LOS ANGELES – SANTA BARBARA – 17 MILE DRIVE – CARMEL
The first day will be dedicated to the popular stretch of California coastline dubbed "
Central Coast California" where we'll take the time to visit some great seaside towns including
Santa Barbara,
Solvang, and
Carmel.
Here, we can visit the historic main street and also have some time to stroll around and enjoy some local shops, art galleries and coffee shops. During the morning, we will also stop by a
Spanish Mission to learn about these religious outposts that were popular in the 19th century and that helped shape California.
The second day we'll reach San Francisco in the morning and we'll start the exploration by hopping aboard one of the popular Bay Cruises. After all, San Francisco is The City By The Bay and
there is no better way to admire its skyline than from the water.
Some of the sites that we'll
get to see from the Cruise are the Transamerica Pyramid, The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the infamous Alcatraz Island, the Sea-lions of Fisherman Wharf's, the Marin County across the Bay and much more. When we come back from the cruise, we'll
have some free time to enjoy lunch by Pier 39.
The 3rd Day of this Tour will change according to the season and especially the weather. Unfortunately, during the winter months, we cannot follow our traditional Yosemite Route but there is instead a very informative stop at
Monterey and Carmel.
SUMMER DAYS -- During the warm summer months, we will continue our tour crossing the farmland area of the
Joaquin Valley to reach the
Yosemite National Park, a staggering natural reserve that extends for over 1,200 square miles packed with forests, lakes, mountains, and glaciers.
WINTER DAYS -- Although we won't be able to visit the Yosemite National Park, during our winter months we will have the chance to visit the beautiful town of
Monterrey right on one of the most pristine stretches of Coastlines in California. The seaside town is famous for its historic Wharf and the tree-lined main street "
Cannery Row" where you will have the chance to visit local boutiques and coffee shops.
We will continue our ride through the desert to reach the famous capital of the Gambling World --
Las Vegas! It will take us between 4 to 5 hours to reach Vegas so we will break during our morning at the
Outlet Mall in Barstow. Here we can all take some time to find great bargains and deals at popular retail stores such as Adidas, Nike, Levi's Ralph Lauren and more.
We should be able to reach Las Vegas by the early to late afternoon depending on traffic.
The last day, we'll go visit the famous
Hoover Dam. We'll learn some historical facts and also have the chance to see what building the Dam changed in the area including the formation of the
Lake Mead.
SUMMER ITINERARY from April 1st to October 31st
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to Carmel
Embark from Los Angeles on a coastal journey to Santa Barbara. Explore a historic Spanish Mission, uncovering California's early religious influences. Wander through Solvang’s Danish charm and shops. Marvel at the California coastline via Route #1 and the scenic 17-Mile Drive. Discover Carmel, a haven of art and culture, before heading to San Francisco.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport.
Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise and City Tour
Experience San Francisco's allure with a Fisherman’s Wharf bay cruise, featuring stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Savor lunch at Pier 39, then explore city landmarks including Chinatown, Union Square, and Nob Hill. Cap the day with a panoramic city view from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight: Modesto Hotel.
Day 3: San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Journey east to Yosemite National Park, a 1,200-square-mile natural wonderland in the Sierra Nevada. Visit iconic sites like El Capitan, Bridal-Veil Falls, and Half Dome. Trek to Yosemite Falls, one of North America's highest waterfalls. Enjoy the park's majesty before retiring to Stevenson Ranch.
Overnight: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch.
Day 4: Stevenson Ranch to Las Vegas
Travel through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley en route to Las Vegas. Stop at Barstow outlet mall for shopping. Evening brings a tour of the Las Vegas Strip’s marvels - Caesar’s Palace, Luxor, and more. Optional shows or casino visits offer a classic Vegas night.
Overnight: Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 5: Las Vegas to Hoover Dam to Los Angeles
Depart Las Vegas for the Hoover Dam, learning about this engineering marvel. After soaking in the Dam's history, return west, with a last chance at the slots before re-entering California. The tour concludes with your arrival in Los Angeles, marking the end of a memorable journey through the Wild West.
WINTER ITINERARY From November 1st to March 31st
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to Carmel
Start northward from Los Angeles along the breathtaking California Coast. In Santa Barbara, explore the State Street Promenade's exclusive shops and restaurants. Visit the serene beaches and Stearns Wharf, then learn about California's history at the Spanish Mission. Continue to the Danish charms of Solvang. End the day in Carmel, appreciating its artistic legacy.
Overnight: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport.
Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise and City Landmarks
Discover San Francisco's beauty with a bay cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Enjoy lunch at Pier 39, then tour the city's famous sites like Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The day concludes with a panoramic city view from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport.
Day 3: Monterey and Carmel Exploration
Visit Monterey’s historic wharf and Cannery Row, a picturesque area rich in history. Explore Carmel-by-the-sea, Clint Eastwood's town, strolling through its boutiques and galleries. Experience the stunning California coastline along Route #1 and the exclusive 17 Mile Drive before heading to Stevenson Ranch.
Overnight: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch.
Day 4: Stevenson Ranch to Las Vegas
Journey east through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley to Las Vegas. Stop at Barstow outlet mall for shopping. Evening brings a tour of the Las Vegas Strip’s marvels - Caesar’s Palace, Luxor, and more. Optional shows or casino visits offer a classic Vegas night.
Overnight: Harrah’s Hotel.
Day 5: Las Vegas to Hoover Dam to Los Angeles
Depart Las Vegas for the Hoover Dam, learning about this engineering marvel. After soaking in the Dam's history, return west, with a last chance at the slots before re-entering California. The tour concludes with your arrival in Los Angeles, marking the end of a memorable journey through the Wild West.