From San Francisco to Los Angeles, see the famous sights of California on this best selling nine-day vacation. Visit Fisherman's Wharf and cruise across the bay before enjoying a hilltop luncheon and wine tasting in the Sonoma Valley. Next, sightsee in Yosemite National Park, with its spectacular lakes, meadows, and waterfalls. Scenic 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific coast offers amazing views of Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, and the Lone Cypress. And you'll see the resort towns of Carmel and Monterey before traveling to San Simeon to explore the Hearst Castle. Visits to the Danish town of Solvang and Spanish Santa Barbara are also included before touring the famous landmarks of Los Angeles.

Itinerary:

Day 1 San Francisco
Welcome to the Golden State. This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the . Welcome reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2 San Francisco
Morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. Afterward, enjoy a spectacular CRUISE across San Francisco Bay. Still plenty of time for pursuing your favorite interests and activities—ride the world famous cable cars, shop in union Square, or visit the Museum of Modern Art. (B)

Day 3 San Francisco–Sonoma–Napa
This morning, visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito, located near the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. After free time to explore this Mediterranean-style village with its trendy shops, galleries, and breathtaking views, continue to California’s famous wine-making region. Today’s highlight features an unforgettable hilltop picnic lunch and WINE TASTING under olive trees and grape trellises at Viansa Winery. The balance of the day is at leisure in Napa. (B,L)

Day 4 Napa–Yosemite National Park
Depart Napa for the Sierra Nevadas and sightsee in YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Yosemite has innumerable lakes, meadows, ice sculptured domes, forests, waterfalls, and unspoiled alpine scenery. (B,D)

Day 5 Yosemite–Carmel–Monterey
A highpoint on today’s journey is the beautiful 17- Mile Drive, with views of famous Pebble Beach golf course and the tenacious Lone Cypress. Enjoy a visit to the resort town of Carmel, a popular retreat haven for writers, artists, and celebrities. Then on to Monterey and Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck. (B)

Day 6 Monterey–San Simeon–Solvang
This morning, journey south to San Simeon and visit HEARST CASTLE, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, which houses splendid antiques, art treasures, and exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. The tour shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate. Then to your resort hotel near Solvang. (B,D)

Day 7 Solvang–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles
Visit downtown SOLVANG, where Denmark has been recreated with picturesque buildings and windmills. Free time to browse through the charming shops featuring Danish imports and rich pastries. Through the Santa Ynez Mountains to beautiful Santa Barbara, where the Spanish influence is apparent in quaint whitewashed and tile-roofed buildings. Visit the impressive 200-year-old MISSION, with its world-famous twin bell towers. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wharf. Hollywood celebrities’ homes dot the shoreline from Malibu to Santa Monica on your way to metropolitan Los Angeles, the motion picture capital of the world Los Angeles. (B)

Day 8 Los Angeles
Morning sightseeing of this gigantic metropolis takes you from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. Have an opportunity to step into the shoeprints of famous movie stars at Mann’s Chinese Theater, and see Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Afternoon at leisure to take advantage of an optional excursion to Universal Studios or Historic Hollywood. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 9 Los Angeles
The tour ends this morning after breakfast, with tour guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)