Description
Journey from the glamour of Los Angeles, through the beautiful cities of California’s west coast, for a bit of nature in Yosemite National Park and into the glitz of Las Vegas.
Californias Best
- 15 days 14 nights
-
- From $2,306
per person/double occupancy.
Your Tour Package Includes:
- 14 Nights Hotel Accommodation as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary as described below.
- All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
- 14 Days Compact Rental Car, including Unlimited Mileage, Airport Service Charge, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) & Taxes.
- Emergency telephone numbers accessible 24/7 in the unlikely event you have a problem with a hotel or the rental car.
Small Sedan (Group B) CCAR (B) Ford Focus or similar
- 5 Passengers
- 1 Large Suitcase, 1 Small Suitcase
- Automatic Transmission
- Air Conditioning
- 39 miles/gallon or better
- Dual Airbags
- ABS
Optional inclusions:
- Extra Hotel Nights before, en-route and after your Tour.
- Rental Car Upgrades.
- Navigation System.
- Child Seat.
Not Included:
- Fuel and Parking Charges.
- Admissions to Parks and Attractions unless otherwise stated.
Visiting:
Add Days & Customize your itinerary
-
Book Your Tour
Purchase your tour now. Leave a deposit or pay in full
-
Get a Quote
Get estimated pricing for your tour. You will not be charged
Book your Tour
Californias Best
S5LAX123 | 15 days/14 nights
Itinerary
- Arrive in Los Angeles, CA
- Day: 1
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Arrive at the airport, pick-up rental car and proceed to your hotel. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the United States. Home to famous movie stars and the infamous landmark, the Hollywood sign, it is a city brimming with culture and happenings. This big metropolis has many regions with distinct flavors and communities.
Accommodations:
(STD) Comfort Inn Cockatoo near Los Angeles Airport or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Hilton Los Angeles Airport or similar (1 night).
- Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – San Simeon Area, CA
- Day: 2
- 241 miles | 387.769 Km*
Depart Los Angeles this morning and drive toward Santa Barbara. On the beautiful Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a gem. The pristine city’s climate gives rise to a number of natural attractions. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own allure. East Beach attracts the trendy and young while fishing and whale watching are the favorites at Arroyo Burro. Enjoy the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or explore the Old Mission. Fresh seafood can be found in the many restaurants on Stearn’s Wharf. Continue on to the San Simeon area for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Silver Surf Motel San Simeon or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Cambria Pine Lodge or similar (1 night).
- San Simeon – Monterey – San Francisco, CA
- Day: 3
- 212 miles | 341.108 Km*
Depart San Simeon this morning for a luxurious drive up the Pacific Coast toward Monterey. After being swept away by the stunning Pacific coast views, spend the afternoon enjoying Monterey. Settled in 1770 as one of the first European outposts on the West Coast, many of the early American Colonial buildings still stand. Monterey eventually became the sardine capital of the Western Hemisphere when the first packing plant was built in 1900. Today, the old sardine factories have been converted into quaint restaurants and boutique shops. This area, called “Cannery Row”, was made famous by the author John Steinbeck and still remains an amusing place to explore. Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to whale watch and tours are offered locally. Consider taking the scenic and famous 17-Mile drive up the coast. Stop at the famous Pebble Beach and enjoy the sights of luxury mansions along the coast. Continue on to San Francisco for a two-night stay. Home of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco boasts rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighborhoods, and the colorful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavor of the city.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Plus Americania or similar (3 nights).
(SUP) Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf or similar (3 nights).
- San Francisco, CA
- Day: 4
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today, you are free to enjoy one of the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Visit Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park which offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Be sure not to miss the local resident buffalo herd. Visit the landmark bridge, the Golden Gate; it spans 6450 feet and links San Francisco to Marin County. Completed in 1937 at a cost of $35 million, the “Bridge That Could Not Be Built” is now a San Francisco signature visible from many points around the Bay. A visitor center, including a gift shop, is located on the San Francisco side. This evening dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods. From Union Square to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.
