8 day California Dreamin' Trafalgar coach tour

Inclusions

• 7 nights first class accommodation
• Airport transfers are provided on day 1 and day 8
• Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
• 7 full breakfasts
• 3 highlight dinners - Chinese banquet dinner with drinks in San Francisco, barbecue dinner with drinks in Yosemite, beach party with dinner with drink in Monterey
• Escorted by one of Trafalgar's tour directors
• View and learn about Yosemite National Park with a park ranger aboard a private open-air tram
• Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive San Francisco (2 nights)
Welcome to the City by the Bay. Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Day 2    San Francisco
See the many city sights, including Lombard Street, “The Crookedest Street in the World,” Pier 39’s sea lions, known as the “Sea Lebrities,” the “Painted Ladies” of Alamo Square and so much more! One of the hottest spots in town is the California Academy of Sciences – an aquarium, a planetarium and a natural history museum all rolled into one. Dinner this evening is a delicious Chinese Banquet Highlight Dinner in Chinatown.

Day 3    San Francisco - Gold Could Country - Lake Tahoe
Head toward Sacramento and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. This is where gold was found in 1848, spurring the legendary Gold Rush. Learn golden nuggets of knowledge as you visit a replica of the mill and see if you can strike it rich panning for gold! Later, continue to Lake Tahoe, where you’ll be treated to heavenly views from the Lake Tahoe Gondola. Hotel: Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort.

Day 4    Lake Tahoe - Mono Lake - Yosemite National Park (2 nights)
Between one and three million years old, Mono Lake seems to come from another place, thanks to its odd-looking limestone formations called tufa towers. Learn about the lake’s history at the Mono Lake Visitor Centre and get interesting accounts about its history, geology and rich birdlife from an Expert Naturalist. Next, travel over the Tioga Pass (weather permitting) to Yosemite National Park. Gather ‘round a local expert and learn about the park. Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge.

Day 5    Yosemite National Park 
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park. You will be introduced to Yosemite Valley’s most famous icons as you ride aboard a private open-air tram while a Park Ranger gives you the scoop on the park’s history, geology, and the plant and animal life. Be sure to take the easy hike to the Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the United States. This afternoon is free to pursue your own interests! You might want to take a bike ride on 12 miles of paved trail, rent a raft for a float down the Merced River or attend one of the many ranger presentations offered daily. This evening, enjoy a Barbecue Highlight Dinner, enjoy gooey s’mores around the campfire.

Day 6    Yosemite - San Juan Bautista - Carmel - Monterey (2 nights)
Today you’ll go from the mountains to the sea, heading west through the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Visit the historic Old Mission San Juan Bautista and learn about the original 21 missions built by the Spanish. Arriving at the breathtaking California coast, look out for the Lone Cypress along 17 Mile Drive, a stunning coastline rich in marine life and beautiful mansions. Spend some free time exploring the village of Carmel, where quaint cottages look like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a storybook. Travel on to Monterey, where John Steinbeck’s life and work come to life at Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. Hotel: The Portola Hotel & Spa.

Day 7    Monterey
There's something special in store for you today – a private behind-the-scenes look at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Before the aquarium even opens, this exciting tour gives you a chance to interact with staff and see the marine life in a whole new way. Afterward, enjoy free time to take in the aquarium’s various exhibits at your own pace. Later, you have a choice of included activities – you might take a kayak for a paddle on Monterey Bay or hop on a bicycle and pedal from Cannery Row to the Pacific Grove Lighthouse! Tonight, enjoy a Beach Party Farewell Dinner complete with grass huts, tiki torches and a roaring bonfire.

Day 8    Monterey - Roaring Camp - Depart San Francisco
Heading inland towards the Santa Cruz mountains, arrive at Roaring Camp. Here you’ll ride a into the past aboard an authentic narrow-gauge steam train that’ll take you over trestles and through towering California Redwood groves. Along the way, conductors narrate the history of the railroad and surrounding giants of the forest. A complimentary transfer will take you to San Francisco International Airport and, for guests extending their stay, back to the tour hotel in San Francisco.

Departure dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 17 April 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share, land only
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Single Supplements apply
• Further conditions apply please see Trafalgar America & Canada 2012 brochure or speak to your RACQ Travel consultant