Day 1: Arrive in "the City by the Bay", San Francisco, California, for a scenic journey along California's amazing coast.

Day 2: A local guide showcases the popular landmarks of San Francisco, including the Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore Fisherman's Wharf, where you may sample cracked crab and the renowned sourdough French bread. Shop in lively Union Square or visit Ghirardelli Square, once the site of the largest producers of chocolate in the country. For a true local experience, ride the famed cable cars up and down San Francisco's thrilling hills as you sightsee. Dinner included.

Day 3: Today you wind through the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains en route to one of Mother Nature's greatest masterpieces, Yosemite National Park. Yosemite's amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and groves of beautiful trees will leave you awestruck. Upon arrival, join your fellow travelers on an open-air tram to view sites such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan, as well as learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.

Day 4: Travel to Monterey, the city often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. Monterey is home to the famed 17 Mile Drive, also known as one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Along the drive, you will pass through the Del Monte Forest and see such famous sights as the Lone Cypress Tree, Seal Rock and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Next, travel to Old Monterey, the place where California's statehood began in 1849, filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes. An afternoon arrival will allow you time to independently explore charming Old Monterey and shop at Cannery Row. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5: Journey 90 miles along the Big Sur Coast, flanked by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the sea sprayed, rocky Pacific, for a trip that will surely take your breath away. Upon arrival in San Simeon, you will visit one of the world's greatest showplaces, the palatial mountaintop retreat of Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Tour the Castle, built on a 40,000 acre ranch, now a National Historic Landmark, which was donated to the State of California in 1957. Later, arrive at the quaint Danish Village of Solvang in Santa Barbara County, known for its old-world architecture and flower-lined streets. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6: Founded in 1911 by a group of Danish educators, Solvang's flower-lined streets and European shops and bakeries are the perfect setting for a morning stroll. Later, you'll leave for Santa Barbara, famous for its breathtaking setting and natural beauty fused from the dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, beaches, islands and the sea. Some free time allows you to explore the downtown area laced with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and paseos, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a lovely backdrop. Breakfast included.

Day 7: This morning, continue on your coastal journey to glittering Los Angeles, the "City of Angels", and home to Universal Studios, as well as a host of your favorite musical and film celebrities. During your tour of Los Angeles, visit Graumann's Chinese Theatre, where nearly 200 movie stars have left their hand and foot prints , and see the popular Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tonight, arrive in California's second largest city, San Diego. Known for its ideal climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and world-class attractions, San Diego is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains. Breakfast included.

Day 8: This morning, join a local guide for a comprehensive tour of San Diego, including downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island and Old Town San Diego. The afternoon is yours to experience San Diego at your leisure, Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a great local restaurant. Breakfast and dinner included.