| Countries Visited:
USA |
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 10 Days (9 Nights)
From: San Diego to San Francisco
Tour Code: DCLN
Operator: Trafalgar |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
Experience all the sights and sounds of California on this incredible journey as you travel from scenic San Diego to cosmopolitan San Francisco. Stroll through the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, look out for celebrities in Hollywood, view the spectacular landscapes at Yosemite National Park and sample delectable wines in the renowned Californian Wine Country. Sightseeing Highlights:
- San Diego Tour the city's major attractions.
- San Juan Capistrano Visit this famous historic mission.
- Hollywood Visit the Kodak Theatre; see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Los Angeles Drive along the Sunset Strip and see Beverly Hills; visit The Getty Center.
- Santa Barbara Visit this beautiful beach resort dubbed "America's Riviera."
- Cambria Overnight in this quaint seaside city.
- San Simeon Join a guided tour of Hearst Castle.
- Central Coast Drive through the scenic vineyards of Central California.
- Carmel Stroll down Ocean Avenue past quaint stores and art galleries.
- Monterey Peninsula Travel along the fabled 17 Mile Drive.
- Monterey See Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
- San Joaquin Valley Drive through California's breadbasket.
- Yosemite National Park See Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
- Napa Sonoma Valleys Drive along the scenic Carneros Highway and visit a winery.
- San Francisco Enjoy a city tour including the city's most famous landmarks.
First Class Travel Highlights
- First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and onboard restroom.
- The services of one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors.
- A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
- Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 10.
Dining Highlights
- Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in San Diego.
- 9 full breakfasts.
- 1 three-course dinner.
- Highlight Dinner with wine in San Diego.
- 'Be My Guest' Lunch with wine in Sonoma.
- Farewell Dinner with wine in San Francisco.
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Day
1 |
Arrive San Diego (2 nights)
Welcome to San Diego! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego |
Day
2 |
San Diego Sightseeing
From the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park, San Diego entices visitors and locals alike with a combination of fascinating history, lively street life and some of the best weather in the country. Get acquainted with the city on a guided orientation tour and then enjoy some leisure time to do some shopping, visit the San Diego Zoo or cruise the picturesque harbour. This evening, join your travelling companions for a Highlight Dinner in the waterfront wonderland of Seaport Village. (B/HD) |
Day
3 |
San Diego – San Juan Capistrano – Los Angeles (2 nights)
Travelling up the sun-kissed coast past the beachside community of La Jolla, arrive in San Juan Capistrano, home to the second oldest Spanish mission in California. Visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Spectacularly located on a hill above west Los Angeles sits the Getty Center and its world-renowned collection of classical and modern art. Stroll around the grounds admiring paintings and sculptures, the magnificent gardens and the views. Enjoy an evening at leisure in the City of Angels. (B) Stay: Hilton Los Angeles Universal City |
Day
4 |
Los Angeles Sightseeing & Free Time
Immerse yourself in Tinseltown today – cruise around Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard, spot the Hollywood sign and look for your stars along the Walk of Fame. See Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, opened in 1927 and home to hundreds of premieres and three Academy Award ceremonies. Then, be treated to a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, which is the current home of the Oscars. If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, you’ll find plenty of choices to sate your appetite at the historic LA Farmers Market with its collection of restaurants and shops. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city: perhaps set out for some people watching and beach combing at Venice Beach or browse the shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive. (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Cambria
After a leisurely morning, wind your way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara, situated between the expansive Pacific and chaparral-clad hills of Los Padres National Forest. Savour some time to relax and enjoy lunch before continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway to the beautiful seaside village of Cambria. This evening, toast to your travels with a wine pairing at a convivial dinner. (B/D) Stay: Cambria Pines Lodge |
Day
6 |
Cambria - San Simeon - Carmel - Monterey
Begin your day at “La Cuesta Encantada” — the enchanted hill — upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. An expert guide leads you through the property with its 165 rooms and acres of gardens and pools — and brings the story of the newspaper magnate to life. Then it’s on through the lush vineyards of California’s Central Coast to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the many shops, wander down to the water’s edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone Cypress tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author John Steinbeck, and lively, picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf. (B) Stay: Marriott Monterey |
Day
7 |
Monterey – Sierra Joaquin Valley – Yosemite National Park
