Compare Majestic California: San Francisco, Yosemite & the Pacific 2021 by Tauck vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,990 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 499 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, pan for gold, explore Yosemite and ride a moonlight train, go kayaking or biking in Monterey and more with on our California family tours. |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1 Arrive San Francisco
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square. A transfer from San Francisco International Airport to JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square is included. Your family will enjoy exploring a little of San Francisco from your hotel's fabulous location conveniently located near Union Square, Chinatown and The Financial District. Join us at 5:30 for our welcome reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
PORTOFCALL : San Francisco, California, USA
Day 2 San Francisco by Water & Land
Get a great day of San Francisco exploration started with a private catamaran cruise of San Francisco Bay that takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and passes Alcatraz Island, the site of the first lighthouse and U.S. fort on the West Coast – and later an infamous federal prison that held some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals of the time. Back on land, enjoy a guided visit to the Sourdough Bread Museum, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, keep expanding your horizons on a drive that takes you through some of the city's diverse neighborhoods, tucked into hilly streets and steeped with history; view Nob Hill, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Victorian homes, the Marina District, Coit Tower and Lombard Street, "the crookedest street in the world," then take a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge – all world-famous symbols of San Francisco. The rest of your family's day and evening are free.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
PORTOFCALL : San Francisco, California, USA
Day 3 Bound for Yosemite & Forest Fun
As the song says, "try and catch the wind" – and that's just what's been happening at the Altamont Wind Farm, one of the earliest wind farms in the United States, which you'll see en route from San Francisco toward the Sierra Nevada. You can take some great pictures of the kind of giant windmills – technically, wind turbines – that may look like "alien visitors," but will produce more and more of our electricity as the future unfolds. Continue on to Jamestown for lunch. Later, arrive at your mountain resort just outside Yosemite National Park, where dinner is at your leisure this evening. Tonight, see what really goes on in the woods at night during an interpretive hike lit by flashlights – and perhaps by starlight or moonlight, too – in the Sierra National Forest.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Day 4 Glacier Point & a Moonlit Train Ride
Your day in Yosemite National Park begins with a privately guided visit to Glacier Point. Towering 3,200 feet above the valley floor, this impressive scenic overlook offers commanding panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite's high country and – in the distance – the stunning High Sierra. Return to Tenaya Lodge for lunch and time spent as you please – including, if you wish, putting your rock-wall climbing* skills to the test on the rock-climbing wall, or trying your hand at archery. Join us this evening to try your luck panning for gold, just like the old prospectors – then get set for a rip-roaring evening on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Moonlight Special. Chow down at a great barbecue dinner while the Sugar Pine Singers entertain you with old-fashioned melodies. Then, it's ALL ABOARD The Logger for a narrow-gauge rail excursion powered by a vintage Shay steam locomotive through Sierra National Forest... back in time to the days when lumberjacks ruled the woods. Gather round the campfire for a sing-along during a stopover in the canyon, and hear that lonesome whistle blow as you chug home in the moonlight!
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Day 5 From Yosemite Valley to Fish Camp
You'll learn about Yosemite National Park's history, geology, plant and animal life, and must-see attractions from park rangers during a two-hour open-air tram tour along the Yosemite Valley floor. See waterfalls with names like Bridalveil, Horsetail and Ribbon Falls; spectacular rock formations; nearly vertical granite cliffs; quiet pools and open meadows. Then spend the rest of the day with your family exploring this amazing place... or return to your lodge to go swimming, fishing or hiking, enjoy a ranger program, rent a mountain bike or anything else you choose. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Day 6 Historic Mariposa & Seaside Monterey
En route from Yosemite to the coast of the blue Pacific, stop in historic Mariposa – a town settled by families who came in search of grazing and farmland after prospectors in California's Gold Rush of the 1850s began abandoning hopes of striking it rich. Visit the Mariposa Museum & History Center, whose exhibits tell the stories of indigenous Miwuk Indians, Chinese immigrants who came to California seeking a better way of life and the oldest county courthouse west of the Rockies. Continue your California travel through the San Joaquin Valley, part of a region dubbed the "salad bowl to the world." At least 25% of America's agricultural products come from California, many of them from this area; you may see vineyards, nuts, citrus fruits and vegetables basking in the sun as you drive along. After lunch, traverse the Coast Mountains to California's Pacific coast, winding your way along the Monterey Peninsula via the 17-Mile Drive to the renowned Pebble Beach golf course. Your family will spend the next two nights in seaside Monterey at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, ideally situated in historic Cannery Row next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monterey Bay.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : InterContinental The Clement Monterey
PORTOFCALL : Monterey, California, USA
Day 7 The Life Aquatic in Monterey
This morning, your family can choose between three fun things to do in Monterey — a bicycle tour* along the coast, a kayak adventure* in Monterey Bay or a self-guided walking tour of Old Monterey, once the capital of California. Did you know that an octopus tastes with its tentacles – or that corals and jellyfish are cousins? That's just part of what you may learn at a late-afternoon behind-the-scenes visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the former site of a sardine cannery and one of the world's largest aquariums. Its 200 galleries and exhibits introduce you to an amazing underwater world, including giant octupuses, jellyfish, large green sea turtles, barracuda, sharks and coral reefs, as well as natural displays that showcase playful otters and endearing black-footed penguins. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : InterContinental The Clement Monterey
PORTOFCALL : Monterey, California, USA
Day 8 Journey home
Tour ends: San Francisco. Your family can fly home anytime after 12:00 noon; one group transfer is included from InterContinental The Clement Monterey to San Francisco International Airport, for flights departing after 12:00 noon. Please allow two hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : San Francisco, California, USA
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
