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Best of Cali Express

3 days

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

Duration

3 days

Starts

Los Angeles

Ends

Los Angeles

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 1 / Max 50

Minimum age

No minimum age

Departs

Mondays

Hotel Rating

3-star hotels

Countries

USA

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 2
Per person from
NZD$1,315.00
Total From
NZD$2,630.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$2,130.00

Tour Highlights

Los Angeles - Start and end your tour in the star-studded city, home to Hollywood
San Francisco - Enjoy an included San Francisco Bay cruise, see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island
Yosemite National Park - On summer departures, enjoy a hike to Yosemite Falls and stop at some of the park's best viewpoints and highlights
Monterey - On winter departures, take in the wharf and Cannery Row in this historic coastal city

Included

2 breakfasts
2 nights 3-star hotels
Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Please note that guiding will be in English plus one additional language
All relevant transportation in an air-conditioned private minibus or coach
Bay cruise in San Francisco
Admission to Yosemite National Park (summer departures)
Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel and San Francisco (plus Monterey on winter departures)
1 piece of luggage (no weight limit) and 1 small carry on bag, such as a rucksack
One tree planted with NGO One Tree Planted for every passenger, supporting reforestation projects around the world
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions
Airport transfers
Items of a personal nature
Optional activities
Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

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.

Overnight: San Francisco

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.

Overnight: Modesto (summer) / San Francisco (winter)
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport
San Francisco

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.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Modesto Hotel
Modesto

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.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin / Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
25 Nov - 27 Nov
$1,315
$1,625
2 Dec - 4 Dec
$1,315
$1,625
9 Dec - 11 Dec
$1,315
$1,625
16 Dec - 18 Dec
$1,315
$1,625
23 Dec - 25 Dec
$1,315
$1,625
30 Dec - 1 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
2025
Twin/Double
Single
6 Jan - 8 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
13 Jan - 15 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
20 Jan - 22 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
27 Jan - 29 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
3 Feb - 5 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
10 Feb - 12 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
17 Feb - 19 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
24 Feb - 26 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
2026
Twin/Double
Single
5 Jan - 7 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
12 Jan - 14 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
19 Jan - 21 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
26 Jan - 28 Jan
$1,315
$1,625
2 Feb - 4 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
9 Feb - 11 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
16 Feb - 18 Feb
$1,315
$1,625
23 Feb - 25 Feb
$1,315
$1,625

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