- San Francisco, CA
- Day: 5
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Enjoy touring the city by cable car today. Visit the dramatic curves of Lombard Street, one of San Francisco’s most photographed sites. The beautifully landscaped, one-block descent from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street, has given Lombard the title of “crookedest street in the world.” At the intersection of Hyde and Lombard, a cable car route provides spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Coit Tower, Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge. For a change of pace, consider a visit to Muir Woods National Monument. This grove of coastal redwoods has been protected for a century, and the amazing specimens rank among the tallest trees in the world. Some reach 252 feet, are 14 feet across, and are more than 1000 years old. Paved trails make for easy exploration and unpaved trails offer more of a challenge for the hiking enthusiast. This evening, explore Chinatown, along its streets, exotic ingredients are sold, silks and jade are tendered, and wonderful native food can be found at the many restaurants.
- San Francisco – Napa Valley – Sacramento, CA
- Day: 6
- 106 miles | 170.554 Km*
Today, you will drive through the majestic wine country as you head toward Sacramento. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours of the facilities. A unique experience can be found on the Wine Train, which tours the Napa wine making region aboard elegant Pullman lounge and dining cars. Circa 1915, the Honduran mahogany, polished brass, imported linens, and etched glass hark back to a time when such luxuries were reserved for the rich. Passengers may elect for brunch, lunch, or dinner trips, all of which include seasonal gourmet dishes and opportunities to sample the finest Californian wines. Continue on to the capital city of the state of California, Sacramento. Originally established as a supply town for gold miners, modern-day Sacramento is the hub of commerce for the central valley area. Guided tours of the California State Capitol and Museum are available. This museum highlights regional and state political history in the very building that has served as the seat of the government since 1869. Consider a visit the Governor Mansion. From 1903 to 1967, this lovely Victorian mansion was home to thirteen governors. Guided tours lead visitors through well appointed rooms with lavish decorations. You will be entertained by “inside” stories about the mansion’s occupants and families. An overnight stay has been arranged here.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Sutter House or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Doubletree Sacramento or similar (1 night).
- Sacramento – Yosemite National Park, CA
- Day: 7
- 173 miles | 278.357 Km*
This morning enjoy a railroad excursion. This popular attraction takes visitors on a 40-minute train ride along the Sacramento River. Enjoy cruising along in open-air gondolas and vintage coaches pulled by real steam locomotives while marveling at the scenery. Depart the capital city and drive toward Yosemite National Park. The striking beauty of Yosemite is due in part to the Yosemite Valley whose flat floor contrasts with nearly vertical granite walls. The granite cliffs, including the El Capitan monolith, Glacier Point, and Half Dome all tower as major waterfalls tumble over them. In addition to the Valley, Yosemite includes an extensive high-mountain wilderness of peaks, rivers, and meadows, and groves of giant sequoia trees. Extensive visitor activities, facilities, and services are available.
Accommodations:
(STD) Cedar Lodge or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Yosemite View Lodge or similar (2 nights).
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Day: 8
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today is yours to explore the many wonders of this Park. At Yosemite Village, you can visit the Valley Visitor Center and see its orientation film, publications, theater programs, and exhibits highlighting the natural and human history of the area. Numerous self-guiding trails of varying difficulty grades start nearby. Elsewhere in Yosemite Valley, you can gaze up at the waterfalls; visit Mirror Lake/Meadow in the East Valley and the famous “Tunnel View” of Yosemite Valley at Wawona Tunnel.
- Yosemite – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – Bakersfield, CA
- Day: 9
- 197 miles | 316.973 Km*
Leave the Yosemite area behind and drive toward Bakersfield. Along the way enjoy a visit to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These twin parks hold monuments to nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees all reside here making it a very unique place. Located in the foothills and mountains of the south central section of the Sierra Nevada range, Sequoia is famous for big things–some of the largest trees in the world and some of the highest mountains in the U.S., including Mt. Whitney, at 14,495 ft. Visit the tallest sequoia, 275-foot-tall General Sherman, which has a trunk that weighs 1,385 tons and a circumference of nearly 103 feet. Spectacular views can be seen from Moro Rock. Guided cavern tours are available and the visitor center contains much information about park history and seasonal activities. Continue to Bakersfield for your overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Days Inn Bakersfield or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Rosedale Hotel or similar (1 night).
