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Description
Experience the spectacular scenery, wildlife and culture of California’s coastline, on an epic, 3-day adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Sit back and relax as your friendly guide handles the driving along coast-hugging Highway 1, stopping along the way to explore highlights like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz beaches, the sea cliffs of Bug Sur, luxurious 17-Mile Drive, jaw-dropping Hearst Castle and downtown Santa Barbara. Finish the one-way journey with a train ride into the sprawling glamour of Los Angeles. Tour size is limited to eight people for a more intimate, small-group experience.
On your 3-day trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, enjoy free time in each city you visit. Flexible daily itineraries let you explore at your own pace, and admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a guided tour of Hearst Castle are included. Your guide will offer interesting and informative commentary throughout your trip about local history, culture and architecture.
Choose between Comfort and Superior accommodation types.
Day 1: San Francisco – Monterey
After pickup from your San Francisco accommodation in the morning, begin your drive south on Highway 1 along the California coast. Stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse for views and continue to Santa Cruz for a walk along the beach.
When you arrive in Monterey, spend the afternoon exploring fascinating marine exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (admission included). You can also sightsee at your leisure or rent a bike (own expense) and cruise down a coastal path. Enjoy dinner (own expense) at one of the many downtown restaurants before heading to your hotel an overnight stay.
Overnight: Your chosen accommodation type in Monterey
Day 2: Monterey – Cambria
After breakfast at your hotel, start your second day with a journey along famous 17-Mile Drive, a scenic route on the Monterey Peninsula that runs from Pacific Grove to world-famous Pebble Beach. You’ll be treated to views of the stunning Pacific coastline, passing impressive golf courses and mansions along the way. Stop in the small coastal resort town of Pebble Beach to check out the world-famous golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Continue south to Hearst Castle, and stop at a beach where you can spot elephant seals lounging on the beach.
Next, you’ll take a guided tour of Hearst Castle, an awe-inspiring mansion and estate designed in the early 1900s for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Your guide will tell you all about the history of this National and California Historical Landmark, which sits atop a hill of the Santa Lucia Range overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
After your tour, head 15 miles (24 km) south to the charming seaside village of Cambria. Enjoy free time here to take an evening beach stroll and have dinner at your leisure and expense.
Overnight: Your chosen accommodation type in Cambria
Day 3: Cambria – Solvang – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles
Have breakfast at your hotel and then relax on a 2-hour drive south to Solvang, a Danish town whose many bakeries, restaurants and merchants offer an authentic taste of Denmark. Explore the town by foot to appreciate the traditional Danish architecture and learn some local history.
Continuing toward Santa Barbara, take in views of the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley with its rolling vineyard-covered hills, and stop at a scenic overlook to take in the beautiful Lake Cachuma and its environs.
Spend time wandering through downtown Santa Barbara and along the city’s world-renowned beaches. You’ll then board a train for a brief ride to your final destination, downtown Los Angeles, where you’re free to continue exploring on your own.
Please note: This is a one-way trip and does not include return transport to San Francisco. If you wish to return to San Francisco please contact us.
Departure Point:
Traveler pickup is offered
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 3 days
Return Details:
Santa Barbara Train Station (train arrives in downtown Los Angeles at approximately 5pm). You can also contact us to arrange return transportation.
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup in San Francisco
- One-way transport from San Francisco to Santa Barbara by 12-passenger van
- 2 nights of accommodation
Exclusions
- Return transport to San Francisco
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Gratuities
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Weather can be colder along the coast. Please dress warmly or in layers
- No children under 12 years old permitted
- Pricing is per person based on occupancy
- Luggage is restricted to 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
- Tour is available in English, French and Spanish. Please advise at time of booking if you would like a specific language.
- This is a ONE-WAY trip and does not include return transport to San Francisco. You may return with the tour company for a USD $60 fee, payable directly to the tour operator. It is a direct 6-hour drive by van
- Please note: Hotel accommodation subject to change
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Travelers must be able to walk 4 blocks
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
