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CALIFORNIA
Tour Pace -Easily manageable distances between overnight stops allow for feature-packed touring 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’s most 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.
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Day 1 - ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO
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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.
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Day 2 - SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING
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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 walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)
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Day 3 - SAN FRANCISCO - NAPA & SONOMA
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This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country. Travel the scenic Valley of the Moon Highway through the winery towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood, and then across the striking Carneros Highway into Napa. This afternoon step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Before checking in to your resort, enjoy a tour and tasting 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)
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Day 4 - SONOMA - YOSEMITE
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Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada 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 Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to the highest waterfall in North America.
Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (B)
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Day 5 - YOSEMITE - MONTEREY
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Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of YosemiteValley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruits at a historic fruit stand en route to the 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 the famous 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 of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits.
Hotel: Monterey Marriott.* (B,HD)
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Day 6 - MONTEREY - SANTA BARBARA
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Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront resort. For dinner this evening, choose from a selection of excellent Santa Barbara restaurants.
Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte. (B,DA)
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Day 7 - SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES
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Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions along California’s El Camino Real. Then journey along the spectacular 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 and breathtaking views. Drive through Brentwood and West Hollywood en route to your elegant hotel in one of Los Angeles’ most enviable locations.
Hotel: Intercontinental Century City (B)
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Day 8 - L.A. & HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING
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Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized minicoaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join our optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)
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Day 9 - DEPART LOS ANGELES
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As your California vacation comes to an end, a complimentary transfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided. Unless of course, you want to extend to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? (B)
* Departures on 03 July 2009 & 11 September 2009 - Hotel Change - Tour will stay at the Portola Plaza instead of the Marriott Monterey.
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