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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best of California (Classic, 10 Days)

10 days
•
From San Diego to San Francisco
4.8 (7 reviews)

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 40
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    San Diego

    San Diego
    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome Dinner at hotel)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Kimpton Alma, San Diego)

    Included Activities

    • Welcome Dinner at hotel

    Optional Activities

    • Walk along the bay
    Landmarks
    Gaslamp Quarter
    Little Italy
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 2

    San Diego to Los Angeles

    San Diego to Los Angeles
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles)

    Included Activities

    • Guided sightseeing tour of Gaslamp Quarter
    • Visit Balboa Park and landscaped gardens
    • Guided tour of Old Town State Historical Park
    • Coach travel San Diego to Los Angeles with ocean views

    Optional Activities

    • Lunch at authentic Mexican restaurants in Old Town
    Landmarks
    Gaslamp Quarter
    Balboa Park
    Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 3

    Los Angeles

    Los Angeles
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Sol Agave - an upscale Mexican concept using organic ingredients, fresh sustainable seafood, prime steaks, all natural chicken and pork)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles)

    Included Activities

    • Ride on Angel's Flight funicular
    • Guided exploration of Downtown Los Angeles architecture and history with LA Conservancy
    • Visit Grand Central Market
    • Visit Bradbury Building
    • Visit US Bank Tower
    • See Hollywood sign
    • Walk the Walk of Fame
    • Visit TCL Chinese Theatre and view celebrity hand- and footprints
    • Dinner at Sol Agave restaurant

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Petersen Automotive Museum
    • Visit Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
    Landmarks
    Angel's Flight
    Grand Central Market
    Bradbury Building
    US Bank Tower
    Hollywood Sign
    Walk of Fame
    TCL Chinese Theatre
    Petersen Automotive Museum
    Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
  5. Day 4

    Santa Monica to Santa Barbara

    Santa Monica to Santa Barbara
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort)

    Included Activities

    • Drive along Pacific Coast Highway
    • Stroll on Santa Monica Pier
    • View ferris wheel and amusement park on the pier
    • Coach travel to Santa Barbara

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara
    • Visit Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
    Landmarks
    Pacific Coast Highway
    Santa Monica Pier
    Old Mission Santa Barbara
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
  6. Day 5

    Solvang to Pismo Beach

    Solvang to Pismo Beach
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner with wine at local restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Solvang and explore Danish-themed architecture
    • Coach travel through farmlands to Pismo Beach
    • Pasolivo olive oil farm tour and tasting experience
    • Dinner with wine at local restaurant

    Optional Activities

    • Lunch on your own in Pismo Beach
    Landmarks
    Solvang
    Pasolivo Ranch
  7. Day 6

    Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Three-course dinner with wine at The Mountain Room, Yosemite Valley Lodge, with views of nearly 2,500-foot high waterfall and diverse, sustainable menu offerings with local, organic, and seasonal preparations)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Mariposa Grove and giant sequoias
    • See the Grizzly Giant sequoia tree
    • Three-course dinner with wine at The Mountain Room, Yosemite Valley Lodge
    Landmarks
    Yosemite National Park
    Mariposa Grove
    Grizzly Giant
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  8. Day 7

    Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park)

    Included Activities

    • Join Yosemite Conservancy rock climbing experience with naturalist guide
    • Watch expert climbers at El Capitan
    • Learn about climbing science and environmental preservation
    Landmarks
    El Capitan
  9. Day 8

    San Francisco

    San Francisco
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco)

    Included Activities

    • Cross Bay Bridge to San Francisco
    • Visit Fisherman's Wharf
    • Stroll across Golden Gate Bridge with Travel Director
    • Visit Sausalito
    • Ferry ride returning to San Francisco passing Alcatraz Island

    Optional Activities

    • Explore restaurants, cafes, and shops at Fisherman's Wharf
    Landmarks
    Fisherman's Wharf
    Golden Gate Bridge
    Sausalito
    Alcatraz Island
    Itinerary Image 1
  10. Day 9

    San Francisco

    San Francisco
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - elevated Chinese dim sum experience, featured in Michelin Food Guide, ranked #5 best new restaurant in 2019)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Ferry Building farmers market
    • City sightseeing tour past Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Embarcadero
    • Explore Castro District with Local Expert
    • Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - elevated Chinese dim sum
    Landmarks
    Ferry Building
    Union Square
    Golden Gate Park
    Japanese Tea Garden
    Embarcadero
    Castro District
    Palette Tea House
  11. Day 10

    Departure

    Departure
    Meals
    Breakfast

Want to read it later?

