9-Day California Coast and Yosemite Park Tour

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, then self-transfer to our hotel. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your hotel, located near lively Fisherman’s Wharf. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00pm. Join your tour group for a 6:00pm welcome briefing.

After breakfast, enjoy a brief morning sightseeing tour of San Francisco highlights, including Union Square, Chinatown and Nob Hill. Then, we'll get to the see the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, visit Muir Woods National Monument. See majestic coastal redwood sequoia trees. Then we'll continue to Sonoma wine country to enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. On your return to San Francisco, we'll drive through Golden Gate Park, a lovely natural green space near the bridge. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are at leisure. You may wish to ride a historic cable car, cruise on San Francisco Bay, or dine and shop on Fisherman's Wharf.

This morning, head south along the California coast. Enjoy a train ride through coastal redwoods. Continue to Monterey, home of John Steinbeck, who chronicled the adventures of this colorful fishing village. Free time at Cannery Row. Next, wind along the coast on Pacific Grove's Sunset Drive. Then, enjoy Monterey's famous Seventeen Mile Drive. See natural wonders, including Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. Drive by the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, a spectacular drive on the Big Sur, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring coastal drives. 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. Photo stop at a Big Sur scenic viewpoint. Return north via the Big Sur for a second opportunity to see dramatic vistas. Drive through charming Carmel By The Sea. Overnight on Monterey Bay.

This morning, pass through the fertile San Joaquin Valley and by the San Luis Reservoir, part of the vast California irrigation project. Arrive at Yosemite National Park for a relaxing two night stay. Your lodge is inside Yosemite Park, and is the closest lodging to the base of Yosemite Falls. Established in 1890, Yosemite’s 1,000 square mile park is an enduring legacy to the conservation efforts of naturalist John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club. Brief orientation drive upon arrival. Overnight in Yosemite National Park.

Enjoy a valley floor orientation drive showcasing the wonders of Yosemite Park. Look for waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, and marvel at the two towering granite monoliths known as Half Dome and El Capitan. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore Yosemite Park. Hike the nature trails through giant cedar, pine, and fir trees or just simply relax in the splendor of Yosemite Park. Your two night stay inside Yosemite allows time for a comprehensive visit. Overnight in Yosemite National Park.

Head south through California’s Central Valley. Stop and look for Elephant Seals resting along a Pacific Ocean beach. Then, enjoy a visit to Hearst Castle. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, politicians and Hollywood movie stars were frequent guests at William Randolph Hearst’s castle. Movie star Cary Grant considered the pool one of the most romantic spots on earth. Continue south. Photo stop at Morro Bay, the Gibraltar of the Pacific. Overnight along California’s Central Coast.

Morning visit to the historic Santa Barbara Mission. Sightseeing drive of downtown Santa Barbara. Photo stop at the Santa Barbara waterfront. Continue south along the Malibu coastline to Santa Monica. Photo stop overlooking Santa Monica Pier, a backdrop for many Hollywood films and TV shows, including “Baywatch.” Continue to your hotel in the fashionable West Side of Los Angeles, near Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay. Evening at leisure.

Explore behind-the-scenes Hollywood on your morning visit to Sony Studios. The studio is home to the popular shows “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy,” 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 the Chinese Theater (Grauman’s). Here you may 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. Look for the embedded stars commemorating your favorite entertainers. See the dramatic entrance of the Dolby (Kodak) Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Next, take the Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills and pass Rodeo Drive, America’s most celebrated shopping district. Return to your hotel. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. Farewell dinner tonight.

Your tour ends after breakfast. Thanks for vacationing with us.