Overview
Itinerary
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. Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown (2 Nights)
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. (B/D)
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. (B/L) Stay: Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza (2 Nights)
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. (B/D)
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. (B/D) Stay: Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach (2 Nights)
Enjoy a day at leisure at your seaside hotel. Or, continue your exploration of the central coast by joining an optional excursion to Hearst Castle, the historic estate built by publishing tycoon William Randall Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan. Enjoy a tour of the opulent Grand Rooms, imagining what it must have been like to be a guest here during the Roaring Twenties. After lunch, visit an elephant seal rookery and see a colony of seals at the beach. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset back in Pismo Beach this evening! (B)
Today, travel inland to the Paso Robles wine region, home to more than 200 family-run wineries. This Central Coast wine region is less known than Napa, but no less beautiful. Stop for lunch here and later, arrive in the charming town of Visalia, gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. (B/L) Stay: Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
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! (B/L/D)
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. (B) Stay: Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Your tour ends today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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.
- Explore seaside Carlsbad on a walking food tour for lunch.
- Try some locally produced wine during lunch at a Paso Robles vineyard and winery.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: San Simeon. Cost: $154.
- Hearst Castle is a historic mansion built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst on his vast San Simeon estate. With architect Julia Morgan, he conceived an enormous structure inspired by the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor in Ronda, Spain. Your tour begins with a movie, Hearst Castle: Building the Dream, projected on a five-story screen and telling the story of the castle’s construction. Next is a guided tour of the Grand Rooms, the opulently decorated rooms, gardens, and pools where Hearst entertained his many guests, especially during the Roaring Twenties. Lunch is also included. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 12 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option needs to be purchased at time of booking and no later than 45 days prior to the start of the tour. Any requests to book onsite are based on availability only. Best for first-time visitors, this overview of Hearst Castle offers an itinerary through the main building called Casa Grande: the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room and Theater. Tours begin outdoors with several stairs to negotiate on the terraces. The Grand Rooms Tour is 70 minutes long and includes approximately 140 steps, both up and down, and 2/3-mile walk.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
