Insight > Best of California - (A)

Best of California - (A)
9 Days starting from $2,195

Countries Visited:
United States

 

Length: 9 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: USA and Canada 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: ABCG
   
 
 
About This Tour


The tour starts and endswith two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world's most exciting cities.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
  • First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage

Quality Dining

  • 8 Full Breakfasts, 1 Lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, 2 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco and Monterey and 1 Dine-Around in Santa Barbara

9 DAYS ~ CALIFORNIA

Tour Pace - Easily manageable distances between overnight stops allow for feature-packed touring days. The tour starts and ends with two- night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world’s most exciting cities.

Fellow Passengers - A comprehensive tour for those with a limited amount of time. Whetheryou are a nature lover,city slicker or food and wine enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone. Cultivate new friendships while touring, shopping, wine tasting and exploring America’s most fabled state.

DAY 1 – ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO.
Welcome to California! Take a complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Hotel: Omni San Francisco.

DAY 2 – SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING.
Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)

DAY 3 – SAN FRANCISCO – NAPA & SONOMA.
This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country. Travel the scenic Valley of the Moon Highway through the winery towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood, and then across the striking Carneros Highway into Napa. This afternoon step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Before checking in to your resort, enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening you are at leisure.
Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa.
(B,L)

DAY 4 – SONOMA – YOSEMITE.
Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to the highest waterfall in North America.
Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. (B)

DAY 5 – YOSEMITE – MONTEREY.
Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of YosemiteValley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruits at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. We end the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits.
Hotel: Monterey Marriott.
(B,HD)

DAY 6 – MONTEREY – SANTA BARBARA.
Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara.Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront resort. For dinner this evening, choose from a selection of excellent Santa Barbara restaurants.
Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte.
(B,DA)

DAY 7 – SANTA BARBARA – LOS ANGELES.
Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions along California’s El Camino Real.
Then journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamourous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the JP Getty Center with its world- class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Drive through Brentwood and West Hollywood en route to your elegant hotel in one of Los Angeles’ most enviable locations.
Hotel: Intercontinental Century City (B)

DAY 8 – L.A. & HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING.
Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized minicoaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join our optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)

DAY 9 – DEPART LOS ANGELES.
As your California vacation comes to an end, a complimentary transfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided. Unless of course, you want to extend to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas? (B)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/12/2008 - 9/20/2008
$2,195
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1/2/2009 - 1/10/2009
$2,195
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3/20/2009 - 3/28/2009
$2,195
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8/28/2009 - 9/5/2009
$2,299
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9/11/2009 - 9/19/2009
$2,299
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1/1/2010 - 1/9/2010
$2,299
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3/19/2010 - 3/27/2010
$2,299
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Hotels - Enjoy luxury, comfort, character and superb locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Spend the night in the heart of California’s Wine Country and stay inside Yosemite National Park, with spectacular views of peaks and waterfalls.

Highlights - Enjoy California’s treasures, from its stunning shoreline and natural beauty, to its vibrant cities. Experience the glamour of Hollywood, visit a world-renowned museum and aquarium, delight in award-winning wines and superb cuisine ... A complete feast for the senses!

Enjoy Your Included Tour Features

Premium Highlights

  • Travel through the Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train
  • Wine tasting and tour in California’s premier wine growing district
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst
  • Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions
  • Visit the JP Getty Center with its world-class collection of Western art in Los Angeles
  • Board specialized minicoaches for a cruise through Beverly Hills past the homes and mansions of celebrities past and present
  • Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre

Personal Insights

  • Enjoy an intimate walk with your Tour Director through San Francisco’s Chinatown to learn more about the famous streets, alleyways, buildings, restaurants and shops
  • One of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s experienced lecturers engages you with a fascinating presentation about the amazing array of fish, animal and plant exhibits

Additional Excursions & Sights

  • See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
  • Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Sonoma Plaza
  • Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Yosemite National Park
  • Visit picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue
  • Take the scenic 17-Mile-Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Course and fabulous mansions
  • Drive down Santa Barbara’s State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf
  • Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities’ beachfront homes
  • Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica
  • Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame & Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Insight's First Class Services

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director - maximum group size of 40 people
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with extra legroom and restroom facilities
  • First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage

Quality Dining

  • 8 Full Breakfasts, 1 Lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train, 2 Highlight Dinners in San Francisco and Monterey and 1 Dine-Around in Santa Barbara

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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