MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Explore Old Mission Santa Barbara, often referred to as "Queen of the Missions."
- Learn about the largest trees on the planet from a local guide at Sequoia and Kings National Parks.
- Celebrate the boundless spirit of human creativity at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Explore seaside Carlsbad on a walking food tour for lunch.
- Try some locally produced wine during lunch at a Paso Robles vineyard and winery.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Learn about the "birthplace of California" during a tour of San Diego's old town.
- Enjoy the many facets of Los Angeles, including Hollywood and the multicultural fabric of this amazing city.
HOTELS
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown, San Diego, CA
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, Los Angeles, CA
- Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach
- Visalia Marriott, Visalia, CA
- Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
INCLUDED
- 10 Days
- 9 Nights
- 7 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 4 Dinners
San Diego, California - Tour Begins
From the cosmopolitan, cultural cities of San Diego and Los Angeles to the laid-back, beachy vibes of California’s Central Coast and the awe-inspiring scenery of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, this journey has it all. Your tour opens in San Diego, known for its seaside location and idyllic climate.
San Diego
This morning, join a local guide for a tour through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and Old Town San Diego. The afternoon is yours to experience San Diego at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
San Diego - Carlsbad - Los Angeles
Start the day on a harbor cruise of San Diego Bay. Cruise beside playful sea lions, Navy ships, and beautiful architecture while hearing fascinating stories that link the city’s past and present. Later, head north to the coastal town of Carlsbad, where you’ll explore the town center on a walking food tour for lunch. This afternoon, arrive in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world.
Los Angeles
Today, explore the City of Angels on a combination bus/walking tour. Walk through the bustling Grand Central Market – a favorite with locals – and see the famed Bradbury Building, an ornate architectural landmark featured in several films. Take in the Hollywood Bowl and stroll along the Walk of Fame to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Get a close-up look at the iconic Beverly Hills sign and soak in the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive. After lunch on your own at the Farmers Market, explore more sights, including the La Brea Tar Pits, the world’s only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in the middle of a city.
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Pismo Beach
Today, head to California’s Central Coast. Stop for a tour of the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, the tenth of 21 Spanish Missions founded by the Franciscans and the only one the friars still occupy. Enjoy the gorgeous grounds of the “Queen of the Missions,” the gardens, cemetery, and chapel. Later, enjoy free time in this beautiful city, admiring its Spanish colonial architecture and small-town atmosphere. Arrive this afternoon in Pismo Beach, another Central Coast gem, and your home for two nights.
Visalia
Today, head to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the southern Sierra Nevada, where a local guide will join you. See the General Grant tree on a guided walking tour. On the way to your picnic lunch spot, learn about the park’s ecology, flora, fauna, and history, including Native American history. This afternoon, visit the largest tree in the world, the General Sherman tree, on a half-mile walking tour. Then, it’s your choice! Continue with your local guide -OR- take a brisk hike with your Tour Manager along the Congress Trail. Back in Visalia, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. This day is sure to be the highlight of your California adventure!
Visalia - Los Angeles
This morning, bid farewell to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range and head south to Los Angeles for a final night. But first, visit the Getty Center, nestled on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains. This world-famous museum is known for its private collection, with something here for everyone: fine art, impressive architecture, lush gardens, and spectacular city views.
Los Angeles - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at (519) 426-2144
