West Coast & Hawaii: California Sunshine and Hawaiian Dreams

Your American holiday begins in the lovely city of San Francisco. After your flight, make your own way from San Francisco airport to your hotel.

Group Tour: Skyline Sightseeing and Alcatraz on Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Combine the convenience of a two-day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass with a tour of Alcatraz Island. The pass gives you the flexibility to explore the major sights of San Francisco from an open top bus at your own pace. Check out Downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Sausalito during the day.

After sunset, get a different perspective on the city with the Night Tour. The Official City Tour lasts two and half hours and there’s a bus every 20 minutes. The Sausalito Tour lasts an hour and there’s a bus every 30 to 60 minutes. The night tour departs at 6:30 pm year-round but is not a hop on, hop-off tour. Round off your visit with a trip to the notorious Alcatraz prison island.

The Alcatraz tour typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time for the ferry ride. It's important to note that once you are on the island, you are free to explore at your own pace, so the length of your visit can vary depending on how much time you spend there.

Make your own way to San Francisco's Union Square Center and pick up your rental car. Drive yourself from San Francisco to Wine Region (North Coast). It should take you about one hour to get there.

Spanning the grape-growing regions of the Californian counties, the Wine Country is also known as North Coast AVA or American Viticultural Area. Breathe in the balmy air of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys as you drive through towering redwood forests that open out to expansive meadows.

Group Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Express Dinner

Enjoy an elegant dinner aboard a train during this leisurely experience. Make your way to Napa Valley Wine Train Station in the evening to check in for your tour. Listen to an introduction to the Napa Valley and the Wine Train before boarding your train, which features refurbished 1915 and 1917 Pullman dining cars, and 1915 Pullman lounge cars.

If you are assigned the first dinner seating, enjoy your soup or salad and entrée in the dining car while travelling up the valley. Dessert will then be served with coffee or tea in one of the lounge cars on the return trip.

If you are part of the second seating, enjoy appetisers in one of the lounge cars on the outward journey and your soup or salad, entrée, and dessert in one of the dining cars on the return trip. Visit the kitchen car to watch the chefs in action or enjoy views of the valley from the observation deck before your journey concludes.

Drive yourself from Wine Region (North Coast) to Yosemite National Park in your rental car. The duration of the trip is about four hours.

Nestled amid the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park beckons with its array of magnificent natural treasures. Witness the majesty of giant sequoia trees that have stood sentinel over the rugged landscape for centuries. The iconic Tunnel View offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley, while the towering granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan thrill with their primeval grandeur.

Explore Yosemite National Park At Leisure

Explore the impressive waterfalls, meadows and unusual rock formations of the world-famous Yosemite National Park! Stroll through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Enjoy the thrill of rushing water at Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Falls. Visit the famous viewpoints- Tunnel View and Glacier Point, which provide some truly breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley.

See spectacular granite rock formations, including Half Dome and El Capitan from the Valley floor. Hiking enthusiasts can choose from 750 miles of trails, with the Yosemite Valley Hike and Glacier Point Road being some of the popular choices. Finish the day with stargazing on a clear night!

Explore Lower Yosemite Falls Trail on Your Own

Hike at your own pace to the Lower Yosemite Falls in the Yosemite Valley. This cascade forms the base of the magnificent Yosemite Falls, the tallest in North America. Enjoy the short and easy walk across the scenic landscape of Yosemite Valley.

Take in beautiful views of the upper and lower falls as you make your way to the footbridge at the base. Watch as the water plunges over 320 feet, spraying you with a fine mist of droplets! Put your camera to optimal use before you decide to head back. The total hiking distance is 1 mile with a 50 ft elevation gain. The eastern side of the trail loop is wheelchair accessible.

Drive yourself in your rental car from Yosemite NP to Monterey. It should take you about four hours to get to your destination.

Monterey is a picturesque city along the rugged central coast of California, at the southern tip of Monterey Bay. Having inspired renowned artists over the centuries, this typical seaside town is known for its scenic vistas and abundant marine life. Its historic Fisherman’s Wharf is today home to an array of restaurants and quaint stores besides being a starting point for whale watching tours.

