Travel Detail

Today you can enjoy an excursion into California’s famous wine country. Your tour departs from Fisherman's Wharf at midday and we head north, crossing San Francisco’s most iconic landmark - the Golden Gate Bridge. Take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island while riding across the 1.7-mile span of the bridge. The tour continues through the charming seaside town of Sausalito and then passes through Marin County into the world-famous wine regions Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Enjoy the drive through the beautiful scenery with magnificent vineyards along the way and visit two highly regarded wineries for delicious wine tastings and an exclusive estate tour. A wine expert will introduce the fermentation process, barrel aging, and bottling, and you will be able to taste some of the best wines yourself. Towards the end of the day, enjoy the scenic drive back to San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge once more as the sun slowly starts to set into the Pacific Ocean!

Although the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park only takes about four hours we recommend an early start in the morning. This is considered one of the most captivating drives in California, full of lovely winding roads, lined with redwoods, offering delightful views throughout.

Situated in Sierra National Forest, this lodge is set 3 km from Yosemite National Park's southern gate. It features indoor and outdoor pools, 4 hot tubs and offers cottages with fireplaces and private balconies. The elegant decor of this lodge features decorations that reflect the area. The spacious rooms at Tenaya Lodge are equipped with ironing and coffee-making facilities and cable TV. Rooms have refrigerator, hairdryer and a work desk. This establishment features 2 heated outdoor pools and a large indoor pool. Guests can benefit from the steam rooms and saunas, relax with a private massage and try special facial and health treatments. They are also offered 5 restaurants with a rich variety of fresh regional dishes. Free private on-site parking is possible.

Today you have all day to marvel at the beauty of Yosemite but prepare for a very early start. We will pick you up from your hotel and go on a scenic drive through its famous landmarks. A knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the park's rich history and ecology. Explore the heart of Yosemite Valley, where towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing backdrop. Capture postcard-perfect photos and immerse yourself in the serenity of this natural wonder. Tour includes visits to Half Dome, El Capitan, *Yosemite Falls, *Bridalveil Fall, Mariposa Grove (seasonal), Glacier Point, Wawona, Royal Arches, Turtleback Dome, Three Brothers, Leaning Tower, Ribbon Fall, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Chapel, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls. The massive glacial-shaped rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome are the most famous landmarks of the park and keep a majestic watch over the valley.

Leaving Yosemite, you drive across California’s agricultural Central Valley. Descending the mountains of the Sierra Nevada you travel through California Gold country, following in the footsteps of thousands of gold seekers during the gold rush of 1949. Today this area’s streams and creeks still rank among the best for gold panning enthusiasts. Once you reach the coast, you can enjoy your first taste of delightful Highway One scenery on your way to Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants is well worth a visit and the city’s popular strip of shops, boutiques, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factory buildings is a bustling spot.

Monterey Marriott offers a welcoming, relaxed stay just minutes from the waterfront and downtown Monterey. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, like comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views of the bay or city. You’ll find plenty to do on-site, with a well-equipped fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, and a cozy restaurant serving delicious local dishes. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, perfect for both families and solo travelers. Whether you're here for the sights, a conference, or just to relax, Monterey Marriott provides a comfortable and convenient home base for your trip.

Before you head towards the Central Coast today, get up close and personal with some of California's marine life on this whale-watching cruise in Monterey Bay, departing from Moss Landing, just 25 minutes outside town. See humpback, orca, gray, and blue whales, and get the chance to spot a friendly dolphin. Start your cruise in the quaint fishing village of Moss Landing and listen to your marine biologist guide talk about the local area and its abundance of sea creatures before you venture into the open waters of Monterey Bay, one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. The bay's unique ocean floor allows for frequent upwellings of food, meaning you can see both resident and migrating whales year-round, including humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, blue whales, sharks, and other sea life such as mola mola, sea turtles, and jellyfish. After an exhilarating morning on the water, it’s time to get ready for your 2.5-hour drive to Pismo Beach on the Central Coast.

Inn at the Pier in Pismo Beach offers a laid-back coastal escape with stunning ocean views. Just steps from the beach, the hotel combines modern style with beachy charm. Rooms are bright and spacious, featuring comfy beds, sleek decor, and private balconies to soak in the scenery. You’ll find a heated rooftop pool, a cozy bar, and a restaurant serving up fresh, local flavors. The vibe is relaxed yet upscale, making it perfect for a beach getaway or a weekend retreat. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, Inn at the Pier is a great spot to relax by the sea.

Your first highlight of the day is a stop at fabulous Santa Barbara with its downtown area of red-tiled roofs on Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings that beautifully reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, and it is well-worth stopping for a late lunch or strolling along State Street, lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants. Yet to come are the celebrity homes and beaches of Malibu, as well as fun-filled Santa Monica.

The luxurious Hotel Mondrian Los Angeles is perfectly located in the heart of the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, close to Santa Monica Boulevard. The design rooms feature floor to ceiling windows; the hotel has a fantastic terrace with an excellent pool with underwater music, flowers, trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the City of Angels. The wonderful Skybar also offers magnificent views. Beverly Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are just a few minutes by car away, while Santa Monica Beach and Downtown Los Angeles can be reached within a short drive.