Californian Road Trip Discovery

Begin your Californian adventure, from the freedom of your car, in  The Golden City of San Francisco. Next, head to Monterey via the majestic Wine Country, discover beautiful the 17-Mile Drive and head up the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara. Finally, immerse yourself in the glamorous world of Los Angeles, touring through Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

Included:

• All flights

• Breakfast only

• Accommodation

• Activities

• 7-day car rental

Itinerary

1st Day: Canada - San Francisco
Ready to begin your Californian adventure? Head to your departure airport to catch a flight to San Francisco. Pick up your rental car and head to your hotel for check in. San Francisco’s downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond. In the evening, why not explore the biggest Chinatown outside China! The shops offer exotic ingredients, silks and jade, and of course, don’t miss the world-famous cuisine that you’ll find at the authentic restaurants in this vibrant neighbourhood. Overnight stay in San Francisco.


2nd Day: San Francisco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy San Francisco at your leisure. Why not ride the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, for a spot of shopping, great food and some fun street entertainment. Or, you could spend the day in Golden Gate Park, with dozens of fun things to do.

We recommend the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden, and be sure not to miss the local resident buffalo herd! In the evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods; from The Richmond, to the very Italian-flavoured North Beach, each offering its own distinctive culture and cuisine.

*Optional San Francisco Bay Cruise ($): Take advantage of prime photo opportunities with unobstructed views in every direction aboard Blue & Gold Fleet's 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise. Sail underneath the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, past the world-famous PIER 39 sea lions, around mysterious Alcatraz Island and along San Francisco's historic waterfront, revealing the city's fascinating skyline.

**Optional San Francisco Grand City Tour ($): Tour the city from the Bay to the Ocean, with stops at key locations for fantastic photo opportunities. Enjoy great views and visit famous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop at Twin Peaks for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from 1,000 feet above sea level. Explore Golden Gate Park, learn about San Francisco's early settlements, discover San Francisco's iconic Victorian Homes in Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. End the tour back at San Francisco's beautiful waterfront and take in the superb vistas of Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay.

3rd Day: San Francisco - Monterey
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart San Francisco this morning as you drive to Monterey, home of the majestic Wine Country and the Golden Gate Bridge. Rows of elegant houses, the famous cable cars, clusters of ethnic neighborhoods, and the colourful waterfront all add to the distinctive international flavour of the city. Old sardine factories have been converted into quaint restaurants and boutique shops.

This area, called Cannery Row, was made famous by the author John Steinbeck and remains a great place to explore! Monterey Bay is a fantastic place to whale watch (seasonal), and tours are offered locally. Overnight stay in Monterey.

4th Day: Monterey - Carmel - Santa Barbara - Ventura
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue on your exciting road trip this morning, with a quick stop in Carmel on the way. Look out for cottages in true English style, fancy restaurants, boutique wineries and shops. Next, it’s time to discover the picturesque ‘17-Mile Drive’. Continue on your iconic drive up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Barbara.

Why not check out the fine collection at the Museum of Art or explore the Old Mission. In the early evening, visit Stearns Wharf and enjoy a sumptuous meal of fresh seafood. Only a little further you’ll find Ventura, most known for its relaxed Southern California beach vibe, Botanical Garden, museums, shops and restaurants, making Ventura a perfect hangout. Don’t forget to take a stroll on the beautiful pier, built in 1872. Overnight stay in Ventura.

5th Day: Ventura - Los Angeles
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Santa Barbara behind this morning as you drive on to Los Angeles, the Entertainment Capital of the World. Home to famous movie stars, the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign, L.A. is also a melting pot of cultures.

This big metropolis has many regions, like Santa Monica, Venice beach and Downtown, that hold flavors and communities just waiting to be explored. Overnight stay in Los Angeles.

6th Day: Los Angeles
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, why not take some time to visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Stroll along the Walk of Fame and spot celebrities' names commemorated in brass stars along the boardwalk. Visit Mann’s Chinese Theater, known for the 200 celebrity hand and footprint impressions in the forecourt.

Drive through iconic Beverly Hills, and glance up at the endless rows of mansions that line the sidewalk. Shop at Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. Visit Universal Studios to tour the sets of emblematic films and series, enjoy the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy the Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs. To get to know the ins and outs of  the city, we recommend an optional grand city tour of Los Angeles*. Overnight stay in Los Angeles.

* Optional Grand City Tour of Los Angeles ($): First visit Downtown Los Angeles (City Center), next head up the hill to the Griffith Park Observatory, where you will see the iconic Hollywood Sign and the unparalleled views of the city. Discover Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset strip, Beverly Hills for a tour of Celebrity Stars Homes, Rodeo Drive and to finish off, head to the Original farmers market.
 

7th Day: Last day in Los Angeles
Breakfast at the hotel.* Bid farewell to the glitz and glamour, the epic coastlines and the sound of the waves as you head to the airport for your return flight home.

* Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the following day.

Call us to book your awesome vacation!