Redwoods and ocean canyons are just some of the amazing scenery you'll see on this nine-day vacation down California's picturesque coastline. Begin with sightseeing in San Francisco, then cruise across San Francisco Bay. Next, continue south to the resort town of Carmel. A journey down the spectacular 17-Mile Drive to Monterey offers amazing views of Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, and the Lone Cypress. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium; then journey south to San Simeon to visit the famous Hearst Castle. Enjoy a morning at leisure in Santa Barbara at your resort hotel. In Los Angeles, get an inside look at Hollywood before continuing to Long Beach for dinner aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary. Cruise to scenic Catalina Island for a day excursion, and top off your vacation with a visit to the 18th-century mission in San Juan Capistrano, two days of sightseeing in San Diego, and a farewell dinner cruise.

Itinerary:

Day 1San 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 famous for its natural harbor, lush parks, cable cars, and bustling docks. Your tour includes Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. Afterward, sit back and relax
as you enjoy a CRUISE across San Francisco Bay. This afternoon, enjoy free time for pursuing your favorite interests and activities—ride the world famous cable cars, shop in Union Square, or stroll around Chinatown. (B)

Day 3 San Francisco–Carmel–Monterey
Travel south to the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. Enjoy
a visit to the lovely town of Carmel, a popular retreat for writers, artists, and celebrities. A highlight of today’s journey is the spectacular 17-MILE DRIVE to Monterey, with views of Cypress Point, famous Pebble Beach golf course, and the tenacious Lone Cypress. The ocean canyon surrounding Monterey Bay is deeper than the Grand Canyon and harbors a rich variety of sea life, which can be seen this afternoon at MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM. Here you can explore the hidden world of this spectacular ocean realm at the heart of the nation’s largest marine sanctuary. The exhibits re-create the bay’s habitats, from shallow tide pools to the open ocean and deep sea. (B)

Day 4 Monterey–San Simeon–Santa Barbara
This morning, journey 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 travel through the Santa Ynez Mountains to your resort hotel in Santa Barbara. (B,D)

Day 5 Santa Barbara–Los Angeles
Morning at leisure. You can take the Santa Barbara Trolley, swim at the pool, bicycle along the oceanfront, or visit the zoo or Stearns Wharf. Look out for Hollywood celebrities’ homes that dot the shoreline from Malibu to Santa Monica on your way to metropolitan Los Angeles for a tour from Olvera Street—the oldest thoroughfare in the city—to Hollywood. This evening, enjoy dinner aboard one of the most famous ships in history, the RMS QUEEN MARY. (B,D)

Day 6 Long Beach. Cruise to Catalina Island
A leisurely morning CRUISE across 26-mile San Pedro Channel to beautiful CATALINA ISLAND. Once a ritzy playground for the rich in the 1930s and ‘40s, Catalina Island today is a casual and laid back destination. Enjoy a guided tour of the island before plenty of time to stroll the quaint streets of the Mediterranean-flavored port town of Avalon. Perhaps have lunch before heading back to Long Beach. This evening, maybe take a stroll along the waterfront and stop by Shoreline Village, a recreated turn-of-the-century harborside center with specialty shops and boardwalk entertainment. (B)

Day 7 Long Beach–San Juan Capistrano
Take the coastal highway to San Diego. Stop in San Juan Capistrano to visit the beautiful 18th-century MISSION, a majestic work of art. Founded more than two centuries ago, the mission is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, embracing its Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and European heritages. Take some time to walk along the ancient cloisters amid the time-softened beauty of old adobe buildings. Continue to San Diego for a city sightseeing tour. (B)

Day 8 San Diego
A free day to choose your activity. Maybe visit SeaWorld® and get face to face with polar bears, feed dolphins, and get splashed by Shamu. Or visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, where you can see some of the world’s rarest wildlife, including giant pandas and koalas. This evening, we top off the tour with a GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER CRUISE around San Diego Harbor. Enjoy a spectacular sunset, sweeping 360 degree views, and gourmet cuisine, as well as dancing atop the yacht. Wonderful conversation, cuisine, and fun make the perfect finale for your “California Coast Vacation.” (B,D)

Day 9 San Diego
The tour ends this morning, with tour guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)