The Californian

9 night tour - Starting in San Diego, California - ending in San Francisco, California.

Escorted Tour with Trafalgar.

Trafalgar has been creating exceptional Escorted journeys for nearly 70 years, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, first class hotels, complimentary WiFi on-board comfortable motorcoaches with restrooms and panoramic windows.

An all-over experience in California, from southern favourites, Los Angeles and San Diego, to northern must-sees like San Francisco, Paso Robles, Monterey and spectacular Yosemite.

You'll enjoy Insider moments like... soaking in the Californian sun, strolling through orchards of 4,000 olive trees. Immerse yourself in how extra virgin olive oil is pressed, before relishing every bite of the meal drizzled in the local artisanal olive oil, produced right there.

2017 Guaranteed departure dates:
May 05th
July 25th
September 15th
December 29th - Special Departure including the Rose Parade in Pasedena on New Year's Day
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: ARRIVE SAN DIEGO (2 NIGHTS) 

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

Welcome to San Diego! Get acclimated and relax. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow companions at the hotel at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception.

Meal(s) Welcome Reception

Hotel Omni San Diego 

Day 2: SAN DIEGO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME 

From the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park, San Diego entices visitors and locals alike with a combination of fascinating history, lively street life and some of the best weather in the country. Get acquainted with the city on a guided orientation tour and then enjoy some free time to do some shopping, enjoy an optional visit to the San Diego Zoo or choose to cruise the picturesque harbour with an included dinner.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Omni San Diego 

Day 3: SAN DIEGO – SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – LOS ANGELES (2 NIGHTS)

Travel up the sun-kissed coast to San Juan Capistrano, home to one of the oldest Spanish missions in California. Visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Stop and grab a bite to eat for lunch on your own in Santa Monica before a visit to the Getty Center, with its world-renowned collection of classical and modern art.  Stroll around the grounds admiring paintings and sculptures. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Millennium Biltmore

Day 4: LOS ANGELES SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME 

Immerse yourself in Tinseltown today. See Grauman's Chinese Theater, opened in 1927 and home to hundreds of premieres and three Academy Award ceremonies. Then be treated to a private tour of the Dolby Theatre, the current home of the Oscars. Spot the Hollywood sign and look for your favourite stars along the Walk of Fame. Cruise Sunset Boulevard as you make your way to Beverly Hills and view the high­end shops of Rodeo Drive. If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, you'll find plenty of choices to sate your appetite at the historic LA Farmers' Market, a Local Speciality, with its colourful collection of restaurants and shops for a tour and tasting. The rest of the day is free.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Millennium Biltmore

Day 4: ROSE PARADE

** ONLY APPLIES TO THE 30TH DECEMBER TOUR DEPARTURE ** 

Celebrate New Year's Day with an unforgettable chance to view America's famous New Year's celebration, the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Marvel at the dazzling pageantry of the bands and beautiful floats from your specially selected Reserved Grandstand seating right along the parade route. After the parade, continue your revelry with a sightseeing trip of Tinseltown, including Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard, viewing the Hollywood sign, a stroll along the Walk of Fame and the Grauman's Chinese Theater. Wrap up the day with a private tour of the Dolby Theatre, current home of Oscars. 

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Westin Bonaventure

Day 5: LOS ANGELES – SANTA BARBARA – PASO ROBLES

After a leisurely morning, wind your way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara. Savour some time to relax and enjoy lunch before continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway to Paso Robles. Then join a Be My Guest lunch, where you will stoll through olive groves with a glass of wine. Your hosts will enlighten you about olive trees and the steps it takes to go from olive to olive oil, before dining on a delectable meal created with local ingredients from olive oil to the locally produced wine.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Hotel Paso Robles Inn Authentic Accommodation

Day 6: PASO ROBLES – SAN SIMEON – CARMEL – MONTEREY

Begin your day at “La Cuesta Encantada”—the enchanted hill—upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. A guide leads you through the property with its 165 rooms, acres of gardens, and pools—and brings the story of the newspaper publisher to life. Drive Highway 1 towards Big Sur, running along the most beautiful coastline in the USA. Then it's on to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row. 

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Monterey Marriott

Day 7: MONTEREY – SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce. Ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, which John Muir called “the hope of the world.” In the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, pass the misty splendour of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls, gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome and take a stroll by the sparkling Merced River.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Yosemite Valley Lodge

Day 8: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – NAPA – SONOMA – SAN FRANCISCO (2 NIGHTS) 

Descend from the mountains for a stop in Napa before continuing on to a vineyard in Sonoma where you will sample some of the finest California wines. Afterward, cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, perhaps take an optional guided tour of the oldest Chinatown in the United States, followed by a Chinese dinner.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Day 9:  SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Embark on a morning exploration that takes you to see the sights. There's a story around every corner and you have some time this afternoon to explore the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner 

Hotel Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Day 10: DEPART SAN FRANCISCO

Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or extend your stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. 

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

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.

 

Your Trafalgar Tour Highlights

Hidden Treasures Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.

Authentic Accommodations Paso Robles Inn, Paso Robles, California, USA This mission-style, historic Authentic Accommodation, surrounded by lush gardens and oak trees, enjoys a tranquil setting just steps away from Paso Robles’ historic downtown district and natural hot springs.

Authentic Accommodations Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Yosemite National Park, California, USA As the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is an idyllic spot for families and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness. Your Authentic Accommodation, Yosemite Lodge has a cozy, ski-lodge type atmosphere, redesigned with an emphasis on glass and wood detailing to blend harmoniously with its surroundings.

Be My Guest sampling blended olive oils during your meal in Paso Robles.

Cultural Insights Visit the famed LA Farmer's Market, a favourite of the locals.

Sightseeing Highlights

City tours of San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco
Visit San Juan Capistrano, Hollywood, Santa Barbara, San Simeon, Carmel, Monterey and Yosemite National Park
Scenic drives along Highway 1, 17-Mile Drive and Silverado Trail in wine country

Dining

9 full breakfasts, 1 lunch (including Be My Guest), 2 dinners.

Travel Highlights

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
10 nights First Class accommodation
 

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 chauffer-driven car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Trafalgar 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 car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Trafalgar you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Trafalgar 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
29th December 2017 - Special Departure inc the Rose Parade on New Years Day £3366 £2384 £2108 N/A
All other departures in 2017 £3108 £2197 £1940 N/A
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Trafalgar Tours 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 £80.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Trafalgar Tours. 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 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.