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Coastal California and Big Sur with San Diego

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 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
San Francisco
 Trip Finishes
San Diego
11 Day Coastal California and Big Sur with San Diego Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
Active
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
DCCS

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 11 Day Coastal California and Big Sur with San Diego. San Diego, one of America's finest cities. Famous for its white-sand beaches and amazing weather, the city offers an abundance of fun attractions for visitors of all ages.

Itinerary

The City by the Bay greets you today. You'll have the day to ease into its laidback, friendly vibe before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception this evening. (WR) Stay: Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

See the highlights of one of America's favorite cities including: Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Union Square and The Presidio. A free afternoon to explore everything that San Francisco has to offer. Perhaps opt to take a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge followed by a visit to trendy Sausalito or maybe hop on a bay cruise circling around famous Alcatraz Island. The evening is free to take in the city's diverse dining scene. Or maybe join the optional Chinatown Walking Tour, dinner at a Chinatown restaurant, cable car ride, and evening Illuminations tour. (B)

Travel Pacific Coast Highway past the resort town of Half Moon Bay before arriving at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park featuring a 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. This afternoon a lunch treat that is pure California. In-n-Out Burger was founded back in 1947 and was California's first drive-thru hamburger stand. Enjoy their iconic double-double burger with fries and a milk shake. Get educated about organic produce during a private farm tour in Salinas Valley which is considered "the Salad Bowl of the World". (B/L/YC) Stay: Hotel Pacific

This morning we enjoy perhaps the world's most scenic 17-mile drive through Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Hug the Pacific Coastline with views of famous Spyglass Hill and Cypress Point golf courses, and we will make a stop at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Get your cameras ready for a shot of the Lone Cypress, the iconic symbol of 17-mile drive. Visit Mission Carmel which is the 2nd of California's 21 Spanish Missions which dates back to 1797. Enjoy some time in quaint Carmel-By-The-Sea, a town of 4,000 with a rich arts history. Clint Eastwood served as the town's Mayor after being elected in 1986.

The afternoon is free to explore popular Cannery Row. Perhaps wander over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or opt to take a whale watching excursion on Monterey Bay. Covering an entire 3 ½ city blocks, thousands of people flock to the weekly market featuring produce from all over Central California, arts and crafts, dozens of international food vendors, and a lineup of live music. (B)

Today features America's most unforgettable drive, 90 miles of Pacific Coast Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. Travel through Big Sur passing over the famous Bixby Bridge and admire the towering mountains on one side of PCH and the crashing Pacific Ocean on the other. This afternoon join a local expert for a walking tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose vision of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The massive home features 121 total rooms scattered over 90,000 square feet and is designated as National Historic Landmark. Later today arrive into Paso Robles where laid-back cowboy-country meets one of the country's best wine regions. This evening head towards the town's historic square for a regional dinner with wine. (B/RD) Stay: Paso Robles Inn

This morning link up with a Paso Robles resident and Local Expert for a walking tour of the historic downtown corridor. Learn about the city's connection to their thermal hot springs, the almond industry that once dominated the city, and why its quaint city square was chosen as the backdrop for a Christmas Hallmark movie. Join the mother-daughter duo of Karen and Jennifer Talent at the Groves on 41 Olive Oil Ranch where they host a Be My Guest feast featuring their award-winning olive oil in the different lunch dishes, even the ice cream!

This afternoon visit Eberle Winery, where the founder Gary Eberle is considered one of the legends of the Paso Robles wine region. In addition to a tasting of their red and white wines, you'll have the chance to tour the winery's underground caves. "After the sun sets visit Sensorio Light Field featuring 58,000 optic lights on a 15-acre field. Publications all over the USA are already declaring the experience as a Bucket List item that has to be seen to believe. (B/BMG)

Arrive into the affluent beachside town of Santa Barbara, often referred to as the "American Riviera". There will be plenty of time to wander trendy State Street. Considered the heart of Santa Barbara, the area is known for its great shopping, top-notch restaurants and incredible architecture. This afternoon arrive into world-famous Beverly Hills - the playground of the rich and famous, home to some of the world's priciest real estate, and the epitome of American luxury. (B) Stay: Beverly Hills Marriott

This morning join a Local Expert for a walking tour of one of the most famous streets on the planet, Rodeo Drive. Learn the real stories behind some of the most expensive stores in the world. Visit Hollywood, the epicenter of America's movie industry. See the Walk of Fame, the handprints at Grauman's Theatre, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Finish off your day in Los Angeles with a Your Choice Sightseeing of museums. YOUR CHOICE OF: SIGHTSEEING Enjoy your choice of sightseeing. Visit the car collections at the Peterson Automotive or explore the movie industry at the Academy of Motion Pictures. This evening join your fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B/FD)

After sightseeing in Los Angeles, say goodbye to your Travel Director and newfound friends before hopping on Amtrak's Surfliner Train at Union Station in Los Angeles. Kick back and relax on your journey to San Diego. Travel through Orange County as the train moves closer to the coast and then hug the Pacific Ocean as you make your way into "America's Finest City" of San Diego. (B) Stay: Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

The day is yours to explore San Diego at your own pace. Your stay in San Diego includes a One-Day unlimited hop on and hop off trolley pass, allowing visits to Old Town, Balboa Park, Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and Hotel Del Coronado. (B)

Say goodbye to the Golden State as you take your complimentary transfer to San Diego International Airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit San Diego, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Francisco
  • See Gaslamp District, La Jolla and Balboa Island
  • CONNECT WITH LOCALS - Meet a Santa Barbara chef and farming consultant who will prepare an exclusive farm-to-table dinner paired with wine from the Santa Ynez Valley. (Day 5)
  • DIVE INTO CULTURE - Delve into the craft of making olive oil when you meet one of the country's foremost experts on organic olive oil and vinegars in Los Olivos. Meet a local oyster farmer who'll reveal the secrets behind California's Pacific Gold Oyster. (Days 6, 7)
  • LOCAL SPECIALISTS - For included sightseeing in San Diego, Venice Beach, San Francisco. (Days 2, 5, 10)

  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
  • Handcrafted Highlights
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
  • All porterage and local charges included
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
  • VIP entry to many sights

  • 10 breakfasts
  • 6 dinners

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brochure

USA

Trafalgar USA (2023-24)

Explore USA highlights with Trafalgar: from NYC's streets to the Grand Canyon's majesty. Meet locals, like Californian vintners and Costa Rican chocolatiers. Delve into museums, or relax on Hawaiian shores. The Trafalgar difference means seeing the not-to-miss sights and discovering some of the best nature spots USA has to offer.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
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 Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. 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.

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