TakeTours Gotobus

DAY1 Arrive San Francisco - Hotel

Arrive San Francisco, then transfer to hotel to check in.

DAY2 San Francisco City Tour

Today we will take a tour of San Francisco, first visiting the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic international symbol of San Francisco. From there we will move on to Fisherman's Wharf, the historic base of San Francisco’s fishing fleet, the enormous Oakland Bay Bridge, and the twisting, shop-lined Lombard Street. Finally, our tour of San Francisco would not be complete without a visit to the city’s Chinatown, the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. We will have the afternoon to explore, shop in the city, or visit relatives. Alternatively, you may participate in a more in-depth city tour,* which will take us to the Castro District (America’s largest gay neighborhood), Saint Mary’s Church, the Twin Peaks, and the San Francisco City Hall. After this, join us aboard a San Francisco Bay Cruise,* from which we will have a stunning view of the city from the water.

DAY3 San Francisco - Yosemite National Park* - Los Angeles (544 miles)

We begin the day by visiting Yosemite National Park, arriving at noon at the park, world-renowned for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, glaciers, and Giant Sequoia groves. Breathtaking scenes like Bridalveil Fall, with its stream of water shooting over a high granite cliff to hover with the breath of mist below, and El Capitan, the immense stone monolith, will strike you with their sheer natural power. The Merced River, which meanders through Yosemite Valley, the enormous Half Dome granite formation, and Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in the United States, add to the spectacular natural wonders of the park. After our visit, we will return to Los Angeles, arriving around 6:30 pm.

*The visit to Yosemite National Park will be replaced by a 17 mile drive along Monterey Bay during the winter months (12/15/2012 - 2/27/2013).

DAY4 Disneyland

As an alternative, a group will also depart at 8:00 am for San Diego, arriving around 9:30 at the second-largest city in California for a brief city tour, where we will enjoy the thriving city life and breathtaking scenery of the Gold Coast. At noon we will visit SeaWorld,** a theme park, oceanarium, and marine mammal facility, with thrilling rides and entertaining animal shows. Its roller coasters and water rides like Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and Shipwreck Rapids will put your heart in your throat, while feeding the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and watching other marine mammals such as penguins, sea lions, and even killer whales will be an unforgettable experience. Before returning to Los Angeles in the evening, we’ll see a stunning performance by Shamu the killer whale, a fantastic way to cap off the day’s adventures.Return to Los Angeles in the evening.

DAY5 Universal Studios

For our last choice, we will depart at 9:00 am for Universal Studios Hollywood,** home to a theme park and the biggest film studio in the world. On a behind-the-scenes tour of Hollywood's busiest backlot, we will learn how the studio’s movies and TV shows are filmed. From the thrilling simulator rides like Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, and King Kong: 360-3D to stunning cowboy stunt demonstrations, simulated earthquakes, and the famous WaterWorld show, it promises to be an exciting and entertaining visit.

DAY6 Sea World San Diego (241 miles)

Depart from Monterey Park at 8 am. Going South on Fwy 5 to San Diego pier, walk along the pier’s filled with Latin American artifacts and handicrafts. Optional: Bay cruise (enjoy Navy bay and nearby bay scenic view). Then, enter Sea World- the largest and most magnificent marine life park in the world. Here you will experience the excitement of many live shows including Shamu- the Killer Whale, and star of many popular television specials. Other sights include acres of beautiful flowers. Return to Los Angeles in the evening.

DAY7 Los Angeles - Tanger Outlets - Las Vegas (265 miles)

Today we kick off our tour and depart Los Angeles, stopping after two hours at the Tanger Factory Outlets to enjoy great discounts on popular brand labels. Next we travel on to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, arriving after another two hours. It’s a long trip, but the rising hills and mountains, the miles and miles of brush vegetation and desert, and the interesting wildlife we’ll see along the way will make it a fun adventure in America’s Wild West! Once we arrive, you will be free to explore America’s entertainment capital at your leisure. If you can break yourself away from the shopping, fine food, and casinos which the city is known for, join us on a night tour* where we will explore the city’s night life and watch the best-selling Jubilee Show!* A visit to Las Vegas would not be complete without this attraction.

DAY8 Hoover Dam - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas (545 miles)

Today we’ll visit the Hoover Dam, the largest dam in the United States, built in 1935 in an experimental and unprecedented effort that was monumental at the time and remains so to this day. After arriving at the Grand Canyon around 2:00pm, we will stand at the promontory of Lipan Point on the South Rim of the canyon and feel ourselves dwarfed by one of nature’s great masterpieces. We will also have the opportunity to see an IMAX film* about the history of the Grand Canyon and those who have braved its rapids and sheer walls. After a 1.5 hour stay, the group will return to Las Vegas. Tonight, join us on a night tour* where we will explore the city’s night life and watch the best-selling Jubilee Show!* A visit to Las Vegas would not be complete without this attraction.

OR *West Grand Canyon

After a morning departure, we’ll arrive at noon at the West Rim* of the Grand Canyon, with its famous glass-bottomed Skywalk,* which extends over 4,770 feet of empty space above the Colorado River. Carefully designed for the safety of all visitors, the Skywalk allows a fantastic and unmatched view of the Canyon that you cannot miss! You will also have the opportunity to take a combined Colorado River Cruise and helicopter tour* of the Grand Canyon, which will give a spectacular view of the canyon from below and above, or to go horseback riding* in the canyon! After a 3.5 hour stay, we will arrive back in Las Vegas to enjoy our night tour* and Las Vegas show.*

DAY9 Las Vegas - Ethel M Chocolate Factory - Los Angeles (265 miles)

Today we will conclude our tour and depart for Los Angeles, stopping along the way at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and its Botanical Cactus Gardens in Nevada, which are open to the public. In the factory we will learn how this company produces their chocolate and visit their branch of M&M’s World, as well as tour the gardens, which display many fascinating varieties of cacti that will complete your trip through the deserts of Nevada! Then we will continue our road trip, arriving in Los Angeles around 6:00 pm.

Please book a return flight departing from Los Angeles after 10:00pm.

*Optional activity, fee not included in tour price. See “Exclusions” for cost details.

*** Itinerary varies slightly depending on day of departure.