Best of California

8 night tour - Starting in San Francisco, California - ending in Los Angeles, California.

A Premium Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Premium Escorted journeys are carefully planned with over 35 years experience, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, deluxe hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

The lively and glamorous cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles contrast with the rugged beauty of the California coast and grandeur of Yosemite National Park.

2017 Guaranteed departure dates:
May 05th, 12th & 19th
June 09th & 23rd
July 07th, 14th & 28th
August 11th & 18th
September 01st
October 06th
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
Click Here to View Itinerary Details

Day 1: San Francisco, the City by the Bay

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. Welcome to California! On arrival at San Francisco International Airport, your airport transfer takes you to your tour hotel. At 6.00 pm, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening with drinks and a light meal.

Hotel: Omni San Francisco

Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Exploring San Francisco

Spend the morning taking in the sights of the city - the bustling activity in Union Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown followed by an authentic Chinese banquet Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Omni San Francisco

Full Breakfast, Highlight Signature Dinner

Day 3: A Taste of California's Wine Country

Enter the Napa Valley in California's lush premier wine country with a visit to the Benziger Family Winery for a fabulous private tram tour. Take a close up look at the vines and learn about the biodynamic farming approach and the history of the winery while enjoying the breathtaking views. See the terraced vineyards and visit the crush pad, barrel aging caves and Tasting Room where you'll enjoy an exclusive tasting. Later this afternoon, peruse the quaint shops at Sonoma's historic plaza. The evening is at leisure.

Hotel: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa

Full Breakfast

Day 4: Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Travel through California's Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Tonight, enjoy your newly refurbished rooms at the hotel, located inside the park, close to North America's highest waterfall.

Hotel: Yosemite Valley Lodge 

Full Breakfast

Day 5: Monterey, the Cradle of History

Drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Purchase local fresh fruit at an historic fruit stand en route to picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and shops on Ocean Avenue, before a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along scenic 17-Mile Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. Enjoy a customized food tour upon arrival in Carmel where you'll learn about local flavour, culture, art, architecture, and history. For your dining pleasure this evening, you are offered a selection of local restaurants to choose from.

Hotel: Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

Full Breakfast, Dine-Around

Day 6: Hearst Castle and the American Riviera

Head south to La Cuesta Encantada, ‘The Enchanted Hill' high above the ocean at 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 resort town of Santa Barbara, often billed as the ‘American Riviera'. Check into your beachfront hotel.

Hotel: Fess Parkers Doubletree Resort

Full Breakfast

Day 7: Santa Monica and the City of Angels

Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 missions along California's El Camino Real. Then journey along 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 stunning Getty Villa, a recreation of an ancient Roman country house, for a guided tour. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city's newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination. This evening, set out for a popular restaurant to enjoy a glittering Celebration Dinner L.A. style.

Hotel: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

Full Breakfast

Day 8: The Glitz and Glam of L.A.

This morning, spot the Hollywood Sign during your sightseeing tour, view Grauman's Chinese Theater and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony.

Hotel: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

Full Breakfast, Celebration Dinner

Day 9: Depart Los Angeles or extend your stay

Your California tour comes to an end with a departure transfer to Los Angeles International Airport. Or perhaps extend your holiday. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure where you can continue on to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Las Vegas. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Full Breakfast

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Napa Valley: Visit Benziger Winery for a private tram tour featuring the barrel aging caves and an exclusive tasting.

Hearst Castle: Ascend the ‘Enchanted Hill' for a guided tour of one of America's grandest private estates.

Santa Barbara: Visit Mission Santa Barbara, an historic Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order in 1786.

Los Angeles: Visit the Getty Villa, a recreated ancient Roman country house.

Los Angeles: Step beyond the red carpet! A behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars on a private tour of the Dolby Theatre.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

San Francisco: See the cable cars, Union Square, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge.

Sonoma: Explore the shops of this Spanish Plaza.

San Joaquin Valley: Stop at a historic fruit stand.

Monterey: Enjoy a presentation about the array of fish, animal and plant exhibits of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Santa Barbara: Drive down State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf.

Santa Monica: Stroll along the Third Street Promenade.

Los Angeles: Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Scenic Drives: 17-Mile Drive past the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

SIGNATURE DINING

San Francisco: Enjoy a walking tour through Chinatown, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet.

Monterey: Dinner with wine is available from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.

Los Angeles: Enjoy an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine.

HIGHLIGHT HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

San Francisco: Your boutique Omni hotel is a sophisticated, urban retreat located only a short walk to Union Square.

Sonoma: The Fairmont is the ultimate Wine Country resort, surrounded by lush vineyards and dotted with natural hot springs.

Yosemite: Insight has worked behind the scenes to ensure you receive only the newly renovated rooms at the Lodge at the Falls.

Monterey: Overlooking the ocean and just steps from Cannery Row, The Clement has a unique, contemporary style.

Los Angeles: Located In the heart of the city and setting a new standard of luxury, the stunning JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE Hotel is the focal point of L.A.

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

Your expert Insight Tour Director will smooth your way throughout your vacation. Acting as a 'travelling concierge', he or she is also an expert guide, a consummate organiser and your friend in a foreign land

The majority of Insight hotels have free WiFi access in lobby or bedroom areas and WiFi is also generally available on most touring coaches.

We include Personal radio headsets - these give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries

Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing an authentic food or beverage of the region

We'll handle your Baggage everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel

Your Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency

Luxury air-conditioned, 40-guest coach with extended legroom and onboard restroom

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad

All departures 2017

£3280 £2320 £2049 Please call
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £65.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.