Day 1 HOMETOWN - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
 See the very best of the Golden State on a fun-filled one week vacation. Fly to San Francisco, the romantic city by the bay. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel, located near lively Fisherman's Wharf. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m.Join Caravan for a 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Evening is at leisure to explore San Francisco.
 |
Hotel: Hilton, Fisherman's Wharf or Similar |
Day 2 WINE COUNTRY, BAY CRUISE

View San Francisco highlights on a brief morning sightseeing tour. See Union Square, Chinatown and Nob Hill. Then, head over the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, continue to California's wine country. See the historic Sonoma Mission on Sonoma Plaza. Here, in 1846 when the West was being settled, rowdy fun-loving pioneers raised the flag of the Bear Republic, the beginning of the state of California. This afternoon visit a winery and sample local wines. Return to San Francisco. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge overlook. The world's most photographed bridge is two miles long and has more than 80,000 miles of wires. Golden Gate Bridge is constantly being repainted by a crew of 31 painters to combat the corrosive effects of the salt air. Enjoy a late afternoon cruise on San Francisco Bay. See Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful San Francisco skyline. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are at leisure in San Francisco. B
 |
Hotel:Hilton, Fisherman's Wharf or Similar |
Day 3 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
This morning head east into the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the bread-basket of California. Then, climb through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Pass through old gold mining towns from the great California gold rush. Arrive midday at Yosemite National Park. Established in 1890, this 1,000 square mile park was first brought to the public's attention by naturalist John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the park. See cedar, pine and fir trees, magnificent waterfalls and two towering granite monoliths known as Half Dome and El Capitan. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure to explore Yosemite Park. Free time to hike the nature trails, rent a bike or just simply relax in the splendor of one of the most beautiful places in the world. Overnight at Yosemite View Lodge. B
 |
Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge or Similar |
Day 4 MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
On your morning drive to Monterey, pass through the fertile San Joaquin Valley and by the San Luis Reservoir, part of the vast California irrigation project. Arrive in Monterey, home of John Steinbeck, who chronicled the adventures of this colorful fishing village. Stop at Cannery Row. Visit the world-renowned oceanfront Monterey Bay Aquarium. See coastal marine life in the Aquarium?s 1.3 million gallon giant kelp tank. Look for sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, starfish, and sea otters. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel on Monterey Bay.B
 |
Hotel:Embassy Suites or Similar
|
Day 5 17-MILE DRIVE, BIG SUR, REDWOODS
After breakfast, wind along the coast on Pacific Grove's Sunset Drive. Then, enjoy Monterey's famous Seventeen Mile Drive. See delightful natural wonders, including Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. Stop at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, drive to charming Carmel by the Sea and visit the beautifully restored Carmel Mission. Then, a spectacular drive on the Big Sur, one of the most awe-inspiring coastal drives in the world. On one side is the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean with its pounding surf, dramatic cliffs and endless horizon, and on the other is the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Drive over Rocky Creek Bridge and Bixby Bridge. Photo stop at a Big Sur scenic viewpoint. Stop at a redwood grove for close- up views of these towering trees. Old-growth Pacific coast redwoods can live for 2000 years, grow to more than 350 feet tall with a diameter of over 35 feet. Return to Monterey via the Big Sur for a second opportunity to see dramatic vistas. In Monterey, you'll have time to walk along the oceanfront trail near Fisherman's Wharf, where sea lions play. B
 |
Hotel:Embassy Suites or Similar
|
Day 6 SANTA BARBARA, LOS ANGELES
This morning, head south to Santa Barbara, home to many stars and celebrities. Arrive at midday in downtown Santa Barbara. Free time for shopping and exploring. Then, an afternoon drive along the Malibu coastline to Los Angeles. Your hotel is in the fashionable West Side, adjacent to Beverly Hills. You stay two relaxing nights at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, host to many glittering Hollywood events. Evening at leisure.B
 |
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza or Similar |
Day 7 HOLLYWOOD, BEVERLY HILLS
You explore behind-the-scenes Hollywood on your morning visit to Sony Studios, home to the popular shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "eopardy," as well as many blockbuster movies, including "Spider-Man." Enjoy a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days as you walk on sound stages where movie history was made. Then, continue to Hollywood. Stop at Mann's (Grauman's) Chinese Theater. Here you see the imprints of Jimmy Durante's nose, John Wayne's fist, and Betty Grable's legs. Stroll Hollywood's most famous sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame, where you see the stars of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson and many more. See the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Next, drive along the Sunset Strip. See the famous Hollywood sign on the hills above. In Beverly Hills, drive along Rodeo Drive, America's most celebrated shopping district. Then, to Santa Monica for free time at Third Street Promenade. Santa Monica is a favorite hangout for celebrities, their entourage and the ever present paparazzi. Drive along Ocean Avenue and see the Santa Monica Pier, which appears in many Hollywood films and TV shows, including "Baywatch." Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight. BD
 |
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza or Similar |
Day 8 LOS ANGELES - HOMETOWN
Your tour ends after breakfast. Thanks for vacationing with us. B
We do not provide departure transfers from the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Super Shuttles cost $14.00 per person and should be arranged in advance through the hotel concierge or by calling Super Shuttle (800-258-3826). Taxis cost $35 to $40.00 and travel can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
|