San Francisco & the California Coast

Day 1 : Fly to California

We fly to San Francisco and check-in to our hotel for a comfortable two-night stay.

Day 2 : San Francisco

Begin the day with a leisurely ride on one of the city’s timeless cable cars. Next, we are joined by an expert local guide for a tour of the City by the Bay. See the highlights of this bustling city including Twin Peaks, Market Street, Chinatown, and iconic Golden Gate Park. After the tour, we enjoy lunch and time at leisure at famous Pier 39 located along Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 3 : The Pacific Coast

This morning we say goodbye to San Francisco and travel south to Roaring Camp Railroad Station. Upon arrival we board one of the most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America and enjoy a round-trip journey through towering redwood groves to the summit of Bear Mountain and back. Later we enjoy scenic vistas of California’s famous 17 Mile Drive. Have your camera ready for stops along the route including the Lone Cyprus and Pebble Beach. We then make our way to our accommodations in Monterey for a two-night stay.

Day 4 : Monterey Bay Aquarium & Whale Watching

This morning we enjoy a privately chartered, narrated whale watching excursion into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This area has some of the best whale watching in the world due to the deep undersea canyon near the shore. Watch for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife. After some leisure time on Cannery Row we will have a self-guided tour at Monterey Bay Aquarium to see their fascinating exhibits. See the Kelp Forest, a living community two stories tall with dozens of species of fish living in a lush, underwater forest. In the Open Sea exhibit, see enormous tuna, sea turtles, sharks, and glittering schools of fish swimming in union. We’ll also see lively sea otters, penguins, and other seabirds.

Day 5 : Hearst Castle

Today’s route follows coastal Highway 1 where roaring waves, sheer rocky cliffs, and stunning ocean views dominate the landscape. At Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park we get another view of California’s majestic Redwoods. Next, tour Hearst Castle, the elegant mountaintop estate owned by media baron William Randolph Hearst. Discover fabulous art, priceless antiques, and beautiful gardens after viewing the introductory film Building the Dream. Our overnight accommodations are in San Luis Obispo.

Day 6 : The Reagan Library

Our journey continues south this morning to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. We take time to explore the largest Presidential Library in the United States with exhibits such as Air Force One, the National Treasures Gallery, a tribute to First Lady Nancy Reagan, and the Oval Office. Afterwards, we make our way to Los Angeles for a comfortable two-night stay.

Day 7 : Hollywood Highlights

This morning we pick up a local guide for a tour of Los Angeles. See the Labrea Tar Pits, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more. This afternoon we explore the LA Farmers Market. Active since 1934, this marketplace has more than 100 shops and eateries to explore with plenty of outdoor seating. Enjoy a Warner Brothers Studio VIP tour by tram with an expert guide as we go "behind the lens" visiting film sets and working soundstages on the studio lot. The tour continues with an immersive look at how the magic of Hollywood is made at Stage 48: Script to Screen. Here you can lounge on the Friends set couch, build your own costume at the interactive design station, or view authentic head shots and audition reels on the high-definition touch screen casting table. Tonight we reminisce at a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner.

Day 8 : Return Home

We fly home with delightful memories of our sunny California getaway.