California Itineraries
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Top California Travel Packages
Top California Experiences
From its stunning coastal drives and iconic national parks to its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, California tours provide unique opportunities to explore the state's diverse attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, here are some diverse experiences you can enjoy on California tours:
- Walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
- Wine-tasting and visiting Chateau Montelena, the winery that put California wine country on the map in 1973
- Driving along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway
- Getting a taste of old Hollywood glamor in Los Angeles
- Stopping at the old haunts of 1950s beat poets in San Francisco
- Eating at the famous Chez Panisse in Berkeley
- Being awestruck by the views in Yosemite and Big Sur
- Recreating a specific Jawa scene from Star Wars in Death Valley
- Bike riding around beautiful Tahoe Lake
- Feeling dwarfed by ancient redwood trees
- Exploring Bodega Bay and feeling the spirit of Hitchcock
- Surfing the waves at Huntington Beach
- Visiting the historic missions along El Camino Real
- Exploring the eclectic shops and eateries of Santa Monica Pier
- Stargazing in the clear skies of Joshua Tree National Park
Classic California Itineraries
Natural California Tour
If you wish to be face to face with majestic redwood trees, and hike through California’s famous National Parks, consider the following northbound and southbound itineraries:
Day 1-2: Start in San Francisco for a southbound trip, or Los Angeles to head north.
Day 3-7: Depending on your starting point, you have the following options:
If you start from San Francisco, head to the Central Valley, home of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and visit Sequoia National Park or Sierra National Forest. Last but not least, visit Yosemite National Park, head up to Glacier Point and take in the view of Half Dome.
OR
If you start from Los Angeles, head east over to Joshua Tree National Park and see the two desert ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado collide. Spend a night, then head northeast to the infamous Death Valley National Park.
Day 8: Return to the city from you which you started your trip, and consider the following add-ons:
San Francisco: Visit Alcatraz, Fisherman’s wharf, and/or the Golden Gate Bridge
OR
Los Angeles: Visit Hollywood Boulevard/Walk of Fame, Disneyland, and/or Universal Studios
California’s Wine Country
For wine lovers, Napa Valley and Sonoma are a must. Aside from tasting at the wineries, you can choose trips with itineraries that are as active (cycling) or as relaxing (spa visits) as you desire.
Day 1-3, San Francisco: visit Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Time permitting, take a ferry over to Alcatraz for a tour of the famous prison. (You also have the option of starting in St. Helena, Napa, if you want to skip San Francisco - see the Walking Connection tour below.)
Day 4-5, Napa Valley and/or Sonoma: Enjoy tastings at various wineries, and have an exquisite dinner with a splendid view on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Visit Downtown Napa and the Oxbow Public Market.
Day 6 (optional), Calistoga or Glen Ellen: Take a day to visit Calistoga’s hot springs and relax in a spa, or visit the nearby village of Glen Ellen and walk through historical Jack London State Park.
Day 7: Head back to San Francisco
The Best of Northern and Southern California
If you are looking to see the highlights of California, consider a trip that touches on San Francisco, Monterey, Los Angeles, and perhaps San Diego. Some trips will include excursions to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite.
Day 1-3, Arrive in San Francisco for a southbound trip; For a northbound trip, start in Los Angeles (or San Diego):
San Francisco: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, or ferry over to Alcatraz Island. You may also have the option of wine country in Napa Valley or Sonoma.
Los Angeles: See the famous Chinese Theater, Hollywood strip, and Beverly Hills.
San Diego: Check out the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, or join an optional visit to the San Diego zoo.
Day 4-7: The next couple of days will depend on your preference to see coastal cities, or set your sights on famous natural landmarks:
Coastal cities: Santa Barbara, Monterey (Cannery Row), Carmel (17-mile drive, Pebble Beach Golf Links), and/or San Simeon (home of Hearst Castle).
Natural landmarks: Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Grand Canyon, or Death Valley.
Optional: Some trips may take you to Las Vegas where you can stroll along the Las Vegas Strip and spend time casino-hopping.
Day 8, Arrive at your destination city: If you started in Los Angeles/San Diego, you may end up in San Francisco, and vice versa. Typically your tour will give you free time at this point to explore on your own. See suggestions listed on Day 1 for each city.
Top California Tours
California Reviews & Ratings
A
Alexandra
Apr 2025
Central American Highlights
Interesting trip, full of culture, beautiful scenery, volcanoes and lakes. Learning about the Mayan people. Difficult obtaining a visa for Honduras. The Mayan ruins ...
K
Kerry
Apr 2025
Nicaragua - Land of Lakes and Volcanoes
What a fantastic tour! Oscar is an excellent leader giving us insights into Nicaragua's past, present and future e.g. use of green energy. This tour exceeded our ex...
T
Trusted Customer
Apr 2025
Central American Highlights
This trip was great. It covers a lot, so expect some long drives. Our guide Miguel did a great job, talking about each country with passion and helping out to solve ...
T
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Central American Highlights
Great trip. Full on pace, would have to skip activities to slow down! A cultural and nature trip. Guatemala was my favourite country; the Mayan history and culture. ...
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