CALIFORNIA DREAMING: SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES
October 3 - 11, 2024

Itinerary:

Day 1 

Today, we arrive in San Francisco and get settled into our hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. Stroll the Embarcadero or up to historic Ghirardelli Square for chocolate. Tonight, we will explore the largest Chinatown outside mainland China. Our dinner is a 6-course meal at one of its historic restaurants. (D)

After breakfast, we tour the infamous prison, Alcatraz before we take a tour of San Francisco. We’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge and drive through Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury neighborhood, made famous by the 1969 Summer of Love. We will see the Painted Ladies, colorful homes before returning to our hotel. This evening, we’ll enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise. (B)

We leave San Francisco this morning and head south to Monterey. Walk Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s book of the same name and visit the world-renowned Monterey Aquarium, or stroll along the paved Coastal Recreation Trail. (B, D)

Have your camera ready, because our day is filled with spectacular views! First, we drive the magnificent 17 Mile Drive—full of views of wind swept beaches and ancient groves of Monterey cypress tress. Then we begin our journey down spectacular Highway 1, taking us along rugged mountains, through the redwood forests of Big Sur and dramatic coastal cliffs. (B, D)

Late morning today, we make our way to San Simeon 

and Hearst Castle. Named “La Cuesta Encantada”, (The Enchanted Hill) by William Randolph Hearst, it is now a state park, and we will tour

The Grand Rooms. The Central Coast is known for their wines and tonight we’ll partake in a Wine Pairing and dinner. (B, D) 

Today, we continue south stopping in Solvang “The Danish Capital of America” for lunch and time to explore this Danish inspired city, before arriving in Santa Barbara. This afternoon we’ll visit the Old Santa Barbara Mission – 1of the 21 missions built by the Spanish. Tonight, explore Old Town Santa Barbara and choose from one of its many restaurants. (B) 

This morning Bask in Santa Barbara’s botanical beauty on a visit to Lotusland, a stunning 37-acre Montecito estate. Considered to be one of the top ten botanic gardens in the world will take a docent guided tour around these fantastic gardens. We say goodbye to the Central Coast and head south to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. We will tour Warner Brothers Studio and walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends.  This evening, we make our way to Westfield Century City to shop, sip and savor. (B, D) 

Day 8 

Our adventure begins with a drive through the posh neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. We will drive Sunset Strip to Hollywood Boulevard where we can visit the Chinese Theatre and literally step in the footprints of the Hollywood legends. We visit the Original Farmers Market at the Grove for lunch, followed by a stop at the Griffith Observatory for stunning views. Tonight, we have our farewell dinner in Santa Monica with views of the Pacific Ocean. (B, D)

Our California dream ends today as we bid it a fond farewell. (B)

 

• Roundtrip transportation from Southern Illinois to airport
• Roundtrip air to/from California
• 8 nights’ deluxe accommodations/luggage handling
• 14 meals: 8 breakfasts and 6 dinners
• California tour guide
• Chinatown Dinner
• Alcatraz
• Adventure Cat Sunset Sailing
• 17 Mile Drive
• Highway 1 Scenic Drive
• Wine Pairing Experience
• Hearst Castle
• Santa Barbara Mission
• Lotus Land Botanical Garden
• Warner Brothers Studio
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation/driver gratuity
• Fully escorted by Jane’s Journeys