Head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce. Ascend the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada on your way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, which John Muir called “the hope of the world.” In the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, pass the misty splendour of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls, gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome and take a leisurely stroll by the sparkling Merced River. (B) Stay: Yosemite View Lodge |
Day
8 |
Yosemite – Napa Sonoma Valleys – San Francisco (2 nights)
Descend from the mountains and head north to Sonoma, where you visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and an alfresco Be My Guest Lunch, featuring local wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and cured meats. Cruise the scenic Carneros Highway through Napa before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, take an optional guided tour of the largest Chinatown in the United States. Sample fortune cookies and browse traditional apothecary shops — and then celebrate your discoveries at a sumptuous Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. After dinner, revel in the remarkable tableau of San Francisco’s twinkling city lights. (B/BMGL) Stay: Hyatt Regency San Francisco |
Day
9 |
San Francisco Sightseeing & Free Time
As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from Fisherman’s Wharf to the magnificent Golden Gate, and from crooked Lombard Street to fashionable Alamo Square. There’s a story around every corner of San Francisco, and you have some time this afternoon to follow your own path before toasting your companions during a festive Farewell Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf. (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Depart San Francisco
A complimentary transfer is provided to San Francisco International Airport. (B) |
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Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $370 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 18 May 2012 |
27 May 2012 |
AU $2,350 |
AU $3,330 |
Save $175 |
AU $2,175 |
| 25 May 2012 |
03 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,350 |
AU $3,330 |
Save $175 |
AU $2,175 |
| 01 Jun 2012 |
10 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 08 Jun 2012 |
17 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 15 Jun 2012 |
24 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 22 Jun 2012 |
01 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 29 Jun 2012 |
08 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 06 Jul 2012 |
15 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 20 Jul 2012 |
29 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 03 Aug 2012 |
12 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 17 Aug 2012 |
26 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 31 Aug 2012 |
09 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 07 Sep 2012 |
16 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 14 Sep 2012 |
23 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 28 Sep 2012 |
07 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 05 Oct 2012 |
14 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 12 Oct 2012 |
21 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 19 Oct 2012 |
28 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,299 |
AU $3,279 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,129 |
| 07 Dec 2012 |
16 Dec 2012 |
AU $2,249 |
AU $3,179 |
Save $170 |
AU $2,079 |
| 29 Dec 2012 |
07 Jan 2013 |
AU $2,475 |
AU $3,405 |
Save $185 |
AU $2,290 |
| 08 Feb 2013 |
17 Feb 2013 |
AU $2,249 |
AU $3,179 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,159 |
| 22 Mar 2013 |
31 Mar 2013 |
AU $2,249 |
AU $3,179 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,159 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights: Fly to Los Angeles with Virgin from $AU 1,099pp!
Book your Trafalgar 2012 Coach Tour to the USA now & SAVE! |
Virgin Australia - Australia to USA International Economy Special. Simply book your airfare by 10 February 2012* for this great value Virgin Australia Air Deal!
See attached flyer for full details, and then request a quote with us now! Terms & Conditions apply. |
General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Trafalgar Tours
Operating since 1947, Trafalgar offers a wide range of holidays to Europe, Britain, Egypt, USA, Canada, South America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They hosted over 2 million travellers worldwide and many return year after year. Every expertly designed travel experience includes transportation, via deluxe motor coach, rail or cruise ship, first class hotel accommodation, daily sightseeing and most meals.
Tour Type: Regional
Immerse yourself in your favourite European destinations, as Trafalgar takes you off the beaten track to new and exciting places. With two night stay in most cities, our First Class Regional Tours offer itineraries which delve deeply ino the very heart of Europe's many unique countries & cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- We have over 60 years of knowledge & expertise in the design of unforgettable touring holidays
- We are international, award-winning for our unrivalled quality, service and reliability
- We provide perfectly planned and balanced itineraries
- We have the finest Tour Directors in the industry
- You will stay in quality hotels carefully selected and conveniently located
- You will enjoy authentic dining experiences
- You will enjoy savings of up to 40% when compared with travelling independently
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Good company enriches any travelling experience and your group will be made up of English-speaking people from around the world. On a Trafalgar tour you will take away far more than just fantastic memories – together you will share great times, swap terrific stories and form new lifelong friendships.
