Compare Southern California Dreaming by Tours of Distinction vs Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,199 | $ 5,515 |
| Price Per Day | $ 400 | $ 345 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Celebrate California’s Hollywood vibe strolling down the Walk of Stars and shopping on Rodeo Drive…Chill Out cruising the sun-spangled Pacific coastline… Peace Out in the sophisticated serenity of Catalina Island… Fall in Love with wildlife at the San Diego Zoo… and, revel in the natural beauty and slick urban offerings of Palm Springs. This is California Dreaming. |
Enjoy a day trip out to see Pearl Harbor and the numerous sites. Experience the beauty of the garden isle of Kauai, as you take a boat trip to the idyllic Na Pali Coast - an area of stunning natural beauty. Explore the hike through Koke'e State Park and the Waimea Canyon. |
Day 1 - Arrive Los Angeles, California
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, we transfer to our hotel in Santa Monica. After some down-time, we have dinner at a local restaurant.
LA is much more than Hollywood. It is America’s second oldest city and entertainment capital and has 75 miles of pristine coastline, the San Gabriel Mountain Range and an ideal climate to explore year-round. Plus, let’s not forget impressive Galleries, Museums and a thriving chef scene. Oh, and the shopping is second-to-none. Do not leave LA without making your own local purchase.
Our hotel for 2 nights is the DoubleTree in Santa Monica which is one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Beach Cities in the World. We are ideally situated to enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, numerous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions that have attracted celebrities for decades. (D)
Day 2 - Los Angeles
After breakfast, we journey through the city of Los Angeles on a tour guided by a local. Sights include: Downtown, Olvera Street -Old Town, Hollywood & Mann’s Chinese Theater, Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive, Farmer’s Market, Chinatown & Little Tokyo.… Look-out for the Hollywood Sign! This afternoon, have your own ”Red Carpet Moment” on the Hollywood Walk-of-Fame Tour. Afterwards, we will enjoy dinner in the area. (B,D)
Day 3 - Los Angeles
The second largest city in America offers so much! Today is at leisure to discover everything Los Angeles is know for. Your Tour Director can offer many great ideas for sightseeing. (B)
Day 4 - Los Angeles - Catalina Island - San Diego
This morning, a short ferry ride will take us to the town of Avalon on Catalina Island! The town surrounds beautiful Avalon Bay on the southeast end of Catalina Island. We will take a guided tour off-the-beaten-path along “Skyline Drive” which travels 10 miles into the Island’s lush and protected wilderness area. Keep an eye out for spectacular vistas, ocean views and the largest of their inhabitants –the Buffalo!
Enjoy some free time on Catalina before we ferry to Dana Point and transfer to San Diego. Upon arrival, we check in to our centrally located hotel for our 2 night stay.
With near perfect weather year-round, 70 miles of spectacular coastline, world-class attractions and a thriving urban core, complete with a sophisticated art, dining and nightlife scene, San Diego has earned the name of California’s Beach City. (B)
Day 5 - San Diego
After breakfast, we head to the San Diego Zoo. Our visit includes entrance to the Zoo (with bus tour). This100-acre (40-hectare) zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. The afternoon is at leisure to explore America’s Beach City. Some great sights to check out include:the Coronado, USS Midway & Maritime Museum to name a few. We have an Italian dinner tonight in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. (B,D)
Day 6 - Palm Springs, CA
This morning, say goodbye to San Diego & the Pacific Ocean as we journey inland to Palm Springs. The Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs is the world’s largest rotating tram car and travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once at the top, we have lunch with spectacular views! After, we transfer to our hotel and check in for our 2 night stay. Tonight is at leisure for you to explore your hotel and the surrounding area on your own.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis set in the Coachella Valley. For more than half a century, Palm Springs has been a playground for Hollywood celebrities—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elizabeth Taylor all visited here often. Today, this trending and vibrant city has a unique food and drinks scene, a plethora of outdoor activities & great health escapes. (B,L)
Day 7 - Palm Springs
Discover Palm Springs on a 2.5 hour bus tour of the place that was once known as ‘Hollywood’s Playground.’ Your guide will provide commentary on stars who have lived in this exclusive California destination: including luminaries like Marilyn Monroe, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley. The remainder of the day is at leisure until our dinner this evening. Later, we embark on a Stargazing experience. (B,D)
Day 8 - Depart Palm Springs
This morning, we head to the airport and check in for our flight. Upon arrival, transfer home with memories of that California Sunshine.
