Monterey and surrounded by the Monterey Peninsula, the hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms with spectacular views, heated pool, whirlpool and on-site fitness centre.
Yosemite View Lodge (MFC)
The Lodge has three pools and five spa tubs, including four outside on the patio. One of the outside pools and some of the spa tubs have views of the wild Merced River rushing alongside the hotel.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco (D)
Situated right on the Embarcadero waterfront, guests will enjoy the Eclipse Cafe and 13 Views coffee and cocktail bar and the 24-hour gymnasium.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, San Diego (MD)
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is adjacent to the Seaport Village retail complex in San Diego. The hotel has four tennis courts, two outdoor pools, three spa tubs, saunas and a fitness centre. On-site dining features Lael's, Sally's Seafood on the Water, the club-style Top of the Hyatt serving cocktails and Redfield's Sports Bar and Deli with Ann Marie's prepares specialty coffees and pastries.
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, Universal City (FC)
Situated on a hilltop with breathtaking views of Universal Studios Hollywood and City Walk LA, this 24-story hotel offers complimentary tram service to Universal Studios Hollywood. It has an outdoor pool and spa tub with views of the Hollywood Hills. The lobby features vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, museum-quality bronzes and lounge. Savor culinary delights including California, Continental and Chinese cuisines at the award-winning Café Sierra restaurant
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Chinatown walking tour
"The best experience of San Francisco by Night." Start with a guided walking tour of Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities outside of China. Walk along Grand Avenue and explore Chinese markets, herb shops, a fortune cookie factory and much more (weather permitting). We then experience an authentic family-style Chinese feast at Hunan Home's Restaurant, which has won numerous awards for its exceptional food and service, including the Golden Award for the "Best Bay Area Chinese Restaurant" in the Chinese World Journal. After dinner, hop-on one of San Francisco's fabled Cable Cars, and ride along one of the city's most scenic routes. Here, we board our coach for our Illuminations Tour and see how the Crown Jewel of the Pacific shimmers at night! We'll drive past the glittering lights of North Beach, the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, the Broadway Strip, and the historic Ferry Building. We then drive across the Oakland Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, a former US Navy base, for a spectacular night panorama of sparkling San Francisco! Adult: $69.00
San Diego Zoo
Visit this world-famous zoo located in beautiful Balboa Park. The San Diego Zoo cares for over 3800 animals of 800 different species. You won't want to miss the new "Absolutely Apes" exhibit with its 110 foot long, 12 foot tall glass observation window for an unforgettable up-close experience with endangered apes. Stop by the Giant Panda Research Station and say hello to Little Su Lin, born on August, 2005. She and her mother, Bai Yun, are out and about in their luxurious accommodation (check times). Your admission includes the zoo bus tour, round-trip Skyfari Aerial Tram Ride, all shows and children's zoo.
Adult: $39.00 / Child: $28.00
San Diego Scenic Harbor Cruise and Historic Coronado
We start with a one-hour narrated boat tour of San Diego Harbor. Take in the Star of India, the U.S. Navy surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge and busy shipyards. On occasion, we'll see US battleships up close and personal when they're ported in the harbor. The views of both San Diego and Coronado, combined with the natural beauty of the harbor, make this a memorable hour out on the water. Next we'll be 200 feet above the bay as we drive across the famous Coronado Bridge, a unique 2.1 mile bridge with an 80 degree bend that opened in 1969 and connects San Diego to the "Crown City" of Coronado. Our next stop will be the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1888. Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, and Charles Lindberg, not to mention the last 10 US Presidents, have all stayed at the Hotel, and you'll see why. Movie buffs out there might remember the hotel from "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. You will have ample time to wander through "The Del" and soak in all of its grandeur. The final stop will be at the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace. The view and photo opportunities of the harbor with the San Diego skyline as a backdrop are worth the stop alone.
Adult: $35.00 / Child: $29.00 Minimum
Movie Stars Homes Tour
You've seen them in movies, now see where the stars actually live. Sit back and relax in the comfort of air-conditioned mini-buses and go where larger buses can't go. This guided two-hour tour takes in over 40 breathtaking mansions. In Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, you'll find there's no place like home for stars that may include Corteney Cox, Keanu Reeves, Tobey Maguire, Madonna, Halle Berry, Jackie Chan, Britney Spears, Winona Ryder and Nicholas Cage. In Holmby Hills, you'll see the notorious Playboy Mansion and the colossal home of producer Aaron Spelling. You may also pass the former estates of such legends as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Gregory Peck, Jack Benny, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and some of your favorite TV and movie locations. $59.00
Monterey - Dinner at Bubba Gump
Who would have ever guessed an Academy Award winning film from 1994 would have something in common with great food? Enter Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant in Monterey. Perched right on the edge of majestic Monterey Bay in historic Cannery Row, the restaurant was modeled after the movie "Forrest Gump" which took home the Oscar more than a decade ago and remains a classic to this day. Forrest Gump loved his shrimp, and Bubba Gump Restaurant is no different. The restaurant is known for great seafood (not to mention award winning baby back ribs) all in a fun and festive atmosphere. Bubba Gump is also brimming with memorabilia from the movie itself, and if you're lucky the waiters and waitresses might even quiz you on your Forrest Gump trivia knowledge. Adult: $40.00
Golden Gate Bridge Walk & Sausalito
Given that this is San Francisco's and one of this country's most iconic landmarks, you must experience the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory. There is no better way to experience the size and height of this bridge than walking across its length. So, bundle up (it can get quite windy) and get ready for a unique experience. We start off at the aptly named Roundhouse. Originally designed as a restaurant, it now houses the Golden Gate Bridge Gift Center. Watch the exhibit showing the cross-section of a cable before
heading off onto the bridge itself. At mid-span, we are 220 feet above the water's surface, and passing ships below look like small toys. As you stroll from one side of the bridge to the other (1.7 miles), you will learn who named it, how the structure cheated the laws of concrete and steel, and what members of the Halfway to Hell Club did to join it. Once across the bridge, we head for Sausalito where there is time at leisure to explore this quaint seaside village. We then board the ferry for the crossing of San Francisco Bay back to Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the best views of the city skyline and Alacatraz Island. Adult: $39.00
Afternoon Excursion to Sausalito
If you do not want to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, we offer a Sausalito-only option. Sausalito is a charming waterfront community that lies across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Because of its Mediterranean flair and breathtaking views, it is often compared to the French Riviera, but the locals you'll meet are pure "California!" Sausalito hosts a thriving artist community and is home to many art galleries, quaint shops, waterfront restaurants, and open-air cafes offering spectacular views of San Francisco across the Bay. We then board the ferry for the crossing of San Francisco Bay back to Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the best views of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island. Adult: $39.00
Dates and prices
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Prices based on per person sharing a twin or double room. For single room supplements and triple room reductions please call for details.
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Milestones would like to thank you for giving us your feedback, we are pleased to hear that you rated both the service and product as good.
The Californian tour is a great way of seeing America's most famous coastline.
From the booking process through to your transfer home on your return, we really want you to experience a fantastic service.
We look forward to welcoming you on another tour very soon.
Kind regards,
Debbie Pullum
Customer Relations -
Left 121 days ago
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