- Bakersfield – San Diego, CA
- Day: 10
- 229 miles | 368.461 Km*
Depart Bakersfield this morning and drive to San Diego. Visit San Diego’s most famous attraction, SeaWorld® Adventure Park. This first-rate visitor attraction features a variety of spectacular sights and activities. Visit Shamu the killer whale, ride the waves of Shipwreck Rapids, and see manatees, polar bears and dolphins. A variety of animal-themed shows are featured and it’s even possible to take a behind the scenes tour. Another well-known attraction in this area is the world-class San Diego Zoo. This first-rate facility is where more than 3,800 animals of over 800 different species make their home. The zoo grounds cover 100 acres including more than 6,500 different species of plants. The zoo is well known for its efforts to recreate the natural habitats of the animals. Specialized habitats include Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics, Sun Bear Forest, Polar Bear Plunge and Ituri.
Accommodations:
(STD) Mission Inn or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Sofia Hotel or similar (2 nights).
- San Diego, CA
- Day: 11
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
For a taste of San Diego’s history and tradition, visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It presents the opportunity to experience the history of early San Diego by providing a connection to the past. Experience the life of Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle and bustle is balanced with history and fiestas. Visitors are offered a glimpse into yesteryear, as converging cultures transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. The buildings are old or built to look that way, and the departure from urban sprawl is preserved. Five original adobe buildings are part of the historic park, which includes museums, unique retail shops, and several restaurants.
- San Diego – Santa Monica, CA
- Day: 12
- 131 miles | 210.779 Km*
Depart SanDiego at your leisure toward Santa Monica where you will enjoy a three-night stay. Both a seaside town and bustling city, Santa Monica has activities for both young and old, from beach games and bike paths to art galleries and nightclubs, from shopping and fitness to theater and concerts. Santa Monica’s cultural offerings run the gamut, with over 75 museums and art galleries within the walkable 8.3 square mile city limits. Not to mention the array of public art and sculpture exhibited in the streets.
Accommodations:
(STD) Carmel by the Sea or similar (3 nights).
(SUP) Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach or similar (3 nights).
- Santa Monica, CA
- Day: 13
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Today, explore the neighboring City of Angels. Visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Shop the famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. Have lunch in Venice Beach, home to famous Muscle Beach, where the sand and surf are secondary to the lively scene of people that inhabit the sidewalk. Or, make your way to Anaheim and visit the “Happiest place on earth.” Disneyland is home to your favorite characters like Mickey Mouse. Here you will find entertainment for the young and the young at heart. For a behind the scenes look at movie making, visit Universal Studios. Tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs.
- Santa Monica, CA
- Day: 14
- 0 miles | 0 Km*
Visit Santa Monica Pier, once known as the “finish line” of legendary Route 66. It features an aquarium, an amusement park and the famous Hippodrome building, a mix of California, Byzantine and Moorish architecture that has been featured in many films. Spend some time at the beach; with 3.5 miles of Southern California beaches and over 300 days of sunshine, the Santa Monica Beach is a welcome retreat for vacationers and locals alike with a range of activities for everyone. Swimming, surffing, volleyball, skating and biking are among the favorite beach-side pasttimes of this area. In the evening, countless dining experiences are available; Santa Monica is the reputed birthplace of “California” and “fusion” cuisines which are marked by an artistic blending of culinary styles and the freshest of organic ingredients.
- Santa Monica – Los Angeles International Airport, CA
- Day: 15
- 12 miles | 19.308 Km*
Depart Santa Monica at your leisure to Los Angeles International Airport. Drop-off rental car.
* Mileage is approximate.
** Prices subject to change without notice. For up to date pricing, please submit a quote request.
1 review for Californias Best
You must be logged in to post a review.
T and MT ON. Canada –
We would like to thank you for the vacation you arranged for us. The best of California . We had a great time , the hotels you arranged for us where always near the centre of things we wanted to see. I would recommend your company and this trip to anyone. The whole vacation went as you had planned with no problems. Thank you again.