Compare Grand Tour of California: San Francisco to Los Angeles by Go Ahead Tours vs Best of California 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

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 San Diego

After your arrival at San Diego Airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the downtown waterfront. Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: San Diego Sightseeing

Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavours at one of the popular eateries.This afternoon, board the Pacific Surfliner and enjoy far-reaching ocean views as the train hugs the coast. Travel through Orange County to the Mission Modern-style Union Station in Los Angeles.

Day 3: Los Angeles Sightseeing

An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue to the Los Angeles Theatre, inspired by French Baroque architecture, for a private guided tour. It has been closed to the public since 1994 but was once one of the grand movie palaces of the Broadway District. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Another option is to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a fantastic collection of artworks from ancient times to modern day. To top off your perfect day, dine at Nick and Stef’s, an outstanding steak house in Downtown LA.

Day 4: Train Journey to the American Riviera

Return to the Union Station and board your Pacific Surfliner train. Travel through the valleys around Los Angeles before arriving at the coast where the shoreline wraps around to Santa Barbara. Spend time on State Street, a palm tree-lined avenue of shops and eateries before you further explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Gardens and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Day 5: Paso Robles Wine Country Relaxed Start

Join your Amtrak rail journey one more time and soak up sweeping ocean views as you ride along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Later, arrive to Paso Robles in the heart of wine country and spend time at the City Park and explore its boutiques, cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon visit the Eberle Winery for a tour of the vineyard and the unique underground caves. Born out of necessity to store more wine barrels, the caves provide the perfect backdrop for a tasting of a selection of excellent local wines.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Farm-to-Table dinner at Thomas Hill Organics—a 10 acre collaborative supporting local agriculture with a focus on fresh, organic and straight-from-the-earth ingredients.

Day 6: Giant Sequoias

Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature sequoias and admire these gigantic trees. The oldest tree in the Grove is the Grizzly Giant, which dates back around 3000 years and stands 209 feet (64 metres) tall.

Day 7: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start

Join a park ranger and embark on a guided tram tour of the Yosemite Valley floor. You are surrounded by unspoilt nature as you take in the most iconic sights of the park. Get up close to the magnificent Yosemite Falls that cascade from a height of 2,425 feet (739 metres). See the Half Dome, a rock formation with a distinct shape, and El Capitan, a granite rock monolith rising 3000 feet (914 metres) above the valley floor. Take in the spectacular scenery from Tunnel View, encompassing towering mountains, dense forests and the Bridalveil Falls. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps join an activity and explore further by renting a bike, going on a hike or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Day 8: On to San Francisco

Travel towards the coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

Day 9: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start

This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Travel through the SoMa District and Mission Bay to see the incredible growth and urbanization the city has experienced in recent years. Join your Travel Director for a culinary exploration of the Mission District. Sample local flavors in the area best known for creative ice cream parlours, craft doughnut shops, independent cafes and the best Mexican bites. Visit Balmy Alley and see the most concentrated collection of urban murals in the city.Tonight, toast to your travels at a local restaurant at your Celebration Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell California

After breakfast, you are transferred to San Francisco Airport where your journey comes to an end.