For the nature lover, California is well known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. The species-rich Pacific Ocean provides its famous assortment of sea mammals (gray, blue and humpback whales, sea otters, killer whales, sea lions, seals), while the Sierra Nevada mountains provide access to wild animals which have enjoyed decades of protection in countless national parks and nature preserves. On this small group expedition, you will spot whales on a whale watching cruise in Monterey. Then you will discover wonderful Highway 1 with its coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. Finally, experience 3 unforgettable days in Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, where you can stroll under the shadow of the giant sequoias and enjoy the remarkable views afforded by Glacier Point in Yosemite Valley. Topping this well-rounded trip off is a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in the world: San Francisco.

San Francisco is a major city in California, the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its liberal community, hilly terrain, Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity. Each district of San Francisco carries its own unique and distinct culture. The Golden Gate Bridge is the well-known symbol of the city. Fisherman's Wharf is a touristy waterfront with Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and the ferry launch to Alcatraz. Nob Hill-Russian Hill is a ritzy neighborhood with upscale hotels, cable cars, panoramic views and steep inclines. Chinatown-North Beach are vibrant immigrant communities; stylish laid back 'Little Italy' next to the crowded and largest Chinatown outside of Asia.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

The Cova Hotel, San Francisco, is a boutique, modern and contemporary hotel situated in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The hotel offers a delightful haven for travelers seeking spacious, comfortable and affordable lodging in downtown San Francisco. You are steps away from all that the city has to offer. The Cova is ideally situated in Little Saigon and Civic Center, with the cable cars just a few blocks away to take you through beautiful Nob Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Union Square, the Asian Art Museum, and San Francisco City Hall are just a few blocks away.

Overnight at Cova Hotel.

Sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and closely around notorious Alcatraz Island. On route, discover San Francisco's history and world famous landmarks through personal headphone audio in 12 different languages. During the cruise, frequent wildlife encounters include seagulls, pelicans and sea lions. At times, you may see even dolphins and whales - so be alert! A full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise is available onboard (not included in the tour price).

The Cova Hotel, San Francisco, is a modern and contemporary boutique hotel situated in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The hotel offers a delightful haven for travelers seeking spacious, comfortable and affordable lodging in downtown San Francisco, and you are only steps away from all that the city has to offer. The Cova Hotel is ideally situated in Little Saigon and Civic Center, with the cable cars just a few blocks away to take you through beautiful Nob Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Union Square, the Asian Art Museum, and San Francisco City Hall are just a few blocks away as well.

Overnight at Cova Hotel (3*) - (B) (Superior).

After an early breakfast, meet your tour leader in the lobby of the hotel at 8:00 am for an orientation meeting. You will undertake a city tour by foot and cable car (cable car tickets included). Discover Union Square, Chinatown and walk along the bay to Fisherman’s Wharf. Those who wish can climb stairs to the top of the Coit Tower for a fantastic view over the bay and Alcatraz. In Fisherman’s Wharf you will observe the ever popular harbor seals and sea lions, who sunbathe here. If there is interest, there is time for an optional boat tour around the harbor (additional cost). A picnic lunch will be provided in the early afternoon. Next, your group will drive to a secluded nature preserve, which is home to a wonderful forest of coastal redwood trees: Big Basin Redwood State Park. Here you can walk under the tallest trees on earth. At the end of the day you will drive to nearby Monterey, where a centrally located hotel awaits your check-in for the evening.

Overnight at Bay Park Hotel (3*) - (B) (Standard).

Following breakfast this morning, the group will board a boat which takes you out to open sea. Monterey Bay is world famous for its richness of marine species. In the 1940's, the largest fish factories in the world were located here. This is the setting for John Steinbeck’s novel “Cannery Row”. There are generally a large quantity of whales and dolphins at play in this sea, and there is near 100% certainty that whales will be seen, either Gray, Blue or Humpback. With luck you will be sighting killer whales and dolphins as well. A picnic style lunch will be provided mid-day. After this your group will visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (included), which is literally built into the bay, providing marvelous views into the colorful underworld of the sea. In the soft evening light you drive along 17 Mile Drive enjoying outlooks over the sea and the cliffs, and return to your hotel for the night.

