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California Coast Vacation
9 days from £1102
operated by Globus: Every journey tells a story - Travel Corporation London Ltd - 2008 Itineraries now available email or call for current details.
About your tour
San
Francisco, Monterey, San Simeon, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San
Diego!
Vacation Overview -
Redwoods and ocean canyons are just some of the amazing scenery
you'll see on this nine-day vacation down California's picturesque
coastline. Begin with sightseeing in San Francisco, then cruise
across San Francisco Bay. Next, continue south to the resort town
of Carmel. A journey down the spectacular 17-Mile Drive to Monterey
offers amazing views of Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, and the Lone
Cypress. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium; then journey south to San
Simeon to visit the famous Hearst Castle. Enjoy a morning at
leisure in Santa Barbara at your resort hotel. In Los Angeles, get
an inside look at Hollywood before continuing to Long Beach for
dinner aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary. Cruise to scenic
Catalina Island for a day excursion, and top off your vacation with
a visit to the 18th-century mission in San Juan Capistrano, two
days of sightseeing in San Diego, and a farewell dinner cruise.
Vacation Highlights -
INCLUDED FEATURES
- SAN FRANCISCO: Welcome reception;
sightseeing tour; cruise San Francisco Bay
- MONTEREY: 17-Mile Drive; visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
- SAN SIMEON: Visit Hearst
Castle
- LOS ANGELES / HOLLYWOOD:
Sightseeing tour
- LONG BEACH: Cruise and
sightseeing of Catalina Island; dinner aboard the RMS Queen
Mary
- SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Visit
18th-century mission
- SAN DIEGO: Sightseeing tour; Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner
Cruise
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the
tour description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard
included features offered by Globus in the 'Other Information'
section following the itinerary.
Optional Excursions -
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your
vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special
behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional
excursions are wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further.
Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and
experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in
different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation
by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather
conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general
feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives
you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary
once you are on your vacation. Optional excursions can only be
purchased when you're on vacation and are not sold in advance.
ALL costs subject to change.
San Diego Zoo
See the world's largest collection of animals is located at the
famous San Diego Zoo. Admission includes guided bus tour, express
bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, the Children's Zoo, exhibits & shows
and there is time to explore at your own pace.
Approximate cost; £18 per person
Sea World
See Shamu the killer whale plus five other exciting shows starring
leaping dolphins and playful sea lions. You can also explore
colorful exhibits that feature unusual fish and sea creatures from
around the world. Includes round trip transportation from hotel and
1 day admission ticket.
Approximate cost: £34 per person
Wild Animal Park
Take a five-mile, guided monorail ride through a vast preserve
where rhinos, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and zebras roam. The tour
also includes Nairobi Village and various shows.
Approximate cost: £30 per person
Day Trip To Tijuana
Get a taste of Mexico on a tour into the heart of Tijuana for a few
hours of fun. Your driver/guide will share insider's tips on
shopping in the area.
Approximate cost: £17 per person
Legoland
LEGOLAND California is built for fun to thrill the family. Enter
the medieval world of knights and dragons, join a hilarious race to
hose down a burning building at the Fun Town Fire Academy. Dig for
fossils and don't miss Pirate Shores, the 4 all new water
attractions with high seas adventures to thrill buccaneers of all
ages. Includes round-trip transportation, admission, rides,
attractions and shows. Approximately seven-hours.
Approximate cost: £32 per person
Ensenada Tour With Lunch
A large part of the fun of Ensenada is getting there. See Tijuana,
stopping at the famous Rosarito Beach Hotel, where the movie stars
once played. Then travel down the coast past Puerto Nuveo, a
village of over 30 lobster restaurants, FOX Studio Baja, the film
location for "Titanic" and Pirates of the Caribbean" and experience
for yourself this magnificent stretch of coastal highway along the
Baja coast. Upon arrival in Ensenada, you will see a sleepy fishing
village that has come of age. Time for lunch to dine on authentic
Mexican fare and enjoy a complimentary "Maggie." The town is
bustling with many shops and eateries to enjoy and explore. Many
visitors say that this is the most memorable part of their trip to
San Diego. Bring your camera!
