Experience the very best of California on this unforgettable journey from San Francisco to San Diego! Ride through towering redwood forests on a historic steam train, stroll Fisherman’s Wharf, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and travel the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway. Tour the magnificent Hearst Castle, explore charming Carmel and Solvang, go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studios, and enjoy a royal brunch aboard the legendary Queen Mary. From the glamour of Hollywood to the beauty of Monterey, Pebble Beach, and San Diego, this tour is packed with iconic sights, spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and unforgettable experiences around every bend of the Golden Coast.
Day 1: Sunday, April 11, 2027
Today we travel to Saint Louis by motorcoach and fly to San Francisco, “The City by the Bay!” We check into our hotel located along popular Fisherman’s Wharf. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at the Franciscan Restaurant, right on the bay with views of Alcatraz and Angel Island in the distance. For the next two nights we stay at Hotel Zephyr, located on Fisherman’s Wharf. (D)
Day 2: Monday, April 12, 2027
After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a tour of San Francisco, including Chinatown, Union Square, Twin Peaks, the Presidio, and Golden Gate Park. Our tour ends at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, where we have a choice: walk the 1.7 miles across this iconic bridge spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, or travel by coach to Sausalito and enjoy extra time exploring its charming shops and waterfront. We reunite for an included lunch in Sausalito, followed by a scenic ferry ride across the bay back to Fisherman’s Wharf. The remainder of the afternoon is ours to enjoy, with optional opportunities including a ride on a famous cable car, touring a World War II-era submarine or Liberty Ship, or shopping at popular Pier 39. (B, L)
Day 3: Tuesday, April 13, 2027
Today we travel south across the San Francisco Peninsula to the town of Felton, nestled among the majestic redwood trees. We board the Santa Cruz & Big Trees Railroad for a scenic ride through the towering redwoods and enjoy a barbecue lunch at historic Roaring Camp, a recreated logging community from the late 1800s. After lunch, we take a walk among the giant redwoods in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park before continuing south to Monterey. Here, we have time to explore Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. While the canneries are gone, the area is now home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring more than 80,000 plants and animals (optional admission). Our hotel is nearby, where a wine and cheese reception awaits. We overnight at the Victorian Inn Monterey. (B, L)
Day 4: Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Following breakfast, we meet our local guide for a tour of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel. We enjoy breathtaking coastal views along 17-Mile Drive and through the community of Pebble Beach while learning about the ecology and history of the Monterey Peninsula. We then have free time for lunch and shopping at Monterey’s charming Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon, we continue south along California’s scenic Highway 1, admiring the spectacular Pacific coastline before arriving in Morro Bay. Tonight, we enjoy dinner on our own along the waterfront, with iconic Morro Rock providing a picturesque backdrop. Overnight at the Hampton Inn Morro Bay. (B)
Day 5: Thursday, April 15, 2027
Designed by Julia Morgan, the personal architect of William Randolph Hearst, La Cuesta Encantada, better known as Hearst Castle, remained in a constant state of construction from 1919 to 1947. Throughout his years at the castle, Hearst entertained many of the famous figures of his day. At the Visitor Center, we view a film telling the story of the castle and the talented team behind its creation. A short shuttle ride takes us up the hill to the castle, where we tour the magnificent ground-floor rooms. Following time for lunch on our own at the Visitor Center, we continue south to Solvang, California’s charming “Little Denmark.” This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant. Our stay tonight is at the Corque Hotel Solvang. (B, D)
Day 6: Friday, April 16, 2027
Today we travel east to Santa Ynez for a fascinating look into the region’s earliest history at the Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. In Simi Valley, we visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, home to an extensive collection of memorabilia from his years in office, including the opportunity to walk aboard Air Force One. We enjoy a private luncheon beneath the wings of this historic aircraft. The museum will also be hosting a major exhibit titled Diana: Love, Life, Legacy, highlighting the deep friendship between the Reagans and Princess Diana, displaying over 1,000 personal items from her lifetime. This afternoon, we continue south to Los Angeles where we stay the next two nights at Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood. (B, L)
Day 7: Saturday, April 17, 2027
This morning, we visit Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank for a private tour featuring sound stages and special exhibits. Later, we have time to enjoy lunch on our own among the many family-owned vendors at the historic Los Angeles Farmers Market. In the afternoon, we embark on a guided tour of Hollywood, including visits to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We then drive through the Hollywood Hills to Griffith Observatory, where we enjoy spectacular views of downtown Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. (B, D)
Day 8: Sunday, April 18, 2027
This morning, we travel to Long Beach, home of the legendary Queen Mary, formerly part of Britain’s Cunard Cruise Line and one of the most famous ocean liners of the early twentieth century. We enjoy the lavish Royal Sunday Brunch on board, followed by a guided history tour of the ship and time to browse the onboard shops. Later, we continue to enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean as we make our way south. Our hotel is located across from Seaport Village, a delightful collection of shops and restaurants along San Diego Bay. We spend the next two nights at Embassy Suites San Diego. (Br)
Day 9: Monday, April 19, 2027
This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of San Diego, including downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town San Diego, and Little Italy. After lunch at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, we choose between two exciting options: a visit to the U.S.S. Midway, a historic aircraft carrier docked near our hotel, or a ferry ride to Coronado Island for a tour of the historic Hotel del Coronado, famous for its appearance in the classic film Some Like It Hot starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner along the waterfront. (B, D)
Day 10: Tuesday, April 20, 2027
Today we bid farewell to California as we depart for home with wonderful memories of our journey along the Golden Coast. (B)
INCLUDES:
- Round-trip motorcoach transportation to the airport
- Round-trip airfare
- 16 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners
- 9 nights accommodations with luggage handling
- Round-trip pickup and motorcoach transportation from Paducah and Southern Illinois
- Guided tour of San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Santa Cruz & Big Trees Railroad
- Hearst Castle tour
- Solvang
- Chumash Museum and Cultural Center
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
- Private tour of Warner Bros. Studios
- Los Angeles Farmers Market
- Guided tour of Hollywood
- Royal Sunday Brunch aboard the Queen Mary
- Guided tour of San Diego
- Your choice of the USS Midway or Coronado Island
- Local guides and guide gratuities
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation and driver’s gratuity
- Fully escorted by Jane’s Journeys
PRICE PER PERSON:
DOUBLE: $5,695
SINGLE: $7,050
$500 deposit with reservation.
Final payment due January 15, 2027.
Trip Protection is recommended and available for
purchase: $399 per person double; $494 per person
single. Trip Protection payment due with deposit.
Trip Protection price subject to change.
*Airline luggage cost not included.