$1844
(non-member: $1949)
Single Room - Add $632

Activity Level:
     80% Easy;
     20% Moderate

• WTT Tour Leadership throughout the trip and local guides

Tour Ends:  Depart at your convenience on Saturday, June 26th (we will be staying close to the SFO airport on our final night)

Early Arrival Cost: 
To avoid possible flight delays, consider arriving a day early. The room cost with breakfast:

   $125 dbl; $225 sgl

Not Included in the Price of this Tour:

· Any personal expenses, and any guide/driver gratuities.

Sunday, June 20: Arrival San Francisco, Group Welcome Dinner

Arrive San Francisco no later than 5pm.  Should you arrive earlier in the day your WTT tour leader will greet you at the hotel and have suggestions of things to do. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of the hotel for introductions. Afterwards we will go to dinner together and talk about our week. (D)

Monday, June 21: San Francisco City Tour, Free Time

San Francisco has a rich history that includes a gold rush, earthquakes, and fires but the city has always rebounded.  Our first day will begin with a city tour to highlight the famous landmarks of San Francisco.

At the conclusion of the city tour around 1:00pm, you will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to do whatever you wish--maybe a tour of Alcatraz, a visit to Chinatown; and don't forget a ride on those famous cable cars (dating from the late 1800's) designed to cope with all the steep hills. Make time to have lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, do some shopping, and visit the seals. (B)

As an option, some travelers will want to visit Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views.

The optional cost for this 2 1/2 hour tour is $26.00 (2009 price - subject to change) and will be scheduled for the 3:55PM departure. Travelers will be billed for this optional excursion at final invoicing. (The cost of the Alcatraz tour is non-refundable once paid.)  

Tuesday, June 22: Muir Woods National Monument, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge

Today we will drive to Muir Woods National Monument for a leisurely walk to view thousands of old-growth redwoods, the tallest living things in the world. The star attraction of the Muir Woods is the Coast Redwood whose average age is between 500 and at least 1,100 years old.  

On our return to San Francisco, we will stop in Sausalito, a small town best known for its spectacular waterfront views. It's a quiet, charming town that some say reminds them of the Mediterranean.  You might want to stroll along the water and watch the sea lions play, rest in the plaza and listen to the splashing fountain, soak up the ambiance in the many open air cafes, or browse through the unique boutiques. 

Another special stop will be the Golden Gate Bridge State Park.  The Golden Gate Bridge is acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful bridges with its tremendous towers, sweeping main cables and great span. There will be time this evening for you to try the many cuisines found in San Francisco's restaurants.  (B)  

Wednesday, June 23: Monterey, Monterey Aquarium  

We begin our journey south from San Francisco to Monterey along the Pacific Coast Highway.  Superlatives don't do justice to the views you'll see while twisting and turning along this highway from San Francisco to Big Sur. It's one of the most thrilling roads in the country as it passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world -- from coastal redwood forests to ocean cliffs and secluded coves. 

This afternoon will find us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest and most respected aquariums in the world.  You will want to stroll along Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf.  This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds and smells of Monterey.  This historic waterfront district was immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row.  Now you will find restaurants, shops and galleries to enjoy.  (B, D)

Thursday, June 24: 17 Mile Drive, Carmel Mission, Carmel-by-the-Sea

17-Mile Drive is the scenic road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, known for it's golf courses and mansions.  The famous portion of 17-Mile Drive runs adjacent to beaches and up into the coastal hills providing scenic viewpoints. The most famous is the Lone Cypress Tree, the official symbol of Pebble Beach.  Also on today's schedule is Carmel-by-the-Sea. There will be free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of the most charming small towns in California. The primary attraction here is shopping, and the Carmel-by-the-Sea streets are lined with galleries, restaurants and shops of all descriptions. We will return to Monterey for the evening where you will have time to try some of the area's restaurants. (B)  

Friday, June 25: Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway

The drive from Monterey to Big Sur and beyond is where the Pacific Coast Highway really shines with its stunning views.  To really appreciate this area, we have planned an easy walk along the McWay Waterfall Trail to the single most popular image of Big Sur. You've probably seen the pictures, but of course it's better in person.   After a full day we will return to San Francisco and spend the night near SFO airport for convenience sake. We will gather for our group farewell dinner later this evening and look back on the fun we've had.  (B,D)  

Saturday, June 26: Return Home

Return home at you convenience. Transfers to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are included. If you fly out of Oakland you will be responsible for your own transfer. (B)  

Return to List of Tours