Home > Pacific Coast Explorer + Vancouver

Pacific Coast Explorer + Vancouver

Trace the Pacific Coast from the Mexican border at San Diego to the 'Emerald City' of Seattle. Visit cosmopolitan San Francisco, and gaze in amazement at the majestic redwoods of Oregon - home to fearsome Big Foot.

A chance to immerse yourself fully in the splendours of one of Canada's most spectacular cities.

On day 15 of your tour fly to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel 2 nights. On day 17 transfer to the airport for your return to the UK.

Itinerary
Optional Excursions
Gallery
Related Holidays
Prices & Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - San Diego.

Fly to San Diego where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: San Diego.

Known as the 'Birthplace of California', San Diego has a strong Spanish influence. This morning, a comprehensive sightseeing tour includes the stunning downtown area, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado Island and Old Town San Diego. The afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 3: San Diego - Los Angeles.

Today, start your epic coastal journey in glittering Los Angeles, the 'City of Angels'. During your tour of the city, visit Mann's Chinese Theatre, where nearly 200 movie stars have left their hand and foot prints, the popular Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Kodak Theatre, home of the Oscars. Other highlights include Beverly Hills and the legendary Sunset Strip.

DAY 4: Los Angeles.

The day is free for your own exploration. Visit Hollywood and the Hollywood History Museum, located in the old Max Factor Building. Stroll Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission or visit the Getty Centre with its wonderful art collection.

DAY 5: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Luis Obispo.

This morning follow the shore line from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara where the Spanish influence is obvious, with quaint whitewashed and tile-roofed buildings. Visit the impressive 200 year-old Mission, with its world-famous twin bell towers. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wharf and lunch on your own. Next you travel to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. Free time to browse around the town's picturesque buildings, windmills and charming shops featuring Danish imports and rich pastries. Overnight in San Luis Obispo.

DAY 6: San Luis Obispo - San Simeon - Carmel - 17 Mile Drive - Monterey.

This morning, journey to San Simeon and visit Hearst Castle, the opulent mansion of the wealthy newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The castle's splendid antiques, art treasures and exotic possessions were purchased at an estimated cost of $50 million. Next visit Carmel, known as ‘California’s Jewel’ which attracted many artists, poets, musicians and actors. Make sure you do not miss the Cottage of Sweets and famed Hogs Breath Inn before travelling the 17 Mile Drive along the famous Pebble Beach to Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel 'Cannery Row'.

DAY 7: Monterey - San Francisco.

This morning leave Monterey and journey to San Francisco, one of the America's most charming cities. Your guided sightseeing tour lets you take in the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf. Afterwards, take a boat trip to Alcatraz Island, and discover the history of this notorious former prison. Note: The Alcatraz Prison visit is a value of $26.

DAY 8: San Francisco.

The day is yours at leisure. Return to Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy its multitude of stores, markets and excellent waterside eating spots, perhaps stroll along Grant Street or ride the historic cable car. Tonight, join our optional evening out with dinner in Fisherman's Wharf followed by an illumination tour of San Francisco.

DAY 9: San Francisco - Sonoma - Eureka.

Bid farewell to San Francisco as you travel to the fertile wine-growing valley of Sonoma, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge en route. In Sonoma, enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting at one of the well-known wineries, before hitting the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile section of Highway 101 curling through soaring giant redwood groves. In the evening arrive at Eureka, hub of California's lumber industry, viewing Carson Mansion, the elaborate Victorian home of a lumber baron on the way.

DAY 10: Eureka - Redwood National Park - Coos Bay.

Today, take the coastal highway through Redwood National Park, a magnificent amphitheatre of towering sequoias. Enter Oregon and continue along the coastal road to the pretty seaside town of Bandon-by-the-Sea. A sightseeing tour will show you its scenic beauty and charm, then enjoy a photo stop at the Bandon lighthouse. Tonight stay in Coos Bay.

DAY 11: Coos Bay - Florence - Newport.

An exciting day awaits as we journey to Florence, one of Oregon's most beautiful and charming coastal settlements where you're free to explore the historic Old Town. From Florence, continue through the Siuslaw National Forest, past popular beach resorts to one of Oregon's favourite holiday spots - Newport. Late this afternoon enjoy an included visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

DAY 12: Newport - Tillamook - Portland.