Group Whale Watching Tour in Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is known for its whale sightings, and what better way to try your luck than on a boat trip! Hop aboard and take in panoramic views of the rocky coastline as you head out. Keep your fingers crossed and hope that a humpback whale or dolphin might pop up to make your day!

The heated cabin of the boat offers spacious seating. You can also grab a drink and a bite at the snack bar. Look out for whales, dolphins, porpoises and birds, and don’t forget to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and the movement of the waves. Sightings depend on the season and are not guaranteed.

Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium on Your Own

Learn about our oceans and their precious marine life at the gorgeous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Whether you’re an expert diver or a non-swimmer, the aquarium offers a fascinating window into the underwater world.

Get to know more about the conservation of oceans and the preservation of natural marine resources while exploring the vast aquarium. Located right at the edge of Monterey Bay, this is an excellent spot for watching whales, sharks, sea otters, jelly fish, sea turtles, penguins, puffins and a variety of other aquatic life. Catch informative exhibits about life on the bay or the kelp forests.

Drive yourself from Monterey, CA to Pismo Beach, CA in your rental car. The duration of the trip is about three hours.

Pismo Beach lies on the Pacific Coast Highway, between San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are wide beaches to explore, against a backdrop of dramatic bluffs, dotted with sea caves and coves. There are plenty of watersports activities to try here, with ideal winds and swells for kiteboarding and surfing.

Explore Pismo Beach on Your Own

Begin your day with an easy hike along the trails that wind across Pismo Preserve. Look out for small wildlife and take in gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from vantage points. For an adrenaline rush, hop into a beach buggy or climb on an ATV to navigate the popular Oceano Dunes. Afterwards, make your way to the south side of the dunes, where the fragrant eucalyptus trees shelter thousands of monarch butterflies.

When hunger strikes, try fresh clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at one of the beachside eateries. Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun and exploring the boardwalk. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset from the pier before you call it a day. You could make a stop at one of the bars for a glass of local vintage wine before heading back.

Drive yourself from Pismo Beach, CA to Los Angeles, CA in your rental car. The duration of the trip is about 3.5 hours.

Discover the glittering attractions of Los Angeles, dubbed the City of Angels. Marvel at the iconic Hollywood sign and high-profile studios like Universal and Warner Bros. Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and spot your favourite celebrity’s name on the star-studded Walk of Fame. Art lovers can check out the modern exhibition spaces of Getty Center while the Griffith Observatory makes for stunning city views.

Explore Venice Beach Boardwalk on Your Own

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the popular Venice Beach Boardwalk in Los Angeles. Take in the bracing sea breeze and stroll down one of the most cosmopolitan strips of LA, savouring an ice cream and enjoying street performances.

This more than a mile-long boardwalk is probably the best spot for people-watching. The stretch is also home to a string of trendy cafes, restaurants and street stalls serving global favourites. Look out for the many performances and street shows that local artists put up every day.

Group Griffith Observatory Hike

Venture out on a 3.5-mile hike through Griffith Park on this tour. Ascend the path along Fern Dell Nature Preserve that is lined with American sycamore trees. Continue uphill, and meander past a man-made stream and The Trails café.

Take in panoramic views of the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Along the way, you may spot eastern gray squirrels, red-tailed hawks and acorn woodpeckers. Visit locations that were featured in films such as ‘La La Land’, ‘Batman’ and ‘Terminator’.

Arrive at Griffith Observatory, on the bluff of Mount Hollywood, which was built in 1935 and occupies an Art Deco building. Soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica.

While touring the observatory, you may look through the telescopes and even attend a live show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Afterwards, visit an overlook and capture that perfect shot of the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Explore Santa Monica Pier on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions along the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1909, the pier is a designated National Historic Landmark. Start with a leisurely walk along the pier, taking in splendid views of the waves crashing against the sandy shoreline. The pier is regarded as the best fishing spot in the region with its abundant supply of sea bass and croaker.

