California Relaxing Retreats Tours &amp; Trips

Self-Guided / Independent Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

California, Golden Gate Bridge, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

11 days From$3,460

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Bridges, Redwoods & Alcatraz: San Francisco With Your Grandchild

By Road Scholar

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

San Francisco

Highlights

Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

6 days From$1,949

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

California Cuisine and Spa experience

By Gourmet On Tour

none

5/5 Excellent

3 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

California

Highlights

Join hands-on cooking classes in our award-winning cooking school
Meet fellow cooking enthusiasts from all over the world
Stay at a luxury boutique hotel
Indulge yourself with spa treatments
Visit small vineyards and meet the winemakers

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"This was by far the most fun and exciting vacation my husband and I ever took. The communication with Judith regarding the planning and logistics of this gourmet tour in Spanish Basque Country were timely and smooth. The cooking classes and the day trips to Rioja and the French Basque Country were highlights of the trip! We will definitely work with Judith on more trips! Thank you Gourmet On Tour! Thank you, Judith!"

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

4 days From$1,230

Other trips you may like [sponsored]

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Explore Spain & Portugal

By Intrepid Travel

premier

4.5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Algarve, Bar, Barcelona, Dali, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Porto, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Sierra Nevada

Highlights

Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin in Granada before crossing the river to visit the imposing Moorish fortress of the Alhambra.
Unwind in a laidback fishing town in the Algarve, soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying an included boat trip around the rocky cliffs of the coast.
Join pilgrims along the last leg of the famous Camino de Santiago journey as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Sit back, relax and watch the water flow by in one of Porto’s river restaurants while you sample a couple of varieties of the city’s signature wine – port!
Start and end your adventure in Madrid, home to art galleries, colourful architecture and some of the best restaurants in Spain.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-26%$6,136

15 days From$4,545

Health Safety +

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Western USA National Parks Explorer

By Explore!

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, California, Capitol Reef National Park, Colorado, Death Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Mesa Verde, Moab, Monument Valley, New York, San Francisco, Sierra Nevada, Utah, Venice, York, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-19%$6,445

14 days From$5,240

Health Safety +

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada

By Exodus Travels

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Granada, Sierra Nevada

Highlights

Embark on beautiful walks through the highest mountain range in Spain
Discover whitewashed Moorish settlements
Visit Trevelez, the highest village in the country
Stay at a family-run hotel with stunning views and warm hospitality
Enjoy a night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-26%$2,430

8 days From$1,800

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Natural Highlights of California

By G Adventures

preferred

2.7/5 Average

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Kings Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of death valley
Cross the stunning sierra nevada mountains
Explore world-famous yosemite national park on a naturalist walk
Marvel at ancient trees in sequoia national park
Enjoy a full day in kings canyon national park

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-23%$4,537

9 days From$3,484

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

California Panorama

By Omega Tours

preferred

5/5 Excellent

47 reviews

Group Tour

Why we love them

They discover the best local partners, providing trips that are both efficient and authentic.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, California, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Everything was pretty much perfect."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-19%$2,616

8 days From$2,127

Health Safety +

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Best of Spain

By Intrepid Travel

premier

4.9/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Ronda, Seville, Sierra Nevada, Tangier, Valencia

Highlights

Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic coastline, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-26%$5,542

15 days From$4,105

Health Safety +

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

By G Adventures

preferred

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Lodging level

Camping

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

Hike the amazing tuolumne grove of giant sequoias in yosemite national park
Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern california
Enjoy a drive down route 66
Visit horseshoe bend
Go glamping in zion

Themes

Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-12%$4,747

15 days From$4,199

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Classic Spain & Portugal

By Intrepid Travel

premier

4.5/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Algarve, Bar, Barcelona, Bilbao, Camino de Santiago, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Pamplona, Porto, San Sebastian, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Sierra Nevada, Sofia

Highlights

Gaze in awe at the artistic feats of the Spanish masters in Madrid, and experience a different sort of mastery with a fiery flamenco performance in Seville.
Unwind in a laidback fishing village in the Algarve on Portugal's scenic south coast. Soak up the sun on a beach and enjoy a cocktail-coloured sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
People from all over the world come to Spain to walk the famous Camino de Santiago. Join pilgrims along the last leg of the journey, as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
The fortified medieval city of Pamplona is a great place to discover on foot. Weave through the city's winding alleyways to the immense Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous bull run.
Logrono is bursting with delicious local produce and wine, just waiting to be enjoyed on an included tapas crawl. Delicioso!

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

Best California Luxury Tours

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

-26%$9,207

22 days From$6,820

Health Safety +

3 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.

My selections:

Relaxing Retreats

Clear all

Best California Tours by Duration

1 Week

One Week in California

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

10 Days

10 Days in California

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

2 Week

2 Weeks in California

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best California Tours by Price

Best California Standard Tours

Best California Budget Tours

Related Tours

50-Plus Travel

Culinary & Wine Tasting

California Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5 Excellent

241 Reviews

Write a review

See all California tour reviews

Excellent

159

Great

Average

Disappointing

Terrible

Lesley

Oct 2015

Written on

I enjoy intrepid but the style of

I enjoy intrepid but the style of travel doesn't suit everyone.

Carol

Oct 2015

Written on

Good size group, great tour leader (on

Good size group, great tour leader (on this occasion), pretty good value for money on the whole.

alexandra

Sep 2015

Written on

good balance of guidance and free time

Rodney

Sep 2015

Written on

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time.

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time. Too much time traveling in buses and small vans. Our leader was not confident in communicating information to...

Ric

Sep 2015

Written on

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun and

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun a...