California's Gold Coast
Escorted Coach Tour
Discover the many treasures that lie along the Gold Coast with Tauck on a California travel adventure.
Experience the rugged natural beauty of Yosemite National Park and the spectacular coastal vistas along the incomparable Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy the allure and glamour of city life in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, where sightseeing includes Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the magnificent J.Paul Getty Museum. Unique Tauck experiences include a rail journey from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego; a privately guided walk with a naturalist in Yosemite; visits to the extraordinary wineries of the Sonoma Valley; the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and the fascinating San Diego Zoo. California travel with Tauck also includes the very finest hotels each night, from award-winning
city properties to luxurious coastal resorts.
1. Arrive San Francisco Tour begins: Westin Hotel San Francisco Market Street at 5:30 PM. Welcome to San Francisco! One of the world's most beautiful cities, the "city-by-the-bay" offers the very best in culture, architecture and cuisine. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D
2. Head to the wineries of the Sonoma Valley Enjoy a brief morning sightseeing tour of San Francisco before traveling over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and heading north to Sonoma Valley, a beautiful wine growing region that features some of the world's finest vineyards. Visit a winery, do some tasting and enjoy lunch before returning to San Francisco in the mid-afternoon; enjoy the evening at your leisure. Meals BL
3. Gold! Today in the Gold Country of California, travel through the communities created during the boom years in the 1800's. Head into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park for two nights at one of the most distinctive hotels inside a national park - it's a National Historic Landmark. Dine a la carte this evening in the award-winning Ahwahnee Dining room, where floor to ceiling windows look out on the grandeur of Yosemite. BLD
4. Savouring a national treasure - Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park's unequaled splendours range from magnificent waterfalls to spectacular glaciated gorges, and represent five of the seven life zones found in North America, all in all about the size of Rhode Island. Yosemite's legendary wonders are yours to behold on a day of discovery that begins with Tauck's private two-hour walking tour with a local naturalist, and continues with the rest of the day free to explore the park's magnificent waterfalls, glacier-hewn gorges, granite peaks and remarkable wildlife as you please. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight, surrounded by The Ahwahnee's imposing stonework and intriguing Native American art. Meals B
5. Through "America's Salad Bowl" to Monterey. After a visit to the Mariposa Museum and History Center, your California travel adventure winds its way through the rich farmland of the San Joaquin Valley, dubbed "America's Salad Bowl", with a stop in the quiet town of Merced, before continuing on to the Pacific coast. In fashionable Carme-by-the-Sea, take some time to explore the town's celebrated galleries and boutiques. Arrive in the beautiful and historic coastal city of Monterey; your exquisite hotel is set within walking distance of Monterey's famed Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. Dine this evening at your leisure at one of Monterey's fine restaurants. Meals BLD
6. In and around Monterey Bay - the Aquarium & 17-Mile Drive. A day of discoveries under and around Monterey Bay begin with a visit to the aquatic world of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits featuring marine life from the waters of the bay and elsewhere. Catch a glimpse of the Monterey Peninsula's impressive homes and stunning beaches as you travel the 17-Mile Drive through Del Monte Forest to Cypress Point, home of the Pebble Beach golf course. Following your visit, the rest of the day is spent exploring as you please. Meals B
7. A day of drama - Highway 1, Big Sur and Hearst Castle. Scenic Highway 1 is among the most beautiful drives in the nation, passing along the wooded slopes of Big Sur as it weaves its way southward. At San Simeon visit Hearst Castle, grandiose estate of publisher William Randolph Hearst, and the model for the fictional estate called "Xanadu" in the movie Citizen Kane. Arrive at scenic Shell Beach, where your hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Meals BLD
8. Santa Barbara / Los Angeles Travel down the coast to Santa Barbara, silhouetted against the Santa Ynez Mountains. See the Mediterranean architecture of the old courthouse, a jewel in this delightful coastal city, and continue to the glamorous, exciting city of Los Angeles. Visit the magnificent J. Paul Getty Museum, featuring an extensive collection of pre-20th century European art and sculpture, Greek and Roma
n antiquities, decorative arts, and photographs by many of the world's famous artists. Evoking the granduer of a century ago, your landmark Pasadena hotel - The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, is a retreat from the bustle of the city, ling favoured by celebrities. Meals BD
9. Hollywood /Capistrano / San Diego It's "Hooray for Hollywood" as you explore the historic movie capital, including Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and Grauman's Chinese Theater. Head south to San Juan Capistrano, the mission town famous for the swallows that arrive each March, spend some free time before winding your way along the breathtaking Pacific coast to San Diego. California's second largest city enjoys a temperate climate and a wonderful blend of American and Mexican cultures. Your hotel enjoys a stunning location on Mission Island, with spectacular views of this culturally diverse city. Meals BD
10. Private Visit, San Diego Zoo Enjoy a private "insider's" tour of the world's largest zoo, the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park. Featuring more than 4,000 animals, the zoo is an international animal experience where guests will see some of earth's rarest wildlife. Spend the afternoon at your leisure discovering San Diego's fascinating historic and cultural attractions. Reminisce about your California travel adventures at a special farewell cocktail reception and exclusive dinner cruise on the shimmering waters of San Diego Bay. Meals BD
11. Journey Home - Tour ends: San Diego. Fly home anytime. A transfer to the airport is included; checkout time is 12:00 noon. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals B
B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner. 21 Meals Included.
Jun: 01, 21
Jul: 01, 21, 31
Aug: 20
Sep: 09, 19, 29
Oct: 09, 19
|
2010 Prices in £'s per person |
Single |
Twin |
Triple |
|
£2625 |
£1979 |
£1789 |
Triple room has two beds plus a rollaway bed
Special Airfares: Airfare to San Francisco and from San Diego is additional. Just America can offer special airfares, additional accommodation and onward travel; enquire at time of booking.
Overnight accommodations:
Nights 1 & 2 Westin San Francisco Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Nights 3 & 4 Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park, CA
Nights 5 & 6 InterContinental the Clement , Monterey, CA
Night 7 Cliffs Resort, Shell Beach, CA
Night 8 The Langham Huntington Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
Nights 9 & 10 Sheraton San Diego Hotel, San Diego, CA