An enthralling day travelling the dramatic Three Capes Scenic Route to Tillamook. Along the route, don't miss the reading of signs telling the story of the ghost community that existed there 35-55 years ago. First stop is Cape Kiwanda with its spectacular views. Next, Cape Lookout State Park, then on to Three Arch Rocks. The last stop takes us to Cape Meares State Scenic viewpoint, 200 feet above the ocean. A must see is the Cape Meares Lighthouse at 38 feet high - it is the shortest lighthouse in the state. After visiting Tillamook Village, known for its cheese and salt-water taffy, arrive at Portland, dubbed the 'City of Roses', taking in Washington Park International Rose Test Garden.

DAY 13: Portland - Seattle.

Cross the mighty Columbia River into Washington State, stopping at the Mount St Helens Volcano Visitor Centre to learn of the dramatic eruption of 1980. Later this afternoon we reach Seattle - surrounded by the waters of Lake Washington and Puget Sound - the city also enjoys spectacular mountain views. Your sightseeing includes the Seattle Centre and a stop at vibrant Pike Place Farmers Market. Tonight an unmissable optional outing - a waterfront meal and panoramic views from the observation deck of the 605 feet high Space Needle.

DAY 14: Seattle.

The whole day free to enjoy the 'Emerald City'. Stroll the International District to absorb its Asian influences or visit the waterfront. Alternatively, take a cruiseboat across Puget Sound, relax at one of the many seafood restaurants, or visit Woodland Park Zoo.

DAY 15: Seattle - Vancouver.

Fly to Vancouver and transfer to your hotel in Vancouver for the next two nights.

DAY 16: Vancouver.

The time is yours to relax and explore Vancouver. Choose from a variety of optional excursions covering many of the city's major attractions, or visit the beautiful gardens, towering evergreen forests and inviting beaches of Stanley Park. Keen shoppers can take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street entertainers and waterfront cafés. Or how about visiting historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries and street vendors?

DAY 17: Vancouver - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

DAY 18: Home landing in the UK.

The Pacific Coast
Vancouver
Stanley Park totems, Vancouver
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Redwood trees
Canada, Vancouver
Stanley Park in Vancouver should be one of your stops during your stay
Portland
Washington Park, Portland
Vancouver
Vancouver Island
Portland and Mount hood
The Columbia River, Oregon
Vancouver
Vancouver
Space Needle, Seattle
Seattle
Seattle and Mount Rainier

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

USS Midway Museum (V-GLO)

Imagine experiencing life at sea aboard one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom, and peace. The USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Guests can spend the day exploring more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 25 restored aircraft. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by Midway sailors, brings the carrier's history to life.

$19 (US Dollar)

Old Town Trolley Tour of San Diego

Known as "America's Finest City," San Diego offers a wide array of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. Let Old Town Trolley show you California's second largest city, where blue skies, exciting attractions, and 70 miles of beaches come together to create a vacationer's paradise. For over 20 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has been providing sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego. Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you'll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. With Old Town Trolley, you can avoid costly parking and city driving while exploring at your own pace as you hop on and off at two or three of your favorite stops. Old Town Trolley is the best way to see San Diego!

$34 (US Dollar)

Universal Studios Hollywood - One day admission - client ID #1074

No visit to the West Coast would be complete without seeing the world's largest motion picture and television studio. There's a chance to see live shows currently aired on TV, a screen test, comedy theater, and a daring stunt show.

$80 (US Dollar)

Stars' Homes Tour

Cruise the Sunset Strip on our way to Beverly Hills and Bel Air where you will see a dazzling array of Stars' Homes, and well groomed parks, manicured gardens and Hillside Estates. Tour is approximately 2 hours.

$49 (US Dollar)

Warner Brothers' Studio & Movie Star Homes Tour

The tour is intimate with a group of no more than twelve and transportation is provided by private electric cart. The VIP Tour guide will take you to where the action is and provide you with inside information and history on each set you visit. Walk on to a set of hit television shows (like The Ellen Show, The Mentalist, and Two and a Half Men - depending on availability), hear as Foley artists create sound effects for movies, see how sets are constructed, walk through rows and rows of costumes, watch a special effects demonstration, and the list goes on. After Warner Brothers' Studios enjoy an exclusive comprehensive narrated tour of breath-taking stars' homes in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Los Angeles as well as introducing you to Hollywood's iconic Sign and mile-long Walk of Fame, West Hollywood's glittering Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills's glamorous Rodeo Drive!

