Tour Best Of California (Classic, 10 Days) | Visit United States of America

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). San Diego: Board your coach and enjoy far-reaching ocean vistas as your journey takes you along the coast to Los Angeles. 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.

Accommodation

9 nights hotel accommodation

Guide

Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

Others

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 of filmmaking at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Santa Barbara: Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the ’Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop. Santa Barbara: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City’s best museums. Learn about the area’s vast culture and history through exhibits. 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. Los Angeles: Visit Petersen Automobile Museum of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Santa Barbara: Or, choose to visit Old Mission or the Natural History Museum Yosemite National Park: Join a naturalist guide/Climber in the park at El Capitan Meadow to get familiar with the basics, step back and spend some time watching experts in action. You can see climbers tackling some of the more than 60 routes up the granite monolith, which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and Make Travel Matter by learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment and more. This is a Make Travel Matter Experience as it is operated by Yosemite Conservancy- a non-profit organization that has provided over $140 million to Yosemite for than 700 completed projects. They help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, inspire the next generation of nature-lovers and more. San Francisco: Join a youth-led walking tour of Chinatown’s historic alleyways where you will learn of their origins and hear stories from those who call this place home. Yosemite National Park: Join a naturalist guide/climber at El Capitan Meadow where you will become familiar with the basics of rock climbing, while learning how they help preserve the vertical, natural environment. Your visit contributes to the Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of US National Parks. Pasolivo Olive Oil Tasting Experience, Maripisa Grove, Yosemite National Park Los Angeles: Explore the rich culture, history, and architecture of downtown Los Angeles from the 18th century to the present with the LA Conservancy - a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks. Experience a bit of nostalgia in Downtown as you ride aboard the lovingly restored Angel’s Flight Railway - the shortest railway system built in the 20th century. Continue your journey through DTLA exploring iconic places like Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, the Bradbury Buidling, and the US Bank Tower. San Francisco: Linking San Francisco to Marin County across the three-mile Golden Gate strait, this magnificent suspension bridge was built between 1933 and 1937. Renowned as an engineering marvel due to the precise planning, design and construction processes that were applied, all over treacherous open water, it remains one of America’s most fascinating landmarks. San Francisco: See the city’s highlights on your sightseeing tour as you pass Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Embarcadero. 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.

Meals

4 Dinner with Wine (DW) 9 Breakfast (B) Los Angeles: Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country’s great dining destinations. 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, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out losing the authenticity of MEXICO! San Francisco: Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner experience. Restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Food Guide, received numerous accolades within the restaurant industry, and ranked #5 best new restaurant in 2019.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To San Diego
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To San Diego

Kick off your trip at 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 at Vistal Bar + Restaurant. Located right inside your hotel, it boasts thoughtfully sourced and curated menu offering the best of California.
Day 2 Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. 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 the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Modern-style Union Station in Los Angeles.
Day 3 Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 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, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country’s great dining destinations. 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, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out losing the authenticity of MEXICO!
Day 4 Day 4: Train Journey To The American Riviera
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Train Journey To The American Riviera

Return to 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 before you further explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.
Day 5 Day 5: Beach Towns And Wine Country Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Beach Towns And Wine Country Relaxed Start

Today we take the Pacific Surfliner train 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 along the coast on your own 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.
Day 6 Day 6: Giant Sequoias
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. 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 nearly 2500 foot (762 metres) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.
Day 7 Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a naturalist guide/climber and get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching 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 Mecca of the rock-climbing world, it was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will Make Travel Matter learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment.
Day 8 Day 8: On To San Francisco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: On To San Francisco

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.
Day 9 Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Join a walking tour of Chinatown’s alleyways and learn about its history and cultural impact on the surrounding communities. Your participation in the tour supports a youth-led and youth-run organization promoting education, entrepreneurship, and tourism for underrepresented cultures. 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 on our Insight Experience. We take you off the main streets and into the alleyways to learn about the daily life, rich history, and modern-day issues of San Francisco’s Chinatown. 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.
Day 10 Day 10: Farewell California
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Farewell California

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.

10 days tour

Best Of California (Classic, 10 Days)

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Itinerary of your trip Best Of California (Classic, 10 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To San Diego

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

Day 4: Train Journey To The American Riviera

Day 5: Beach Towns And Wine Country Relaxed Start

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Day 8: On To San Francisco

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Day 10: Farewell California

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