The tour starts and endswith two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world’s most exciting cities.

9 days, Priced from A$2675

USA & Canada, Departs from San Francisco, finishes at Los Angeles

Tour code ABC

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Itinerary

Day 1 – ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO

Welcome to California! On arrival at San Francisco International Airport, your airport transfer service takes you to your tour hotel. Join us at 6 p.m. gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and light buffet.

Hotel: InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco.(WR)

Day 2 – SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING

Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (FB,HD)

Day 3 – SAN FRANCISCO – NAPA & SONOMA

This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country, Napa Valley. After free time in Napa, step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Later, drive along the scenic Carneros Highway to Sonoma Valley and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening is at leisure.

Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa (FB,L)

Day 4 – SONOMA – YOSEMITE

Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to North America’s highest waterfall.

Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (FB).

Day 5 – YOSEMITE – MONTEREY

Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Yosemite Valley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruit at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17 Mile Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. End the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits.

Hotel: InterContinental the Clement Monterey (FB, HD)

Day 6 – MONTEREY – SANTA BARBARA

Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront hotel. This evening, your Tour Director offers you a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Hotel: Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort (FB,DA)

Day 7 – SANTA BARBARA – LOS ANGELES

Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California missions along California’s El Camino Real. Then journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city’s newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination.

Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE (FB,CD)

Day 8 – HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING

Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized mini-coaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join an optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (FB)

Day 9 – DEPART LOS ANGELES

Your California vacation comes to an end with a departure transfer to Los Angeles International Airport. Or perhaps extend your vacation to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure. (FB)

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USA & Canada 2012

Departs on Returns on Total Twin Share per person Total Single per person
Fri 06 Jan Sat 14 Jan A$2725 A$3865
Fri 16 Mar Sat 24 Mar A$2725 A$3865
Fri 27 Apr Sat 05 May A$2675 A$3745
Fri 04 May Sat 12 May A$2675 A$3745
Fri 11 May Sat 19 May A$2675 A$3745
Fri 18 May Sat 26 May A$2675 A$3745
Fri 08 Jun Sat 16 Jun A$2675 A$3745
Fri 15 Jun Sat 23 Jun A$2675 A$3745
Fri 29 Jun Sat 07 Jul A$2675 A$3745
Fri 06 Jul Sat 14 Jul A$2675 A$3745
Fri 13 Jul Sat 21 Jul A$2675 A$3745
Fri 20 Jul Sat 28 Jul A$2675 A$3745
Fri 10 Aug Sat 18 Aug A$2675 A$3745
Fri 24 Aug Sat 01 Sep A$2675 A$3745
Fri 31 Aug Sat 08 Sep A$2675 A$3745
Fri 07 Sep Sat 15 Sep A$2675 A$3745
Fri 14 Sep Sat 22 Sep A$2675 A$3745
Fri 21 Sep Sat 29 Sep A$2675 A$3745
Fri 28 Sep Sat 06 Oct A$2675 A$3745
Fri 12 Oct Sat 20 Oct A$2675 A$3745

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USA & Canada 2013

Departs on Returns on Total Twin Share per person Total Single per person
Fri 04 Jan Sat 12 Jan A$2675 A$3745
Fri 15 Mar Sat 23 Mar A$2675 A$3745

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Early Payment Discount – Book Early and Save

* Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 10%

* Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%

* Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 5%

Extra Tour Discounts – Save on your 2nd Tour

Book two Insight holidays, and receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two. Book three and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!