California Classics with San Diego
California Classics with San Diego
California Classics with San Diego
13 Days Starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego
Visiting: San Francisco, Sausalito, Sonoma, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 36
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the City by the Bay to the City of Angels, this ten-day tour takes you to the top California sights that earned the Golden State its name. Yosemite’s Cathedral Spires, Big Sur’s rugged coastline, 17-Mile Drive’s spectacular views, and San Simeon’s Hearst Castle are just a few memorable Classic California experiences. Between the bright lights of Hollywood and the high style of Beverly Hills to the grapevines in wine country and farm-to-table cuisine in the Central Valley, this encompassing California vacation weaves in plenty of kickback time with visits to a Sonoma vineyard, the quiet Danish village of Solvang, and the tony resort zip codes of Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Don’t forget your shades! Surf’s up at the 70 miles of beaches along Southern California’s most laid-back city. Hang ten at the beach or hang out with wildlife at La Jolla Cove or Balboa Park, ferry to timeless Coronado Island, enjoy San Diego’s museums then shop, stroll and dine in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter or at the Liberty Public Market.
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.
ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.SAN-FRANCISCO-ALAMO-SQUARE.jpg
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. See 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.SAN-FRANCISCO-GOLDEN-GATE.jpg
Day 3: San Francisco,Excursion To Sausalito & Sonoma
Location: San Francisco, Sausalito, Sonoma
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 the charming town of Sausalito. Continue to Sonoma for lunch on your own. Visit a local vineyard for a tour and tasting. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTASTES & TRADITIONS Cross San Francisco Bay on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to stroll the quaint artisan avenues of Sausalito. Enjoy waterfront views and breathtaking scenery in the charming waterfront village with a large variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Venture to Sonoma with its wealth of verdant vineyards for a wine tasting.SONOMA.jpg
Day 4: San Francisco,Yosemite National Park
Location: San Francisco, 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. 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. YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-VIEW.jpg
Day 5: Yosemite National Park,Monterey
Location: Yosemite National Park, Monterey
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 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 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. MONTEREY.jpg
Day 6: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel
Location: Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive
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 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.CARMEL-17-MILE-DRIVE.jpg
Day 7: Monterey,Big Sur,San Simeon,Solvang
Location: Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, Solvang
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. SOLVANG.jpg
Day 8: Solvang,Santa Barbara,Los Angeles
Location: Solvang, Santa Barbara, 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.SANTA-BARBARA-MISSION.jpg
Day 9: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Westin Bonaventure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LOS ANGELES California Traditions 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. Later, visit the Getty Museum. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Visit the amazing Getty Museum to see a vast collection of art housed within its hilltop complex above Los Angeles. Here, a treasure trove of masterpieces is displayed with art from the Middle Ages to the present.LOS-ANGELES-BEVERLY-HILLS.jpg
Day 10: Los Angeles,Amtrak’S Pacific Surfliner,San Diego
Location: Los Angeles, 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.SAN-DIEGO-TRAIN.jpg
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.SAN-DIEGO-BALBOA-PARK.jpg
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. SAN-DIEGO-BEACH.jpg
Day 13: San Diego
Location: San Diego
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
SAN DIEGO Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)LA-JOLLA-SAN-DIEGO.jpg
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 Breakfast, 3 Dinner 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 Directors, Drivers, and Local Guides 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
San Francisco:San Francisco Marriott MarquisYosemite National Park:Tenaya Lodge at YosemiteMonterey:Hyatt Regency MontereySolvang:Hotel CorqueLos Angeles:Westin BonaventureSan Diego: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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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years and above
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will I know the names & details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accomanying this tour?
Yes
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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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Low Deposit
Globus 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 globus 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.