Best of California

A 9-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,595

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Tour Overview

Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Insight Tours
Tour Code: ABCGN07
Tour Highlights

Countries Visited

United States

Cities Visited

See Description
Sightseeing Highlights
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
San Francisco: See Union Square, the cable cars, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Bridge. Later enjoy a walk with your Tour Director through Chinatown to learn more about the famous streets, alleyways, buildings, restaurants and shops.Napa Valley: Travel through the picturesque landscape aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train before touring a winery and wine tasting in California’s premier wine growing district.Sonoma: Explore the shops of the beautiful Spanish Plaza.Yosemite National Park: Experience the grand natural beauty of the granite monoliths, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife.Monterey: One of the Aquarium’s docents engages you with an interesting presentation about the amazing array of fish, animal and plant exhibits.Carmel-by-the-Sea: Visit this picturesque town and browse the shops on Ocean Avenue.San Simeon: Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle - the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst.Santa Barbara: Visit the beautiful Mission and learn about the chain of 21 California Missions.Los Angeles: Stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica before exploring the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art. Board specialised mini-coaches for a cruise through Beverly Hills past the homes and mansions of celebrities past and present.Venture behind the velvet rope on a private guided tour of the Kodak Theatre.Countryside: Take the scenic 17 Mile Drive past Pebble Beach Golf Links and fabulous mansions. Drive down Santa Barbara’s State Street, view the Court House and Stearns Wharf. Travel along beautiful Santa Monica Bay past Malibu and celebrities’ beachfront homes. Drive along Sunset Boulevard, see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Overview

Tour Pace: Easily manageable distances between overnight stops allow for feature-packed touring days. The tour starts and ends with two-night stays in San Francisco and Los Angeles, enabling in-depth sightseeing in two of the world’s most exciting cities. Hotels: Enjoy luxury, comfort, character and superb locations in San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Spend the night in the heart of California’s Wine Country and stay inside Yosemite National Park with spectacular views.

Year Round Offers
  • Save 5% if 5 or more people travel together
  • Travellers ages 5-17 save up to 10%
  • Save 5% on your second tour
  • Early Payment Discount save up to 10%
Start Date End Date Brochure price Our Price Quote
6/8/2012
6/16/2012
$2,595
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6/15/2012
6/23/2012
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6/29/2012
7/7/2012
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7/6/2012
7/14/2012
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7/13/2012
7/21/2012
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7/20/2012
7/28/2012
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8/10/2012
8/18/2012
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8/24/2012
9/1/2012
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8/31/2012
9/8/2012
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9/7/2012
9/15/2012
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9/14/2012
9/22/2012
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9/21/2012
9/29/2012
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9/28/2012
10/6/2012
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10/12/2012
10/20/2012
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1/4/2013
1/12/2013
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3/15/2013
3/23/2013
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

Day 1: 01 ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO
Welcome to California! On arrival at San Francisco International Airport, your airport transfer service takes you to your tour hotel. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and light buffet.(Welcome Reception)

Day 2: 02 SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING
Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 3: 03 SAN FRANCISCO NAPA SONOMA
This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country, Napa Valley. After free time in Napa, step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while traveling through Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Later, drive along the scenic Carneros Highway to Sonoma Valley and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening is at leisure.(Full Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 4: 04 SONOMA YOSEMITE
Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to North America’s highest waterfall.(Full Breakfast)

Day 5: 05 YOSEMITE MONTEREY
Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Yosemite Valley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruit at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17 Mile Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. End the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Day 6: 06 MONTEREY SANTA BARBARA
Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront hotel. This evening, your Tour Director offers you a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.(Full Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 7: 07 SANTA BARBARA LOS ANGELES
Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California missions along California’s El Camino Real. Then journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city’s newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination. Tonight, set out for glittering Beverly Hills and a Celebration Dinner at a popular restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner with wine)

Day 8: 08 HOLLYWOOD SIGHTSEEING
Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized mini-coaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join an optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour?(Full Breakfast)

Day 9: 09 DEPART LOS ANGELES
Your California vacation comes to an end with a departure transfer to Los Angeles International Airport. Or perhaps extend your vacation to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure.(Full Breakfast)

