Grand Tour of California
15 DAYSStarting from $7,290 per person
From snowcapped peaks to sweltering deserts and pristine coastlines to glitzy marinas, you’ll taste the incredible diversity of the Golden State on this unforgettable 15-day California Grand Tour. Start with a sprinkling of stardust and beachsand in Los Angeles before following the Pacific Coast Highway north, taking in the charming Spanish mission town of Santa Barbara, the upscale Central Coast wine region, and pristine Big Sur. After ticking irresistible San Francisco off the bucket list, you’ll venture inland to experience both big name destinations like peerless Yosemite and otherworldly Death Valley and under-the-radar gems like Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (home to the world’s oldest living trees) and the alien landscapes of Mono Lake.
Trip at Glance
Highlights
- Enjoy a lazy-days cycle tour of two of LA’s hottest beaches and an insider’s guide to Hollywood and Koreatown.
- Really get to know charming Santa Barbara, whose Spanish colonial history, immaculate botanical gardens and laidback beach vibes melt into one irresistible package.
- Dust off the spittoon (or not!) on a sommelier-led tour of the Central Coast wine region, a magnet for global conoisseurs of Pinot Noir.
- Uncover the secrets of one of America’s most storied tycoons with a guided tour of dramatic Hearst Castle, the palatial clifftop residence built by William Randolph Hearst.
- Press ‘pause’ in pristine Big Sur, the forgotten-by-time oceanside paradise punctuated by “big elbows of Rock rising everywhere” (Kerouac’s words).
- Experience the best of San Francisco, touring Little Italy and Chinatown with a local guide and cycling across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before returning to the city on a sunset cruise.
- Explore the fabled Yosemite Valley by car and on foot. Embark upon an epic guided trek through this spectacular Park, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by wildflowers.
- Experience the contrasting ecosystems of briny Mono Lake (a surreal way station for migratory birds) and picture-postcard June Lake on a drive down Highway 395, considered one of America’s best road trip routes.
- Get up close and personal with the oldest living trees on the planet at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, an off-the-beaten-path gem of a State Park.
- Spend two full days exploring the otherworldly desert landscapes of Death Valley, getting to know the geology and history of the lowest point in North America and the hottest place on the planet.
- Have the freedom of your own rental car but also enjoy the benefits of being shown around each destination by genuine experts.
- Marvel at the stunning Monterey Bay, known the world over for its award-winning aquarium and iconic Cannery Row.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Pricing includes everything from your international arrival to your departure, with the exception of flights and a few lunches and dinners.
Welcome to the City of the Stars! Today is a transit day, and after your plane glides in over the Pacific Ocean, you will take a shuttle to claim your rental car and take a drive through Los Angeles to the famous Beverly Hills. Spend the afternoon exploring your new ’hood, or just relax in your iconic Los Angeles hotel. After dinner you can rest up ahead of the adventure to come or hit the town to experience some of LA’s famous nightlife.
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