Pacific Coast Insider

Pacific Coast Insider Seattle Portland Coos Bay San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge San Diego

Program

Day 1:
Seatle
Welcome to Seattle, a dynamic urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. The Pacific Northwest is all about the outdoors, great food, arts & culture. Take a walk around the waterfront and the renowned Pike Place Market, head to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is one of the first Starbucks ever that opened in Seattle or go visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’ observation tower.

Day 2:
Seatle
Today you have the option to take a daytrip on a ferry to Vancouver Island, a Canadian gem. Victoria is a true one-of-a-kind city on the Pacific coast. Surrounded by water and full of adventure, Victoria finds itself nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island. Discover world-class attractions like Butchart Gardens, a one-of-a-kind whale watching experience and fresh farm-to-table dining.

Day 3:
Seatle - Portland
Depart this morning for Portland, Oregon’s largest city and one of the world’s best walking cities. On route, visit Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens, both active volcanoes and part of the Northwest “ring of fire”. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. and just south of Mount Rainier is Mount St Helens, the youngest and most active volcano in the contiguous U.S. Portland’s downtown is ideal for strolling, flanked by leafy parks along the Willamette River and evergreen-shrouded forests laced with hiking trails in the foothills to the west.

Day 4:
Portland
Experience what Portlanders love about this artsy city - may we suggest taking a culinary walking tour through eclectic neighborhoods, sampling beer at one of the city’s breweries, taking a wood working class, learning the tradition of glass blowing, visiting a Farmers Market, visiting a locally owned bookstore or pairing your board game night with a crafty cocktail at a Portland Board Game Bar.

Day 5:
Portland - Coos Bay
Just 90 minutes from Portland is Cannon Beach where you can enjoy stunning coastline views and remarkable natural areas that blend with a charming city by the sea which is also known as one of the Top Art towns. Take a selfie in front of the famous Haystack Rock which is Oregon’s most recognizable landmark. Arrive in Coos Bay and reconnect with nature on Oregon’s South Coast. Engage in enlightening explorations and gain an intimate understanding of this scenic and diverse region. There are plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wonders to discover.

Day 6:
Coos Bay - Eureka
Leave Coos Bay in the morning and start your journey via Gold Beach, Brookings and through iconic Redwood National Park (the world’s tallest trees). When you arrive in Eureka which is known to be ‘real, authentic and different’, you will enjoy its historic waterfront, visit the diverse local shops and restaurants, take in abundant local art and architecture and relax on ruggedly beautiful beaches.

Day 7:
Eureka - Santa Rosa
Leave Eureka in the morning and drive along the coast on US 101 to California’s most iconic wine region that wins hearts with its beautiful scenery, globally recognized restaurants, unique shopping boutiques, arts and culture. In the urban heart of wine country, Santa Rosa is a city with a cool vibe and vibrant culture ready and waiting to be explored.

Day 8:
Santa Rosa - Napa - San Francisco
In the morning you will board the Napa Valley Wine train for an elegant tranquil train journey. While on board, a 3-course gourmet lunch will be served as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Napa Valley. After this exclusive experience, we will continue to San Francisco, the city by the bay, also known as America’s favorite city.

Day 9:
San Francisco
Join a half-day city tour which includes Union Square, the Civic Center, Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy spectacular views from the top of Twin Peak. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in “the City by the Bay”, perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough breads or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to observe them frolic and play. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You will have the option to enjoy a Bay Cruise or Dinner Cruise, a jaw-dropping adventure for your senses.

Day 10:
San Francisco - Carmel/Monterey
Take the stunning 17-mile drive to Monterey and Carmel and admire the natural scenery and gorgeous homes. Travel along the Pacific Coast to the Monterey Bay Peninsula. From the dramatic panoramas of the Big Sur Coastline to the fairytale cottages of Carmel-by-the Sea, Monterey is a truly inspired California getaway. Enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an optional activity.

Day 11:
Monterey - San Luis Obispo - Amtrak Train to Santa Barbara - Carpinteria
Leave the charming city of Monterey and drive south to the central coast of California. As you enter the district, the farming communities around you play a big role in the economy of this state. Field crops like lettuce, artichokes, radish and kale just to name a few are being produced and this agricultural industry stretches all the way south towards San Diego. Once you arrive in San Luis Obispo, known for the Cal Poly University and part of the mission trail, visible through local Spanish and Mexican architecture, you will board the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and ride the train to Santa Barbara. Portions of this train ride will be right along the beautiful California Coast. Your coach will be waiting at the train station in Santa Barbara to take you to the hotel in Carpinteria.

Day 12:
Carpinteria - Los Angeles
Before leaving to Los Angeles visit the famous city of Santa Barbara known for its historic Spanish architecture and Mediterranean influence followed by the coastal hamlet of Malibu, home to both celebrities and surfers. Upon arrival into Los Angeles, you will enjoy a brief city tour including a stop in Santa Monica, the finishing line of Historic Route 66, glamorous Hollywood and the famous Hollywood walk of Fame where photo opportunities are to take pictures of the Hollywood Sign and travel alongside posh Beverly Hills. For movie fans among us, may we suggest the afternoon visit to Universal Studios where you learn all about movie making and enjoy some of the exciting rides and shows.

Day 13:
Los Angeles
Today enjoy an optional full day excursion to San Diego. Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the second largest city in California. San Diego enjoys year-round mild weather and a location on the San Diego Bay. Enjoy a city tour including the historic Old Town, the Gaslamp district, and the bayfront picturesque Seaport Village. For a different view of the city, you can join an optional cruise on the bay before returning to Los Angeles in the late afternoon.

Day 14:
Los Angeles
That’s a wrap!” We hope you have enjoyed your tour and that you return soon to America the beautiful.

Price includes

- 3 complimentary breakfasts
- Hotel accommodations as specified or similar
- Services of our tour director throughout the tour
- English speaking guide (guide can be multilingual, German and Dutch-speaking, when the minimum of passengers cannot be reached)
- Excursions as mentioned in the program
- Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach transportation.

Price does not include

- Airfare (unless specified in the tour itinerary)
- Meals other than those specified (if any)
- Transfer on arrival and departure
- Optional excursions
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- No refund for unused services or hotel nights offered within a motorcoach tour itinerary
- Anything not indicated in the program or in the price includes.