There will be a maximum of 49 people on your coach, however a Trafalgar coach carries an average of just 40 guests.
With Trafalgar it's as great to travel as it is to arrive - we insist on using only the latest models of air-conditioned, luxury coaches, as well as high quality trains and cruise ships. For your comfort, smoking is not allowed onboard our coaches, however, there are plenty of rest stops for you to stretch your legs. You'll be chauffeur driven, door to door by a professional driver who will make your journey a relaxing pleasure. We use a state-of-the-art sound system for mood music with fascinating commentaries by your tour director.
Trafalgar goes to great lengths to seek out the very best hotels because we know that where you stay each night is important to the enjoyment of your holiday. We, therefore, select hotels with great care. We only select hotels that are:
- Perfectly located so that you are as close as possible to the most important attractions.
- Monitored by our Quality Control team who rigorously check every little detail to ensure the service is impeccable and your enjoyment is complete.
- Reputable brands, such as Hilton and Novotel, as well as high quality, privately-owned hotels.
- Great value through our enormous buying power which enables us to negotiate deeper discounts and pass these savings on to you, our clients.
As part of your hassle-free holiday, when you arrive at your hotel, we will ensure that you are already checked in, your luggage is taken directly to your room and all hotel porterage, tips and gratuities are included.
Sightseeing is fun but it's a Trafalgar Tour Director that really brings a destination to life. Our Tour Directors are the finest in the industry. Their local knowledge and unfailing friendliness provides you with a personalised “concierge” service which ensures you get the very best out of every single day. They are experienced travellers, learned historians and culture buffs. Through their in-depth expertise, you'll discover the history and be immersed in cultures of the places you visit.
Your Tour Directors can help interpret, show you how to get good value while shopping and how to spot a fake from the real deal. They make things smoother, more interesting and ultimately more enjoyable. They are your friend in an unfamiliar place.
Trafalgar also uses expert local guides to further enhance your sightseeing experience. When you are travelling on your own it's all too easy to pass through a place without touching the sides. That's why our expert local guides are so invaluable – they tell the less well known tales, relate the more curious stories, recall the most obscure events and reveal the best guarded secrets to ensure every moment is full of discovery and brimming with surprises.
The prices listed cover all accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Trafalgar Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling.
Trafalgar Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors $4 per day, Drivers $2.50 per day and Local Guides $1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
The ultimate way to personalise your Trafalgar experience. Our expertly crafted itineraries strike the perfect balance between making sure you visit all the “must see” highlights, whilst still enjoying ample free time to explore on your own or take one of our great value optional excursions. Our extensive variety of optional excursions are designed to work perfectly with your tour. They let you experience more of what you choose to see, but ensure that you don't pay for activities you are not interested in, allowing you more time to do what you enjoy most.
Many of our holidays are ideally designed for single or solo travellers. Every detail is taken care of, from start to finish, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Meals, activities and sightseeing are all shared with your new friends, so you will never be alone - unless you choose to do some exploring or relaxing by yourself. Accommodation can be booked as a private single room or like many of our clients, you may wish to share a twin room by taking advantage of our 'Room Mate Matching Service'. You will share a room with someone from your tour (same gender), so you can avoid paying a single room supplement, in addition to making a new friend.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Trafalgar including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Know Before You Go
Download this “Know Before You Go” Guide, filled with all the essential information you need to assist you in preparing for your tour. A complete guide to the USA and Canada including pre-tour information, on-tour facts, a state-by-state guide to the USA, a province-by-province guide to Canada and a city-by-city guide to Mexico. (2MB)
Airport Transfer Information
Transfers to and from the Airport to your Trafalgar tour hotel
With Trafalgar you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by scheduled shuttle, minivan, private car, or taxi between designated airports and Trafalgar hotels on the scheduled starting and ending day of your tour. We regret that we are unable to provide complimentary transfers for anyone arriving before the scheduled starting day of the tour and/or leaving after the scheduled ending day of the tour. You may however purchase these transfers from Trafalgar provided that you also purchase your extra night(s) from Trafalgar. Flight information must be provided for our Treasure of the Yucatan and all Hawaii programs.
Please note: We regret that we are unable to provide complimentary transfers for passengers booking extra night accommodation.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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