Tour of California Coastline and National Parks
June 16-24, 2012

 Featuring:
San Francisco, Alcatraz, Napa Valley Wine Tasting,
Monterey, Hearst Castle & Big Sur

Plus Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Small group trip guarantee – This trip is limited to just 8-12 people


                Yosemite Falls reaches a top height of 2425 feet

Join us for a scenic fall tour of some of the most scenic spots in our own country.

We will start in San Francisco where we will enjoy 2 nights’ accommodations in the most desired location, Fisherman’s Wharf, including a morning tour of the city highlights followed by a free afternoon featuring your choice of an optional excursion to Alcatraz Island or to Napa Valley for wine tasting.

We will enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful California Coastline, visiting Monterrey and Big Sur.

We will spend 2 nights in San Simeon at a hotel right on the ocean, where evenings bring relaxation in a Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean with a fire pit crackling at the waves.

A visit to Hearst castle, home of the legendary magnate William Randolph Hearst will be another highlight of the region we will visit.

Lastly we are off for 4 days visiting 3 of our nation’s most scenic national parks, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

 

DAILY ITINERARY:

SAT. JUNE 16TH
ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENT INTO SAN FRANCISCO

Make your way to our hotel  (Our hotel offers discounted shuttle service for only $15)
For more than 10 years now Frommer’s has consistently rated the BEST WESTERN PLUS Tuscan Inn, a Kimpton hotel, the best hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. BEST WESTERN PLUS Tuscan Inn is owned and operated by Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group. Inspired by the elegance and warmth of an Italian countryside villa, our unique San Francisco hotel offers the amenities you would expect from a boutique hotel, whether it’s our Managers hosted complimentary evening fireside wine reception, complimentary daily coffee and tea, complimentary wireless internet access, or personal concierge service for help with everything from San Francisco bay cruises to advice on the best restaurants.

This evening we will have a welcome group orientation followed by our hotel’s wine reception

Situated just one block from the Powell and Mason Street cable car turnaround, the Tuscan Inn is centrally located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf near Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, North Beach, Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts and so many other classic San Francisco destinations.
 
Walk along the nearby boardwalk, just steps from our boutique Fisherman’s Wharf hotel for dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco Bay.

Rooms have hair dryers, mini fridge, room safe and even IPod docking stations.

 

Sun June 17th
This morning we will enjoy a city tour featuring the highlights of San Francisco.

 
The Golden Gate Bridge

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy a stroll along famed Fisherman’s Wharf, shop along iconic Ghirardelli Square, or enjoy an optional afternoon excursion to visit two exciting wineries in Napa Valley or take an optional excursion to legendary Alcatraz Island, home to the former infamous prison.

This evening, as we reconvene at our hotel, we will again enjoy the hotel’s complimentary wine reception.

Monday June 18th.  Departing SF, we will drive south along the Pacific Coast highway, one of the most scenic drives in America, with stunning ocean vistas
After approx. 2 and one half hours’ scenic drive, we will arrive in Monterrey, where we will embark on the famous 17 mile drive.   A highlight of any trip to the Monterey Peninsula must be the 17 Mile Drive, along Pebble Beach. It has one of the most famous golf courses in the world, fabulous mansions and ocean views that will simply take your breath away.  The famed Lone Cypress tree is one of the attractions that make for picture postcard photo opportunity along the drive.
 
No other stretch of land offers the natural wonder and solace of 17-Mile Drive at Pebbles Beach. This magnificent scenic tour hugs the dramatic Pebble Beach coastline and delves deep into the 5,000-acre Del Monte Forest. You'll marvel at The Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fan shell Beach, Point Joe and Carmel Bay. You will be inspired by the natural wonders as you travel this showcase of glorious sights set against the rolling surf and nestled amid protective canopies of cypress. Along the way, you'll encounter the emerald fairways of such famous golf courses as The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. Tranquil gatherings of gentle deer, frolicking sea life and enterprising birds will entertain you. You'll see black cormorants, brown pelicans, California sea otters and lazy sea lions in their natural habitat. Colorful wildflowers dot the scene, adorning the cool, soothing hues of the seashore and dunescape. You will leave   saying only one thing – Marvelous!

Next, we will make a stop for lunch at Nepenthe Restaurant, near Big Sur.

Nepenthe is world famous for its spectacular Pacific Coast Ocean view dining outdoor terraces, vista decks, and indoor dining ocean view areas, colorful history, blissful atmosphere, as well as their unique and tasty Big Sur cuisine. Nepenthe Restaurant and the amazing Phoenix Gift Shop have been a local favorite and Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway 1 travelers’ must-stop offering casual dining since 1949

We will continue our scenic drive down to San Simeon, where we will check into our hotel, The Best Western Cavalier Inn., just outside the famed Hearst Castle.

The Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, Cambria and San Simeon's only oceanfront accommodation.  A destination for discovery and unbelievable natural beauty, where classic luxury and gracious hospitality ensure you a memorable stay.

The hotel has an outdoor heated pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and indoor day spa, as well as complimentary wi fi.

This evening we will enjoy dinner at leisure at one of the quaint ocean view restaurants in San Simeon.

After dinner, if you wish, enjoy the hotel’s fire pit and hot tub overlooking the ocean (the evening temps. get down to the 60’s with the ocean breezes, so the toasty fire pit and Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean are a nice way to relax and enjoy the evening sky and watch the sunset over the ocean.)

Tuesday June 19th – This morning we will enjoy a visit and tour of famed Hearst castle.

We will embark on a 90 minute professionally guided tour of the castle grounds and gardens, featuring marble sculptures and flowers.

Another highlight of the tour is a visit to the two magnificent pools.
The Neptune Pool is a magnificent Greco-Roman style pool that features unparalleled coastline views from the hilltop. The Roman Pool is an indoor pool decorated from ceiling to floor with 1" square mosaic tiles.
Casa Del Sol is an 18-room guesthouse facing the majestic Pacific Coastline. On our tour, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a sitting room are shown.

Casa Grande
The final stop on the tour is the main house, or Casa Grande.

The Refectory which is the single dining room at Hearst Castle, the Morning Room which is a magnificent sitting room filled with Spanish antiques and Flemish tapestries, the Billiard Room which is a game room featuring two 1920's billiard tables and a Gothic "millle fleurs" tapestry, and the Theater which is the largest room in Casa Grande
http://www.hearstcastle.com 

Another fun stop is The historic Sebastian's General Store (1852 - Sebastian's General Store and Cafe ) in San Simeon village, just outside of Hearst Castle is now decorated with an eclectic collection of antiques some of which are for sale and supporting a cozy Cafe featuring Hearst Ranch grass-fed free range natural beef, local wines and beer!

This afternoon we will enjoy lunch at an incredible restaurant located at the Ragged Point Inn.  The Inn is located at the top of a cliff 15 miles north of Hearst Castle.  The views from the patio restaurant at the inn are just spectacular.

After lunch we will enjoy the opportunity to watch the elephant seals play.at Piedras Blancas.  It's off Hwy 1 about 10 minutes north of Hearst Castle.

Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas

If you have never seen a 5,000-pound animal bathing on the beach, now is your chance. There are only a few places in the world where elephant seals live and even fewer places where elephant seals are accessible to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a spectacle that must be seen.

Hundreds of elephant seals lined up on the beach, basking in the midday sun, are a wonder of nature that you won’t soon forget.


Approximately 5.5 miles north of San Simeon on the ocean side of Highway One, is Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal vista point. Visitors can park and learn all about these magnificent creatures through educational and interpretive signs, by viewing the animals at close quarters, and through volunteer guides who, after graduating from Elephant Seal School, are able to help visitors understand these magnificent marine mammals.

Many of the seals are just sun bathing, some practice fighting - that's always fun to watch, some swimming, others just tossing sand on themselves, or moving around on the sand.

There are 2 boardwalks so you can walk & see them.

This is a must see opportunity to just take in the beauty of nature in California's backyard wilderness.  It's incredible to see these chubby beasts flopping around and kicking up sand.

All year round there's hundreds and hundreds of elephant seals that call this their home. All different times of the year it's a totally different experience and you never know what these amazing creatures will be doing in this their own natural habitat, so bring your camera and be ready.
This area can be windy so take a sweater just in case. Plus, remember these are wild animals don't wander of the trail.

Time permitting later this afternoon, we may visit San Carpofo Beach to view its unique rock outcroppings and make a diversion to walk along Salmon Creek falls.

 

Wednesday June 20th – Today we drive from Hearst Castle to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National park is home to the highest measured waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls.  A beautiful three tiered waterfall, she is the 6th tallest in the world, at over 2400 feet high (just her top tier ranks as the 20th tallest cascade in the world) and is an incredible sight to behold.

On arrival around mid day we will stop for lunch in the park and then enjoy a drive through the park’s highlights including Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitain.

Yosemite Falls reaches a top height of 2425 feet, with 3 separate drops. Yosemite Falls contains a plunge, cascades and a horsetail.
        

 

 
The dominating sight of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park

   
Yosemite National Park, scenic beauty.