If you are looking for entertainment, there is a solar powered ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a traditional carousel to be found here. You could also check out the vibrant street performers, carnival games, and the many stalls with their collections of souvenirs and handicrafts.

Next, stop by the beach-level Heal the Bay Aquarium to learn about marine life in these coastal waters. Before you wind up your tour, sample fresh seafood delicacies at the waterfront restaurants and cafes.

Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities.

Make your own way to Los Angeles International airport and drop off your rental car. At Oahu, you will be greeted with a traditional fresh flower lei, and driven in a private vehicle from Honolulu airport to your hotel.

Oahu is Hawaii’s third largest island, and is renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque tropical landscapes and rich culture. The famous naval base of Pearl Harbor and the capital city of Hawaii- Honolulu, are located here. Oahu's iconic Waikiki beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as its many dining and shopping spots.

Group Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour

Explore Oahu’s top cultural and natural landmarks on this island tour. The tour starts at Diamond Head, Hawaii’s iconic volcanic tuff cone. Next, visit the upscale neighbourhood of Kahala, which is known as the ‘Beverly Hills of Hawaii’.

Pass the scenic Hanauma Bay, a prime snorkelling destination, to reach the Halona Blowhole Lookout. Witness the spectacle of ocean water shooting 30 feet into the air from a lava tube. Your next stop, Waimanalo Town, is known for its nurseries that grow many types of exotic tropical plants. At Nuuanu Pali Lookout, you will get to enjoy lovely views of Oahu’s eastern shore.

Visit the Byodo-In Temple, a Buddhist monastery in the Valley of Temples Memorial Park. See Chinaman’s Hat, a cone-shaped mound of lava that resembles the distinctive straw hats worn by Chinese people. Travel along the North Shore, which is lined with popular surfing beaches, to the historic 64-acre Dole Plantation. Here, you will learn about how bananas, starfruit, pineapples and sugarcane are cultivated, and also get to enjoy the delicious Dole Whip.

Arizona Memorial, Missouri Battleship, and Honolulu City Group Tour

One of the highlights of your time in Oahu is a tour of Pearl Harbor. Relive history as you explore the museums of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center. See the Arizona Memorial, which is built over the remains of the sunken battleship, and the USS Missouri, where the Surrender Ceremony that ended World War Two was held.

You will also get to see landmarks such as Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha’s Statue and Kawaiahao Church.

You will be driven in a private vehicle from your hotel to Honolulu airport. Upon arrival at Kahului airport in Maui, you will be taken to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Group Snorkelling Tour of Molokini and Turtle Arches

Enjoy snorkelling in two lovely areas off the coast of Maui. Make your way to the meeting point, and board a comfortable ultra-catamaran. Your first stop is the iconic Molokini Crater, a protected marine conservation area that is accessible only by boat. Dive into the crystal clear water and admire the lovely corals and colourful fish that live in this volcanic reef. The visibility at Molokini ranges from 100 to 150 feet. Depending on the weather, your boat will sail to the second snorkelling site- Turtle Arches. This site is known for its underwater lava formations, and green sea turtles are frequently spotted here.

Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour

Travel through Maui’s verdant countryside on the scenic Hana Highway. As you traverse this picturesque route, with its 620 curves and 59 bridges, your expert local driver-guide will tell you about ancient Hawaiian culture and mythology. See the art galleries and surf shops as you pass through Paia, a town on the North Shore. At Kaumahina State Wayside Park, watch the waves crash against the rocky coastline. You will also get to visit the lovely Upper Waikani Falls.

Make a stop at the traditional Hawaiian village of Ke‘anae. Near the Ke‘anae Congregational Church, you will be able to see the waves wash over jagged black lava rocks. Enjoy the views of the rainforest at Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. If the weather is fine, and you are feeling adventurous, you can try swimming in the waterfall pools. Your last stop, Waianapanapa State Park boasts several interesting geographical features such as a blowhole, lava tube, sea arches and a black sand beach. You can drive around exploring the area before returning via Kaupo and Nu’u Refuge.