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 understand why San Francisco is 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. 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 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, Los Angeles

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.

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, we will head to Los Angeles where the tour will end.