Best of Cali Express - 3 days
Best of Cali Express - 3 days
Best of Cali Express - 3 days
3 Days Starting in Los Angeles, USA and ending in Yosemite National Park, USA
Visiting: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 50
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the best of California in just three days with our "Best of Cali Express" tour. Begin your adventure in the star-studded city of Los Angeles, then journey along the breathtaking California Coast with stops in Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Carmel. In San Francisco, enjoy a scenic bay cruise, taking in iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Depending on the season, explore Yosemite National Park's stunning landscapes or visit the historic coastal city of Monterey. With comfortable 3-star hotel accommodations, knowledgeable local guides, and all relevant transportation included, this small group tour offers an unforgettable Californian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - Carmel - San Francisco. Head north along the breathtaking California Coast, making our first stop in Santa Barbara. Explore a Spanish Mission and discover how these religious sites were instrumental in the region's development. Continue to Solvang, a charming Danish village, where we'll have the chance to browse local shops. Proceed north to the renowned Route #1 to experience the stunning California coastline (small vehicles will navigate the southern portion, while full-size coaches will traverse the exclusive 17-mile drive). Our next destination is Carmel, famously associated with actor Clint Eastwood. Enjoy free time to explore the town before heading to our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Francisco. Travel north along the stunning California Coast to our first destination, Santa Barbara. Begin the tour at the State Street Promenade in downtown, where we wander through upscale shops and restaurants in this serene, traffic-free area, appreciating the local architecture and ambiance. Continue to the Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns Wharf for a walk by the ocean and picturesque views. Conclude our Santa Barbara visit at the Spanish Mission, learning about its pivotal role in the region's history. Next, journey to Solvang, known as "the Danish Capital of America." Marvel at the Danish-style architecture and browse local shops and eateries. After a lunch break, travel north through Silicon Valley en route to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar.
Tour pick up: You can be collected for this tour at one of the following locations: Farmers Market Starbucks Coffee Shop - 6333 West 3rd Street, corner of Fairfax Boulevard at 06:30 AM OR Culver City: 4 Points Sheraton Culver City - 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City at 07:00 AM. Please ensure you arrive in Los Angeles the day before your tour.
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Modesto Hotel or similar (summer) / Springhill Suites Oakland Airport or similar (winter)
Meals Included: Breakfast
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
San Francisco - Modesto. Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. We then depart San Francisco and head to our accommodation in the small city of Modesto.
Accommodation: Modesto Hotel or similar.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Today, we appreciate why San Francisco is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf with a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling the infamous Alcatraz Island. We return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour that covers all the city's renowned landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. The tour concludes with a stunning night view of the city from the Bay Bridge. Tonight is spent in San Francisco.
Accommodation: Springhill Suites Oakland Airport or similar.
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
SUMMER ITINERARY (April 1 – Oct 31 departures)
Modesto - Yosemite National Park - Los Angeles. We journey east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200-square-mile marvel of forests, lakes, and waterfalls is nestled in the Sierra Nevada. We will stop at iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome before taking a walk from the Yosemite Visitor Center to witness Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in North America at 730 metres. After a beautiful day exploring the park, we head back to Los Angeles in the evening.
WINTER ITINERARY (Nov 1 – Mar 31 departures)
Modesto - Monterey - Los Angeles. Start the day with a visit to Monterey, including a stop at the wharf and Cannery Row. Once a sardine canning hub, Cannery Row is now a charming area where visitors can enjoy a leisurely day and delve into its rich history. We continue our tour along the picturesque California Coast with a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town famously associated with actor/director Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to explore the town's lovely boutiques and galleries. Next, we head south on the world-renowned Route 1 to experience the breathtaking California coastline up close. Small vehicles will navigate the southern portion of Route 1, while larger coaches will take the exclusive 17-Mile Drive. In the afternoon, we will return to Los Angeles.
This tour is scheduled to end between 20:00 – 21:00, this is an estimated time only. Actual time may change based upon local conditions. Please ensure your departure flight is booked with this time in mind, we recommend booking your flights for the following day.
What's Included
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2 breakfasts
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2 nights 3-star hotels
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Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Please note that guiding will be in English plus one additional language
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All relevant transportation in an air-conditioned private minibus or coach
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Bay cruise in San Francisco
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Admission to Yosemite National Park (summer departures)
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Sightseeing in Santa Barbara, Carmel and San Francisco (plus Monterey on winter departures)
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1 piece of luggage (no weight limit) and 1 small carry on bag, such as a rucksack
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One tree planted with NGO One Tree Planted for every passenger, supporting reforestation projects around the world
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions
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Airport transfers
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Items of a personal nature
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Optional activities
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Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with all relevant transportation provided in an air-conditioned private minibus or coach, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at 3-star hotels, including SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport and Modesto Hotel, ensuring a restful night after your daily adventures.
Age Policy
No minimum or maximum age. Children aged under 2 travel FOC. Child prices are loaded in lemax.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in 3-star hotels. Specifically, the accommodation for the first night is at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport or similar, and for the second night, it is at Modesto Hotel or similar during summer, and Springhill Suites Oakland Airport or similar during winter.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 2 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All relevant transportation is provided in an air-conditioned private minibus or coach.
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Is there a tour guide provided?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Please note that guiding will be in English plus one additional language.
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What is the luggage allowance for the tour?
Each passenger is allowed 1 piece of luggage with no weight limit and 1 small carry-on bag, such as a rucksack.
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Are there any environmental initiatives associated with this tour?
Yes, one tree is planted with the NGO One Tree Planted for every passenger, supporting reforestation projects around the world.
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What are the main activities in San Francisco during the tour?
In San Francisco, the tour includes a cruise through the iconic bay, passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circling Alcatraz Island. There is also an afternoon tour covering landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill.
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What are the differences between the summer and winter itineraries?
In the summer itinerary, the tour includes a visit to Yosemite National Park with stops at landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. In the winter itinerary, the tour includes a visit to Monterey, including the wharf and Cannery Row, and a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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What are the pick-up locations and times for the tour?
You can be collected for this tour at one of the following locations: Farmers Market Starbucks Coffee Shop - 6333 West 3rd Street, corner of Fairfax Boulevard at 06:30 AM OR Culver City: 4 Points Sheraton Culver City - 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City at 07:00 AM. Please ensure you arrive in Los Angeles the day before your tour.
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What is the estimated end time of the tour on the last day?
The tour is scheduled to end between 20:00 – 21:00. This is an estimated time only and may change based on local conditions. It is recommended to book your departure flights for the following day.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.