9 DAYS ~ CALIFORNIA

Tour Pace - Easily manageable distancesbetween overnight stops allow for feature-packedtouring days. The tour starts and ends with two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles,enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world’smost exciting cities.

Fellow Passengers - A comprehensive tour for those with a limited amount of time. Whetheryou are a nature lover,city slicker or food and wine enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone. Cultivate new friendships while touring, shopping, wine tasting and exploring America’s most fabled state.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO.
Welcome to California! Take a complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Hotel: Omni San Francisco.

DAY 2 - SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING.
Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a walkingtour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authenticChinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)

DAY 3 - SAN FRANCISCO - NAPA & SONOMA.
This morning enter California’s lush premier winecountry. Travel the scenic Valley of the Moon Highway through the winery towns of Glen Ellen andKenwood, and then across the striking Carneros Highway into Napa. This afternoon step aboard thebeautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travellingthrough the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Before checking in to your resort, enjoy a tour andtasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops.The evening you are at leisure.
Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa. (B,L)

DAY 4 - SONOMA - YOSEMITE.
Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the SierraNevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States.Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitanand Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to thehighest waterfall in North America.
Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (B)

DAY 5 - YOSEMITE - MONTEREY.
Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of YosemiteValley, or takea short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile SanJoaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruits at a historic fruit stand en route tothe picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue,then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Pass thefamous Pebble Beach Golf Course and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey.We end the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views ofMonterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits.
Hotel: Monterey Marriott. (B,HD)

DAY 6 - MONTEREY - SANTA BARBARA.
Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guidedtour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continuesouth through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara.Enjoy an orientationtour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront resort. For dinner this evening, choosefrom a selection of excellent Santa Barbara restaurants.
Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte.(B,DA)

DAY 7 - SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES.
Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learnabout the chain of 21 California Missions along California’s El Camino Real. Then journey along thespectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamourous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica.Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the JP Getty Center with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens andbreathtaking views. Drive through Brentwood and West Hollywood en route to your elegant hotel inone of Los Angeles’ most enviable locations.
Hotel: Intercontinental Century City (B)

DAY 8 - L.A. & HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING.
Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboardspecialized minicoaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from yourguide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’sChinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam ofHollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. Thisafternoon, why not join our optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)

DAY 9 - DEPART LOS ANGELES.
As your California vacation comes to an end, a complimentarytransfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided. Unless of course, you want to extend to seeMonument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? (B)