Begin in San Francisco, the beloved “City by the Bay” and enjoy a city tour highlighting elegant Nob Hill, bustling Union Square, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square and other interesting sights. Look out over shining Golden Gate Bridge and stop at Twin Peaks for panoramic views.
Travel into the majestic Sierra Nevada to Yosemite National Park, best known for its magnificent natural attractions. In an open tram, you pass the mighty El Capitan, the largest monolith of granite in the world, and Half Dome cliff, the recognisable symbol of Yosemite that rises nearly 5000 feet above the Valley floor.
Arrive in stunning Monterey, with its extraordinary coastline and windswept beaches, and perhaps visit the renowned Monterey Aquarium, showcasing uniquely designed marine exhibits and petting pools. Drive along the breathtaking Monterey Bay Peninsula, known as the 17-Mile Drive, widely recognized as one of the most scenic panoramas in the world. Continue on to the charming seaside town of Carmel, a haven for writers, artists and celebrities, and browse trendy shops.
Continue south through Santa Barbara & Malibu to Santa Monica, enjoy time at leisure to explore the Santa Monica Pier or tree-lined Ocean Avenue. Spend the night in Los Angeles and enjoy a morning sightseeing tour and the afternoon at leisure to experience the star-studded town on your own before a farewell dinner
THIS DEAL EXPIRES at 5PM 06 JUNE 2018
Departs SYD 09 SEP ’18
flying Final Book By:06 JUN 2018
Deposit: $1399pp
Final Balance: 08 June 18
*prices based on two people travelling, Twin Share Accommodation, and flying Economy Class. Sale airfares are correct and available as at date of eBrochure, but strictly subject to availability and confirmation from the Airlines. Space on escorted tours is subject to confirmation from tour operator. Book and confirm early to guarantee availability.
*WARNING, spots on these tours sells out very fast. Please ask for available dates so I can hold space for you. There are many more dates I can use, but Airfares and prices cannot be prepriced for many dates
~ Ask about a supplement to fly your preferred airline or alliance.
Escorted Package Includes
Flights Sydney-San Francisco, Los Angeles-Sydney
Other departure cities available.
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
7 nights accommodations
2 nights San Francisco
1 night El Portal
2 nights Monterey
2 nights Los Angeles
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Services of English-speaking local guides
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
PLEASE NOTE, Arrival and Departure Transfers are not included for these cities, and my experience with them is it is preferable to taxi.
Special Features
Tour San Francisco, the beloved “City by the Bay”
At Yosemite National Park, see the Bridalveil Falls and the El Capitan granite monolith
Drive along the scenic Monterey Bay Peninsula, known as the “17 Mile Drive”
Visit stunning Santa Barbara, star-studded Malibu and the Santa Monica Pier
Discover the world-famous landmarks in Los Angeles
Note: Gratuities for tour manager and coach driver are included.
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1, Sunday – Arrive in San Francisco
Departure
Airline
Flight #
From
To
Arrival
Total
Duration
09 Sep 2018
09:30AM
Asiana Airlines
602
Sydney,
Seoul,
09 Sep 2018
07:00PM
23h 00m
09 Sep 2018
08:40PM
Asiana Airlines
212
Seoul,
San Francisco,
09 Sep 2018
03:30PM
Welcome to San Francisco! Begin your discovery of this beloved “City by the Bay” with time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf with its quirky shops, cafes and endless entertainment. Tonight, a briefing by your Tour Manager on the delightful tour that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7PM on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5PM on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible Overnight: San Francisco
DAY 2, Monday – Tour San Francisco
A scenic morning drive takes you to the historic Presidio. This inspiring setting with its spectacular vistas was home to native people for more than a thousand years. Transformed by the U.S. Army from windswept dunes to a military post, this area is now a part of the magnificent Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Returning to the city, enjoy views of elegant Nob Hill, bustling Union Square, Chinatown and Ghirardelli Square. Look out over shining Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, and stop at Twin Peaks for panoramic views. Remainder of the day is free to explore San Francisco, at leisure. This evening, savor a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers Overnight: San Francisco Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Tuesday – Travel to Yosemite National Park
Travel into the majestic Sierra Nevada to Yosemite National Park, best known for its magnificent natural attractions. Upon entering, you’ll be welcomed to the Yosemite Valley by Bridalveil Falls, one of the park’s most prominent waterfalls that thunders in the springtime, but has a calm and swaying flow the rest of the year. View El Capitan, a favorite for experienced rock climbers, the largest monolith of granite in the world, and Half Dome, the recognizable symbol of Yosemite that rises nearly 5000 feet above the Valley floor. Enjoy lunch on your own in this unique location before setting off to explore some of the park’s trails independently. At the end of the day in the park, continue to the town of El Portal and check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure Overnight: El Portal Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Wednesday – Travel to Monterey Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing from El Portal. Drive past the rich farmlands of the San Joaquin Valley and the peaceful San Luis Reservoir, stopping for lunch en route, on your own. Arrive in stunning Monterey, with its extraordinary coastline and windswept features. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps visit the wharf area for a wide choice of casual restaurants Overnight: Monterey Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Thursday – 17 Mile Drive, Carmel
Today, an extraordinary experience! Drive along the breathtaking Monterey Bay Peninsula, known as the “17 Mile Drive”, widely recognized as one of the most scenic panoramas in the world. The famous coastal landmark runs from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn, including the multi-million dollar homes of some of the rich and famous. Marvel at some of nature’s treasures found along the drive including The Lone Cypress, one of California’s best-known landmarks, and the Cypress Point Lookout. After a brief stop at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, on to the charming seaside town of Carmel, a haven for writers, artists, and celebrities. Return to Monterey for an evening at leisure Overnight: Monterey Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Friday – Travel to Los Angeles, Santa Monica
A long drive south towards dazzling Santa Barbara, known as “America’s Riviera”, nestled between lofty mountains and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara is chic and relaxed, with superb California Mission-style architecture accented by red tile roofs, white stucco buildings and California’s most beautiful white sandy beaches. Lunch on your own before driving through star-studded Malibu to vibrant Santa Monica, an unforgettable beach city bursting with non-stop energy. Time at leisure allows you to walk on the famous Santa Monica Pier with its Carousel and over-the-water amusement park, or on tree-lined Ocean Avenue with its prized ocean-view restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy all of the delights of this city with its diverse culture. Dinner on your own in Santa Monica before setting off to Los Angeles for overnight Overnight: Los Angeles Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Saturday – Los Angeles City Tour Discover Los Angeles today, with its unique neighborhoods, celebrity homes and new urban renaissance. A morning sightseeing tour of Los Angeles allows you to sample many of the most iconic sights in this glamorous city before your afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers tonight Overnight: Los Angeles Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday – Return Home
Depart Los Angeles to return home Meals: Breakfast
National Parks route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns.
Most Australians traveling on an Australian passport will not require a visa for this itinerary, but will require a valid ESTA Authority that must be obtained prior to travel. Click here to go to the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security Website.
Most New Zealanders traveling on a New Zealand passport will not require a visa for this itinerary, but will require a valid ESTA Authority that must be obtained prior to travel. Please check the Safetravel Website.
Accomodation
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, San Francisco, CA
This superior tourist class hotel is located in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood.