Best of California - Classic Group, 2023
Best of California - Classic Group, 2023
Best of California - Classic Group, 2023
10 Days Starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Tour Overview
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing train tour from San Diego 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To San Diego
Accommodation: InterContinental San Diego
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.(Dinner with Wine)
Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover ‘America’s finest city’ as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego. Continue to Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries. This afternoon, board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Moderne-style Union Station in Los Angeles.(Breakfast)
Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie palaces of the Broadway District. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. Spend the afternoon on Miracle Mile exploring Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the 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 LA.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 4: Train Journey To The American Riviera
Location: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara
Accommodation: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast and follow the shoreline to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries before further exploring 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 Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.(Breakfast)
Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country
Location: Paso Robles
Accommodation: Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Join the Pacific Surfliner one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. 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. Born out of necessity to store more wine barrels, the caves provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting of a selection of excellent local wines.Tonight, savor a delicious and creative dinner at the Downtown Thomas Hill Organics Farm-To-Table restaurant.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 6: Giant Sequoias
Location: Paso Robles, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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.(Breakfast)
Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Perhaps join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.(Breakfast)
Day 8: On To San Francisco
Location: Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.(Breakfast)
Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 and vast Golden Gate Park. Travel through the SoMa District and Mission Bay to see the incredible growth and urbanization the city has experienced in recent years. Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavors 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.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 10: Farewell California
Location: San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.(Breakfast)
What's Included
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Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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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.
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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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