Day 1: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Route No. 1, Carmel
Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse in the local shops. Continue along Highway 1 through Big Sur to charming Carmel, home to actor Clint Eastwood. Stroll through town before heading on towards San Francisco.
Overnight: San Francisco – La Quinta Inn & Suites or similar.
Day 2: San Francisco, Bay Cruise, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown
Today we will try to understand why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We start our tour at the Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world famous bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge and around the notorious Alcatraz Island. Afterwards return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown and wealthy Nob Hill. Our tour ends with a night view of the city from the Bay Bridge.
Overnight: Modesto – Best Western Palm Court Inn (In Winter Monterey/Holiday Inn hotel) or similar.
Day 3: San Francisco & Yosemite
Summer route goes through farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200 square mile wonderland of forests, lakes and waterfalls is located in the Sierra Nevada. Stop at El Capitan, Bridal-Veil Falls, Half Dome and Mariposa Grove home to the world’s largest living things the Sequoia Trees. In the evening, drive south towards Las Vegas. Overnight: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch or similar.Winter route depart south to route no 1, for a visit to the world famous Hearst Castle. Built by the newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, tours the famous house filled with antiques and see why the castle served as a playground for the rich and famous for the first half of the 20th century. In the evening, drive south towards Las Vegas.
Overnight: Comfort Suites Stevenson Ranch or similar.
Day 4: Stevenson Ranch & Las Vegas
Today’s route is east through the dessert and Death Valley to arrive at the gambling capital of the world: Las Vegas. We stop for lunch at the outlet mall in Barstow, which is filled with all the famous brand names like, Levi’s, Nike, Reebok, Timberland and more.
In the evening we take a tour of the strip to see some of the truly amazing hotels and fantasies that are built in the middle of the desert, such as Caesar’s Palace, Mirage, Luxor, Paris, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Treasure Island and more. Finish off the evening at one of the many shows or try your hand at one of the many casinos’, who knows maybe lady luck will be smiling at you tonight.
Overnight: Linq Hotel or similar.
Day 5: Las Vegas, Hoover Dam & Los Angeles
After a leisurely breakfast we leave Las Vegas and make our way to the Hoover Dam, understand how this man made phenomenon was built and what it did to the area. After our visit we head west. After one last chance at the slot machines on the state line, we cross back into California.
Our tour ends with arrival to Los Angeles.