Insight Tours
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
Enjoy a Welcome Reception with light buffet (WR)2 Highlight Dinners with wine in San Francisco & Monterey (HD)Dine-Around with wine at a choice of restaurants in Santa Barbara (DA)A Celebration Dinner with wine in Beverley Hills (CD)8 Full Breakfasts (FB) and 1 Lunch onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (L)

INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorHeadsets for all guided visits and walking toursLuxury air-conditioned 40-guest coaches with extra leg room and onboard restroomInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveler Welcome packAirport arrival and departure transfers on Day 1 and Day 9

Insight Tours Last Minute Deals

Red Hot Deals on Last Minute Travel

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected Definite Departures and is offering them at reduced prices. Combine these land prices with Insight's air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package. Plus, further discounts apply!

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the trip's 'PROMO CODE' at the time of booking.

 

USA & Canada - Expires 31st May

Tour Name Tour Duration Departing Was Now Savings Promo Code
Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai (GOLD) 12 Days 18 Aug $4595 $4135 $460 PPWOW193
Hawaiian Dreams (GOLD 10 Days 18 Aug $3750 $3375 $375 PPWOW194
Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai (GOLD) 12 Days 14 Jul $4595 $4135 $460 PPWOW195
Hawaiian Dreams (GOLD 10 Days 14 Jul $3750 $3375 $375 PPWOW196
Enchanting Canyonlands 07 Days 23 Jun $1975 $1777 $198 PPWOW198
Enchanting Canyonlands 07 Days 14 Jul $1975 $1777 $198 PPWOW199
Enchanting Canyonlands 07 Days 21 Jul $1975 $1777 $198 PPWOW200
Enchanting Canyonlands 07 Days 28 Jul $1975 $1777 $198 PPWOW201
Capitals of Eastern Canada 07 Days 01 Jul $1799 $1619 $180 PPWOW202
Best of Eastern Canada and USA 16 Days 24 Jun $4175 $3757 $418 PPWOW208
Best of Eastern Canada and USA 16 Days 08 Jul $4175 $3757 $418 PPWOW209
Cities of the East Coast (GOLD) 08 Days 23 Jun $2499 $2249 $250 PPWOW210
Cities of the East Coast (GOLD) 08 Days 28 Jul $2499 $2249 $250 PPWOW211
Americas Magnificent National Parks 16 Days 30 Jun $4150 $3735 $415 PPWOW213
Americas Magnificent National Parks 16 Days 14 Jul $4150 $3735 $415 PPWOW214
Americas Magnificent National Parks 16 Days 28 Jul $4150 $3735 $415 PPWOW215
Wonders of the American West 10 Days 14 Jul $2695 $2425 $270 PPWOW217

 

SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours

2012 USA SALE - SAVINGS OF UP TO $600

 

Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries

 

Tour Name Tour Duration Departing Was Now Saving Promo Code
American Parks Trail 10 May 13, 27 $2525 $2325 $200 12USSALE1
Best of California 9 Jul 20 $2595 $2395 $200 12USSALE2
Best of Eastern Canada & USA 16 May 27 $4175 $3875 $300 12USSALE3
Capitals of Eastern Canada 7 Jul 8 $1799 $1599 $200 12USSALE4
Coastal New England
and Canada’s Maritimes
13 Jun 29,
Jul 13
$3525 $3225 $300 12USSALE5
Enchanting Canyonlands 7 May 19,
Jun 16 & 30,
Jul 21 & 28
$1975 $1775 $200 12USSALE6
Grand Canadian Rockies 13 May 28 $6275 $5975 $300 12USSALE7
Great Western American Adventure 15 Jul 20 $4350 $4050 $300 12USSALE8
Hawaiian Dreams 10 Jun 16 $3750 $3450 $300 12USSALE9
Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai 12 Jun 16 $4595 $4295 $300 12USSALE10
Maritimes Landscapes 8 Jul 2, 16 $2375 $2175 $200 12USSALE11
Southwest Discovery 11 May 11,
Jun 15
$2535 $2335 $200 12USSALE12

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply.

SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours

SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS

 

AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: Save up to $700 per couple on Insight Gold, and $500 per couple on Premium Europe tours.

LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours.

BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20

SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours

Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!

 

BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.