California Coast & Yosemite Park

Day 1 – San Francisco, California - Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your hotel located near Fisherman’s Wharf. Welcome orientation and briefing. Day 2 – Wine Country, Bay Cruise - Our morning tour of San Francisco includes Union Square, Chinatown and Nob Hill.  We continue to California’s wine country and historic Sonoma Mission. In 1846 when the West was being settled, rowdy fun-loving pioneers raised the flag of the Bear Republic, the beginning of the state of California.  We will visit local winery and sample several wines.  On our return to San Francisco we will stop the Golden Gate Bridge overlook to take a picture of the world’s most photographed bridge. Enjoy a late afternoon cruise on San Francisco Bay and see Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful San Francisco skyline. (B)   Day 3 – Yosemite National Park - We head east into the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the bread-basket of California. Our trip takes us through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and past old gold mining towns from the great California gold rush. We arrive at Yosemite National Park at midday where the remainder of the day is yours to explore its magnificent waterfalls and two towering granite monoliths known as Half Dome and El Capitan. You have plenty of time to hike the nature trails, rent a bike or just simply relax in the splendor of one of the most beautiful places in the world. We will overnight at Yosemite View Lodge. (B) Day 4 – Monterey Bay - Our trip takes us past the San Luis Reservoir, part of the vast California irrigation project, before arriving in Monterey. This city achieved fame through the writings of its native son, John Steinbeck, who chronicled the activities of the colorful fishing section called Cannery Row. After a brief sightseeing drive of Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, your afternoon is at leisure to explore the many attractions in this historic town. Walk along the oceanfront trail connecting Fisherman's Wharf with Cannery Row, relax in an oceanfront restaurant and observe the sea lions and other sea life. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay. (B) Day 5 – Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Mission - This morning visit the unique oceanfront Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Then, enjoy the famous 17-mile coastal drive, lined with palatial homes and delightful natural wonders, such as Seal Beach and the Lone Cypress, and home of Pebble Beach Golf Course. We will drive thru the charming town of Carmel by the Sea and visit the beautifully restored Carmel Mission, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Evening at leisure at your hotel on Monterey Bay. (B) Day 6 – Big Sur, Redwoods, Hearst Castle - We head south bordering the Pacific Ocean this morning through the Big Sur. This spectacular 80 mile drive between Carmel and San Simeon is considered the most beautiful coastal drive in the world. On one side is the sparkling turquoise Pacific Ocean with its pounding surf, and on the other is the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Stop at a redwood grove for close-up views of these towering ancients. Old-growth Pacific coast redwoods can live for 2000 years, grow to more than 350 feet tall and attain a diameter of over 35 feet. Next, visit William Randolph Hearst’s estate and the Hearst Castle. Originally built to house his collection of Medieval and Renaissance treasures, the building eventually became his dream home. Continue to Santa Barbara and stretch your legs on a stroll along the downtown pier for beautiful ocean vistas. Then, on to Los Angeles and your hotel, for a relaxing two night  stay.  (B) Day 7 – Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica - No visit to Hollywood is complete without exploring Sony Studios, home to the popular shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy," as well as many blockbuster movies, including "Spider-Man" and "Men in Black." Enjoy a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days as you walk on sound stages where movie history was made. Then, drive along the Sunset Strip and see the famous Hollywood sign, 50 feet high and 400 feet wide. Stop at Mann’s (Grauman’s) Chinese Theater to see the numerous hand and footprints of famous stars as the Marx Brothers, Douglas Fairbanks and Marilyn Monroe.  Free time to explore Hollywood’s famous sidewalk, known as the Walk of the Stars. See the dramatic entrance of the Kodak Theatre, site of the Academy Awards. Then, travel to Santa Monica to enjoy free time at Third Street Promenade. Drive along Ocean Avenue and see the Santa Monica Pier, which appears in many Hollywood films. Return to your hotel in Beverly Hills. This evening, visit Rodeo Drive, America's most celebrated shopping district. Farewell dinner on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. (BD) Day 8 – Beverly Hills - After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your departure home. (B) Guaranteed Departures from April to October 2010 - call for dates! Price: From $995 per person, double occupancy.  Request information & availability.