U.S. Small Group Tour - Pacific Coast Explorer from Seattle to Los Angeles

Welcome to Seattle, a dynamic urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. The Pacific Northwest is all about the outdoors, great food, arts & culture. Take a walk around the waterfront and the renowned Pike Place Market, head to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is one of the first Starbucks ever that opened in Seattle, or go visit the iconic ‘Space Needle’ observation tower.

Today you have the option to take a day trip on a ferry to Vancouver Island, a Canadian gem. Victoria is a truly one-of-a-kind city on the Pacific coast. Surrounded by water and full of adventure, Victoria finds itself nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island. Discover world-class attractions like Butchart Gardens, a one-of-a-kind whale-watching experience, and fresh farm-to-table dining.

Depart this morning for Portland, Oregon’s largest city and one of the world’s best walking cities. On route, visit Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens, both active volcanoes and part of the Northwest “ring of fire”. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., and just south of Mount Rainier is Mount St Helens, the youngest and most active volcano in the contiguous U.S. Portland’s downtown is ideal for strolling, flanked by leafy parks along the Willamette River and evergreen-shrouded forests laced with hiking trails in the foothills to the west.

Experience what Portlanders love about this artsy city – may we suggest taking a culinary walking tour through eclectic neighborhoods, sampling beer at one of the city’s breweries, taking a woodworking class, learning the tradition of glass blowing, visiting a Farmers Market, visiting a locally owned bookstore or pairing your board game night with a crafty cocktail at a Portland Board Game Bar.

Just 90 minutes from Portland is Cannon Beach where you can enjoy the stunning coastline views and remarkable natural areas that blend with a charming city by the sea which is also known as one of the Top Art towns. Take a selfie in front of the famous Haystack Rock which is Oregon’s most recognizable landmark.

Arrive in Coos Bay and reconnect with nature on Oregon’s South Coast. Engage in enlightening explorations and gain an intimate understanding of this scenic and diverse region. There are plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wonders to discover.

Leave Coos Bay in the morning and start your journey via Gold Beach, Brookings, and through iconic Redwood National Park (the world’s tallest trees). When you arrive in Eureka which is known to be ‘real, authentic and different’, you will enjoy its historic waterfront, visit the diverse local shops and restaurants, take in abundant local art and architecture, and relax on ruggedly beautiful beaches.

Leave Eureka in the morning and drive along the coast on US 101 to California’s most iconic wine region that wins hearts with its beautiful scenery, globally recognized restaurants, unique shopping boutiques, arts, and culture. In the urban heart of wine country, Santa Rosa is a city with a cool vibe and vibrant culture ready and waiting to be explored.

In the morning you will board the Napa Valley Wine train for an elegant tranquil trail journey. While a gourmet lunch is being served, you will enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Napa Valley.

Join the Winery team for a seated tasting hosted on the beautiful outdoor patio at their Rutherford property. Enjoy a special selection of wines from estate vineyards and once you have completed your tasting, a special treat is waiting for you back onboard the Train: coffee or tea savored at your leisure in luxury, as you head through the Napa Valley back to Napa via train.

In the afternoon we will drive to San Francisco, a city that many consider to be the most beautiful city in America.

Join a half-day city tour which includes Union Square, the Civic Center, and Fisherman’s Wharf, and enjoy spectacular views from the top of Twin Peak. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in “the City by the Bay”, perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to observe them frolic and play. Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You will have the option to enjoy a Bay Cruise or Dinner Cruise, a jaw-dropping adventure for your senses.

Take the stunning 17-mile drive to Monterey and Carmel and admire the natural scenery and gorgeous homes. Travel along the Pacific Coast to the Monterey Bay Peninsula. From the dramatic panoramas of the Big Sur Coastline to the fairytale cottages of Carmel-by-the Sea, Monterey is a truly inspired California getaway. Enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an optional activity.

Today head South towards Solvang, a charming village located in Santa Barbara County. Stroll down Copenhagen Drive tasting Aebleskivers and other Danish pastries or sample wine in the shade of windmills. Soak in the Danish culture and enjoy many of the European bakeries and shops. Solvang is where you can drink, dine and shop like a Dane without ever leaving the California sunshine. Explore wineries, boutiques or ride the Solvang Trolley for a full tour of the town.

Journey south along famed routes 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway, referred to as PCH by locals. You will visit Santa Barbara with its historic Spanish architecture followed by the coastal hamlet of Malibu, home to both celebrities and surfers. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you will enjoy a city tour including a brief stop in Santa Monica, the finishing line of Historic Route 66, glamorous Hollywood, and the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame where photo opportunities are to take pictures of the Hollywood Sign and travel alongside posh Beverly Hills. For movie fans among us, may we suggest the afternoon visit to Universal Studios where you learn all about movie making and enjoy some of the exciting rides and shows.

Today enjoy an optional full-day excursion to San Diego. Travel south through San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to San Diego, the second-largest city in California. San Diego enjoys year-round mild weather and a location on the San Diego Bay. Enjoy a city tour including the historic Old Town, the Gaslamp district, and the bayfront picturesque Seaport Village. For a different view of the city, you can join an optional cruise on the bay before returning to Los Angeles in the late afternoon.

“That’s a wrap!” We hope you have enjoyed your tour and that you return soon to America the beautiful.