Approximate cost: £35 per person
Rosarito Beach
Brief tour through Tijuana and a panoramic ride by the Pacific
Ocean coastline 17 miles south to enjoy a wide range of leisure
activities. Explore the Rosarito Beach Hotel and Spa, once a casino
and playground of Hollywood Stars. Visit on your own the Arts &
Craft Market to bargain for jewellery, arts, leather and artefacts
with the vendors. Or just relax on the beach, go horseback riding
and treat yourself to a day at the spa. The day is all yours to
enjoy. This tour is approximately ten-hours.
Approximate cost: £22 per person
Super Combo Tour (City Tour & Redwoods)
Experience San Francisco's colourful past as you travel through
history - from the first settlements of Native Americans - to a
cosmopolitan city of beautiful architecture - from the Wild West
and the frenzied days of the "Gold Rush" - to the vibrant culture
that flourishes today. Be awe-inspired by the magnificence of the
Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the lush gardens of Golden Gate Park,
travel past spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. On your tour
you will see Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Victorian homes,
Presidio National Park, Palace of Fine Arts, and North Beach. With
stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks (weather permitting),
City Hall, Golden Gate Park, and more.
Approximate cost: £41 per person
San Francisco 20 Minute Flightseeing
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of all the famous sights of San Francisco
by helicopter. From the air on this twenty-minute flight, you'll
see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and
much more.
Approximate cost: £76 per person
Muir Woods & Sausalito
North across the Golden Gate Bridge lie two of California's most
unique tourist attractions. Marin County, one of the most affluent
counties in the United States, is home to one of the few remaining
groves of virgin Coastal Redwoods. These redwoods are among the
tallest and oldest trees in existence. The nature trail at Muir
Woods leads you into the heart of its cathedral-like grove.
Sausalito is an alluring village of art galleries, quaint shops and
waterfront restaurants with views of San Francisco across the bay.
This tour is approximately four-hours.
Approximate cost: £24 per person
Holiday Accommodations -
MEALS
- Welcome reception (WR)
- American breakfast daily (B)
- 3 three-course dinners with choice of entrees (D), including a
Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner cruise in San Diego
SUPERIOR HOTELS
- SAN FRANCISCO Omni San Francisco
(MD)
- MONTEREY Monterey Marriott
(SF)
- SANTA BARBARA Fess Parker's
Doubletree Resort (SF)
- LONG BEACH Renaissance Long Beach
(SF)
- SAN DIEGO Wyndham Emerald Plaza
(SF)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included.
Tour start dates -
- June 2007 -
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- July 2007 -
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- August 2007 -
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- September 2007 -
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- October 2007 -
-
Extras -
- Prices are for all land arrangements.
- Single room supplement: £436.
- Triple room reduction per person: £88.
- Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be
available
get more info »
Your itineraryCalifornia
Coast Vacation
Make your own way to San Francisco to join the tour on day
1.
Day 1
- San Francisco
(Fri.) Welcome to the Golden State! This evening, mix and mingle
with your travelling companions at the 6:30 p.m. welcome reception.
Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
(WR)
Day 2
- San Francisco
(Sat.) Morning sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful
cities famous for its natural harbour, lush parks, cable cars, and
bustling docks. Your tour includes Golden Gate Bridge Park, Twin
Peaks, Fisherman's Wharf, and much more. Afterward, sit back and
relax as you enjoy a CRUISE across San Francisco Bay. This
afternoon, enjoy free time for pursuing your favorite interests and
activities-ride the world famous cable cars, shop in Union Square,
or stroll around Chinatown. (B)
Day 3
- San Francisco-Carmel-Monterey
(Sun.) Travel south to the rugged beauty of the Monterey
Peninsula. Enjoy a visit to the lovely town of Carmel, a popular
retreat for writers, artists, and celebrities. A highlight of
today's journey is the spectacular 17-MILE DRIVE to Monterey, with
views of Cypress Point, famous Pebble Beach golf course, and the
tenacious Lone Cypress. The ocean canyon surrounding Monterey Bay
is deeper than the Grand Canyon and harbors a rich variety of sea
life, which can be seen this afternoon at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Here you can explore the hidden world of this spectacular ocean
realm at the heart of the nation's largest marine sanctuary. The
exhibits re-create the bay's habitats, from shallow tide pools to
the open ocean and deep sea. (B)
Day 4
- Monterey-San Simeon-Santa Barbara
(Mon.) This morning, journey to San Simeon and visit HEARST
CASTLE, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William
Randolph Hearst, which houses splendid antiques, art treasures, and
exotic possessions purchased at an estimated $50 million. The tour
shows off the highlights of the impressive 123-acre estate. Then
travel through the Santa Ynez Mountains to your resort hotel in
Santa Barbara. (B,D)
Day 5
- Santa Barbara-Los Angeles, Long Beach
(Tue.) Morning at leisure. You can take the Santa Barbara
Trolley, swim at the pool, bicycle along the oceanfront, or visit
the zoo or Stearns Wharf. Look out for Hollywood celebrities'
homes that dot the shoreline from Malibu to Santa Monica on your
way to metropolitan Los Angeles for a tour from Olvera Street-the
oldest thoroughfare in the city-to Hollywood. This evening, enjoy
dinner aboard one of the most famous ships in history, the RMS
QUEEN MARY. (B,D)
Day 6
- Long Beach. Cruise to Catalina Island
(Wed.) A leisurely morning CRUISE across 26-mile San Pedro
Channel to beautiful CATALINA ISLAND. Once a ritzy playground for
the rich in the 1930s and '40s, Catalina Island today is a casual
and laid back destination. Enjoy a guided tour of the island before
plenty of time to stroll the quaint streets of the
Mediterranean-flavored port town of Avalon. Perhaps have lunch
before heading back to Long Beach. This evening, maybe take a
stroll along the waterfront and stop by Shoreline Village, a
recreated turn-of-the-century harborside center with specialty
shops and boardwalk entertainment. (B)
Day
7Long Beach-San Juan Capistrano-San
Diego
(Thu.) Take the coastal highway to San Diego. Stop in San Juan
Capistrano to visit the beautiful 18th-century MISSION, a majestic
work of art. Founded more than two centuries ago, the mission is a
monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing its
Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and European heritages. Take
some time to walk along the ancient cloisters amid the
time-softened beauty of old adobe buildings. Continue to San Diego
for a city sightseeing tour. (B)
Day 8
- San Diego
(Fri.) A free day to choose your activity. Maybe visit
SeaWorld® and get face to face with polar bears, feed
dolphins, and get splashed by Shamu. Or visit the world famous San
Diego Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, where you can see some
of the world's rarest wildlife, including giant pandas and koalas.
This evening, we top off the tour with a GLOBUS FAREWELL
CELEBRATION DINNER CRUISE around San Diego Harbor. Enjoy a
spectacular sunset, sweeping 360 degree views, and gourmet cuisine,
as well as dancing atop the yacht. Wonderful conversation, cuisine,
and fun make the perfect finale for your "California Coast
Vacation." (B,D)
Day 9
- San Diego
(Sat.) The tour ends this morning, with tour guests departing on
individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
 Other Information -
Every Journey Tells a Story
A Globus Journey. When you travel with Globus, you get more
than the sights. You get the stories behind them that bring a
destination to life, creating unforgettable journeys.
Let Globus take you to places that expand your horizons and
encourage personal discovery. Experience a destination in a deeper,
more memorable way-the Globus way.
The Globus Difference
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility and choice,
plus a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus
offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels, and MORE
experience with more than 75 years of taking travellers on
unforgettable journeys. In addition, Globus offers MORE value with
an average price less per day than our nearest competitor. The
safety of our travellers and the richness of our vacations is a
priority, and it is what has made Globus the worldwide leader in
travel and a name you can trust.
With Globus, you visit the key sights, but, more importantly, you
learn the stories behind the sights-from the Sistine Chapel, the
Colosseum and the Forum in Rome, to the Prado Museum in Madrid and
Michelangelo's David in the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, your
journey is filled with insider's information unique to your Globus
vacation. You'll also enjoy many inclusions such as cruises,
high-speed trains, and Local Guides. We offer over twice the number
of included features as our nearest competitor, without any
additional cost to you.
