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Monterey and Big Sur - Quick Getaway

Highlights

  • Visit the sharks, sea otters, penguins and other marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Explore the Monterey Bay area by boat or sea kayak, and watch for the various marine life.
  • Take a trail through the giant coastal redwoods around Big Sur to secluded beaches and waterfalls.
Season: March to November
Duration: Under 7 Nights
Starting from: $1,625

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. 
  • Santa Cruz - 1 night: Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or view birds and wildlife at the Wetlands of Watsonville.
  • San Francisco: Drive to San Francisco for your return flight.
  • Friendly guidance from an experienced Trip Planner
  • Personalized Adventure Kit trip portfolio
  • 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)

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.

Big Sur Coastline, Sequoias and Yosemite National Park

Big Sur Coastline, Sequoias and Yosemite National Park

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,425

From the Pacific Coast to giant sequoias and granite mountains, this trip hits the highlights of California's most spectacular scenery. From San Francisco down Pacific Highway 1, you'll travel along the scenic coast before heading inland to the Giant Forest where four of the world's five largest sequoias are found. Another scenic drive awaits you into Kings Canyon and then on to Yosemite with its impressive waterfalls, towering cliffs, rounded domes, and massive monoliths.

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 - Quick Getaway

Yosemite National Park - Quick Getaway

Under 7 Nights  |  Starting from $1,820

Take a 4 night escape from San Francisco to one of the West's most spectacular national parks. Yosemite is home to massive granite monoliths, impressive waterfalls, towering cliffs, and rounded domes. A walk amongst the giant sequoia grove in the park will leave you spellbound. To make the most of your time, consider a guided nature hike, tram tour or mule ride where your guide can verse you on the various park features.