Best of California 2022 Small Group

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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Group Tour
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing train tour from San Diego to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cult...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Los Angeles: Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums.You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrace the tradition offilmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Another option is to visit theLos Angeles County Museum of Art.
    • Santa Barbara: Visit Mission Santa Barbara, a historic Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order in 1786.
    • Santa Barbara: Take a relaxing walk in the Botanical Garden and learn about native California flora.
    • : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
    • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
    • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhancedwell-being and hygiene protocols.
    • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
    • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
    • San Diego: Board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean vistas as your train journey takes you to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Travel the whole length of the service and experience the Southern California landscape from a unique vantage point.

What's this trip about?

    Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing train tour from San Diego to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityUnited States Of America
End CitySan Francisco

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • California
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Yosemite National Park

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
    • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to San Diego

After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens i...

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It ...

Day 4: Train Journey to the American Riviera

Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast where the shoreline wraps around to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries...

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country Relaxed Start

Join your Amtrak rail journey one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. I...

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet (64 metres) tall.

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet (739 metr...

Day 8: On to San Francisco

Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Direc...

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sights...

Day 10: Farewell California

After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,550
Price per day$555
Last Updated: 10/16/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
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Average
934
Disappointing
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215
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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-SACAL2N17

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