Day 1: Oahu
Accommodation options: Park Shore Waikiki, Halekulani Hotel, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach & Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Today you will fly via Los Angeles to Honolulu, home of the famous Waikiki beach. If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful golden sands and the snorkel paradise of the turquoise waters, there is a lot to see in this relaxed city.
Day 2: Oahu
Accommodation options: Park Shore Waikiki, Halekulani Hotel, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach & Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Enjoy a day trip out to see Pearl Harbor and the numerous sites that commemorate those who lost their lives when the harbour was attacked during WWII.
Day 3: Kauai
Accommodation options: Kauai Beach Resort, Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger & Koa Kea Hotel and Resort
This morning you will make your way to the airport to board your flight to Kauai, the isle famed for filming Jurassic Park. On arrival pick up your car hire and drive to your hotel.
Day 4: Kauai
Accommodation options: Kauai Beach Resort, Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger & Koa Kea Hotel and Resort
Today you will experience the beauty of the garden isle of Kauai, as you take a boat trip to the idyllic Na Pali Coast - an area of stunning natural beauty. After some breakfast and snorkelling you will make your way over to the famous coastline. The water is crystal blue and the mountains and waterfalls are so picture perfect they don't even look real! This part of Hawaii is only viewable by sea or air.
Day 5: Kauai
Accommodation options: Kauai Beach Resort, Castle/Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, Kauai, Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger & Koa Kea Hotel and Resort
You have a day to relax in the beautiful garden isle of Kauai. You may wish to explore the hike through Koke'e State Park and the Waimea Canyon.
Day 6: The Big Island (Hawaii)
Accommodation options: Volcano House, Aston Shores at Waikoloa, Chalet Kilauea & Fairmont Orchid
Today you will take your flight over to the Big Island. On arrival, pick up your car and drive to your hotel in the heart of the National Park. Relax in the lovely tropical eastern coast of the island for the rest of the day.
Day 7: The Big Island (Hawaii)
Accommodation options: Volcano House, Aston Shores at Waikoloa, Chalet Kilauea & Fairmont Orchid
Today you will be met by your private guide. He will take you around the park and you will be able to ask questions on the geology, landscape, culture and history that has shaped this National Park.
Day 8: The Big Island (Hawaii)
Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea
At your leisure, move from the eastern side of the island to the west. Arrive on the coast and relax at your hotel for the rest of the day.
Day 9: The Big Island (Hawaii)
Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea
This afternoon you'll be picked up and driven to the top of Mauna Kea where you can enjoy some star gazing at one of the best places in the world and learning all about the history of this amazing island.
Day 10: The Big Island (Hawaii)
Accommodation options: Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Aston Shores at Waikoloa & Chalet Kilauea
Today you can relax on the beautiful Kohala Coast. This evening enjoy a Manta Ray night snorkel - an amazing chance to swim with these amazing underwater creatures.
Day 11: Maui
Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House
After a leisurely breakfast make your way to the airport for your flight to Maui. On arrival pick up your hire car and drive to your oceanfront hotel, an idyllic location for you to relax at for the next four nights.
Day 12: Maui
Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House
Enjoy a day at leisure in Maui. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, wander through traditional towns or hike through the Iao Valley or Haleakala. Whatever you love doing on holiday Maui has it all.
Day 13: Maui
Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House
Spend a full day exploring everything Maui has to offer. Take a tour to Haleakala National Park to see Maui's highest peak, or visit Iao Valley State Park, home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200 ft Lao Needle. Alternatively, you could spend time in Lahaina, which is a historic whaling village and one of the most lively spots on Maui.
Day 14: Maui
Accommodation options: Royal Lahaina Resort, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Napili Kai Beach Resort & Inn at Mama's Fish House
Today you will take the Discover Molokini Turtle Snorkel tour to see the turtles swimming in the ocean off the coast of Makena Bay on the south western part of the island, and a chance to see the tropical fish and maybe even a black tip shark in the Molokini Crater. This afternoon you might like to take the car and drive up to the top of Haleakala Volcano where you can watch the sunset.
Day 15: Los Angeles
Accommodation options: Palihouse Santa Monica, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Jamaica Bay Inn & La Peer
Return your car at the airport this morning as you fly back to the US mainland. On arrival in Los Angeles, take a taxi to your hotel in Santa Monica.
Day 16: Return home
Make your own way to the airport today for your onward flight.