More breathtaking views from Yosemite National Park

We will spend the next two nights at The Yosemite View Lodge.
Yosemite View Lodge offers all the comfort you expect from a luxury resort hotel while remaining just steps from the myriad adventures, activities and inspiring scenes of natural beauty found within the nearly 2,000 miles of preserved wilderness that is Yosemite National Park.

Gorgeous Views of the Majestic Yosemite

Yosemite View Lodge delivers just what our name suggests. As the closest resort accommodations near the Yosemite Valley, we've thoughtfully designed our El Portal hotel to span the edge of the majestic Merced River, with most rooms providing gorgeous views of the river from the comfort of your own balcony or outdoor spa.

Perfect for Families, Couples and Groups

No matter what brings you to this hallowed area of Northern California wilderness, Yosemite View Lodge is your ideal source for comfort, beauty and convenience as you discover the awesome monuments of natural beauty that make Yosemite National Park one of the most treasured parks in the United States.

Nestled along the scenic Merced River, our beautifully appointed rooms feature gorgeously dramatic views of the river from the comfort of your own room.

True to our name, the Yosemite View Lodge, located at the edge of the Merced River, affords our guests with dramatically close river views from the comfort of your very own balcony, deck or outdoor spa.

Our indulgent resort amenities come complete with indoor and outdoor pools 1 indoor and 6 outdoor jacuzzi spas, a fine dining spot right onsite, and of course, the greatest amenity of all—our close proximity to the myriad activities and adventures waiting for you at Yosemite

 

Thursday June 21st
Today is a full free day to explore the park at your leisure.  Enjoy a host of plentiful hiking options on your own, or along one of the many ranger led hikes and walks, or enjoy any other activities at your own leisure, including a scenic steam train ride.

The park’s free shuttle system allows all visitors easy access to the major trailheads and attractions throughout the park.

.  Some of the activities offered in the park are a popular evening flashlight hike, riding the network of mountain bike trails that crisscross the surrounding forest and the neighboring Sugar Pine Railroad’s Moonlight Special dinner excursion.

Hiking
In Yosemite, the possibilities are endless and can range from easy half-day strolls to long and very challenging hikes. With so many hiking trails and so much to see, it is no wonder that Yosemite Park is a hiker's paradise!  From the lodge, discover miles of backcountry roads through the tall timbers of the Sierra National Forest.

For the avid hiker, enjoy an escorted hike with your allsinglestravel trip escort to ascend the 3.5 mile trail (7 miles round trip) to the top of Yosemite Falls.  As this is the time of year that the falls are at their peak, the sight and sound of the falls as we hike the trail are mesmerizing!  The trail is one of the most popular in the park and is sure to provide great memories of your visit.

Friday June 22nd
 Departing Yosemite, we will drive to Sequoia National Park. 
Arriving around mid day, we will enjoy lunch at leisure in the park and then we will enjoy an afternoon drive to explore the giant Sequoia trees and other natural wonders of the national park.

Sequoia National Park is an unspoiled treasure of some of the most striking scenery in the world.  From its towering giant sequoia trees and soaring mountain peaks to cascading creeks, flowering meadows, and star-studded evening skies, you'll be inspired by nature's masterpiece.

Often referred to as one of California's best-kept secrets, Sequoia offers a myriad of year-round visitor attractions and recreational activities

Established in 1890, Sequoia National Park is California's first national park and America's second oldest. With more than 1 million annual visitors, Sequoia National Park is a popular destination for guests from around the world.

We will spend the final 2 nights of our tour at the John Muir Lodge inside the national park.  The lodge is conveniently located within walking distance of Grant Grove and the General Grant tree.

Cozy up next to the stone fireplace in the lobby or relax and enjoy the view from one of our outdoor balconies with seating on the balconies to savor the views of the forest.

The John Muir Lodge is open year-round and is perfectly situated for guests who want to visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Nestled among some of California's most famous trees.

 

The lodge is located across from the visitor’s center and has free wifi in the lodge.  Rooms are modern and comfortable and have beautiful forest views with a mountain lodge atmosphere.

 

Saturday June 23rd
This morning we will enjoy more sites of Sequoia and then a drive through scenic Kings Canyon National park, adjacent to Sequoia National park.

Sequoia National Park is home to some of Mother Nature's most magnificent creations.  Stunning beauty, inspiring views, and majestic surroundings await you.  The beauty of Sequoia has inspired visitors for generations.  And with on-going efforts to preserve the Park's pristine settings, guests today can experience much of the Park the way it was viewed hundreds of years ago.
No visit to Sequoia National Park is complete without touring the majestic sequoias.  Soaring hundreds of feet into the heavens, these living giants grace the landscape and offer beauty found nowhere else on earth.  From forests to museums, Sequoia National Park offers visitors a wealth of information about these natural wonders.

