U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West
U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West
U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West
14 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, CA, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West, San Diego, Palm Springs, Orange County, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Hearst Castle, Big Sur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1556
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 6
Age range:
13-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
This carefully curated itinerary will take you through a diverse range of landscapes, from majestic national parks to vibrant cities and stunning coastal areas. Your tour begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Travel to Yosemite National Park, a natural masterpiece of towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. Venture into the Mojave Desert and gaze upon the otherworldly landscapes. Continue to Las Vegas, and journey to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon before heading to sunny San Diego, and glamorous Los Angeles
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : San Francisco Arrival
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco, or similar
Arrive in San Francisco and transfer independently to your hotel. Your Tour Director will meet you in the evening.
Day 2 : San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco, or similar
This morning, a fun and exciting city tour provides an overview of the city and enables you to truly appreciate many of San Francisco’s most famous sights, including Chinatown, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Your tour will include a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars.
And for an extra thrill, consider hanging off the running board, Doris Day-style. As no visit to San Francisco would be complete without taking a cruise on the Bay or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, in the afternoon we collect a bike from Fisherman’s Wharf and pedal across the Golden Gate before boarding a ferry back across the Bay, passing the famous PIER 39 sea lions along the historic waterfront which reveals the city’s spectacular skyline.
Be sure to take full advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the notorious Alcatraz Island. This evening you may join your Tour Director for San Francisco. This evening you may join your Tour Director for the San Francisco evening tour (Optional).
Day 3 : San Francisco (Napa Valley Or Muir Woods Optional)
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco, or similar
Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps another cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where you may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store.
If you would like to explore beyond the city, we recommend you embark on a wine-tasting tour of Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery. Or you may choose to take in the natural wonder of the Bay Area by hiking through the “enchanted” forest at nearby Muir Woods (optional).
Day 4 : San Francisco > Yosemite >Yosemite Gateway
Location: Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hampton Inn Fresno Airport, Yosemite Gateway, or similar
This morning we journey east toward the tranquility of California’s High Sierras and Yosemite National Park’s nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous terrain. Once inside the park, you will be introduced to some of Yosemite’s most famous and awe-inspiring scenery, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and Bridalveil Falls. Postcard-perfect pictures abound so be sure to have your camera ready.
Day 5 : Yosemite Gateway > Mojave Desert > Las Vegas
Location: Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas, or similar
Today, travel through the Mojave Desert on your way to Las Vegas. Late afternoon arrival in the dazzling “Entertainment Capital of the World” will give you enough time to start enjoying this fantastic city right away with an exciting evening tour featuring the famed casinos along the Strip followed by a visit to Downtown Las Vegas, where you will enjoy the glitzy lights of the Freemont Experience.
Day 6 : Las Vegas > Grand Canyon West > Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas, or similar
This morning we stop at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture a photo memory of Las Vegas before making your way on an included day trip to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. On the way, admire the beauty of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. formed by the Hoover Dam. At the Grand Canyon West, you will have time to explore the views on your own and if you choose, join an optional helicopter trip over the canyon, a float on the Colorado, or walk on the Skywalk platform.
This evening at leisure - your Tour Director will provide recommendations that cater to your desired experience, whether it be partaking in the stellar shopping or enjoying the countless fine dining options that Vegas has to offer.
Day 7 : Las Vegas > Palm Springs > San Diego
Location: Las Vegas, San Diego, Palm Springs
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo/Seaworld, San Diego, or similar
Today your journey takes you from Las Vegas through Palm Springs, the winter playground for Hollywood royalty, with its lively downtown area and immaculately kept golf courses at the base of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. This city in the desert was once known as the winter retreat of stars like Frank Sinatra, Jane Russell, and Elvis Presley.
Today it is a flourishing resort town with great shops, restaurants, and a year-round desert climate. A sea of wind turbines mark the entrance to this desert oasis. We continue south to San Diego, a city known for its beaches, parks, and perfect climate. Enjoy the evening at leisure and perhaps visit some of the vibrant neighborhoods of San Diego.
Day 8 : San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo/Seaworld, San Diego, or similar
Today you will explore California’s second-largest city with your Tour Director. The relaxed seaside surf vibes of neighborhoods such as Sunset Beach provide a quintessential California Coastal experience. During your Insider city tour of San Diego’s sites, you will witness the central role of the American Navy in this port city.
You may choose to enjoy one of San Diego’s many attractions such as Sea World or the World Famous San Diego Zoo. In the evening, we recommend checking out another of the city’s bustling neighborhoods or perhaps a dinner cruise on the bay (optional).
Day 9 : San Diego > The Oc > Los Angeles
Location: Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Crowne Plaza LA Harbor, Los Angeles, or similar
This morning we head north along the SoCal coast toward Orange County, or the OC, as it has come to be called by locals. Enjoy the atmosphere of cliffside Laguna Beach, with its local art galleries and vibrant surf culture. Continue onward to Los Angeles, America’s second-largest city, a sprawling metropolis, and the home of America’s entertainment industry.
Enjoy an evening at leisure. Your Tour Director may suggest you explore LA’s smaller neighboring city of Long Beach, with one of the largest ports in the United States is also home to a historic ocean liner, the Queen Mary, which you may choose and explore (optional).
