Best of California - 2008 (C) (9 Days starting from $2,195)

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Insight > Best of California - 2008 (C)

Best of California - 2008 (C)
9 Days starting from $2,195

Countries Visited:
United States

Length:	9 Days
Type:	First Class Tour
Category:	USA and Canada 2008
Operator:	Insight
Tour Code:	ABCS

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About This Tour

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.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing Highlights

Insight's First Class Services

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

Quality Dining

8 Full Breakfasts, 1 Hotel Dinner plus 3 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco, Napa Valley and Monterey

9 Days ~ California

Tour Pace - Easily manageable distances between overnight stops allows for feature-packed touring days. The tour starts and ends with two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world’s most exciting cities.

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 Reception at the hotel. Hotel: Omni San Francisco.

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 Pacific Heights and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a 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. Discover the delightful town of Sonoma with its historic plaza and streets lined with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy a private guided tour and barrel tasting at a local winery. Later, head for the township of Napa and step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa. (B,HD)

DAY 4 – SONOMA VALLEY – YOSEMITE. Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Explore the floor of the valley 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 fruits 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 Course and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving at charming Monterey. We 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: Monterey Marriott. (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. Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte. (B,D)

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 glamourous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the JP Getty Center with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Drive along Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Hills to your elegant hotel with one of Los Angeles’ most enviable locations. Hotel: Sofitel LA (B)

DAY 8 – L.A. & HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING. Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard special minibuses, 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. The afternoon is free. Perhaps join our 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 of course, you want to extend to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure. (B)

Hotels - Enjoy luxury, comfort, character and superb locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Spend the night in the heart of California’s Wine Country and stay inside Yosemite National Park, with spectacular views of peaks and waterfalls.

Fellow Passengers - A comprehensive tour for those with a limited amount of time. Whether you are a nature lover, city slicker or food and wine enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone. Cultivate new friendships while hiking, shopping, wine tasting and exploring America’s most fabled state.

Highlights - Enjoy California’s treasures, from its stunning shoreline and natural beauty, to its vibrant cities. Experience the glamour of Hollywood, visit a world-renowned museum and aquarium, delight in award-winning wines and superb cuisine... A complete feast for the senses!

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. 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.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/23/2008 - 5/31/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/6/2008 - 6/14/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/27/2008 - 7/5/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/25/2008 - 8/2/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/15/2008 - 8/23/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/26/2008 - 10/4/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/10/2008 - 10/18/2008	$2,195	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Enjoy our Premium Highlightsplus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

See Union Square, the cable cars, Pacific Heights and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
Wander around historic Sonoma and explore 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 Course 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
In Santa Monica, stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade
Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame & Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Guided Tours

In-depth sightseeing tours of San Francisco and Los Angeles
Orientation tours of Carmel, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills

Insight's First Class Services

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

Quality Dining

8 Full Breakfasts, 1 Hotel Dinner plus 3 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco, Napa Valley and Monterey

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Note: 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.