California Classics with San Diego

13 days
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Group Tour
When you hum along to California Dreamin’ on the radio, what wistful wonders come to mind? Giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park? Big reds in Sonoma? Mega stars in Los Angeles? Colossal mansions that dot the entire Pacific coastline? From the City by the Bay to the City of Angels, this thirteen-day tour of California reveals every heavenly sight that earne...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • San francisco: Sightseeing; Japanese Tea Garden
    • Napa valley: Tour and tasting at a winery
    • Yosemite national park: Yosemite Valley floor tram tour
    • Carmel: Visit the resort town
    • Monterey: 17-Mile Drive; behind-the-scenes tour at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • San simeon: Visit Hearst Castle
    • Solvang: Guided walking tour of the quaint Denmark-inspired village and enjoy a local specialty
    • Santa barbara: Visit the mission
    • Los angeles: Sightseeing; Getty Museum; farewell dinnerLOS ANGELES–SAN DIEGO
    • From San Francisco to Los Angeles, see the famous sights of California on this spectacular vacation

What's this trip about?

    When you hum along to California Dreamin’ on the radio, what wistful wonders come to mind? Giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park? Big reds in Sonoma? Mega stars in Los Angeles? Colossal mansions that dot the entire Pacific coastline? From the City by the Bay to the City of Angels, this thirteen-day tour of California reveals every heavenly sight that earned the Golden State its name. Yosemite’s Cathedral Spires, 17-Mile Drive’s Lone Cypress, and San Simeon’s Hearst Castle are just a few you’ll want your camera ready for. Between the high energy of Silicon Valley and the high style of Beverly Hills, this encompassing California vacation weaves in plenty of kickback time with visits to a Sonoma vineyard, the quiet Danish village of Solvang, and the tony resort zip codes of Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Don’t forget your shades. Surf’s up at the 70 miles of beaches along Southern California’s most laid-back city. Hang ten or simply hang out in San Diego’s renowned zoo, museums, and eclectic neighborhoods. Half the fun of this extension to your California vacation is the scenic train ride here from La-La Land.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City SAN FRANCISCO
End CitySAN DIEGO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Attractions

  • California
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Los Angeles
  • Napa
  • San Francisco
  • Santa Barbara
  • Yosemite National Park

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO

Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO

City by the Bay Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Free time this afternoon to explore the city. Ride the world-famous cable cars, shop i...

Day 3: SAN FRANCISCO–EXCURSION TO SAUSALITO & SONOMA

Vineyards & Views Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge this morning to the charming town of Sausalito. Continue to Sonoma for lunch on your own. Visit a local vineyard for a tour and tasting. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT TASTES & TRADITIONS Cross San Franc...

Day 4: SAN FRANCISCO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

The Mountains are Calling Travel eastward through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Free time this evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Yosemite has innumerable lakes, meadows, ice-sculpted domes, forests, waterfalls, and un...

Day 5: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–MONTEREY

Giants of the Land and Sea Before departing Yosemite National Park, visit Mariposa Grove, home to many old-growth sequoias. Stand in awe as you look skyward at these massive giants, one of the Earth’s largest and longest living organisms. Then, on to Monterey, home t...

Day 6: MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL

Cottages & Cypress Trees This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a visit to the resort town of Carmel with a scenic drive along the famed 17-Mile Drive. Return to Monterey for free time before dinner at a l...

Day 7: MONTEREY–BIG SUR–SAN SIMEON–SOLVANG

California Gold Journey south through Big Sur to San Simeon and visit Hearst Castle. Continue to Solvang for a free evening. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Visit the opulent mansion of legendary newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, which house...

Day 8: SOLVANG–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES

Treasures & Traditions Explore the Danish town of Solvang and enjoy a [LF] Danish specialty at a local bakery. Then, travel through the Santa Ynez Mountains to beautiful Santa Barbara to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Continue to metropolitan Los Angeles, t...