$110 (US Dollar)

San Francisco By Night with dinner at Swiss Louis

The evening begins with dinner at a popular Fisherman's Wharf restaurant and spectacular views of the bay. Afterwards visit historic Ghirardelli Square. Set on the city's dynamic waterfront, the square offers a great view of the sea and elegant 19th-century factor and mill buildings that are worth exploring. During your visit, relax with an Irish coffee and some world famous chocolates. Before heading back to your hotel we will drive out to Treasure Island to view the city lights from across the bay.

$65 (US Dollar)

Deluxe Wine Country Tour of Napa & Sonoma

Napa and Sonoma are world famous for their fine wine and beautiful scenery. Learn about wine from our expert guides as you travel north to California's Premiere wine country. You'll learn the areas' history of wine making, from the early Spanish missionaries who brought grape vines from Europe to the Forty-Niners who served wines in their saloons. You will tour wineries and see how grapes are picked, crushed, blended and bottled. You'll walk through beautiful vineyards with your tour guide and then taste the finished product - wine tasting fees included. There will be time for lunch at Historical Sonoma Square or Vintage 1870 in the heart of Napa.

$80 (US Dollar)

Muir Woods, Sausalito & Bay Cruise

Travel Across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the rugged coastal mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and valleys, where the Coastal Miwok once lived. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood (Sequoia Sempreverins) Trees tower over Redwood Creek. A Full 1 188 hour stop. Muir Woods entrance fee included. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village, with quaint shop, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Approximate one hour stop in Sausalito. Then enjoy a cruise along the historic waterfront, with a close-up view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the sea lions. (Approximately 6 hours)

$79 (US Dollar)

Muir Woods & Sausalito

Travel Across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the rugged coastal mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and valleys, where the Coastal Miwok once lived. The first stop is Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of giant Redwood (Sequoia Sempreverins) Trees tower over Redwood Creek. A Full 1 188 hour stop 191 the most time offered of any other tour company. Muir Woods entrance fee included. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito, a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village, with quaint shop, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Approximate one hour stop in Sausalito. You may extend your stay in Sausalito and return by ferry to San Francisco, ferry cost not included. (Approximately 4 hours)

$58 (US Dollar)

Rocket Boat

Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.

$24 (US Dollar)

Bay Cruise

This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)

$26 (US Dollar)

24 Hour Hop on - Hop off Super Sightseeing

Spend 24 hours seeing the famous sights of San Francisco. Stops include Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Alcatraz Landing and Pier 39. Tours are on board a double decker bus giving you the best views of San Francisco.

$39 (US Dollar)

Ride the Ducks of Seattle

Tour Seattle by land and water on a WWII amphibious landing craft. Explore the waterfront, downtown Seattle shopping district, Pike Place Market and historic Pioneer Square. Then, splash into Lake Union for a view a breath-taking view of the Seattle skyline!

$31 (US Dollar)

Double Decker Tour (Hop On/Hop Off)

Tour Seattle at your own pace with our Hop-On / Hop-Off Double Decker buses. Hop off at any stop to explore on your own, and then hop on another bus whenever you're ready. Buses depart every 30 minutes from seven centrally-located stops. Stops include Pioneer Square, The Waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Center.

$31 (US Dollar)

Future of Flight - Boeing Factory Tour

See the future of aviation technology at the recently completed Future of Flight Aviation Center. Then, go behind Boeing's massive hanger doors to witness the assembly of the world's largest airplanes.

$55 (US Dollar)

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Join Argosy for the cruise that started it all! Since 1949, Argosy Cruises has been a favorite attraction for millions of locals and visitors. Guests always enjoy this narrated 1-hour tour of Seattle's vibrant and historic harbor. With never-ending skyline views and wide-open outdoor decks, this fascinating tour is perfect for visitors and locals alike. Transportation from the hotel is not included.

$24 (US Dollar)

Sunset Dinner Cruise

It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October)

$103 (Canadian Dollar)

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit Vancouver's North Shore. Drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a World Famous Lumberjack Show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excrusion)

$149 (Canadian Dollar)

Whistler Day Trip

Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours)

$135 (Canadian Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

The Pacific Coast