Compare Grand Tour of California: San Francisco to Los Angeles by Go Ahead Tours vs California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley by Culture Trip

SAN FRANCISCO 3 nights

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
Included meals: Dinner
Welcome to California! Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your hotel. Then, meet your fellow travelers at an included welcome dinner.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Today’s guided tour introduces you to the highlights of San Francisco, the “City by the Bay.”

• Ride up Twin Peaks, the hills near the center of San Francisco, and take in spectacular panoramic vistas
• Pass the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, location of cultural movements in the 1960s, and the posh neighborhoods of Pacific Heights and Nob Hill
• Drive through North Beach and see the iconic Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill 
• Visit Golden Gate Park and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy a free afternoon strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Alcatraz Island $59pp*

Embark on a short ferry ride from Embarcadero Pier for an up-close look at the infamous “inescapable” federal penitentiary at Alcatraz Island. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of this iconic American landmark and uncover its intriguing history, including details on the great 1962 escape.
Must be booked 20 days before departure

Day 3: Free day in San Francisco
Included meals: Breakfast
Spend a free day exploring San Francisco on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Tasting $115pp*

With over 600 wineries between Napa and Sonoma Valley, California’s wine country stands out among the world’s best-renowned viticulture regions. Visit a vineyard in Napa Valley for a tour and wine tasting, then enjoy an included lunch in Napa. Later, head to Sonoma Valley to tour another local vineyard, followed by wine tastings. Please note: The order of the day is subject to change.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $125)

YOSEMITE REGION 2 nights

Day 4: Transfer to Yosemite National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the Central Valley on the way to Yosemite. In the afternoon, enter the national park for a discussion on Yosemite, led by a park ranger.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Yosemite Valley
Learn about the Yosemite Valley’s history and geology on a guided sightseeing tour with a park ranger.

• View Bridalveil Fall, named for the ethereal mists that surround the falls
• Drive up Inspiration Point for phenomenal photos of Half Dome and El Capitan, icons of the Yosemite Valley 
• Take in the sights at the historic Tunnel View overlook, offering one of the most famous views of the park
• Enjoy a free afternoon in Yosemite National Park or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Yosemite's Glacier Point $55pp*

Depart from Yosemite Lodge for a sweeping tour of the Yosemite Valley, riding up to Glacier Point. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the park from the overlook at Glacier Point, towering 3,200 feet above the valley, and see the iconic landmarks, from El Capitan and Half Dome to Yosemite’s many beautiful waterfalls. Choose to ride back down to the bottom, or set out on an adventure and hike to the base on your own. Please note: this excursion is seasonal and runs from late May through October only. This excursion includes high altitudes and walking on uneven terrain, which may be difficult for some travelers.
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $65)

MONTEREY 1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Monterey

Included meals: Breakfast

Drive from Yosemite to Monterey, a coastal city brimming with rich history and cultural diversity. Spend free time exploring Cannery Row before visiting the world-famous Monterey Aquarium.

SANTA BARBARA REGION 2 nights

Day 7: Hearst Castle via Big Sur
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey south alongthe Pacific Coast Highway, a cliffside roadway boasting exhilarating views, crossing the mountainous region of Big Sur. Stop for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the storied hilltop mansion of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, before arriving in the Santa Barbara region.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Santa Barbara
Included meals: Breakfast
Get to know the city of Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera,” on this morning’s guided sightseeing tour.

• Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Franciscan mission established in 1786
• See Stearns Wharf, an iconic wooden pier in the Santa Barbara Harbor
• Pass the historic County Courthouse, a Greek Revival-style building decorated with beautiful interior murals
• View El Presidio, a former Spanish military outpost in downtown Santa Barbara 
• Take time to explore Santa Barbara on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - Santa Barbara Wine Country $65pp* Details

Travel through the Santa Ynez Valley outside of Santa Barbara, a wine region famous for its pinot noir. On the road, stop in the charming town of Solvang and soak in its Dutch-influenced art and architecture, including a replica of Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue, honoring Hans Christan Andersen. Later, enjoy tours and wine tastings at local vineyards, which helped inspire the movie “Sideways.”
Save $10 when you book this excursion up to 3 days before your tour departs. (On-tour price: $75)

LOS ANGELES 1 night

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Los Angeles
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue on the Pacific Coast Highway as you travel to Los Angeles, stoppingfor lunch at a West Hollywood farmers market. Then, immerse yourself in lively L.A . on a guided sightseeing tour.

• Ride down Rodeo Drive through glamorous Beverly Hills 
• Stroll through Hollywood, passing Gruman’s Chinese Theatre and the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame 
• View the iconic Hollywood sign from the Hollywood and Highland Center, a bustling entertainment complex 

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to explore San Diego.
Add San Diego $529 pp
Please note: Extension is not available on all departure dates.
Discover what makes San Diego “America’s Finest City.” From its pristine beaches to the historic downtown, this coastal California hot spot delights at every turn.

