Best of California
Best of California
Best of California
10 Days Starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: San Diego, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ACALM19
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Westin Gaslamp Quarter
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Kick off your trip at 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 at your hotel.
Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing
Location: Los Angeles, San Diego
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 and 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 and historic 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 your coach and enjoy far reaching ocean views as you travel up the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles. The evening is at your leisure.
Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing
Location: Los Angeles, Hollywood, 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 your journey through Downtown Los Angeles exploring Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and US Bank Tower while learning about the history and architecture from the 18th century to the present. 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. In the afternoon, explore 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. Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country's great dining destinations. Tonight we'll visit a popular restaurant highlighting LA's local culture and cuisine. Sol Agave - is an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out loosing the authenticity of MEXICO!
Day 4: Journey To The American Riviera
Location: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of freeway 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 ferriswheel 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.
Day 5: Beach Towns And Wine Country Relaxed Start
Location: Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles
Accommodation: Vespera Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded around the mission 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 we take the coach 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 along the coast on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. In the evening, discover why Pismo Beach is known as the Clam Capital of the world or relax and dine at your hotel.
Day 6: Giant Sequoias
Location: Yosemite National Park, Pismo Beach, Mariposa Grove
Accommodation: Lodge, Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
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 (64 metres) tall. Once you've settled in to 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 metres) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.
Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a naturalist guide/climber and get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. You can see climbers tackling some of the more than 60 routes up the granite monolith that is El Capitan. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, it 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.
Day 8: On To San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 colourful 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.
Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Join a walking tour of Chinatown's alleyways and learn about its history and cultural impact on the surrounding communities. Your participation in the tour supports a youth-led and youth-run organization promoting education, entrepreneurship, and tourism for underrepresented cultures. 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. In the afternoon, we visit the oldest and largest Chinatown in the US on our Insight Experience. We take you off the main streets and into the alleyways to learn about the daily life, rich history, and modern-day issues of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Tours are led by Chinatown Alleyway Tours - a community based non-profit that is youth-run and youth-led. Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum Celebration Dinner.
What's Included
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Travel Director
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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Personal Radio Headsets
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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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
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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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Mode of Transport
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 colourful 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.
Accommodation
Stay in hotels like Kimpton Alma, San Diego; InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown; Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort; Mar Monte Hotel Unbound by Hyatt; Yosemite Valley Lodge; Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.
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
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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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