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Best of California

A 9-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,175

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Starting Price:	$2,175
Tour Length:	9 Days
Countries Visited:	United States

Save 5% if 5 or more people travel together
Travellers ages 5-17 save up to 10%
Save 5% on your second tour
Early Payment Discount save up to 10%


More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:	Not Classified
Tour Category:	USA and Canada - 2010
Tour Operator:	Insight Tours
Tour Code:	ABC

Cities Visited:
See Description

The tour starts and endswith two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world's most exciting cities.

Included Premium Highlights

Travel through the Napa Valley's picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
Tour a winery and enjoy wine tasting in California's premier wine growing district
Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst
Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions
Explore the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art
Board specialized mini-coaches for a cruise through Beverly Hills past the homes and mansions of celebrities past and present
Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre

Included Personal Insights

Enjoy a walk with your Tour Director through San Francisco's Chinatown to learn more about the famous streets, alleyways, buildings, restaurants and shops
One of Monterey Bay Aquarium's docents engages you with an interesting presentation about the amazing array of fish, animal and plant exhibits

Included additional Excursions & Sights

See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Sonoma Plaza
Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Yosemite National Park
Visit picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue
Take the scenic 17 Mile Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Links and fabulous mansions
Drive down Santa Barbara's State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf
Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities' beachfront homes
Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's
Chinese Theatre

Included First Class Services

Welcome Drink reception
Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
Escorted by a professional Tour Director - Maximum group size of 40 people
Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveller document wallet, Welcome on Tour book with map and information pack

Included Quality Dining

2 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco and Monterey (HD) plus choose from a selection of restaurants on a Dine-Around evening in Santa Barbara (DA)
8 Full Breakfasts (B) and 1 Lunch onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (L)

Day 1 - ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO

Welcome to California! Take a complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink at the hotel. Hotel: InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Day 2 - SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING

Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)

Day 3 - SAN FRANCISCO - NAPA & SONOMA

This morning enter California's lush premier wine country, Napa Valley. After free time in Napa, step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through Napa Valley's picturesque landscape. Later, drive along the scenic Carneros Highway to Sonoma Valley and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma's historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening is at leisure. Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa (B,L)

Day 4 - SONOMA - YOSEMITE

Travel through California's Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to the highest waterfall in North America. Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (B)

Day 5 - YOSEMITE - MONTEREY

Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Yosemite Valley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruit at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17 Mile Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. End the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits. Hotel: InterContinental the Clement Monterey (B, HD)

Day 6 - MONTEREY - SANTA BARBARA

Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront hotel. For your Dine-Around dinner this evening, choose from a selection of excellent local restaurants. Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte (B,DA)

Day 7 - SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES

Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California missions along California's El Camino Real. Then journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city's newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination. Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE (B)

Day 8 - HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING

Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized mini-coaches, past movie stars' mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman's Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join an optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)

Day 9 - DEPART LOS ANGELES

As your California vacation comes to an end, a complimentary transfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided, unless you would like to extend your vacation to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure. (B)

Don't miss our current specials: Red Hot Special Oberammergau Passion Play Only once a decade does the Alpine village of Oberammergau stage its world famous Passion Play and now is the time to book for 2010. On selected departures, Insight Vacations has great value prices on Passion Play Options and is offering them at 10% off the brochure price! So, instead of paying $1000 for the Passion Play Option, you’ll pay only $900 pp! That’s a saving of $200 per couple! Tour Name Promo Code Departure Date Tour Duration - Country Roads of Bavaria, HOT106 4 Jun 2010 13 Days Switzerland & Austria - Road to Rome HOT107 8 May 2010 15 Days - European Spotlight HOT108 18 Jun 2010 14 Days In addition, check out the exciting itineraries below which offer even more great savings. And should you wish to visit the Passion Play on these tours, simply add the regular Oberammergau Option supplement of $1000 p.p. to the reduced tour price. The choice is yours... Promo Tour Departure Brochure Price Price Code Name Date WAS NOW HOT109 Best of Germany 28 May 2010 $1,935 $1,740 HOT110 European Explorer 27 May 2010 $5,750 $5,175 HOT111 Hightlights of Europe 28 May 2010 $4,225 $3,799 Save $300 Off per couple Two travelers booking together on an air-inclusive 2010 Europe tour will each save $150 off on all Lufthansa or United Airline flights. Book Now - offer end March 31st, 2010. TERMS: Valid for new bookings only. Offer CAN be combined with all brochure discounts. Entire booking including air must be paid in full by March 31, 2010. Offer valid from March 1st-March 31st, 2010. All Travel must be completed by October 24th, 2010. Offer is valid on UA and LH flights only (no code share flights allowed over the Atlantic – must be on UA or LH only). Valid on all tours to Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Morocco. Offer - $300 off per couple or $150 off for single travelers. Offer subject to availability and valid off of all net fares. Promotion cannot be booked online. Commission paid on air for this promotion is 0%. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase. No name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer can be used for groups – with availability and names at time of booking – full payment on entire package due March 31, 2010. CST No. 2068745-20


Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/19/2010 - 3/27/2010	$2,299
4/30/2010 - 5/8/2010	$2,175
5/21/2010 - 5/29/2010	$2,175
6/18/2010 - 6/26/2010	$2,175
7/9/2010 - 7/17/2010	$2,175
7/16/2010 - 7/24/2010	$2,175
8/13/2010 - 8/21/2010	$2,175
8/27/2010 - 9/4/2010	$2,175
9/24/2010 - 10/2/2010	$2,175
10/1/2010 - 10/9/2010	$2,175
10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010	$2,175
12/31/2010 - 1/8/2011	$2,175
3/18/2011 - 3/26/2011	$2,175

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Included Premium Highlights

Travel through the Napa Valley's picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
Tour a winery and enjoy wine tasting in California's premier wine growing district
Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst
Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions
Explore the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art
Board specialized mini-coaches for a cruise through Beverly Hills past the homes and mansions of celebrities past and present
Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre

Included Personal Insights

Enjoy a walk with your Tour Director through San Francisco's Chinatown to learn more about the famous streets, alleyways, buildings, restaurants and shops
One of Monterey Bay Aquarium's docents engages you with an interesting presentation about the amazing array of fish, animal and plant exhibits

Included additional Excursions & Sights

See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Sonoma Plaza
Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Yosemite National Park
Visit picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue
Take the scenic 17 Mile Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Links and fabulous mansions
Drive down Santa Barbara's State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf
Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities' beachfront homes
Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's
Chinese Theatre

Included First Class Services

Welcome Drink reception
Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
Escorted by a professional Tour Director - Maximum group size of 40 people
Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveller document wallet, Welcome on Tour book with map and information pack

Included Quality Dining

2 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco and Monterey (HD) plus choose from a selection of restaurants on a Dine-Around evening in Santa Barbara (DA)
8 Full Breakfasts (B) and 1 Lunch onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (L)

Red Hot Special Oberammergau Passion Play

Only once a decade does the Alpine village of Oberammergau stage

its world famous Passion Play and now is the time to book for 2010.

On selected departures, Insight Vacations has great value prices on Passion Play Options and is offering them at 10% off the brochure price!

So, instead of paying $1000 for the Passion Play Option, you’ll pay

only $900 pp! That’s a saving of $200 per couple!

Tour Name Promo Code Departure Date Tour Duration

- Country Roads of Bavaria, HOT106 4 Jun 2010 13 Days

Switzerland & Austria

- Road to Rome HOT107 8 May 2010 15 Days

- European Spotlight HOT108 18 Jun 2010 14 Days

In addition, check out the exciting itineraries below which offer even more

great savings. And should you wish to visit the Passion Play on these tours, simply add the regular Oberammergau Option supplement of $1000 p.p. to the reduced tour price. The choice is yours...

Promo Tour Departure Brochure Price Price

Code Name Date WAS NOW

HOT109 Best of Germany 28 May 2010 $1,935 $1,740

HOT110 European Explorer 27 May 2010 $5,750 $5,175

HOT111 Hightlights of Europe 28 May 2010 $4,225 $3,799

Save $300 Off per couple

Two travelers booking together on an air-inclusive 2010 Europe tour will each save $150 off on all Lufthansa or United Airline flights.

Book Now - offer end March 31st, 2010.

TERMS: Valid for new bookings only. Offer CAN be combined with all brochure discounts. Entire booking including air must be paid in full by March 31, 2010. Offer valid from March 1st-March 31st, 2010. All Travel must be completed by October 24th, 2010. Offer is valid on UA and LH flights only (no code share flights allowed over the Atlantic – must be on UA or LH only). Valid on all tours to Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Morocco. Offer - $300 off per couple or $150 off for single travelers. Offer subject to availability and valid off of all net fares. Promotion cannot be booked online. Commission paid on air for this promotion is 0%. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase. No name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer can be used for groups – with availability and names at time of booking – full payment on entire package due March 31, 2010. CST No. 2068745-20

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.