Day 9: LOS ANGELES

California Traditions Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. See the Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills. Later, visit the Getty Museum. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a specia...

Day 10: LOS ANGELES–AMTRAK’S PACIFIC SURFLINER–SAN DIEGO

Riding the Rails Take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner scenic train service along the coast to San Diego. Meet your Globus Local Host upon arrival before transferring to the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown Hotel. Free time this evening. Your Globus Local Host will be ...

Day 11: SAN DIEGO

Southern California Dreaming A full free day to explore San Diego, California’s second-largest city. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION California’s southernmost city of San Diego shares the border with Mexico, as well as the blue expanse of the...

Day 12: SAN DIEGO

Pacific Pleasures A full free day to explore San Diego on your own. (Breakfast)

FREE-TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in San Diego with a day on the beach or a visit to any of its exciting attractions. Your Local Host can point you in the right direction, and your GlobusGO mobile app is always at your fingertips with maps and suggestions for the best day in Cali.

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Day 13: SAN DIEGO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

LA-JOLLA-SAN-DIEGO.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,609
Price per day$355
Last Updated: 3/13/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
03 May 2024
15 May 2024
$4,549
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10 May 2024
22 May 2024
$4,549
Sold Out
31 May 2024
12 Jun 2024
$4,609
Available
07 Jun 2024
19 Jun 2024
$5,099
Sold Out
14 Jun 2024
26 Jun 2024
$4,609
Available
16 Aug 2024
28 Aug 2024
$4,679
Sold Out
30 Aug 2024
11 Sep 2024
$4,679
Sold Out
06 Sep 2024
18 Sep 2024
$4,679
Available
07 Sep 2024
19 Sep 2024
$4,679
Sold Out
13 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024
$4,679
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

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.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

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Feb 2024

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Dec 2023

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

San Francisco Marriott MarquisSan Francisco Marriott Marquis welcomes travelers to Northern California with exceptional service, spacious guestrooms, and a prime downtown location. The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guestrooms offer plush bedding, Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and Wi-Fi access. San FranciscoUnited States780 Mission StreetTenaya Lodge at YosemiteAn elegant resort in the California High Sierra, Tenaya Lodge is the perfect gateway to four seasons of Yosemite adventure. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness room, indoor pool, three outdoor pool, and five hot tubs.Yosemite National ParkUnited States1122 Highway 41Hyatt Regency MontereyThis luxury resort is ideally situated near an acclaimed golf course, which provides ample views of gardens and landscapes. Renovations have transformed the interior into a modern, contemporary oasis with a fireplace lounge, fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, tennis courts, restaurant, lounge, and room service. Guestrooms feature cable TV, high-speed Internet access, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, coffeemaker, bath robe, and bath amenities. MontereyUnited States1 Old Golf Course RdHotel CorqueHotel Corque (pronounced Cork) is a boutique hotel located in downtown Solvang. The hotel offers spacious guestrooms and décor specially designed to complement the regions peaceful surrounding wine country.SolvangUnited States400 Alisal RoadWestin BonaventureStunning downtown hotel comprising 5 glass towers and a 6 story atrium lobby with fountains. Facilities include an outdoor pool, health club, spa and on site shopping mall. Dining faciilities include a lobby bar and bistro restaurant - The Lakeview Bistro - and a famous steakhouse on the 35th floor - LA Prime - which offers spectacular views of the downtown area. On the 34th floor is a revolving lounge and restaurant - the Bona Vista Lounge Los AngelesUnited States404 S. Figueroa StreetEmbassy Suites San Diego BayThis hotel is located directly across the street from Seaport Village and is walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center. The hotel is also just minutes from the San Diego attractions such as SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Old Town and more. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, business center, concierge service, hair salon, gift shop, restaurant, room service, and complimentary evening manager's reception. San DiegoUnited States601 Pacific Highway,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
AA|California Classics AAE|With San Diego
Trip ID
globus-AAE

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