California Highlights

• Overview
• Itinerary & Map
• Highlights & Optional Excursions
• Dates & Rates

See what the Golden State of California has to offer! From the City by the Bay known as San Francisco to the beachside city of Santa Barbara to the entertainment capital of the world Los Angeles, get the full experience of California. And if you're still beggin for more, be sure to check out the Western Highlights tour where you'll make a run for the border to Mexico, see one of the awe-inspiring natural world wonders (the Grand Canyon in Arizona), and indulge in your guilty pleasures in sin city Las Vegas.

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

1. Day Las Vegas to Yosemite Gateway

   The Adventure Begins! Your tour begins this morning with a warm welcome from your Contiki road crew. Recount your Vegas adventures to your new Contiki buddies as we say "goodbye" to the deserts of Nevada and "hello" to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Hotel (D)

2. Day Yosemite National Park

   Today, we will explore the magnificent Yosemite National Park, with its famous rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. When we arrive on the valley floor, you will have the opportunity to cycle or hike (seasonal and weather permitting) or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of America's treasured national parks. Hotel (B)

3. Day Yosemite Gateway to San Francisco

   The City by the Bay. This city grooves! You will quickly fall in love with this place during your extensive city tour that includes The Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury - hippie central. This afternoon enjoy a sunset sailing adventure on San Francisco's Bay (optional/seasonal). Hotel (B)

4. Day San Francisco

   First up, experience the home to the San Francisco Giants Baseball Club on a guided tour of the AT&T Ballpark. Then enjoy two days exploring this fascinating and diverse city, ride on one of the city's famous cable cars, shop in Union Square, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, or take a walk down crooked Lombard Street - the world's "crookedest street". Get out your chopsticks and join us for dinner in Chinatown (optional). Hotel (B,D)

5. Day San Francisco to Carpinteria via Santa Barbara

   Life's a Beach. Check out California's scenery as we head south to the beachside town of Santa Barbara where you'll feel like you are in the Mediterranean. The afternoon is yours to relax at the beach, visit the famous wharf or shop on State Street. We'll stay in a nearby coastal village tonight for the ultimate California experience. Hotel (D)

6. Day Carpinteria to Los Angeles (Anaheim)

   I Love L.A…. This morning we will make the short drive to the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles! First stop is Hollywood Blvd where you'll see the world famous Hollywood sign, Mann's Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame. You'll have the option to get an insiders look at Hollywood and its classic theaters with an optional walking tour. All good things must come to an end and so on to Anaheim where our tour - not the friendships made - end this afternoon. Please Note: Do not book flights before 8:00pm. (B)