Best of Cali Express
From Los Angeles, enjoy a day of guided sightseeing in San Francisco, including a Bay cruise and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the Spanish Mission in Santa Barbara, explore the 'Danish capital' of America in Solvang and stop in Carmel, the town of Clint Eastwood. On summer departures, hike to a majestic waterfall in Yosemite National Park, whilst on winter tours enjoy a morning of sightseeing in coastal Monterey, before returning to LA.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 LA to San Francisco
Day 1 LA to San Francisco
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - Carmel - San Francisco. Head north along the breathtaking California Coast, making our first stop in Santa Barbara. Explore a Spanish Mission and discover how these religious sites were instrumental in the region's development. Continue to Solvang, a charming Danish village, where we'll have the chance to browse local shops. Proceed north to the renowned Route #1 to experience the stunning California coastline (small vehicles will navigate the southern portion, while full-size coaches will traverse the exclusive 17-mile drive). Our next destination is Carmel, famously associated with actor Clint Eastwood. Enjoy free time to explore the town before heading to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Francisco. Travel north along the stunning California Coast to our first destination, Santa Barbara. Begin the tour at the State Street Promenade in downtown, where we wander through upscale shops and restaurants in this serene, traffic-free area, appreciating the local architecture and ambiance. Continue to the Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns Wharf for a walk by the ocean and picturesque views. Conclude our Santa Barbara visit at the Spanish Mission, learning about its pivotal role in the region's history. Next, journey to Solvang, known as "the Danish Capital of America." Marvel at the Danish-style architecture and browse local shops and eateries. After a lunch break, travel north through Silicon Valley en route to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
Tour pick up: You can be collected for this tour at one of the following locations: Farmers Market Starbucks Coffee Shop - 6333 West 3rd Street, corner of Fairfax Boulevard at 06:30 AM OR Culver City: 4 Points Sheraton Culver City - 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City at 07:00 AM. Please ensure you arrive in Los Angeles the day before your tour.
Day 2 San Francisco sightseeing
Day 2 San Francisco sightseeing
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
San Francisco - Modesto. Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. We then depart San Francisco and head to our accommodation in the small city of Modesto.
Accommodation: Modesto Hotel or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. Tonight is spent in San Francisco.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport or similar.
Day 3 Yosemite / Monterey & return to LA
Day 3 Yosemite / Monterey & return to LA
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
Modesto - Yosemite National Park - Los Angeles. We journey east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200-square-mile marvel of forests, lakes, and waterfalls is nestled in the Sierra Nevada. We will stop at iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome before taking a walk from the Yosemite Visitor Center to witness Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in North America at 730 metres. After a beautiful day exploring the park, we head back to Los Angeles in the evening.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Modesto - Monterey - Los Angeles. Start the day with a visit to Monterey, including a stop at the wharf and Cannery Row. Once a sardine canning hub, Cannery Row is now a charming area where visitors can enjoy a leisurely day and delve into its rich history. We continue our tour along the picturesque California Coast with a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town famously associated with actor/director Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to explore the town's lovely boutiques and galleries. Next, we head south on the world-renowned Route 1 to experience the breathtaking California coastline up close. Small vehicles will navigate the southern portion of Route 1, while larger coaches will take the exclusive 17-Mile Drive. In the afternoon, we will return to Los Angeles.
This tour is scheduled to end between 20:00 – 21:00, this is an estimated time only. Actual time may change based upon local conditions. Please ensure your departure flight is booked with this time in mind, we recommend booking your flights for the following day.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
Located around 10 miles outside San Francisco city centre, in Oakland, this hotel is just 1.6 kilometres from both Oakland International Airport and Interstate 880. This informal airport hotel, situated next to a business park, is 3.2 kilometres from the Oracle Arena and 8 kilometres from the Oakland Zoo. The straightforward rooms feature microwaves, minifridges, tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs with Netflix, desks, and sofabeds, along with complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy free perks such as a breakfast buffet, a casual restaurant/bar, an indoor pool, and a gym, as well as access to a coin-operated laundry and a patio with a fire pit.
Situated along the Golden State Highway, this unpretentious hotel is located 1.6 km from the Great Valley Museum and 4.8 km from the Gallo Center for the Arts. The simply furnished rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. A continental breakfast buffet is included, and there is an informal lounge available, with parking provided.
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