California Rose Parade

Day One

A convenient flight takes us to Los Angeles, where a local motor coach takes us to our hotel. Unpack and relax for a four night stay.

Day Two

A local guide joins us today for an extended tour of the area, including Olvera Street, Hollywood, the Farmer’s Market, Santa Monica Pier, and much more.

Day Three

Today we visit the historic Queen Mary, permanently docked as a hotel in Long Beach. We spend some time in beautiful Santa Monica. We enjoy a lovely dinner and New Year’s toast.

Day Four

Happy New Year! We have reserved bleacher seats for the famous Rose Bowl Parade. This exciting event features elaborate floats made entirely out of flowers and plant material. Fabulous bands from all over the world perform in this colourful spectacle. Afterwards, we see the floats up close at a nearby park as they are dismantled.

Day Five

The scenery is outstanding today as we travel along the Pacific coastline. The beautiful ocean to one side, and the mountains to the other, make this trip incredibly memorable. We spend some time in Solvang, a quaint village fashioned after a small northern European town, with gift shops, restaurants and galleries. We spend the night in Morro Bay.

Day Six

Today we visit Hearst Castle, atop the Enchanted Hill overlooking the Pacific. This estate is like nothing you’ve seen, and a guided tour brings to life the opulent lifestyle of its former resident and guests. We then continue to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the coast as we spend the night in Monterey.

Day Seven

Today’s 17-mile drive has been called the most spectacular route in the United States, and we have to agree. Pebble Beach and its famous golf course can be seen, as well as Cypress Point, Lone Cypress, Seal Rock, Spy Glass Hill and the Monterey Peninsula. This afternoon we arrive in the exciting city of San Francisco for a pleasant three night stay.

Day Eight

A guided tour this morning shows us the best of this fascinating and cosmopolitan city, highlighting the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and so much more. The city rests on a series of hills on a narrow peninsula and you can hear the clanking of cable cars as they travel up and down the steep inclines. Afterwards, a fascinating boat cruise allows us to see this fabulous city from the water and to get a close look at Alcatraz. The rest of the day and evening are free for you to further explore on your own.

Day Nine

The area just north of San Francisco is perfect for growing grapes, and the natural extension of that is an abundance of wineries. The peaceful, serene setting of these wineries is lovely, and we visit two wineries, and visit some of the local shops and galleries. We return to San Francisco for a farewell dinner together.

Day Ten

We say farewell to the Golden State as we board the plane bound for home. We arrive with wonderful memories of our spectacular California holiday.