Overnight at Bay Park Hotel (3*) - (B) (Standard).

After breakfast and check-out, you will depart in the direction of Point Lobos State Preserve, famous for its diverse flora and fauna and its raw beauty, where you will visit today. Point Lobos has been described as the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world”. Sheer cliffs descend into dark blue sea and all around are wild animals. Often you can spot here animals threatened by extinction, like sea otters, sea lions, pelicans, not to mention endemic vegetation, like Monterey Pines and Monterey Cyprus. Short hikes bring you nearer to nature. You might also catch one or more artists in the act of capturing the bewitching beauty of this corner of the earth. A break for your lunch (included) will be followed by a drive down the coast on the steepest stretch of Highway 1, on the lookout for giant coastal redwoods. A short stroll takes you to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where a lovely waterfall splashes into the ocean. Yosemite is your destination in the afternoon, as you check into your hotel located on the Merced River, looking out at Yosemite National Park.

Overnight at Yosemite View Lodge (3*) - (B) (Standard).

Glacier Point, 7200 feet above the sea, is certainly
one of the most beautiful vista points in the world. You drive high up a narrow mountain road to this viewpoint overlooking the Yosemite Valley, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Giant granite domes were split in two by the glaciers, forming impressive rock walls like nowhere else on earth. The most famous of these are Half Dome and El Capitan. On all sides, waterfalls cascade down into the 3000 foot deep valley – a scene of majestic and picturesque beauty. Glacier Point is closed to large buses, so your group can enjoy this view in peaceful freedom from crowds. According to the group’s interest, you can take a short hike along the edge of the valley. A picnic lunch will be had mid-day. In the afternoon you drive to a southern corner of Yosemite – to the spectacular Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Here live over 500 of these enormous trees, the oldest one over 2,700 years in age and 30 feet in diameter! With the “tram” you will drive high up to the densest part of this forest and wander through green meadows under the towering trees, a perfect target for photography. If you are interested, you can hike back down hill to the vehicle. Shortly before sunrise you are back in Yosemite Valley. The early hours also afford a good chance of spotting wild animals roaming the meadows. Tonight you will check-in to your room at the Yosemite View Lodge.

Overnight at Yosemite View Lodge (3*) - (B) (Standard).

Today you explore the high valley of Yosemite National Park. The mountain pass Tioga Pass Road climbs up to almost 10,000 feet through dense coniferous forests, full of ponderosa pines, California black oak and incense cedar trees. In Tuolumne Meadows you are surrounded by summits of polished granite, which rise above charming alpine meadows. View the deep blue Tenaya Lake, which is ringed by gray-white granite domes. You have the chance of sighting mule deer, chipmunks, coyotes and an array of birds. Best-known among the bird possibilities are the blue Steller’s Jay, the acorn woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. A picnic-style lunch will be had mid-day. Toward afternoon you visit the famous Yosemite Valley where you walk to the renowned Yosemite Falls, which plummets 2,500 feet into the valley. The opportunity will usually arise to experience in the soft light of dusk a rapturous sunset and to capture it on film. Afterward you are on animal watch, this time on the lookout for  bears in Yosemite Valley, which often come out of hiding shortly after sundown. If you are very lucky, a mountain lion may be spotted, or perhaps raccoons or porcupines.

Overnight at Yosemite View Lodge (3*) - (B) (Standard).

Shortly before noon the group will drive back to San Francisco, a 4-5 hour ride. On the way you will visit the beloved Marine Mammal Center, a rehabilitation hospital for injured wild sea mammals. Here you can see sea lions and seals at very close proximity. Geographically, the Center lies in a fabulous location on the Marin Headlands. You see the impressive Point Bonita Lighthouse (with its great views of the Golden Gate Bridge) and perhaps even visit some of the interesting tide pools beside the Pacific Ocean. Around midday you will take a break for lunch. The return ride leads you through Sausalito and over the Golden Gate Bridge to your centrally located hotel.

Overnight at Cova Hotel (3*) - (B) (Superior).

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).