SAN DIEGO 2 nights

Day 10: San Diego via La Jolla
Included meals: Breakfast
Continue on to San Diego, stopping in the seaside town of La Jolla along the way. In the afternoon, get an introduction to “America’s Finest City” on a panoramic tour.

• Pass through Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban cultural park and location of the world-famous San Diego Zoo
• Explore Coranado Island, a peninsulacity with small-town coastal charm 
• Visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter and admire the neighborhood’s beautifully restored Victorian buildings
• See the Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s landing at San Diego Bay

Day 11: Free day in San Diego
Included meals: Breakfast
Explore San Diego on your own or add an excursion.

Optional Excursion - USS Midway Museum & Harbor Cruise $75pp* Details

Begin with a self-guided audio tour of the USS Midway, the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, narrated by sailors who lived or worked on the ship. See over 60 locations throughout the museum during your visit, from the engine room to the control tower. Then, drive to the north side of the harbor, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon cruise on the San Diego Bay.
Must be booked 20 days before departure

Day 12: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Welcome to the Hotel California

Accommodation: The Stanford Court

Activities Included: Welcome dinner of dim sum in Chinatown

Well, not quite – but your accommodation is just as lovely as the one described in the song. In fact, unlike the actual Hotel California, your hotel puts you on the edge of San Francisco’s storied Chinatown district, which – after you’ve met your group at 6pm – is where your journey starts. Our Local Insider will also accompany the group throughout the trip. A guided tour is followed by an authentic dim sum dinner, before rounding off with a cocktail at a top-secret speakeasy bar.

Day 2: Into the wild

Accommodation: Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

Activities Included: Tuolumne Grove hike

After a full-American breakfast, you’ll head east towards the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, stopping at the oldest bar in California, the Iron Door Saloon, for cold beer and buffalo wings. Next up is Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite National Park, where you’ll walk among giant sequoia trees – some up to 300ft (91m) tall – and spy the mountain peaks, El Capitan and Half Dome, from Tunnel View.

Day 3: Hiking, biking and a sunset view in Yosemite

Accommodation: Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

Activities Included: Guided Yosemite Valley hike, Sentinel Dome hike with champagne

Optional Activities: Bike ride

Pinch yourself. Yes, you really have awoken in Yosemite. Breathe in a lung-full of fresh mountain air and enjoy a hearty California breakfast. Today is all about seeing the highlights of Yosemite. You decide what you’d like to do next: a full-day guided hike in Yosemite Valley, a leisurely bike ride, or an extended session in the eco-spa. Finish the day by ascending Sentinel Dome to watch the multicolored sunset.

Day 4: Sweeping meadow views and swimming in Tenaya Lake

Accommodation: Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

Activities Included: Pothole Dome hike, Swimming at Tenaya Lake

Today, you’ll have the chance to beat the crowds and explore lesser-known spots within Yosemite. To start, you’ll take the high road to Tuolumne Meadows, a high-altitude area and the starting point of a short hike to the top of Pothole Dome. You might feel slightly breathless, but the panoramic views waiting at the top make it worthwhile. Later, cool off with a swim in Tenaya Lake, or pick a lakeside spot and lounge around while taking in your epic environs.

Day 5: Wine, wine and more wine in Napa and Sonoma

Accommodation: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Activities Included: Napa bike tour

Wave goodbye to Yosemite and hello to California’s world-famous wine country. To make the most of your time (and wine) in the Napa Valley, you’ll get around by bike, before a gourmet lunch at chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery, served alongside the best wines from the region. And if that wasn’t enough, there will be time for more in the vineyards of Sonoma Valley on the way to your hotel in Healdsburg.

Day 6: Towering redwoods and road-trippin’ the Pacific Coast

Accommodation: Best Western Dry Creek Inn

Activities Included: Guided hike in Samuel P Taylor State Park, Road trip to Goat Rock Beach, Farewell dinner

Optional Activities: Swimming at Russian River

Your day begins with a morning stroll among towering redwood trees in Samuel P Taylor State Park, giving you the chance to work up an appetite for lunch at the Marshall Store in Tomales Bay, well-known for its Pacific oysters. The road trip continues after lunch with a drive along the coast and a stop at Goat Rock Beach, before pizza at the Russian River Brewing Company.

Day 7: Return to San Francisco

Activities Included: Lands End Trail hike

Optional Activities: Mission District tour

It may be your final day, but the trip is far from over. Back in San Francisco, there are a few more treats in store, including a hike along the Lands End Trail – a one-way clifftop route with amazing views over the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Lunch in the Mission District means one thing: the Mission burrito, popular since the 1960s and a must-eat if you’re in this part of town. You’ll also discover the local street art, which forms the largest concentration of murals in the world, before finally bidding farewell to your travel companions at the hotel at 3pm.