GIANT FOREST

Named in 1875 by explorer and conservationist John Muir, The Giant Forest, the park's most famous attraction, is a giant sequoia grove and is also celebrated for its beautiful meadows.  The cinnamon-colored Big Trees, members of the redwood family, may be seen today as Muir found them.

 

GENERAL SHERMAN TREE

General Sherman, the world's largest tree, in Sequoia National Park

This gargantuan sequoia, while neither the tallest nor the widest tree, is considered the largest living tree in the world because of its volume.  It weighs approximately 2.7 million pounds, and it is believed to be around 2,100 years old.  Its height is 274.9 feet, and its circumference at ground level is 102.6 feet.  The diameter of its largest branch is 6.8 feet.

We will see the “Tunnel Log”  The giant Sequoia tree that has fallen and is now serves as a natural tunnel through which tourists can drive their cars.

GRANT GROVE AND THE GENERAL GRANT TREE
Grant Grove is one mile beyond the Grant Grove Visitor Center on the west side of the road.  From the parking area, a half-mile loop trail leads to the General Grant Tree.  The tree was discovered by Joseph Hardin Thomas in 1862 and named by Lucretia P. Baker in 1867 to honor Ulysses S. Grant.  Measuring 267.4 feet tall and 107.6 feet around, it is the earth's third-largest tree.  The General Grant is called "The Nation's Christmas Tree," and special Yuletide celebrations are held under its snow-laden branches every year

KINGS CANYON

Neighboring Kings Canyon National Park is only a short distance away from Sequoia and features terrain similar to Yosemite Valley.  The small detached Grant Grove section of the park preserves several groves of giant sequoia trees including Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world.  The eastern area of Kings Canyon also encompasses the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River.  One particular stretch of the South Fork canyon is the deepest canyon in the United States at a depth of 8,200 feet!

 

Kings Canyon National Park

General Grant Tree
The General Grant Tree is the third largest giant sequoia tree in the world and is estimated to be over 3,000 years old.  Located in Grant Grove, the General Grant tree was nicknamed the Nation’s Christmas Tree by President Calvin Coolidge, and remains one of the most popular attractions in the park.  Annual Christmas services are still held at the base of the tree.

Zumwalt Meadow
Lush in early spring, the meadow provides idyllic contrast to the powerful rock formations deep in the heart of Kings Canyon.  This scenic 1.5 mile self-guided trail offers high granite walls, a lush meadow, and the meandering King’s River.  Parking is available four miles east of the Cedar Grove Village turn off.

Roaring River Falls & Mist Falls
Roaring River Falls is right off Highway 180 inside the Kings Canyon Valley.  The falls drop 40 feet over a narrow ledge and can be reached by a short footpath.  Farther up the valley where the highway ends there are several trails into the wilderness, including the 4 mile path to Mist Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kings Canyon.

  Mist Falls in Kings Canyon National Park

 

Sunday June 24th – This morning we will return to San Francisco for return flights home from SFO.

 

OUR CALIFORNIA COASTLINE AND NATIONAL PARKS TRIP INCLUDES:

• 2 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE BEST WESTERN TUSCAN INN ON FISHERMAN’S WHARF IN SAN FRANCISCO
• CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN SAN FRANCISCO
• PRIVATE SCENIC DRIVE FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN SIMEON WITH STOPS IN MONTERREY AND BIG SUR
• 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE OCEANFRONT BEST WESTERN CAVALIER INN IN SAN SIMEON
• GUIDED TOUR OF HEARST CASTLE
• PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM SAN SIMEON TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
• 2 NIGHTS AT THE YOSEMITE VIEW LODGE – River view rooms
• SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK WITH STOPS AT TOP SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS
• OPTIONAL ESCORTED SCENIC HIKE TO THE TOP OF YOSEMITE FALLS
• PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM YOSEMITE TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
• SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK WITH STOPS AT TOP SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS
• 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE JOHN MUIR LODGE BETWEEN SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
• SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK WITH STOPS AT TOP SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS.
• TRANSPORTATION FROM JOHN MUIR LODGE TO THE SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT
• Free non smoking roommate matching based on age and sex.

 

TRIP COST: $1689 + $40 tax

A $200 deposit is due within 7 days of your reservation.
Deposits are refundable if cancelled by Feb. 10th.
Balance payments are due March 23rd and are non refundable.

Optional single supplement: $949 (limit 2 single room passengers on this trip)