Kick start your trip at your downtown hotel neighbouring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, putting you right in the heart of the city. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.

Kimpton Alma, San Diego

Dinner with wine

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 in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant climate. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.

This afternoon, board your coach and enjoy far reaching ocean views as you travel up the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles. The evening is at your leisure.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Breakfast

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 your journey through Downtown Los Angeles exploring Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and US Bank Tower while learning about the history and architecture from the 18th-century to the present. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after Theatre for movie premieres.

In the afternoon you can choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, or head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking.

Tonight we’ll visit a popular restaurant highlighting LA’s local culture and cuisine. Sol Agave is an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood and prime steaks.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of freeway hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic Ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance.

Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. You can choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans or take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Breakfast

This morning we visit “The Danish Capitol of America” in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded around the mission by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. In the evening, discover why Pismo Beach is known as the Clam Capital of the world or relax and dine at your hotel.

Vespera Resort, Pismo Beach

Breakfast

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 tall. Once you’ve settled in to your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Join a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing and spend time watching the experts in action. You can see climbers tackling some of the more than 60 routes up the granite monolith that is El Capitan. Widely considered the pinnacle of the rock-climbing world, it was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll also learn how climbers help preserve the vertical environment. 

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Breakfast

Travel towards the West 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 Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Hyatt Regency Embarcadero

Breakfast

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop 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 sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. In the afternoon, we visit the oldest and largest Chinatown in the US. We take you off the main streets and into the alleyways to learn about the daily life, rich history, and modern day issues. Tours are led by Chinatown Alleyway Tours – a community based non-profit that is youth-run and youth-led. Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum Celebration Dinner.

Hyatt Regency Embarcadero

Breakfast, Dinner with wine

It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories.

Breakfast