Globus not only brings you the experiences that others simply don't
offer, we also ensure that you end up with more free time to enjoy
your destination on your own. Most competitors require you to take
extra optional excursions to see these important sights, costing
you additional time and money. And, if you don't join their
excursion, you'll spend most of your time waiting in line. But with
Globus, these sights are already included, freeing up the remainder
of your time to enjoy independent activities.
Leave all the details to us. We provide a Tour Director,
comfortable transportation, many meals, a rich sightseeing
programme and much more!
Accurate, detailed tour descriptions -
Read our tour descriptions and you'll understand the true value
of our tours. The agenda for each day is spelled out so that you
know exactly what is included in the price. Inside visits are
spelled out in UPPERCASE. With Globus you don't have to guess.
Compare what we give you in a tour with what other companies
offer-and then compare prices. You'll see why knowledgeable
travelers consider Globus vacations the best value on the market
with even more savings in the off season.
Saving Options -
Various reductions are possible: group reduction, child reduction,
triple room reduction, multiple tour reduction
Discount for young tour members
Share the pleasure of a Globus tour with your children and
grandchildren and take advantage of a 10 percent discount on the
land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years
old on the departure date, and must be accompanied by an adult.
On escorted tours we do not accept children under eight years old
because we've found that they are too young to enjoy these
vacations.
On Monograms-Independent Vacations there is no age
restriction.
New!
For Monograms-Independent Vacations the following land only
discounts apply:
- Free of charge: infants under 2 years of age sharing adult's
accommodation
- 50% discount: under 12 years of age when sharing accommodation
with two adults
- 10% discount: under 18 years of age
Note: We recommend that children under 12 years of age share
accommodation with an adult.
Triple room reduction
On most Globus tours you receive a reduction when three people
travel together and share the same accommodation. Triple room
reductions are listed on the tour pages. A word of caution: Triple
rooms usually are not larger than twin rooms, and the third bed, if
there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room for the
night.
Avoid
the single room supplement
Single rooms are expensive and often are quite small. We do not
take reservations on a "share" basis because we have found that
strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of a
vacation. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a
friend. It's less expensive and much more fun!
Pay
less for your second tour
We charge you list price for your first vacation in 2007, but
for every additional Globus vacation that you take in the same
year, you pay US$35 under list. It's fun to combine vacations to
make the perfect trip, or ask your travel agent for suggestions.
This discount does not apply if one of the vacations is a single
city stay Monograms vacation.
Consecutive vacations can be booked with or without transatlantic
flights. Any intra-European flights between vacations cannot be
reserved as part of the Globus package. Please ask your travel
agent to reserve and ticket such flights for you.
Save
by forming your own group
If you form your own group, you'll receive the following rebates
on the land arrangement of your tour. On vacations to Mexico and
vacations including a cruise of three or more nights, one person
travels free in a group of 32; while one person travels at half
price in a group of 16. On River Cruise Vacations, one person
travels free in a group of 16.
On all other tours, one person travels free in a group of 16; one
person travels at half price in a group of eight.
These rebates are applicable to land-only prices (not air-inclusive
prices). Free and half-price land arrangements are credited at the
twin rate; single room supplements have to be paid in full.
Tour conditions for group bookings may differ from those for
individual bookings.
Joining
late and leaving early
Many Globus land arrangements start and end in London. If you
have already spent time in the British capital, you may want to
skip one or more of the included London nights or even join at the
first overnight hotel on the Continent. Call your Travel Consultant
for any reductions that apply to your vacation for joining late or
leaving early. Vacations with these reductions are sold on a
land-only basis.
It's
in your interest to book early
Plan your vacation in advance, and book your tour as soon as
possible to guard against the disappointment of not finding space.
Many Globus tours sell out months before the departure date.
And remember, the moment we receive your deposit your land price is
guaranteed.
This is valuable protection against currency fluctuations and other
cost increases. So please don't wait. Contact your travel agent now
for a vacation you'll never forget!
Help Along The Way -
Professional Tour Director while touring, Cruise Director on
river cruises, Local Host services on independent vacations, and
hosts to assist you at airports and hotels.
