Main Info
Duration
15 nights
Better
Apr - Oct
Coins)
American dollar
Language(s)
English
If you are looking for an epic trip to the USA, for couples or families, this program in California may be the answer.
The trip includes all the classic California sights, from the ocean views of the Pacific Coast Highway to the towering granite monoliths of Yosemite National Park.
Hike the trails around Half Dome and El Capitan before heading back to Los Angeles, where the world-famous Getty Center is a cultural highlight.
You'll also discover some of the lesser-known regions, such as Palm Springs and the Central California Coast.
itinerary
Arrival in San Francisco, transfer to the hotel to relax and get acquainted with the city. This will be your home for the next few days.
Discover Alcatraz Island, one of San Francisco's most famous sights. Once the highest security prison in the country, today the island is one of Northern California's most visited tourist attractions. Descend to Pier 33 to board your ferry to Alcatraz Island. Experience a personally narrated boat tour of the island and a guided tour from the pier to the main prison building before enjoying the Alcatraz cell tour.
Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and see all the attractions. Hop on the historic cable cars and visit the sea lions of Fisherman's Wharf, as well as many waterfront restaurants and shops. At night, see the North Beach neighborhood, also known as San Francisco's Little Italy. Here you can dine in one of the many Italian or seafood restaurants before heading back to the hotel.
It's time to leave San Francisco for Yosemite National Park. Here you will find an incredibly varied landscape. Enjoy dramatic waterfalls, bizarre rock formations, dense forests and looming peaks. Enjoy 2 nights in a chalet-style Lodge, located deep in the park. To discover Yosemite's beautiful views, travel to the Half Dome building, the granite wall of El Capitan or the banks of the Merced River.
Explore Yosemite National Park with a local naturalist guide, enjoying a hike on a route customized to your interests and abilities. See majestic cliffs, giant sequoias and falling waterfalls as you learn about the region's geography, wildlife and ecology. Photographers can customize the tour to focus on the park's most photogenic features. For lunch, enjoy a picnic in a wild natural environment before returning to your accommodation for a free afternoon.
On your way back to the coast, discover the ancient Gold Rush town of Mariposa, before turning onto the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. On the road we quickly arrive at Monterey Bay, a national marine sanctuary where you are likely to see dolphins and other sea-dwelling creatures.
crocodile feasting and moving through the pastures. For the best panoramic views of the herds, take to the skies with a hot air balloon (extra).
The most dramatic part of the Pacific Coast Highway is yet to come, the road hugging the coast along rugged cliffs, with waves crashing below. Here you will have several opportunities to stop to take pictures or simply admire the spectacular landscapes. Upon arrival, you can spend an afternoon exploring Hearst Castle, the former haven of newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst.
Drive through Santa Barbara and Malibu until you reach the incomparable city of Los Angeles. You will be staying at a hotel in Beverly Hills for the next 2 nights. Enhance your West Coast style at the neighborhood's designer stores and take a stroll down Mulholland Drive. The road winds through the Hollywood Hills and offers incredible views of the city. Culture buffs can experience a private tour of a movie studio or a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Designed by famed architect Richard Meier, the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Los Angeles. Enjoy an exclusive visit to special exhibitions that are not generally available to the public. Highlights of the collection include medieval manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculpture, Impressionist artwork and an unparalleled collection of photographs. The site also has a magnificent central garden, as well as stunning views from the terrace over the Santa Monica Mountains.
After the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, recharge in a desert oasis in Palm Springs. Here you can enjoy PGA-accredited golf courses and Native American Wellness Spa's. Take some time to explore the city's fabulous turn-of-the-century architecture or explore the surrounding desert landscapes. You can also visit the San Andreas fault or Joshua Tree National Park, home to thousands of spiky palm trees and starry skies.
Last but not least, San Diego. With fascinating military ports and a rich city center known as the Gas Lamp Quarter, this city is the perfect conclusion to an informative and action-packed trip. Visit the San Diego Zoo, stroll through Old Town or simply explore the local area and relax on the beach.
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.
