Embark on a breathtaking journey along the spectacular Big Sur Coast, as we visit some of California’s most iconic sights including Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Old Town Salinas, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park.
Nestled between the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, Highway One along the Big Sur Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal drives in the state. This trip also includes two nights in Yosemite National Park so we can soak in the glory and wonder of this historic park.
July 12 – 20, 2025
Package Includes:
Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport- Seven nights’ hotel accommodations
- 11 meals: eight breakfasts and three dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Admissions per itinerary
- Deluxe motor coach transportation
- Professional tour guide and driver
- Our State host
- Baggage handling and hotel transfers
Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Itinerary Highlights:
- Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Tram Tour
- Santa Barbara
- Hearst Castle
- Reagan Library & Air Force One
- Big Sur Coast – Highway 1
- Carmel and 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur Coast
- San Francisco City Tour
- Old Sacramento
- Napa Valley
- Winery Tour & Tasting
- National Steinbeck Center
- 2 Nights – Monterey
- 2 nights – Yosemite
- 2 nights — San Francisco
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARRIVE LOS ANGELES
Arrive in Los Angeles to begin your California Coast and Yosemite travel experience. Meet your Tour Director and transfer to your Los Angeles area hotel. Tonight enjoy a wine and beer reception followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow Our State travelers.
Meals: D
Overnight: Los Angeles Area
DAY 2: LOS ANGELES – REAGAN LIBRARY- PISMO BEACH
This morning, travel north to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The state-of-the-art museum takes you from Reagan’s early years to his time spent as a world leader. The library also features the Air Force One used by President Reagan. Later follow the Pacific Coast north to Santa Barbara for a stop in one of California’s most picturesque cities with spectacular Mediterranean architecture. Arrive late afternoon in the Pismo Beach area for your overnight stay.
Meals: B
Overnight: Pismo Beach Area
DAY 3: PISMO BEACH – HEARST CASTLE – MONTEREY
Today travel to San Simeon to enjoy a tour of Hearst Castle. Built on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the spectacular grounds and grandiose home feature the world-class art collection of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Then journey north along the spectacular Big Sur Coast, the route is nestled between the rocky coast and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Early this evening, arrive in Monterey for a two-night stay.
Meals: B
Overnight: Monterey
DAY 4: MONTEREY – CARMEL
Today enjoy one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, scenic 17 Mile Drive, home to the famous Lone Cypress, Seal Rock, and Pebble Beach Golf Course. Also drive through and visit quaint Carmel to view tree-lined Ocean Avenue. Later travel to Old Monterey filled with historic buildings and where California’s statehood began in 1849. This afternoon enjoy time at your own pace to explore more of the seaside town of Monterey. Shop and eat in Cannery Row or Fisherman’s Wharf which reflect the city’s long history with the sea. Later maybe visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Meals: B
Overnight: Monterey
DAY 5: MONTEREY – SALINAS – YOSEMITE
Travel to historic Old Town Salinas, the childhood home of author John Steinbeck and visit the National Steinbeck Center. Founded in 1977, the center houses the largest collection of Steinbeck archives in the United States. Later journey inland through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, known as the breadbasket of California, and stop at a fruit stand. Then climb the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and arrive at your overnight accommodations near Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay. Enjoy dinner this evening with your fellow travelers in the Yosemite area.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Yosemite Park Area
DAY 6: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day touring and visiting Yosemite National Park, one of the America’s greatest natural wonders. Enjoy a Yosemite Valley Tram Tour of the spectacular Yosemite Valley Floor and view the giant iconic formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the breathtaking Yosemite Falls, the highest in North America. During the scenic open air experience, you will learn about the history and geology of this incredible national treasure. Later enjoy free time to take in the immense beauty of this wonderful and historic national park.
Meals: B
Overnight: Yosemite Park Area
DAY 7: SACRAMENTO – NAPA VALLEY – SAN FRANCISCO
Travel through the Sierras into Gold Country. Step back in time and experience the days of the Gold Rush at historic Old Sacramento. Later drive into the famous Napa Valley, an area of spectacular scenery and home to some of the world’s best wineries. Stop for a winery tour and tasting to sample the local product and learn about wine making. Continue southwest crossing the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to one of the world’s most amazing cities, San Francisco. Check in for your two-night stay in the “City by the Bay”.
Meals: B
Overnight: San Francisco
DAY 8: SAN FRANCISCO
Today enjoy a San Francisco City Tour to see the Civic Center area, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Seal Rocks, and Pier 39. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to browse the storefronts and see the barking sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, sample a chowder-filled sourdough bread bowl, or take a cable car ride. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow Our State travelers in one of San Francisco’s popular restaurants. The memorable meal will surely feature some seafood along with other menu selections.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: San Francisco
DAY 9: SAN FRANCISCO – HOME
Today transfer to SFO and fly home with wonderful memories of your California Coast & Yosemite travel experience.
Meals: B
Accommodations:
- 8 Nights Accommodations
- 1 Night – Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach
- Doubletree Torrance or Loews Hollywood
- Los Angeles area
- 1 Night – Cliffs Resort or Vespera on Ocean
- Pismo Beach or Embassy Suites, San Luis Obispo
- 2 Nights – Marriott, Casa Munras or Hyatt, Monterey
- 2 Night – Yosemite View Lodge, Yosemite Area
- 2 Nights – Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square, San Francisco
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Tour Rates:
$4,425 per person with a booking discount* (Double occupancy)
$4525 per person regular rate (Double occupancy)
Single supplement $1300
*Make your final payment by check prior to the final payment due date and receive a $200 per couple or $100 per single booking discount. Ask about the no risk deposit.
For reservations and more information:
Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com
Online Booking Option: Save time, postage & secure your seat for this group departure. Click here & use the Booking Number (#184632– Web Code) to make your Deposit online in just a few minutes.
Additional Information:
What to expect on an Our State trip:
Traveling with a group of Our State readers is an enriching, enjoyable, and safe way to experience new cultures, people, and places. In addition to the informative narration from the tour director and local guides, an Our State host will be available to assist in making your trip successful.
We usually fly to our destination, then travel by a comfortable motor coach with anywhere from 35 to 50 people who appreciate learning about new regions. Your entire trip will be guided, planned, and arranged for your upmost enjoyment. Many activities are things you can only do because you are traveling with Our State. There is some free time built in for you to explore on your own.
You can also choose not to attend an activity if you prefer something different. Please let your tour director know if you are not coming on a scheduled day.
Many meals are included. Where you have meals on your own, suggestions will be provided.
Most of the motor coaches have restrooms but every effort will be made to make regular rest stops.
One of the best parts of traveling with Our State is that you will meet new people, many of whom you will already have much in common with since most travelers read the magazine. Many guests often develop friendships that go on long after the tour is finished. Our State trips are generally filled with dynamic and friendly people.
Physical requirements:
Our tours are physically active but not meant to be strenuous.
Please be aware you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and terrains. There will also be extended time on the motor coach when we travel from place to place. If there are any mobility issues you will need to have an able-bodied traveling companion to accompany and assist you.
Most days are moderately paced with approximately two to three total miles of walking, possibly including some hills and stairs.
We regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
If you have additional questions, please call Our State’s Travel Director Amy Wood Pasquini at 336-286-0600, or email apasquini@ourstate.com.