Hotels -
Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
Globus Hotels Set the Standard for First-class Touring
At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, you want to relax in
comfortable, clean, attractive accommodations. At our first-class,
conveniently located hotels, you'll always feel welcome and well
looked after.
We know that excellent accommodations are of paramount
importance to your enjoyment on tour. Our hotels--many of them
through long association with us--have mastered the art of handling
group check-ins and baggage speedily, preparing tasty and wholesome
meals, and balancing the need for efficiency with the desire of
each traveller to receive individual attention.
You won't be surprised with any hidden charges when you check
out of your Globus hotel. All hotel taxes and tips for restaurant
service and baggage handling are included in the price of your
tour.
Hotel
locations maximize your sightseeing time
We take extra care to select downtown locations for our
independent tours and for longer stays on escorted tours, when your
itinerary features days at leisure to explore on your own.
When your itinerary allows time only for a good night's sleep
between two busy sightseeing days, our expert contractors sometimes
sensibly opt for quiet residential areas.
And you'll be delighted with our choice of hotels in scenic
countryside locations. Wake up to the sound of cow bells, take a
morning walk in crisp mountain air, enjoy glorious panoramic views
of the majestic Alps or the Norwegian fjord country.
Superior
accommodation
Globus uses chains such as Crowne Plaza, Forte, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Jolly, Queens Moat Houses, Marriott,
Mövenpick, Radisson SAS, Renaissance, Scandic, Sheraton,
Sofitel, Thistle and Westin.
The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed
separately for each tour. The vast majority of our hotels are rated
deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In
overnight places where there is no hotel in these categories or
where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available
superior tourist-class (ST) hotels.
Most hotels have amenities such as satellite TV, mini-bar, a
cocktail lounge, a restaurant, room service and concierge services.
Many also have a swimming pool, health club, shops, and dry
cleaning and laundry services.
Globus hotel ratings follow standards set by the independent
Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards. The
specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our
quality controllers.
We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the tour
pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Globus travel
documents you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone
numbers, and fax numbers for your tour.
Transportation -
Including private deluxe motor coach with air-conditioning and
extra leg room.
We offer many modes of transportation, from trains and motor
coaches to cruise ships and ferries. Each is selected and designed
with comfort in mind.
Coaches -
Each Globus motor coach has upholstered, reclining seats with
headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity
sound system broadcasts your Tour Director's commentary to every
seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of
vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
Limited group size for extra comfort
The length and width of modern motor coaches is standard,
prescribed by law. The difference among tour operators is in the
number of seats installed and actually sold. While it is customary
to install and sell 53 seats, Globus installs fewer seats for extra
leg room, and limits group size to a maximum of 46 tour members.
The extra space contributes enormously to your comfort. For airport
and port transfers in Britain we generally use motor coaches with
53 seats.
Smoke-free coaches
For non-smokers and moderate
smokers an otherwise perfect vacation can be spoiled if they are
forced to inhale other people's smoke on a motor coach. We
therefore do not allow smoking on the coach. There are plenty of
opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.
Globus drivers are experienced professionals
Globus drivers take pride in driving and in their vehicles, keeping
them in great shape and spotlessly clean. Your driver will help you
on and off the motor coach with a smile and load your bags with
care. Our travellers consistently lavish the highest praise on the
person behind the wheel!
Trains, Ferries, Cruises and Gondola Rides -
Many of our itineraries include cruises, river jet boat and
mountain gondola rides, whale-watching expeditions, and journeys by
train. Experience the ultra-modern Eurostar train from Rome to
Florence and the exciting high-speed AVE train from Madrid to
Seville. In the Canadian Rockies, you might take one of the sleek,
ultra-modern BC Ferries or, if travelling by railcar in Canada or
Alaska, enjoy travel operated by VIA Rail ®. Other fascinating
Globus vacations feature cruises on the Rhine or Venetian Canals to
enhance your travel experience.
Ships and River Cruises -
Globus provides the most spacious and newest ships from Avalon
Waterways. Features include unmatched luxury, fine dining, larger
accommodations and impeccable service. Whether you're travelling
Europe, Russia or China-on a Globus river cruise, you'll always
feel well looked after.
get more info »
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