Los Angeles (California) | San Francisco (California) | Santa Cruz (California) | Santa Margarita (California) | Venice Beach (California) | Yosemite National Park (California)
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Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Make stops along the way in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo.
Make a stop at Santa Monica where you can choose to lounge in the sand, catch some waves, hang out on the water, visit a farmer's market, or take a walk down the pier. Choice is yours during your morning here.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour.
Drive up towards Santa Cruze and make a slight detour for the 17-Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula for some unforgettable coastal scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Today you will drive to Santa Cruz seeing some incredible coastal scenery along the way with a detour along the 17-mile drive along the Monterey Peninsula.
Drive along this 17-mile dramatic stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula. Encounter wind-sculpted cypress tree forests and rock strewn beaches winding up along the Pacific. Along the way enjoy great views of some of the most envy-inducing homes in the world and the celebrated golf courses of Pebble Beach. You'll be planning how to live here before you're through with the drive.
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. After arriving into the city we will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
It's no secret that California has a beautiful coastline. Drive iconic Hwy 1 north along some of the most picturesque vistas on the coast. You'll also be able to see Redwoods, wildflowers, hills, and rolling farmland all in route to San Francisco
Set just along the ocean with rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the best cities in the U.S. to visit. Full of history, charming neighborhoods, parks, beaches, museums, and so many entertainment options that your head will spin. Embark on an orientation to become acquainted with this vibrant town on a brief city tour, visiting Haight Ashbury, The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. From there you will have time to explore Lombard Street or the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory.
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer's market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Tuolumne Grove trail is a 2 hour round-trip hike down to see a couple dozen mature Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. These are some of the oldest and largest living entities on the planet. It's an experience you are sure to remember. Elevation at trailhead: 6,200 feet (1,860 meters)
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.This park is a hiker's paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won't have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Follow a paved path for a mile (1.6km) up to the Vernal Falls' footbridge, an almost totally uphill journey, then climb steep steps on the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls (3.9km roundtrip). Enjoy a spectacular vantage point from the top of the falls. Continue along the John Muir Trail to reach Nevada Falls (8.7km roundtrip), along rocky switchbacks. Return along the John Muir Trail to get back to camp.
Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Venice Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take advantage of your hotel located just across the street from the beach and explore Venice Beach. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Venice Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards as you glide through the water and dismount in the sand.
Take advantage of your hostel located just across the street from the beach and explore the area. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.
Departure Day. Please book onward travel no earlier than 12pm.
Please note you will need to make your own way to the airport from Venice Beach. From the finishing point hotel it is about a 25 minute ride to LAX.
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Usa Road Trip- The Best Of Cali tour:
Max 13.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo. A ride along the scenic 17-Mile drive past Cypress forests. San Francisco orientation tour. Yosemite National Park visit. Surf lesson in southern California. Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Drive up the coast from Los Angeles to Santa Margarita with stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo, Enjoy the dramatic views of the Pacific Coast along the 17-Mile and Half Moon Bay Drives with unforgettable scenery, Set off on an orientation tour of San Francisco, Enjoy the many wonders of Yosemite National Park, Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern California, Enjoy stargazing and nights sitting around the campfire as a group.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Santa Monica- Santa Monica Farmers MarketLos Angeles- Santa Monica Pier Visit (Free)San Francisco- Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person)- Bike Rental San Francisco (8-32USD per person)- Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed)Yosemite National Park- Yosemite National Park Hike (Free)- Yosemite Bike Rental (30-40USD per person)Venice Beach- Beach Bike Rental- Surf Board Rental
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotel (3 nt), participation camping (5 nts).
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.While our CEOs are trained and have resources to assist them along the way, the United States is the fourth largest country on the planet, and it is impossible for them to know everything about this massive country. We recommend local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.Please note that specific tour guide licenses are required to guide in certain cities and regions, and as such, our CEOs will oftentimes provide brief orientation walks or drives to point out useful places like supermarkets, main squares and ATMs but for more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Cold weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layersDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.
For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. It is therefore important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings - a light jacket is necessary. Seasonal temperature ranges:March - May ; September to December: -7 C to +30 C June – August: 0 C to + 35 CAdditionally, a set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.