California Dreamin’

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San Francisco • Monterey • Pismo Beach • Long Beach • San Diego

Day 1 – Home to San Francisco

Fly to San Francisco, one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in America! This afternoon we will board a narrated San Francisco Bay cruise with wonderful sights of the city and a breathtaking look at the Golden Gate Bridge from the Bay. This evening is at your leisure to choose from the many restaurants surrounding your hotel.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf

Day 2 – San Francisco

We’ll start our morning with a ride on the famous San Francisco Cable cars. We’ll travel up “Rice-A-Roni” hill and into the downtown area aboard this classic form of transportation. We’ll then board our motorcoach for a tour of the town. We’ll see many of the sites that make San Francisco a town that will keep your heart captive. Then it’s over the Golden Gate Bridge to the quaint village of Sausilito for lunch before we travel via boat to “The Rock”. On this walking tour of the Alcatraz prison, the cell doors will creek and clang and you will be transformed back to a time when many of the country’s most notorious called this Rock, “Home.” We’ll get back to the city in time for dinner together and the evening will be on your own to experience more of the sights and sounds of this great city.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – San Francisco to Monterey

Today we leave San Francisco and travel towards Monterey. We’ll stop at Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck and enjoy lunch and maybe watch a sea otter or two having fun in the bay. This afternoon spend time at one of the finest Ocean Aquariums. From jellyfish, sea horses to tuna and sharks, you will enjoy your afternoon. Later we’ll check into the Hotel Pacific and the evening will be on your own. Our hotel is just a short walk to the Old Fisherman’s wharf where we’ll savor a great evening meal together.

Hotel: Hotel Pacific in Monterey

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Monterey to Pismo Beach

This morning we travel south on Pacific Coast Highway 1. We’ll enjoy the view of the Pacific from the beautiful cliffs of this terrific highway. A lunch stop at a special restaurant perched on a cliff high above the ocean will be a great stop before we travel to Piedras Blancas and view the magnificent Elephant Seals gathered on the beach where their young were born just a month or so ago and they prepare for their migration north. Then it’s a tour of the famous Hearst Castle, the past home of newspaper tycoon William Randolf Hearst. This imposing estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean is impressive for sure. You’ll be able to see priceless antiques, art, and the lovely estate gardens. Tonight we check into The Cliff’s Resort along the Pacific Coast.

Hotel: The Cliffs at Shell Beach (Coastal View Rooms)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Pismo Beach to Long Beach

This morning after breakfast we make our way to Long Beach with beautiful scenery along the way. A delicious lunch is served in delightful Santa Barbara. Arrive in Long Beach, a lovely area famous for it’s beautiful beaches and exciting beach life. It is here we have chosen a three night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a premier location, steps away from major attractions. Stroll the harbor, visit the shops of Shoreline Village, and more!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Hotel

Day 6 – Long Beach

Today we cruise to Catalina Island, known for it’s beautiful weather and lovely scenery. Cars are not allowed on the islands so people use bikes and golf carts. Our ferry docks in Avalon, and we will take a guided tour of the island. Spend the day on this delightful island and ferry back to the mainland late afternoon. This evening re-live the golden age of luxurious ocean travel as we board the famous Queen Mary for an elegant dinner. Take time to walk the long, scenic decks of this famous oceanliner. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Long Beach

Today we tour Hollywood, with it’s exciting landmarks. See the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards ceremony. Take time to stoll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to see the hand and footprints of Hollywood legends along the Boulevard. Enjoy your time here in Hollywood before we return to the hotel for a restful evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Long Beach to San Diego

After breakfast we bid good-bye to Long Beach and enjoy sweeping coastal vistas as we motor along the ocean side. Stop in Laguna Beach for browsing the charming shops or maybe a stroll along the breathtaking oceanfront. Visit San Juan Capistrano and then on to San Diego. We will check into the beautiful Embassy Suites overlooking the breathtaking San Diego Bay for a three night stay. Enjoy a full cooked to order breakfast daily and a nightly reception each evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Embassy Suites San Diego by the Bay

Day 9 – San Diego

We welcome a local step-on guide, as we tour the interesting sights of San Diego and historic Old Town. Later enjoy a comfortable bay cruise of the San Diego Harbor, with sunny decks for your sightseeing pleasure. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – San Diego

Today you are free to enjoy the beautiful hotel and surrounding area as you wish. One option: take the Old Town Trolley, with full narration and stops at the highlights along the way. Feel free to get on and off for shopping and sightseeing. Some may want to browse the charming Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District, or visit SeaWorld with live shows and exhibits of marine life. This evening enjoy an included dinner and show.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – San Diego to Home

After breakfast we bid good-bye to San Diego and fly home.

Included Meals: Breakfast