Journey along the California coastline from Los Angeles to San Francisco on this 5-day group tour, visiting Santa Barbara, Carmel and more. Enjoy a San Francisco Bay cruise, see Alcatraz and spend a night at Stevenson Ranch. If travelling in summer, take a hike to a waterfall in Yosemite National Park, whilst winter departures explore the historic city of Monterey. See the highlights of the Las Vegas strip, enjoy a free night on the town and visit Hoover Dam on your way back to Los Angeles.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Please note that this tour operates different itineraries depending on the season. The summer itinerary operates from April 1 – Oct 31 and the winter itinerary from Nov 1 – Mar 31.
LA to San Francisco
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - Carmel - San Francisco. Head north along the breathtaking California Coast, making our first stop in Santa Barbara. Explore a Spanish Mission and discover how these religious sites were instrumental in the region's development. Continue to Solvang, a charming Danish village, where we'll have the chance to browse local shops. Proceed north to the renowned Route #1 to experience the stunning California coastline (small vehicles will navigate the southern portion, while full-size coaches will traverse the exclusive 17-mile drive). Our next destination is Carmel, famously associated with actor Clint Eastwood. Enjoy free time to explore the town before heading to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Francisco. Travel north along the stunning California Coast to our first destination, Santa Barbara. Begin the tour at the State Street Promenade in downtown, where we wander through upscale shops and restaurants in this serene, traffic-free area, appreciating the local architecture and ambiance. Continue to the Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns Wharf for a walk by the ocean and picturesque views. Conclude our Santa Barbara visit at the Spanish Mission, learning about its pivotal role in the region's history. Next, journey to Solvang, known as "the Danish Capital of America." Marvel at the Danish-style architecture and browse local shops and eateries. After a lunch break, travel north through Silicon Valley en route to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
Tour pick up: You can be collected for this tour at one of the following locations: Farmers Market Starbucks Coffee Shop - 6333 West 3rd Street, corner of Fairfax Boulevard at 06:30 AM OR Culver City: 4 Points Sheraton Culver City - 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City at 07:00 AM. Please ensure you arrive in Los Angeles the day before your tour.
Overnight: San Francisco
San Fran sightseeing
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
San Francisco - Modesto. Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. We then depart San Francisco and head to our accommodation in the small city of Modesto.
Accommodation: Modesto Hotel or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. Tonight is spent in San Francisco.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport or similar.
Overnight: Modesto (summer) / San Francisco (winter) | Breakfast
Yosemite National Park or Monterey
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
San Francisco - Yosemite National Park - Stevenson Ranch. We travel east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to reach Yosemite National Park, a 1,200 square mile expanse of forests, lakes, and waterfalls situated in the Sierra Nevada. Key stops include El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. From the Yosemite Visitor Center, we take a walk to Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in North America at 730 metres. After a breathtaking day in the park, we drive to Stevenson Ranch in the evening.
Accommodation: Comfort Suites Steven Ranch or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
San Francisco - Monterey - Stevenson Ranch. Begin the day with a visit to Monterey, including the wharf and Cannery Row. Formerly a series of sardine factories, Cannery Row is now a charming destination for exploring its rich history. We continue along the stunning California Coast to the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known as the home of actor and director Clint Eastwood. Enjoy free time to explore the beautiful boutiques and galleries. We then head south to the iconic Route 1, offering close-up views of the spectacular California coastline. Small vehicles will traverse the southern portion of Route 1, while full-size coaches will exclusively take the 17-Mile Drive. In the afternoon, we make the drive to Stevenson Ranch, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation: Comfort Suites Steven Ranch or similar.
Overnight: Stevenson Ranch | Breakfast
Death Valley & Las Vegas sightseeing
SUMMER & WINTER ITINERARY
Stevenson Ranch - Las Vegas. Today's itinerary takes us east through the desert and the boiling landscapes of Death Valley, culminating in our arrival at the gambling capital of the world: Las Vegas. We'll stop for lunch enroute at the outlet mall in Barstow, which features renowned brand names such as Levi’s, Nike, Reebok, Timberland, Ralph Lauren, and more.
In the evening, we embark on a tour of the Strip to admire some of the astounding hotels and imaginative constructions rising out of the desert, including Caesar’s Palace, Luxor, Mirage, Paris, Venetian, Bellagio, New York-New York, Treasure Island, and others. Conclude the night by attending one of the many spectacular shows or trying your luck at the numerous casinos. Who knows? Lady Luck might be on your side tonight.
Accommodation: Harrah's Hotel or similar.
Overnight: Las Vegas | Breakfast
Hoover Dam & LA
SUMMER & WINTER ITINERARY
Las Vegas - Hoover Dam - Los Angeles. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and make our way to the Hoover Dam. Here, we learn about the construction of this impressive man-made structure and its impact on the surrounding area. Constructed over five years from 1931 - 1936, this emblematic structure led to the creation of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the USA. Following our visit to the Hoover Dam, we travel west, taking one last opportunity to try the slot machines at the state line before crossing back into California. Our tour concludes with our arrival in Los Angeles.
This tour is scheduled to end between 20:00 – 21:00, this is an estimated time only. Actual time may change based upon local conditions. Please ensure your departure flight is booked with this time in mind, we recommend booking your flights for the following day.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin / Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport, San Francisco
Located around 10 miles outside San Francisco city centre, in Oakland, this hotel is just 1.6 kilometres from both Oakland International Airport and Interstate 880. This informal airport hotel, situated next to a business park, is 3.2 kilometres from the Oracle Arena and 8 kilometres from the Oakland Zoo. The straightforward rooms feature microwaves, minifridges, tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs with Netflix, desks, and sofabeds, along with complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy free perks such as a breakfast buffet, a casual restaurant/bar, an indoor pool, and a gym, as well as access to a coin-operated laundry and a patio with a fire pit.
Comfort Suites, Stevenson Ranch
This straightforward all-suite hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with an outdoor pool. Guests can benefit from free Wi-Fi in public areas, a public Internet workstation, and 24-hour front desk service. Self-service laundry, a lift, and free self-parking are also available, with valet parking offered at an extra charge. The fitness centre, which includes elliptical machines, treadmills, and weight machines, is free to use. The hotel is smoke-free and does not allow pets. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. The property is child-friendly and includes both an indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub, and accessible parking and pool facilities. There is a business centre for guest use.
Harrah's Hotel , Las Vegas
Located across the Strip from Caesars Palace and just a 3-minute walk from the Linq shopping promenade, this vibrant casino hotel is a stop on the Las Vegas Monorail. The inviting rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and marble showers. The hotel features a lively casino, as well as live comedy, magic, and music performances, a nightclub, and a piano bar. Guests can also enjoy a fitness centre, a spa, a salon, and an outdoor pool, along with four restaurants and a casual 24/7 food hall.