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Big Sur Coastline, Sequoias and Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Tour the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island. Could you escape from here?
  • Visit the sharks, sea otters, penguins and other marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Take a trail through the giant coastal redwoods around Big Sur to secluded beaches and waterfalls.
  • Tour publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst's elaborate home complete with a tiled swimming pool and zebras.
  • Walk softly among the largest living organisms in the world, the giant sequoia trees.
  • View the magnificent waterfalls around the Valley floor in Yosemite.
  • For the more adventurous and very fit, spend a day hiking up Half Dome, high above Yosemite Valley.
Season: April to November
Duration: 11 to 14 Nights
Starting from: $4,425

Destinations

  • San Francisco - 1 night: Check into your hotel, then see popular landmarks Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39.
  • Monterey - 1-3 nights: While in Monterey, plan to spend time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, both popular attractions.
  • Big Sur - 1-3 nights: Visit Pfieffer Beach, a secluded beach with unspoiled sand, rock formations and surf. 
  • Hearst Castle State Historical Monument - 1-3 nights: Choose from five tours of Hearst Castle.  The Visitor Center allows great views of the castle 1,600 feet above.
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - 1-3 nights: Don't miss Giant Forest, where four of the world's five largest sequoias reside, and take a trail to a glacial lake or Crystal Cave.

  • Yosemite National Park - 2-3 nights: View granite monoliths, domes and waterfalls.  Walk amongst giant sequoias.  You might consider a guided hike to make the most of your time.
  • San Francisco - 1 night: Spend your last night at a campground near the metro San Francisco area.
  • Friendly guidance from an experienced Trip Planner

  • Personalized Adventure Kit trip portfolio

  • First night accommodation in a 3-4 star hotel in your gateway city
  • Rental of a deluxe RV, sized to suit your group or a full-size SUV
  • Nightly reservations in carefully chosen campgrounds or deluxe lodging in or around the National Parks

Monterey Kayaking Tour - 2 hour

Explore the dynamic shoreline of Monterey Bay Harbor, renowned for its history, scenic beauty and abundant marine life. Set within the nation's largest marine sanctuary, see highlights that include sea lions,shorebirds, and kelp beds along Cannery Row. It is the only area where sea otters (currently an endangered species) can still be found in the wild. A great family adventure where young children ride tandem.  $50/Adult; $30/Child (ages 3 through 6)

Monterey Whale Watching Tour - half day

Board a large, stable, covered boat for an educationally oriented whale-watching trip with an experienced marine biologist who narrates, answers questions, and collects valuable data on the mammals sighted during these trips. Observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting Monterey Bay.  $45/Adult; $35/Child (ages 4 through 12)

Big Sur Redwood Roundup Horseback Ride - 2.5 hour

Ride your horse deep into the ancient Redwood Forest. Clover and ferns blanket the ground and your trail crosses the Big Sur River several times. Amble along flower-studded meadows before arriving on the beach, where you'll be greeted by crashing waves and sometimes watched by curious otters. (260 lb maximum; not recommended if you have back problems; no expectant mothers.) $70/Person (minimum age 6)

Big Sur Morning Sunshine Horseback Ride - 1.5 hour

Wind through groves of Sycamore and Redwood trees; cross the Big Sur River and watch for Black Tail deer in the meadows. A fresh morning breeze accompanies you while strolling along the beach. (260 lb maximum; no expectant mothers; not recommended if you have back problems.)  $50/Person (minimum age 6)

Hearst Castle Day Tours - 2 hour

Tour 1 is recommended for first-time visitors. This broad overview of the many facets of the property includes the National Geographic movie "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream" and a bus ride; this is the least strenuous tour. (Tours 2, 3 and 4 are more in-depth, visiting the main house, guest house, gardens and grounds; these tours are more strenuous.) Originally known as "Camp Hill," Hearst Castle is one of the largest house museums in the U.S., with one of the most sophisticated guided tour programs in the country.  $24/Adults; $12/Child (ages 6 through 17)

San Francisco Alcatraz Day Tour - 2 hour

Step back in time and experience the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. This memorable tour includes: 45 minute audio presentation "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour," featuring actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island; orientation video by Discovery Channel; ranger and docent tours; historic gardens and abundant wildlife. $26/Adults; $15.75/Child (ages 5 through 11); under 5/free.

San Francisco Alcatraz Evening Tour - 3 hour

Voted "Best Tour of the Bay Area," this Alcatraz night tour provides a more intimate, engaging Alcatraz experience. This tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour" and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. Enjoy a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge and breathtaking views of San Francisco as night falls. A truly exceptional experience. $33/Adults; $32/Junior (12 to 17); $19.50/Child (ages 5 through 11); under 5/free.
California Academy of Sciences Platinum Behind-the-Scenes Tour

California Academy of Sciences Platinum Behind-the-Scenes Tour

The Platinum Behind-the-Scenes Tour is the ultimate all access experience at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof.   Tour includes: General admission, Express entry into the building, Behind-the-scenes guided tour, including VIP entrance to the Rainforests of the World exhibit. Total experience is approximately 2 hours.  You also get reserved Planetarium seating and a commemorative gift DVD.  $99/person.

Yosemite Adventure Guided Hike - full day

Spend a day enjoying Yosemite with one of the fun and friendly guides. Even the most popular trails are more enjoyable when you have someone who can tell you about the places that you are hiking through (and possibly help carry some of the extra water). These guides are experienced locals who are excited to share their knowledge and love of the park with you. Small group sizes allow them to do this with a personalized touch and flexible itinerary. $40/Person, children under 10 are free with a paying adult. (6 hours covering 6+ miles.)

Yosemite Private Hike - 4 hours

Hire a private hiking guide for a personalized hike. These hikes are designed specifically for you, based on your interests and ability. Private guided hikes of 4 hours to all day are available. Prices ranges are: 4 HOURS - $160/1 person, 2 people $80 each, 3 or more people $58 each 8 HOURS - $171/1 person, 2 people $96 each, 3 people $86 each, 4 or more people $75 each

Yosemite Mule Ride - 2 Hours

There may be no better way to experience the vast majesty of Yosemite's backcountry than by mule. When you're ready to saddle up, there are lots of options. Minimum height 44", maximum weight 225 lbs and minimum age is 7. $60/Person.
Northern California Coast including the Redwood Forests

Northern California Coast including the Redwood Forests

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,365

Explore some of California's treasures, starting in beautiful San Francisco. You'll head north through the Anderson Valley to the quaint coastal town of Mendocino. Follow the coast north into the giant redwood forests. Ride the train, jetboat or just walk the paths into the tall trees. Head inland into unspoiled, hidden California and back down to San Francisco through Wine Country.
Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe and Gold Country

Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe and Gold Country

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,250

Take your time exploring some of the Sierra Nevada Mountains' finest scenery on this tour. Impressive waterfalls, towering cliffs, rounded domes, and massive monoliths await you in Yosemite. The drive over Tioga Pass takes you to ghost towns, tufa (too-fah) formations and hot springs on your way to spectacular Lake Tahoe. Activities like kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, boat tours, whitewater rafting and mountain biking are plentiful. Return to San Francisco via Sutter's Mill, birthplace of the 1849 California Gold Rush.