California's Gold Coast (11 Days) 

     California travel begins at The Argent Hotel, San Francisco at 5:30 PM. San Francisco, the beautiful city-by-the-bay, wins awards year after year as the "world's favorite city" - from the cultural arts to intriguing architecture and diverse cuisine, discover what makes this city special. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner. (D)

     This morning get a taste of what this exciting city has to offer with a brief sightseeing tour that includes Nob Hill, Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf. Head over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Sonoma Valley and a day exploring some of the world’s finest vineyards. Enjoy a winery tour and a wine tasting before returning to San Francisco mid-afternoon. (B,L)

     Today in the Gold Country of California travel through the communities created during the boom years of the 1840s and 50s. Enjoy lunch in the historic town of Columbia before traveling into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. (B,L,D)

     Yosemite National Park's unequaled splendors range from magnificent waterfalls to spectacular glacier-hewn gorges, and represent five of the seven life zones found in North America, all in an area about the size of Rhode Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is yours to explore as you please for the day. (B)

     En route to the California coast travel through the farmland of the San Joaquin Valley to the beautiful and historic coastal city of Monterey. Travel the 17-Mile Drive through Del Monte Forest to Cypress Point. Your exquisite hotel is situated within walking distance of Monterey’s famed Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. (B,L,D)

     View the underwater world at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits. Following your visit, the rest of the day is spent exploring as you please. (B)

     GeoPassage's California travel expertise takes you on one of the most scenic drives in North America along Pacific Coast Highway 1. View the rugged coastline of Big Sur as the dramatic road weaves its way southward along the Pacific Ocean. Stop along the way to marvel at the elaborate adornments of Hearst Castle, the grandiose, 'study in excess' estate of publisher William Randolph Hearst. (B,L,D)

     From Santa Barbara, California travel to Los Angeles, one of the world's great entertainment capitals. Visit the magnificent J. Paul Getty Museum, featuring an extensive collection of pre-20th century European art and sculpture, before arriving at your hotel, adjacent to Beverly Hills in L.A.’s chic Westside. (B,D)

     After some free time in San Juan Capistrano, board the Pacific Surfliner for a scenic rail journey along the Pacific Coast; before arriving in southern California through Del Mar, Encinitas, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea to San Diego. A brief tour introduces you to this vibrant city, which grew from Spanish California’s first mission. (B,D)

     Enjoy a private insider’s tour of the world’s largest zoo, the San Diego Zoo, featuring more than 4,000 animals. The afternoon is free for you to spend in San Diego as you please. Reminisce about your California travel adventure over a farewell reception and dinner. (B,D)

     California travel ends in San Diego. Fly home anytime. A transfer to the airport is included; checkout time is 12:00 PM. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. (B)