Best of California

Insight Vacations is also known as Insight Tours. Their name was changed some years ago. Insight Vacations features their Insight Vacations Italy at great prices, trips to the Bay of Fundy, to The Baltic, and more. Insights escorted European Tours are a favorite of Pavlus Travel's Travel Agents. All of Insights Tours are discounted at Pavlus, one of their largest sellers in the United States.
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Best of California



Tour Description:

Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from San Diego to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.

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Dates & Pricing

Friday 10 May 24 — Sunday 19 May 24Starting at $4,156 Get a Quote
Friday 14 Jun 24 — Sunday 23 Jun 24Starting at $5,275 Get a Quote
Friday 19 Jul 24 — Sunday 28 Jul 24Starting at $5,295 Get a Quote
Friday 16 Aug 24 — Sunday 25 Aug 24Starting at $6,125 Get a Quote
Friday 30 Aug 24 — Sunday 08 Sep 24Starting at $5,295 Get a Quote
Friday 20 Sep 24 — Sunday 29 Sep 24Starting at $6,095 Get a Quote
Friday 04 Oct 24 — Sunday 13 Oct 24Starting at $5,195 Get a Quote
Friday 11 Apr 25 — Sunday 20 Apr 25Starting at $5,250 Get a Quote
Friday 09 May 25 — Sunday 18 May 25Starting at $5,250 Get a Quote
Friday 13 Jun 25 — Sunday 22 Jun 25Starting at $5,450 Get a Quote
Friday 18 Jul 25 — Sunday 27 Jul 25Starting at $5,450 Get a Quote
Friday 15 Aug 25 — Sunday 24 Aug 25Starting at $6,325 Get a Quote
Friday 12 Sep 25 — Sunday 21 Sep 25Starting at $5,475 Get a Quote
Friday 19 Sep 25 — Sunday 28 Sep 25Starting at $5,475 Get a Quote
Friday 03 Oct 25 — Sunday 12 Oct 25Starting at $6,325 Get a Quote


Destination & Sightseeing

Destination Highlights:

: Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
: Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
: Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
: We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
: From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

ITINERARY

Welcome to San Diego
Kick off your trip at your downtown hotel neighboring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, putting you right in the soul of the city.Perhaps take a walk along the bay before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.

San Diego Sightseeing
Discover America’s finest city as you embark on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director. Journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego and Balboa Park, one of North America’s most iconic urban parks. Admire its lush and landscaped gardens in bloom thanks to the year-round pleasant weather. Finally, stroll among the atmospheric old and historic adobe ranch homes of the Old Town State Historical Park. Glimpse into the 19th-century colonial life and perhaps try some authentic Mexican flavors at one of the popular eateries. This afternoon, board your coach and enjoy far reaching ocean views as you travel up the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles. The evening is at your leisure.

Los Angeles Sightseeing
An exciting day awaits as you set out to explore lively Los Angeles. Ride on the landmark Angel’s Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia. Continue your journey through Downtown Los Angeles exploring Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and US Bank Tower while learning about the history and architecture from the 18th-century to the present. In legendary Hollywood, take your photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and stroll along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood’s most sought-after Theater for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, head to the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and take a deep dive into the history of filmmaking. Downtown Los Angeles has established itself as one of the country's great dining destinations. Tonight we'll visit a popular restaurant highlighting LA's local culture and cuisine. Sol Agave is an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork with out losing the authenticity of MEXICO!

Journey to the American Riviera
Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of freeway hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance. Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. Explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.

Discover California's Central Coast Relaxed Start
This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded around the mission by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. In the evening, discover why Pismo Beach is known as the Clam Capital of the world or relax and dine at your hotel.

Giant Sequoias
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop will be the stunning Mariposa Grove, the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." It's most famous resident, The Grizzly Giant, is an 1,800-year-old sequoia tree, measuring 209 feet (64 m) high with a circumference of 96 feet (29 m). Once you've settled in to your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the nearly 2500 foot (762 meters) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.

Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
Join the Yosemite Conversancy and meet a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, you'll see the famed El Capitan which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment.

On to San Francisco
Travel towards the West Coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colorful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.

San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. In the afternoon, we visit the oldest and largest Chinatown in the US on our Insight Experience. We take you off the main streets and into the alleyways to learn about the daily life, rich history, and modern-day issues of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Tours are led by Chinatown Alleyway Tours - a community based non-profit that is youth-run and youth-led.  Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum Celebration Dinner.

Farewell California
It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

From experience Pavlus Travel staff have toured with Insight Vacations, they had access to rare and authentic true experiences that are unavailable on most escorted tours. With Insight Tours you will know your destination intimately with a mix of dining experiences, meaningful interactions with your fellow guests, local experts and exciting cultural activities such as playing pétanque or trying your hand at hurling to seeing the Bay of Fundy and its wicked tides. Insight Vacations has some 70 featured escorted tours to many parts of the World. Pavlus Travel is one of the World's largest sellers of Insight Tours and of course a favorite Insight Italy Tours a favorite of so many guests.