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Day 1:
Arrive in Los Angeles - Pick up your hire car and proceed to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Whether it's Universal Studios or Disneyland; the beach or Beverly Hills, there is much to see and do in the 'City of Angels.' Kawanda Hotel or similar (1 night).
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Day 2:
Los Angeles to Santa Maria - This morning depart northward to enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in America. Drive through Malibu and Ventura to historic Santa Barbara, often referred to as the pearl of the “American Riviera.” Continue to one of the beautiful towns along central California’s coast for your overnight (1 night).
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Day 3:
Santa Maria to Monterey - Plan for a leisurely morning before continuing along the spectacular California coast. There is plenty of time today to enjoy everything along the way. Stop for pictures at Hurricane Point and enjoy the redwoods in Big Sur. In Carmel-by-the-Sea take the 17-Mile Drive to Monterey. This scenic coastal route travels through the Del Monte Forest and includes The Lone Cypress Point and world famous Pebble Beach. While in historic Monterey, visit California’s first customs house and Cannery Row, made famous through John Steinbeck’s book of the same name. Monterey Hotel (1 night).
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Day 4:
Monterey to Yosemite National Park - Depart Monterey and travel through Gilroy, touted as the Garlic Capital of the World. Continue through California’s San Joaquin Valley, part of the “fruit basket of the world,” before heading into the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite. Use the evening in Yosemite to plan the next day, but don’t forget to look around and enjoy the views. Yosemite National Park (2 nights).
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Day 5:
Yosemite National Park - With so much to see, take advantage of this full day to acquaint yourself with the park. Visit Yosemite Falls, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, or Glacier Point & Badger Pass which offers an overview of the Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Drive the Tioga Pass Road to see the Tuolumne Meadows and other spectacular views. Choose your favorite method of transportation; drive, take a bus tour, rent a bike, hike or walk. Access to some areas may be limited due to weather conditions, and conservation efforts.
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Day 6:
Yosemite to Sequoia National Park - Revisit Yosemite in the early morning hours for the most peaceful moments in the park. Cross through Fresno, the raisin capital of the world in the agricultural heartland of the Central Valley. During the summer, there is the option of a short side trip to Kings Canyon National Park to see more of this stunning scenery before continuing to Sequoia National Park, home to the giant Sequoia trees. Be sure to take the hike through the Giant Forest grove to the massive General Sherman considered to be the largest living thing on earth. Continue to Visalia for your overnight (1 night).
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Day 7:
Sequoia National Park to Los Angeles - Enjoy the morning in the mountains before heading southwest through Bakersfield and into the southern end of the Central Valley, another part of the “fruit basket of the world.” Entering the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, enjoy the evening in the big city. Kawartha Hotel or similar (1 night).
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Day 8:
Depart Los Angeles - Spend the day at leisure, or take the opportunity for last minute sightseeing before you return your hire car and depart.
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Tour Inclusions:
- 7 nights accommodation
- 8 day car hire - intermediate size car
- maps and driving directions
Indicative Land Cost:
From AUD$950 per person (twin share basis)
Tour Options & Extensions:
- This itinerary can easily be extended to the north, south or east and include; San Francisco, San Diego or Las Vegas.
- For a longer Pacific Coast adventure, consider driving from Los Angeles to Seattle following the spectacular Oregon Coast.
- If you would like a break from driving, we can recommend several Amtrak trains that will connect you with the sights of America's West Coast.
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