Coastal California & Yosemite
Coastal California & Yosemite
$2577
Coastal California & Yosemite
10 Days Starting in San Francisco, USA and ending in Los Angeles, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8560-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience exciting big cities, charming seaside towns, amazing natural wonders, and a coastline like no other on this value-minded tour highlighting the best of California. Starting in San Francisco, see its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf and then have free time to enjoy this lovely ‘City by the Bay.’ Travel across the Central Valley to Yosemite National Park, where giant granite peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and lush forests and meadows will leave you in awe. Visit Monterey and see historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. While there, take an optional whale-watching excursion to look for humpback whales that call Monterey Bay home from late April through November. Go on the stunning 17-Mile Drive with its scenic ocean views, the famed Lone Cypress, and Pebble Beach Golf Course, then visit the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Drive Big Sur, one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline with its rugged cliffs, giant redwoods, and spectacular vistas. Arrive in Los Angeles, where guided sightseeing includes the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and the star-studded sidewalks of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Take a stroll along Santa Monica Pier and then have time to explore ‘Tinseltown’ on your own. Continue south and tour Mission San Juan Capistrano, called the “Jewel of the Missions’ due to the beauty of its buildings and gardens, before arriving in San Diego. This southernmost city in the Golden State is known for its idyllic climate, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions. Sightseeing includes city highlights and Coronado Island and the historic Hotel del Coronado, featured in numerous films. Then have time on your own to discover why some call this “America’s Finest City.” Return to Los Angeles where this journey ends, but you’ll be taking home memories that will last a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Parc 55 San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Parc 55 San Francisco
Today we tour the “City by the Bay.” Sightseeing includes the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps take an iconic cable-car ride, visit Golden Gate Park or tour infamous Alcatraz Island Prison. Or let the good times roll on an optional Bike the Bridge tour across the Golden Gate Bridge by pedal or e-bike. Then grab a bite in the lovely village of Sausalito before taking the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.NOTE:If going to Alcatraz Island, consider purchasing tickets in advance with the National Park Service.
Day 3: San Francisco,Yosemite National Park,Oakhurst
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite
This morning, travel east through California’s Central Valley and enter Yosemite, one of the country’s most popular national parks. Yosemite is a wonderland of soaring granite peaks, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. See famous El Capitan, the world’s largest granite monolith, Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, and mighty Half Dome. Overnight in nearby Oakhurst.
Day 4: Oakhurst,Yosemite National Park,Monterey
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Monterey Downtown Days Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today re-enter Yosemite to experience the magnificent giant sequoias. Then head west for a late afternoon arrival in picturesque Monterey. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf where you can look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Take to the sea for a memorable optional Sunset Whale Watching Cruise to spy humpbacks and other whales and dolphins as you watch the sunset on Monterey Bay.
Day 5: Monterey,17-Mile Drive,Carmel,Pismo Beach
Location: Monterey
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Pismo Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take in spectacular views of the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean on scenic 17-Mile Drive. See the iconic Lone Cypress and pass by Pebble Beach and its legendary golf course. Arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairytale village nestled in a pine forest beside the picturesque coast. The majestic scenery continues on Big Sur, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Overnight in Pismo Beach. NOTE:The drive along the coast to Big Sur is dependent on current road conditions on Pacific Coast Highway 1.
Day 6: Pismo Beach,Solvang,Santa Barbara,Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Continuing down the coast, stop in Solvang, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets, view the “Old World” architecture and savor a tasty treat from a Danish bakery. Arrive in Santa Barbara with its Spanish-style architecture and Mediterranean climate. Enjoy a stroll on the pier or shop at one of the many boutiques. Late afternoon arrival in Los Angeles.
Day 7: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. See the historic TCL Chinese Theatre which has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history and the Dolby Theatre, the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with sidewalks that have more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars honoring the best in the entertainment industry. Then head to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. The remainder of the day is at leisure. No acceptance speech needed if you choose to join the optional excursion to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for an illuminating look at the world of moviemaking and cinematic history.
Day 8: Los Angeles,Mission San Juan Capistrano,San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Today we head south to San Diego, stopping for a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano along the way. This historic landmark was founded more than two hundred years ago and is considered the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Today it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history. Arrive in San Diego and take a city tour that includes a visit to the Hotel Coronado, made famous by movies like ‘Some Like it Hot.’ Return to downtown for a relaxing evening on your own and discover the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Day 9: San Diego
Location: San Diego
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Enjoy a day at leisure. There are many ways to experience this very walkable town known for its picture-perfect weather. Bike by the waterfront, take a harbor cruise, or monkey around with an optional excursion to the San Diego Zoo, a world-famous wildlife park and botanical garden that has over 3,700 rare and endangered animals and more than 700,000 plants.
Day 10: San Diego,Dana Point,Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Spend the morning at leisure before traveling back to Los Angeles. On the way, stop at Dana Point, a coastal town with gorgeous ocean vistas before heading to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where your vacation ends. Please schedule flights for 5 p.m. or later. You may also choose to extend your vacation with extra nights to further explore Los Angeles.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Parc 55 San Francisco, Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite, Monterey Downtown Days Inn, Hilton Garden Inn Pismo Beach, Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, and Best Western Plus Bayside Inn in San Diego.
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Sightseeing in San Francisco
Tour of San Francisco including Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Yosemite National Park
Visit to Yosemite National Park including sights like El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome.
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Monterey and Carmel
Visit to Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and scenic 17-Mile Drive including Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Big Sur
Drive along Big Sur with stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean.
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Solvang and Santa Barbara
Visit to Solvang and Santa Barbara with time to explore the local architecture and shops.
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Los Angeles Sightseeing
Sightseeing tour of Los Angeles including TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica Pier.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
Tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark.
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San Diego City Tour
City tour of San Diego including a visit to the Hotel Coronado.
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Dana Point
Stop at Dana Point with ocean vistas.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as Bike the Bridge tour, Sunset Whale Watching Cruise, and visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
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Alcatraz Island Tickets
Tickets to Alcatraz Island are not included and should be purchased in advance.
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Meals
Meals are not included except for breakfast on Day 4 and Day 5.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and other personal items are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Accommodation
San Francisco:Parc 55 San FranciscoOakhurst:Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst YosemiteMonterey:Monterey Downtown Days InnPismo Beach:Hilton Garden Inn Pismo BeachLos Angeles:Westin BonaventureSan Diego:Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Meals
2 Breakfasts
Check out our Q&As
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What are some of the key attractions visited in San Francisco during the tour?
In San Francisco, the tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There is also free time to explore options like a cable-car ride, Golden Gate Park, or Alcatraz Island.
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What natural wonders can be expected at Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking views of soaring granite peaks, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Key sights include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome.
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Is there an opportunity for whale watching during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional Sunset Whale Watching Cruise available in Monterey where you can potentially see humpbacks, other whales, and dolphins.
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What unique experiences are offered in Solvang and Santa Barbara?
In Solvang, you can explore the Danish-inspired village with its picturesque buildings and windmills. Santa Barbara offers Spanish-style architecture and a Mediterranean climate, with opportunities to stroll on the pier or shop at local boutiques.
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What Hollywood landmarks are included in the Los Angeles sightseeing tour?
The Los Angeles sightseeing tour includes visits to the TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Santa Monica Pier.
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What can be expected during the visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark known as the 'Jewel of the California Missions.' It offers insights into California’s multi-cultural history.
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What activities are available during the leisure day in San Diego?
In San Diego, you can enjoy activities such as biking by the waterfront, taking a harbor cruise, or visiting the San Diego Zoo, which is renowned for its diverse wildlife and botanical gardens.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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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 happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.