Coastal California and Big Sur with San Diego

Day 1: Good Day San Francisco

The City by the Bay greets you today. You'll have the day to ease into its laidback, friendly vibe before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception this evening.

Day 2: Promenade Through San Francisco

See the highlights of one of America's favorite cities including: Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Union Square and The Presidio. A free afternoon to explore everything that San Francisco has to offer. Perhaps opt to take a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge followed by a visit to trendy Sausalito or maybe hop on a bay cruise circling around famous Alcatraz Island. The evening is free to take in the city’s diverse dining scene. Or maybe join the optional Chinatown Walking Tour, dinner at a Chinatown restaurant, cable car ride, and evening Illuminations tour.

Day 3: Take A Scenic Drive To Monterey

Travel Pacific Coast Highway past the resort town of Half Moon Bay before arriving at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park featuring a 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. This afternoon enjoy a lunch treat that is pure California. In-n-Out Burger was founded back in 1947 and was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. Enjoy their iconic double-double burger with fries and a milk shake. Get educated about organic produce during a private farm tour in Salinas Valley, considered "the Salad Bowl of the World", before arriving in Monterey.

Day 4: Traverse Through Scenic Pacific Grove

This morning we enjoy perhaps the world’s most scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Hug the Pacific Coastline with views of famous Spyglass Hill and Cypress Point golf courses, and we will make a stop at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Get your cameras ready for a shot of the Lone Cypress, the iconic symbol of 17-mile drive. Visit Mission Carmel which is the 2nd of California’s 21 Spanish Missions which dates back to 1797. Enjoy some time in quaint Carmel-By-The-Sea, a town of 4,000 with a rich arts history. Clint Eastwood served as the town's Mayor after being elected in 1986. The afternoon is free to explore popular Cannery Row. Perhaps wander over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or opt to take a whale watching excursion on Monterey Bay. Covering an entire 3 ½ city blocks, thousands of people flock to the weekly market featuring produce from all over Central California, arts and crafts, dozens of international food vendors, and a lineup of live music.

Day 5: Unwind With Wine In Paso Robles

Today features America’s most unforgettable drive, 90 miles of Pacific Coast Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. Travel through Big Sur passing over the famous Bixby Bridge and admire the towering mountains on one side of PCH and the crashing Pacific Ocean on the other. This afternoon join a local expert for a walking tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose vision of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The massive home features 121 total rooms scattered over 90,000 square feet and is designated as National Historic Landmark. Later today arrive into Paso Robles where laid-back cowboy-country meets one of the country’s best wine regions. This evening head towards the town’s historic square for a regional dinner with wine.

Day 6: Savor The Unique Taste Of Paso Robles

This morning link up with a Paso Robles resident and Local Specialist for a walking tour of the historic downtown corridor. Learn about the city’s connection to their thermal hot springs, the almond industry that once dominated the city, and why its quaint city square was chosen as the backdrop for a Christmas Hallmark movie. Next, join the mother-daughter duo of Karen and Jennifer Talent at the Groves on 41 Olive Oil Ranch where they host a Be My Guest feast featuring their award-winning olive oil in the different lunch dishes, even the ice cream! This afternoon visit a Paso Robles winery. After the sun sets visit Sensorio Light Field featuring 58,000 optic lights on a 15-acre field. Publications all over the USA are already declaring the experience as a Bucket List item that has to be seen to believe. (Subject to availability).

Day 7: Sink Your Toes Into Santa Barbara Before Hitting Los Angeles

Travel to Los Angeles and arrive into the affluent beachside town of Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera”. There will be plenty of time to wander trendy State Street. Considered the heart of Santa Barbara, the area is known for its great shopping, top-notch restaurants and incredible architecture. This afternoon arrive into world-famous Beverly Hills - the playground of the rich and famous, home to some of the world’s priciest real estate, and the epitome of American luxury.

Day 8: Tour Tinsel Town

This morning join a Local Expert for a walking tour of one of the most famous streets on the planet, Rodeo Drive, as they share the secrets and stories behind some of the most expensive stores in the world. Visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the epicenter of America's movie industry, before hitting the handprints at Grauman's Theatre and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Snap a few pics before finishing off your day in Los Angeles with a Your Choice Sightseeing of museums. Visit the car collections at the Peterson Automotive Museum, boasting one of the largest vintage car collections in the world. You’ll awe over the array of over 100 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles displayed over three floors and 25 galleries—including famous vehicles from Back to The Future and Bladerunner! Or, art aficionados will want to head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the western United States with a collection of more than 142,000 objects showcasing 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe from new and unexpected points of view. This evening join your fellow travelers for a celebratory Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant reflecting on all you’ve seen on California’s beautiful coast.  

Day 9: Travel The Coast To San Diego

After sightseeing in Los Angeles, hop on Amtrak's Surfliner Train at Union Station in Los Angeles.  Travel through Orange County as the train moves close to the coast and then hug the Pacific Ocean as you make your way into "America's Finest City" of San Diego.

Day 10: Trolley Through San Diego

The day is yours to explore San Diego at your own pace. Your stay in San Diego includes a One-Day unlimited hop on and hop off trolley pass, allowing visits to Old Town, Balboa Park, Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and Hotel Del Coronado.

Day 11: Goodbye Golden State

Say goodbye to the Golden State as you take your complimentary transfer to San Diego International Airport.