Adventure Travel

California Cruising

              
Explore the famed California coast in luxury...
This thrilling 11-day trip will take you down the Pacific Coast to explore many of the beautiful sights for which Northern California is famous. The tour begins in the urban gem of San Francisco, CA, where you will have several days to experience this extraordinary city’s amalgam of cultures. You will enjoy a personalized city tour, as well as visits to Alcatraz and Angel Island. A drive down the stunning Pacific Coast Highway will take you to the beautiful Big Sur region for some relaxation on the beach, then inland to Yosemite National Park for a rewarding and breath-taking hike. Your journey will continue north across the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty by rock climbing and biking. Your final stop will be in the Napa Valley, for a day of visiting vineyards and tasting exceptional wines.

Trip Highlights

Enjoy a welcome orientation dinner with delicious food, exuberant laughter and time to reflect on what your family is about to experience.

Explore San Francisco with a personalized tour, visit the infamous Alcatraz and Angel Islands, and take in a live show.

Drive down the stunning Pacific Coast and explore Big Sur on horseback and hiking adventures, then enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip down the Merced River with thrilling rapids and the amazing landscape of California.

Rock climb and take a leisurely bike ride around the mesmerizing waters of Lake Tahoe.

Sit and stare at the peaceful scenery in front of you while tasting different types of wine in Napa Valley.

Travel in luxury and stress-free with a private driver, who will also serve as your knowledgeable local AAW guide, teaching you about the incredible sights and scenery of California.

Day By Day Details


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Day 1: San Francisco - Welcome Dinner & Orientation
Upon arrival in San Francisco, CA, you will be greeted at the airport by your AAW private guide and transferred in a luxury SUV to your accommodations. The afternoon is free to settle in, relax and explore the surrounding area before your welcome dinner and orientation this evening. After a delicious meal and the opportunity to get to know your guide, the night will be spent in San Francisco. (D) Accommodations at King George Hotel.

Day 2: San Francisco - Tour of The Rock & Angel Island
In the morning, you will visit Fisherman’s Wharf and then take a ferry to the legendary island of Alcatraz, also known as “The Rock,” because of its history as a civil war fort, a military prison, and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. It is famous for never allowing any prisoners to successfully escape during its 29 years as a penitentiary. After an informative tour of the island (and the various escape routes tried!), you’ll cruise over to Angel Island for a guided tram tour. Angel Island is a state park and has been designated a national historic landmark for its role in processing over a million Asian immigrants. Bring your camera, because the island also offers expansive views of the San Francisco skyline! Your evening is free to experience more of this thriving city. The night will be spent in San Francisco. (B) Accommodations at King George Hotel.

Day 3: San Francisco - Explore San Francisco
With so much to see in San Francisco, the hardest part of today will be choosing what to do! No matter which neighborhoods and attractions you would like to explore, your AAW guide will transfer you there and make any arrangements you need. You can spend the day visiting fabulous museums, driving up and down the rollercoaster hills, walking along the ocean, or exploring one of the many unique neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Japantown, Haight-Ashbury, or the Castro. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to experience one of San Francisco’s specialties – a live show! The city offers every type of entertainment, and you will be able to choose what to see based upon your interests. The night will be spent in San Francisco. (B) Accommodations at King George Hotel.

Day 4: San Francisco to Big Sur - Coastal Drive to Big Sur
In the morning, you will drive down the stunning Pacific Coast Highway (2.5 hours), weaving between cliffs and the ocean and enjoying spectacular views. Along the way, you can make stops at several charming seaside towns, including Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, and Carmel. Upon arrival in Big Sur, your AAW guide will lead you on a hike to absorb the region’s exquisite flora and fauna. Big Sur’s beauty stems from its combination of majestic mountains and rugged coastline, with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean and creating stunning views and scenery. Big Sur's Cone Peak is the highest coastal mountain in the contiguous 48 states, ascending nearly a mile above sea level only three miles from the coast. You will enjoy a relaxing evening at the hot springs and the night will be spent in Big Sur. (B) Accommodations at Glen Oaks.

Day 5: Big Sur to Yosemite - Horseback Ride on the Beach & Drive to Yosemite
In the morning, you will enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the beautiful beach, learning about the area and absorbing the salty morning breeze. Later in the day, you will depart for Yosemite, CA (4.5 hours). The drive will take you through the many different types of landscapes for which California is known. Upon arrival in Yosemite National Park, you will have time to explore the surrounding area. The night will be spent in Yosemite. (B) Accommodations at Curry Village

Day 6: Yosemite - Explore Yosemite National Park
The day will be spent taking in all the wonderful sights and sounds of one of the greatest national parks in the United States: Yosemite. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, the park is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity (of California’s 7,000 plant species, 20% can be found in Yosemite). Depending upon your interests, your guide will show you around the park and lead you on an educational and fulfilling hike. In the evening, you will have time to relax before spending the night in Yosemite. (B) Accommodations at Curry Village.