Day 10 : Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Crowne Plaza LA Harbor, Los Angeles, or similar
Embark upon an extensive and entertaining insider tour of Los Angeles that will deliver a true taste of Southern California with a visit to the most popular seaside communities like Venice whose boardwalk is famous for its Muscle Beach, and Santa Monica, home to one of California’s oldest pleasure piers. You’ll catch a glimpse of the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, where you just might cross paths with a celebrity shopper or two along Rodeo Drive.
Enjoy local flavors at the LA Farmer’s Market before making your way to Hollywood, where you’ll check out the Stars on the Walk of Fame, the celebrity hand and footprints at the Chinese Theatre, and of course the Hollywood Sign! An afternoon partaking in the thrills offered at Universal Studios (optional) is recommended.
Day 11 : Los Angeles > Malibu > Santa Barbara > Central Coast
Location: Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar
This morning you depart LA traveling through the coastal hamlet of Malibu, home to celebrities and recluses alike, this enclave is like none other in California. Continue north up Pacific Coast Highway (called PCH by locals) to Santa Barbara, where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Known as the “American Riviera” for its similarities to the South of France, enjoy local food and wine during a lunch stop. Make sure to check out the city’s unique Spanish architecture at its beautiful City Hall before continuing to a central coast town for an overnight stay.
Day 12 : Central Coast > Hearst Castle > Big Sur > Monterey
Location: Monterey, Hearst Castle, Big Sur
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: The Lighthouse Lodge & Cottages, Monterey/ Carmel, or similar
Head north along Highway 1 to one of California’s most unique destinations, Hearst Castle. Built by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, the eclectic collection of old-world architecture and grand gardens is situated amidst a stunning coastal landscape that will leave you in wonder.
Continue up the curvy coast road through Big Sur, a cliffside retreat where viewpoints over the rugged Pacific coastline are truly unparalleled. Continue onward over the famed “Bixby Bridge” to Monterey, California’s first capital city, where you will be able to enjoy your evening at leisure with recommendations from your Tour Director.
Day 13 : Monterey/Carmel > San Francisco
Location: Monterey, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport, San Francisco, or similar
This morning you will experience all that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer by visiting the quaint village of Carmel after an exhilarating journey along one of the most scenic roads in the world, 17-Mile Drive.
Afterward, take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Monterey at Old Fisherman’s Wharf and explore Cannery Row’s historic waterfront district, John Steinbeck’s inspiration for his novel of the same name. You may choose to visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium where you will be able to see and even interact with local aquatic wildlife, including the Aquarium’s most famous and adorable Sea Otter residents.
In the afternoon, pass the fertile valleys of Castroville and Santa Clara en route back to where you started your unforgettable journey, San Francisco.
Day 14 : San Francisco Departure
Location: San Francisco
Your West Coast tour has come to an end. Transfer independently to the airport for your return flight home
What's Included
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• 13-night hotel accommodations as specified or similar with a private bath and/or shower
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• Small-group tour with a maximum of 20 passengers
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• Services of a professional multilingual Tour Manager throughout
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• Deluxe transportation by sprinter or mini-coach
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• A slower pace and more time in each destination with more free time in each city to explore
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• Focus on local experiences - do what the locals do! Explore each city by either walking or in a smaller vehicle, providing more flexibility and opportunity to explore more sights and experience different destinations with smaller group sizes
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• More independent and curated concept than a traditional escorted tour
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• 5 complimentary breakfasts
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• Tour of San Francisco exploring diverse neighborhoods and the city’s waterfront including a ride on the iconic Cable cars
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• Thrilling and scenic bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Cruise
What's Not Included
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• Airfare unless specified in the tour itinerary
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• Meals are not included in order to allow for more flexibility
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• Laundry, telephone, optional excursions and other items of a personal nature
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• Travel Insurance
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• Gratuities
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• Pre and Post Accommodation
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• Airport Transfers
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• Everything that is not mentioned in included
Mode of Transport
All coaches are equipped with air-conditioning and an onboard lavatory. Additionally, coaches may have the following onboard amenities: wi-fi, footrests, luggage nets, movable seats, individually adjustable air conditioning, etc
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Entrance fees per the itinerary are included
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, and you will receive your travel documents confirming the hotel names approx 2 weeks prior to departure
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please ask for details
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each passenger traveling on an escorted tour is allowed one piece of checked baggage per person due to space limitations. Additional luggage will be charged at $7.00 per person per day (price is subject to change). Due to the nature of this holiday, bags are handled many times, so a durable, reasonably sturdy, and clearly labeled bag is required. The Tour Manager will issue you a special luggage tag which should remain on your customer’s bag at all times to help ensure the bag is delivered to, and retrieved from, the hotel room at each destination.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We can not accept bookings on motorcoach tours for children less than seven (7) years of age. For all tours, children and young adults under the age of 21 must be accompanied by and share their room with an adult at least 21 years of age. Some hotels may also require that at least one of the room occupants is 21 years of age or older. Child 11 years and under with 2 adults sharing existing bedding with minimum child age is 7 years (child rates are on request).
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights are not included unless specified in the tour itinerary
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers are required to book a Single (Private) room.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Electronic Vouchers. These will be provided and attached to your booking (within the Documents section) aprox. 2 weeks prior to travel.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately that is not possible on our trips.
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Omega Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 CAD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of omega tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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