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Gold Operator
Rating
4.5 (807 reviews)
Response time
12 hours
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Traveler Reviews

4.8
Overall rating based on 7 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.6
  • Transport
    5.0
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    5.0
  • Food
    4.3
  • 4.5

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Highest First
Lowest First
  • ELLEN4.5•November 2019
    Great trip overall. Too little time in Yosemite. Disappointed that our bus couldn't drive on the PCH from Monterrey...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2019
    Reply from: Insight Vacations
    Thank you for sharing this with us, it is brilliant to read about your experience on the Best of California tour with Insight Vacations. We are very pleased to know that your Travel Director’s passion and knowledge of Italy set the tone for an amazing atmosphere throughout the trip. That being said, we truly look forward to exploring more of the world with you soon.
    Show more
  • Beat
    Beat4.5•October 2019
    I normally travel on my own, but this time, I decided to go with Insight Vacations, as the tour looked great and I...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2019
    Reply from: Insight Vacations
    It certainly pleases us to learn that Jason went above and beyond to make your time in the United States a memorable one. Also, we are very happy to learn that you enjoyed your complete experience on the road. Furthermore, we truly look forward to welcoming you back soon to explore more amazing destinations.
    Show more
  • Louise5.0•September 2019
    We had a really enjoyable bus tour. Great variety in the locations, really nice weather and it is a great way to see...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2019
  • Lauren5.0•August 2019
    Everything was amazing! We went to great places and saw a lot. The tour guide and bus driver were the best! I was so...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2019
    Reply from: Insight Vacations
    We are very pleased to hear that your time on the Best of California tour was a memorable one. On top of that, we hope that you were able to go back home with some amazing memories and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.
    Show more
  • TitaniaCheong5.0•June 2019
    It was my first time to USA and I decided to travel with Insight Vacations as I have great experience with this...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2019
  • Mario4.5•August 2017
    The success of any tour depends on the itinerary,the tour director and coach driver. My recent tour had the best of...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2017
  • Marie5.0•June 2017
    We had an amazing experience with Darren, our driver and Anandji, our director on the Best of California tour. We got...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2017

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • C

    Charo

    Asked on March 15th, 2025

    How long before the tour departure will I know if it's running?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written March 2025

      You will be notified at least 60 days prior to departure if the tour will run.

  • A

    Alois

    Asked on March 8th, 2025

    Is travel insurance necessary for this tour?

    Travel Support
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written March 2025

      Travel insurance is highly recommended for all participants undertaking the tour.

  • D

    Debbie

    Asked on December 27th, 2024

    What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    Group size
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written December 2024

      The maximum group size is capped at 40 guests for this tour.

  • A

    Aurélien

    Asked on December 19th, 2024

    Can I reach out for further questions after booking?

    Travel Support
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written December 2024

      You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any additional inquiries.

  • N

    Natascha

    Asked on November 25th, 2024

    How do I check the availability of the tour?

    Price / Availability
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written November 2024

      To check availability, please provide your details and we will inform you of the current status.

  • A

    Antonio

    Asked on October 30th, 2024

    What is the activity level of this tour?

    Tour Details
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written October 2024

      This trip features a balanced activity level with daily walking distances and mixed types of sightseeing.

  • R

    Riad Atlas

    Asked on July 2nd, 2024

    What are the luggage allowances for this trip?

    Transport
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written July 2024

      Luggage should not exceed 30"x18"x10" in size and 50 lbs in weight.

  • J

    Jose Antonio

    Asked on May 23rd, 2024

    Do I need a visa for this tour?

    Visa
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written May 2024

      Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel plans. Please verify with your local embassy for details.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on March 14th, 2024

    Is it possible for you to give me a date of when you will know whether (or not) the trip will run?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written March 2024

      We will only know at least 60 days prior to departure if the tour will be departing. Also unfortunately we don't have access to see how many people have already booked this tour.

    • D

      Daniela

      Traveler•Written March 2024

      This means that you will know (for certain) on (or before) the 15th April 2024 whether the tour will go ahead or not.

    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written March 2024

      Should the Best of California tour departing on 14 June become a definite departure, we will most certainly let you know. Should your dates become flexible in the meantime, do let us know and we will book you on a date that has a guaranteed departure - so far, that is the 10th of May.

    • D
      2 more answers
  • S

    Sara

    Asked on March 1st, 2024

    Are airport transfers included in the tour price?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Insight VacationsOperator•Written March 2024

      Airport transfers can be purchased separately, and they are not included in the tour price.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Insight Vacations with your enquiry, they usually respond within 12 hours.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 218940

The practical details for your trip across USA: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

  • Deposit only

    Book now with just a $200 deposit. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure.

  • $ - US Dollar

    You’ll encounter US Dollar in USA.

  • Plug types A, B

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in USA.

  • Currency

    $
    US Dollar

    USA

  • Plugs & adapters

    As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

    • Type A

      Used in USA

    • Type B

      Used in USA

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

    This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.

  • Payment information

    Pay now
    A $200 deposit
    Balance due
    95 days before departure
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    USD
    Booking fee
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    Book now with just a $200 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure, charged automatically to your card. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 12th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

    Accepted for Insight Vacations tours

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    TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.

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    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

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  • Accessibility

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec