California Classics with San Diego
California Classics with San Diego
California Classics with San Diego
13 Days Starting in San Francisco, United States and ending in San Diego, United States
Visiting: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Big Sur, Los Angeles, San Diego
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
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Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through California's iconic landscapes and vibrant cities with the "California Classics with San Diego" tour. This adventure begins in the bustling city of San Francisco, where you'll explore the Golden Gate Bridge and the artisan avenues of Sausalito. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma. Discover the coastal charm of Monterey and Carmel, and visit the opulent Hearst Castle in San Simeon. In Los Angeles, explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Getty Museum. Travel along the stunning Pacific Coast on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner to San Diego, where you can soak up the sun and culture. With guided sightseeing tours, comfortable coach transportation, and stays in handpicked hotels, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and urban exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SAN FRANCISCO City by the Bay Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. [LF] Visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Free time this afternoon to explore the city. Ride the world-famous cable cars, shop in Union Square, or visit the Museum of Modern Art. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION As the song goes, you’ll leave your heart in San Francisco with a stroll through the exquisite Japanese Tea Garden. Walk the beautiful landscapes in the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. Learn about the history of the park and enjoy time to explore the five acres of native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, pagodas, and more.
Day 3: San Francisco,Excursion To Sausalito & Sonoma
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO–EXCURSION TO SAUSALITO & SONOMA Vineyards & Views Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge this morning to Sonoma for a local vineyard tour and tasting. Continue to the charming town of Sausalito for lunch on your own before returning to San Francisco. Consider a Gold and Ghost Tour optional excursion this evening to explore San Francisco after dark. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTASTES & TRADITIONS Cross San Francisco Bay on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to spend time in Northern California’s wine country. Venture to Sonoma with its wealth of verdant vineyards for a wine tasting. Continue to Sausalito to enjoy waterfront views and breathtaking scenery in the charming village with a large variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Day 4: San Francisco,Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK The Mountains are Calling Travel eastward through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. A guided tram tour provides an introduction to the history and highlights of Yosemite National Park. Free time this evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Yosemite has innumerable lakes, meadows, ice-sculpted domes, forests, waterfalls, and unspoiled alpine scenery. Descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Here, John Muir realized, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” We think you’ll agree.
Day 5: Yosemite National Park,Monterey
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Monterey
Meals Included: Breakfast
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–MONTEREY Giants of the Land and Sea Before departing Yosemite National Park, visit [LF] Mariposa Grove, home to many old-growth sequoias. Stand in awe as you look skyward at these massive giants, one of the Earth’s largest and longest living organisms. Then, on to the California coast to Monterey, home to the famed Cannery Row. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name, Cannery Row is filled with history and vibrant sights along the waterfront of Monterey Bay. Once a bustling district of sardine factories, the street is a brightly painted avenue of eateries and shops that harken back to a heritage of fishermen and rich stories. In the morning, stroll along the wharf for the chance to see whales, otters, and other sea creatures in the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean shore.
Day 6: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel
Location: Monterey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Monterey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL Cottages & Cypress Trees This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a visit to the resort town of [LF] Carmel with a scenic drive along the famed 17-Mile Drive. Return to Monterey for free time before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Feel the windswept spirit of the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular drive along 17-Mile Drive to the charming haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea. See its crooked cottages and twisted trees in the popular haunt of writers, artists, and celebrities. You’ll pass by sweeping sea views and rocky shores, visit the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course for a walk on the fairway, and see the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to its rocky perch.
Day 7: Monterey,Big Sur,San Simeon,Solvang
Location: Big Sur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Corque
Meals Included: Breakfast
MONTEREY–BIG SUR–SAN SIMEON–SOLVANG California Gold Journey south through Big Sur to San Simeon and visit Hearst Castle. Continue to Solvang for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Visit the opulent mansion of legendary newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, which houses splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. Your guided tour shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate.
Day 8: Solvang,Santa Barbara,Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Meals Included: Breakfast
SOLVANG–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES Treasures & Traditions Explore the Danish town of Solvang and enjoy a [LF] Danish specialty at a local bakery. Then, travel through the Santa Ynez Mountains to beautiful Santa Barbara to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Continue to metropolitan Los Angeles, the motion picture capital of the world. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEM Stroll the streets of Solvang and feel as though you’ve entered a charming Danish town with picturesque buildings and shops, restaurants and windmills that create a taste of Denmark in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a traditional Danish pastry at Mortensen’s famous bakery. TOUR HIGLIGHTHISTORY & HERITAGE Experience the beauty and history of California’s mission trail with a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara. Soak in the stunning Spanish influence of the 1786 “Queen of the Missions” with its wrought iron, terra cotta, and carved wood. Feel the serenity amid its whitewashed walls and tile-roofed buildings below its chiming twin bell towers ringing out on the Camino Real above the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Day 9: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LOS ANGELES Spend Your Day Your Way in L.A. Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. See the Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills. This afternoon, explore more of Los Angeles with your choice of included excursions. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TAKE YOUR PICK Explore your way today with your choice of excursions: ART HISTORY After lunch, visit the Getty Center & Museum to see a vast collection of art housed within its modern hilltop complex above Los Angeles. Here, a treasure trove of masterpieces is displayed with art from the Middle Ages to the present. OR: BEACHY KEEN Take a self-guided walk along the Santa Monica Pier; ride the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel for spectacular panoramic views of the Southern California coastline.
Day 10: Los Angeles,Amtrak’S Pacific Surfliner,San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: mbassy Suites San Diego Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast
LOS ANGELES–AMTRAK’S PACIFIC SURFLINER–SAN DIEGO Riding the Rails Take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner scenic train service along the coast to San Diego. Meet your Globus Local Host upon arrival before transferring to the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown Hotel. Free time this evening. Your Globus Local Host will be available to provide suggestions on how to spend your free time. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Board the Amtrak train at Los Angeles’ historic Union Station for a scenic ride along the California Coast from LA to San Diego. During your train ride, enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and quaint coastal towns.
Day 11: San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: mbassy Suites San Diego Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN DIEGO Southern California Dreaming A full free day to explore San Diego, California’s second-largest city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION California’s southernmost city of San Diego shares the border with Mexico, as well as the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the sun washed shores of the Southern California coastline. Considered the birthplace of California, San Diego is rich in culture as a true melting pot of cultures to be found in Old Town, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Embarcadero, and the Gas Light District.
Day 12: San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: mbassy Suites San Diego Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN DIEGO Pacific Pleasures A full free day to explore San Diego on your own. (B)FREE-TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in San Diego with a day on the beach or a visit to any of its exciting attractions. Your Local Host can point you in the right direction, and your GlobusGO mobile app is always at your fingertips with maps and suggestions for the best day in Cali.
Day 13: San Diego
Location: San Diego
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in handpicked hotels throughout the tour, including San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Hotel Corque, Westin Bonaventure, and Embassy Suites San Diego Bay.
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Meals
12 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners are included.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably between destinations with included coach transportation.
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Sightseeing Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Los Angeles, and San Diego, including special highlights like Hearst Castle and the Getty Museum.
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Special Experiences
Unique experiences such as a scenic train ride on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego, wine tasting in Sonoma, and a visit to the Danish town of Solvang.
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Expert Guides
An expert Tour Director, Drivers, and Local Guides are included on this tour.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Please refer to the itinerary for specific meals included. -
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and tips are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are available at an additional cost.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Accommodation
Stay in handpicked hotels throughout the tour, including San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Hotel Corque, Westin Bonaventure, and Embassy Suites San Diego Bay.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably between destinations with included coach transportation and enjoy a scenic train ride on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Notes
The Big Sur visit and coastal route are dependent on current weather and road conditions on Pacific Coast Highway 1.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the California Classics with San Diego tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a scenic train ride on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego, wine tasting in Sonoma, and a visit to the Danish town of Solvang.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable coach transportation between destinations and includes a scenic train ride on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 12 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
Accommodations include handpicked hotels such as the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Hyatt Regency Monterey, Hotel Corque, Westin Bonaventure, and Embassy Suites San Diego Bay.
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Is there a guided tour of Yosemite National Park included?
Yes, the tour includes a guided tram tour of Yosemite National Park, providing an introduction to its history and highlights.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Solvang?
In Solvang, you will explore the Danish town and enjoy a Danish specialty at a local bakery.
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What can I expect during the visit to Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, you will have morning sightseeing from Olvera Street to Hollywood, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills, with an option to visit the Getty Museum or take a self-guided walk along the Santa Monica Pier.
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What is the significance of the visit to Hearst Castle?
The visit to Hearst Castle includes a guided tour of the opulent mansion of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, showcasing its splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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