Day 7: Yosemite to Lake Tahoe - Whitewater Rafting & Drive to Tahoe
You will be up early for a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the wild and scenic Merced River. Your AAW guide will meet you after your rafting adventure and drive you north through the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain range to Lake Tahoe, where you will spend the night. (B) Accommodations at Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge.

Day 8: Lake Tahoe - Rock Climbing in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, surrounded by mountains and filled with crystal blue water, it is known for its spectacular beauty. This morning, you will experience it up close and personal on a morning rock-climbing course. The course will be tailored to your desires and level of experience. Your afternoon is free to explore more of the surrounding area and quaint mountain towns. Tonight, experience Tahoe’s bustling nightlife, which is propelled by casinos and lively bars. As usual, your AAW guide will be available for any transportation. The night will be spent in Lake Tahoe. (B) Accommodations at Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge.

Day 9: Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley - Morning Bike Ride & Drive to Napa
In the morning, you will go on a leisurely bike ride along an incredible path hugging the shore of Lake Tahoe. You will then depart with your AAW guide for Napa, CA (3.5 hours). The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the serenity of the Napa Valley. Not only is Napa Valley home to some of the world’s greatest wineries, but it is also incredibly beautiful, with its rolling hills covered in mustard flowers and vast vineyards. The night will be spent in Napa. (B) Accommodations at Clarion Collection Lodge.

Day 10: Napa Valley - Wine Tour of the Napa Valley
Today, you will have the opportunity to tour some of the most famous wineries in the country, learning and observing how wine is made and tasting some of the finest American wines available. Your AAW guide will be your driver for the duration of the day, and tonight you will enjoy a farewell dinner to wrap up the incredible trip. (B, D) Accommodations at Clarion Collection Lodge or Vanetian Lodge in San Fran.

Day 11: Napa to San Francisco - Return Flight Home
Depending on your departure flight time, your AAW guide will transfer you to the San Francisco International Airport. If needed, you will spend the previous night in San Francisco in order to have you at the airport at the appropriate time. (B)

What We Include

Unique Accommodations: 3 nights in San Francisco at King George Hotel, 1 night in Big Sur at Glen Oaks, 2 nights in Yosemite at Curry Village, 2 nights in Lake Tahoe Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge, 2 nights in Napa at Clarlion Collection Lodge.

Transportation: Full-size private luxury SUV or private vehicle with private driver, drinks and snacks included.

Meals: Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as listed on itinerary.

Included Activities: Welcome Orientation Dinner, Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour, San Francisco City Tour, Live Entertainment, Drive Tour of Pacific Coast Highway, Hike Big Sur, Hot Springs in Big Sur, Horseback Riding in  Big Sur, Day Hike inYosemite, Half-Day River Rafting on the Merced River, Rock Climbing Course, Bike Ride Lake Tahoe, Wine Tasting Tour in Napa Valley, Farewell Dinner, Park Entrance Fee.

Optional Activities: In each of our destinations, there are a variety of additional adventure activities and cultural experiences available to you. AAW can help you select and book any additional activities prior to or during your trip.

Private AAW Guide/Driver: Your trip will be led by a private AAW guide/driver, allowing you to travel in luxury and without stress. Your local guide/driver will be highly knowledgeable about your destination’s sights, activities, and customs, and will handle all aspects of your trip. For more information about AAW private guide/driver services, please click here.

NOT INCLUDED
• Destination airfare, baggage charges, and any airport arrival or departure taxes
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Cost increases due to pre-departure fluctuations in exchange rates, government fees, accommodation tariffs, or taxes
• Personal expenses, including alcohol and on-your-own-meals
• Travel insurance

Making A Reservation
If this sounds like the perfect adventure vacation for you, just contact your travel agent or Adventures Around the World directly to make a reservation.  A 25% deposit is due immediately, with the balance due 60 days before departing on your adventure.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as checks payable to Adventures Around the World. Please review the AAW Terms and Conditions before payment, as you are bound by our Terms, Conditions, Payment and Cancellation policies once we receive your deposit.

Customize This Trip
Does this trip sound amazing but you’d like to make some changes? No problem! AAW specializes in creating customized trips and will be happy to accommodate you in every way. We can help you select additional activities and destinations within your budget to personalize your trip and create the adventure of a lifetime. Whatever your needs are - AAW can help make your dream adventure vacation a reality!

What’s Next?
Once we have received your trip deposit, one of our adventure travel professionals will provide you with pre-departure trip information and packing lists, as well as a guest information questionnaire and liability release form to be returned within 10 days. After that, we will handle all of the details as you relax and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!


Important Policies

  • Your deposit of 25% of the total cost of your vacation is due immedetely upon booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
  • The price shown is per person NET, and does not include international air fare to/from the trip start point.
  • Prices are based on current rates of exchange, government fees, tarrifs and taxes. Any increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.
  • Cancellation - Cancellations 60 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a 5% cancellation fee. 60-30 days will be subject to loss of 50% of trip cost. 30-15 days will be subject to loss of 75% of trip cost. 15 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions set out by Adventures Around the World.