West Coast Insider Escorted Tour

Escorted Tour 14 days / 13 nights – From San Francisco to San Francisco

Designed for travelers who want to explore the West in depth, the West Coast Insider is a small-group escorted tour that blends famous landmarks with hidden gems and slower, more immersive travel. From San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods to Yosemite’s granite landscapes, from Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon to the Pacific Coast Highway, this itinerary delivers a rich, balanced journey with more time to explore and fewer crowds—perfect for travelers seeking comfort, authenticity, and flexibility.

Who Is This Tour For

Travelers seeking a relaxed, immersive West Coast experience

Small-group tour lovers

Couples, solo travelers, and active seniors

Photography, nature, and coastal scenery enthusiasts

Repeat USA visitors wanting deeper exploration

Small Group Advantage

Max 25 travelers: a more personal, relaxed tour experience.

Smaller vehicle, smoother travel: enjoy deluxe transportation by sprinter or mini coach and easier logistics day to day.

More time in each destination: slower pace means less rushing and more time to explore.

Access beyond the classics: reach local highlights and scenic stops that larger groups may not easily include.

More flexibility on tour: your Tour Director can better adapt to the group’s rhythm and interests.

Day-by-day itinerary - Hotel - Extras -Map

Day 1 – Arrival in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and transfer independently to your hotel. In the evening, meet your Insider Tour Director for a welcome briefing and orientation. Overnight in San Francisco.

Day 2 – San Francisco City Tour

Discover San Francisco with a guided city tour including Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy a ride on the iconic cable car and scenic viewpoints across the city. Overnight in San Francisco.

Day 3 – San Francisco (Napa Valley or Muir Woods Optional)

A flexible day to explore at your own pace. Join an optional wine tasting tour to Napa Valley or visit the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods. Overnight in San Francisco.

Day 4 – San Francisco → Yosemite Gateway

Travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains and Yosemite region. Enjoy changing landscapes as you approach California’s most famous national park. Overnight near Yosemite.

Day 5 – Yosemite National Park → Las Vegas

Explore Yosemite National Park, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and scenic valleys (weather permitting). Continue through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas for overnight.

Day 6 – Las Vegas → Grand Canyon West → Las Vegas

Visit the iconic Grand Canyon West Rim and stop at Hoover Dam, one of America’s greatest engineering achievements. Return to Las Vegas for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 – Las Vegas → Palm Springs → San Diego

Travel through the desert to Palm Springs, known for its mid-century architecture and celebrity history. Continue to San Diego, where coastal vibes and ocean breezes await.

Day 8 – San Diego

Explore San Diego with your Tour Director, including the waterfront and historic neighborhoods. The rest of the day is free to relax, shop, or enjoy the beach atmosphere.

Day 9 – San Diego → Orange County → Los Angeles

Travel north through Orange County, passing Laguna Beach and coastal communities before reaching Los Angeles. Overnight in Los Angeles.

Day 10 – Los Angeles City Tour

Discover Los Angeles highlights including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, and famous film landmarks. Optional visit to Universal Studios available.

Day 11 – Los Angeles → Malibu → Santa Barbara → Central Coast

Travel along the coast through Malibu and Santa Barbara, enjoying ocean views and coastal charm before reaching California’s Central Coast for overnight.

Day 12 – Central Coast → Hearst Castle → Big Sur → Monterey

Visit Hearst Castle and continue along the dramatic Big Sur coastline, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Overnight in Monterey/Carmel area.

Day 13 – Monterey → Carmel → San Francisco

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea and the 17-Mile Drive before returning to San Francisco for your final overnight.

Day 14 – San Francisco Departure

Transfer independently to the airport for your return flight home, ending your unforgettable West Coast journey.

MAP Itinerary

Hotels (or Similar)

San Francisco: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Yosemite Gateway: Courtyard Fresno
Las Vegas: Sahara Hotel
San Diego: Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown
Los Angeles: Sonesta LAX
Central Coast: Santa Ynez Valley Marriott
Monterey / Carmel: Hotel Pacific
San Francisco (last night): Doubletree by Hilton SFO Airport

Hotels may be replaced with similar properties of equal category.

Optional Excursions

San Francisco Evening Tour
Napa Valley Wine Tasting
Universal Studios Hollywood
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight
Monterey Bay Aquarium

INCLUDES

13 nights hotel accommodation
Transportation by minicoach or sprinter vehicle
Professional Tour Director
3 complimentary breakfasts
Sightseeing and visits as outlined in the itinerary

EXCLUDES

International and domestic flights
Meals not mentioned
Optional excursions
Personal expenses
Gratuities for Tour Director and driver
Travel insurance

WHERE & WHEN

2026 Departures

April 10 & 24
May 8 & 29
July 24
august 7 & 14
September 25
October 16

MORE INFO & FAQ

Important Information

Child Policy: Children under 7 years are not permitted. Reduced child rate applies for ages 7–11 sharing existing bedding (where applicable).
Program may vary due to weather or road conditions
One suitcase per person recommended (small group vehicle)
Some walking required during city and park visits

Cancellation Policy

30 days prior to arrival: No charge
29–8 days prior to arrival: U.S. $500 per person
7–1 days prior to arrival: U.S. $600 per person
No Show: 100% of tour price per person

Please note that at certain times, hotels may decline name changes or booking amendments. Change fees follow the same conditions as the cancellation policy above.

Disclaimers

Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
Please Note:

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Supplier & Local Operator Guarantee

“When purchasing your vacation activities don’t take a guess!”

Our team carefully selected all local operators we collaborate with to ensure that our clients get the best possible service. All products we advertised in our website are offered by reliable suppliers that have been in business for several years and that are recognized to be leaders of excellence in the travel industry. In your travel documents, you will find complete information on the local operator, including contact numbers in case of an emergency. If you need additional help our customer service will be happy to further assist you, contact us!!

Testimonials & Reviews

"Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence – only in constant improvement and constant change." – TOM PETERS

4.9

Based on 250 reviews

What They
Say

Devonnec770 | TripAdvisor

I’m the biggest fan of Fall activities, but haven’t had a chance to do anything beyond Apple Picking in NJ. I decided to take a last minute 2 day trip with a friend in Hudson Valley, but didn’t know where to start [...] Thankfully I was able to use New York Welcome to do the hard work for us [...]

From TripAdvisor - October 2021

Breanna A. | TripAdvisor

Irene was a FANTASTIC tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area and was so patient with all our questions. We stopped to use the bathroom and we got coffee halfway through, she was so kind! It was a pleasure learning about Brooklyn from you!

From TripAdvisor - April 2022