California’s coastal journey

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport and proceed to the hotel. San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the US. It’s a compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond. San Francisco is culturally vibrant and ethnically diverse; as a result, it has evolved into the urban jewel of California’s coast. Very typical for this city are the cable cars and rows of elaborate redwood Victorian-Style houses. Curiously, it contains the biggest China Town outside China. This evening, explore Chinatown, along its streets, exotic ingredients are sold, silks and jade are tendered, and wonderful native food can be found at the many restaurants.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Today, you are free to enjoy one of the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping, great food and entertainment. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock”. Spend the day in Golden Gate Park; it offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. This evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods; from Chinatown to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

SAN FRANCISCO I MONTEREY, CA

Depart San Francisco this morning on your way to Monterey, home of majestic Wine Country and the Golden Gate Bridge. Rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighborhoods, and the colorful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavor of the city. Monterey eventually became the sardine capital of the Western Hemisphere when the first packing plant was built in 1900. Today, the old sardine factories have been converted into quaint restaurants and boutique shops. This area called “Cannery Row” was made famous by the author John Steinbeck and still remains an amusing place to explore. Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to whale watch, tours are offered locally.

MONTEREY I CARMEL I SANTA BARBARA I VENTURA, CA

Depart Monterey this morning and take a stop in Carmel. Here, you can enjoy the English style cottages, top-notch restaurants, boutique wineries and unique shops. Next, head on the picturesque 17-Mile Drive for stunning views before continuing your luxurious drive up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Barbara. This pristine city enjoys almost perfect year-round climate which enables travelers to enjoy a number of natural attractions. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own allure; East Beach attracts the trendy and young while fishing and whale watching are the favorites at Arroyo Burro. Enjoy the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or explore the Old Mission. In the early evening, visit Stearn’s Wharf and enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. Only a little further you’ll find Ventura, most known for its relaxed Southern California beach vibe. But a lively art scene, downtown galleries and museums, the views from the Ventura Botanical Gardens and many shops and restaurants, make Ventura a perfect hangout where you can enjoy some earthly delights. Don’t forget to take a stroll on the beautiful pier, built in 1872.

VENTURA I LOS ANGELES, CA

Leave Santa Barbara behind this morning as you drive on Los Angeles. Home to famous movie stars and the famed landmark, the Hollywood sign, it is a city brimming with culture and happenings. This big metropolis has many regions with distinct flavors and communities just waiting to be explored.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Today, take some time to visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Stroll along the Walk of Fame and see the names of celebrities commemorated in pink stars along the sidewalk. Visit Mann’s Chinese Theater, the best- preserved of the movie palaces from Hollywood’s golden era, and known for its celebrity hand and footprints in the forecourt - over 200 impressions are yours to discover! Drive through Beverly Hills, the most famous neighborhood in the United States and glimpse exclusive homes. Shop at famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. Visit Universal Studios and tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Return flight home or extend your stay.