Los Angeles, California
San Francisco, California
Arrive in Los Angeles
Welcome to LA! If you booked your flight with YMT, a representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After an informative briefing on the days ahead, you are free to enjoy the evening. Take advantage of our free shuttle to nearby Manhattan Beach for dinner on your own or a sunset stroll along the Strand. This walking path sandwiched between posh mansions and white sand beaches is frequented by surfers, professional volleyball players, and celebrities.
Sonesta LAX or similar
Los Angeles Leisure Day
This morning, you’re in for a real treat—YMT’s exclusive float viewing event. On this amazing tour held in Pasadena, you’ll go behind the scenes to see the floats and flowers up close. You will have plenty of time to talk to the White Suiters, the Rose Parade volunteers clad in bright white uniforms.
After a leisurely afternoon during which you are invited to join one of our amazing optional tours, learn the history and traditions of the Rose Parade during a presentation hosted by the Tournament of Roses Committee. This private event back at your hotel includes a delicious dinner. (B, D)
Sonesta LAX or similar
OPTION: WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO
See how your favorite movies and TV shows are made on the studio tour from the Story telling showcase, back lots, Stage 48 Script to Screen and more! $99 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.
OPTION: GETTY CENTER
Join your fellow travelers for a selfguided tour of the famous Getty Center. $69 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.
Los Angeles City Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Los Angeles, Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, seeing many of the can’t-miss highlights of the City of Angels.
View the iconic metal curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in the hustling, bustling, revitalized heart of downtown Los Angeles. Many of your favorite films and shows are shot in this always lively neighborhood, so keep a look out for familiar sights!
Head to Hollywood to see the ornate TCL Chinese Theatre, the legendary movie palace built in 1927 where you can see the hand and footprints of Hollywood Royalty. You’ll also see the Dolby Theatre—annual home of the Academy Awards— and get the chance to stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stars and creative visionaries from across the entertainment industry are immortalized on this legendary stretch of Hollywood’s busiest thoroughfare.
Your tour also includes Beverly Hills, the exclusive enclave for Los Angeles’ wealthiest people, poshest shopping, and finest restaurants. Will you see a Real Housewife dining on crudités? An actor picking up a new outfit? Anything is possible in this city where dreams come true. (B)
Sonesta LAX or similar
135th Tournament of Roses Parade
Witness the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade! Watch in wonder from your reserved grandstand seats as the floats covered in millions of leaves and fragrant petals pass by. See elegant equestrian units stride down Colorado Boulevard to the sound of marching bands from around the country. “America’s New Year’s Celebration” is an institution that you’ll love even more after experiencing it in person! (B)
Sonesta LAX or similar
Santa Barbara, Solvang, and San Luis Obispo Area
Visit Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera” is known for its Spanish-style architecture, mild Mediterranean climate, and ocean views. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the lovely Santa Barbara Mission. The “Queen of the Missions” boasts magnificent twin bell towers, sprawling gardens, and ocean views from its position on a hill overlooking downtown Santa Barbara.
Continue your tour up the scenic road to Solvang, a charming Danish replica village situated in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. Be sure to taste the baked goods prepared by Solvang’s renowned bakeries before traveling north to end the day in the San Luis Obispo area. (B)
Shore Cliff or similar
Pismo Beach, Hearst Castle, and Monterey
In the morning, tour famous Hearst Castle. The sprawling estate, once owned by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, offers splendid views of the coast. Enjoy a 45-minute self-guided tour of the grand rooms inside the castle, with time to stroll the garden and pool areas. Continue to Elephant Seal Beach and Ragged Point.
Keep your eyes out for California Gray Whales migrating south along the coastline.
This afternoon, take in the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy views of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, taking the opportunity to snap a picture of the famed Lone Cypress. Overnight in Monterey, home to the waterfront street immortalized by John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Cannery Row. (B)
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa or similar
Monterey Leisure Day
Enjoy a leisurely day in this charming seaside town. Monterey is known throughout California for its excellent clam chowder (best in a bread bowl—and do ask for extra oyster crackers) and bustling Old Town Historic District. Monterey’s beaches are perfect for strolling, especially for guests hoping to run into a colony of seals or sea lions. Join an optional tour to participate in a unique local activity, or simply explore the historical fishing village at your own pace. (B)
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa or similar
Monterey to San Francisco
This morning, discover the bustling “City by the Bay” during a comprehensive city tour of San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, see Nob Hill, catch a glimpse of famed Lombard Street, and see many more exciting sights! This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)
Hotel Zephyr or similar
San Francisco
Your tour ends with a final day in San Francisco. See the city from a whole new angle on a highly enjoyable San Francisco Bay Cruise. The afternoon and evening will be at your leisure, or you can book an optional Chinatown tour and dinner. (B)
Hotel Zephyr or similar
Depart for Home (B)
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.
See Dates & Prices
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Experience the spectacular stagecraft and creativity of the 135th Rose Parade, the perfect way to ring in the new year. There is plenty to do in the City of Angels in the days leading up to the Rose Parade.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Experience the irresistible pomp and circumstance of the 135th Rose Parade on an unforgettable tour of the City of Angels before heading south to Palm Springs and San Diego.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Laissez les bon temps rouler — or let the good times roll — in the lively and historic city of New Orleans, then embark for paradise on a relaxing Western Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line.
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