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| Daily Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 | Sunday, 10/3/2010 - Fly to Los Angeles and transfer to downtown Los Angeles for 1 night at the Westin Bonaventure. Free time to visit the Disney Performing Arts Center, Cathedral of the Angels, or historic Biltmore Hotel. Westin Bonaventure — Los Angeles, CA
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| Day 2 | Monday, 10/4/2010 - After breakfast at the hotel, it’s a short transfer to nearby Union Station to board our deluxe private dome train car for our mid–morning departure. Ride the rails north along the California coast and interior farmlands to Monterey. En route enjoy gourmet meals plus included wine & cocktails. Arrive in Salinas in the early evening and transfer to our hotel where we stay for 2 nights.. Monterey Bay Embassy Suites Hotel — Monterey CA (B,L,D) |
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| Day 3 | Tuesday, 10/5/2010 - This morning visit the world famous Monterey Aquarium, home to over 500 species of marine life and a one–million gallon fish tank. Enjoy free time for shopping at adjacent Cannery Row. This afternoon, we motor along scenic 17 Mile Drive with stops in Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach Lodge, & Lone Cypress Point followed by free time in quaint Carmel Village to shop & browse the art galleries. Return to our hotel for a cocktail hour prior to a seafood dinner at Fisherman's Wharf. Monterey Bay Embassy Suites Hotel — Monterey CA (B,D) |
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| Day 4 | Wednesday, 10/6/2010 - Motor east to Salinas, lettuce capital of the world and boyhood home of author John Steinbeck. Visit the National Steinbeck Center, dedicated to the life and works of one of America's most endearing authors. Learn about his novels “East of Eden” and “The Grapes of Wrath”. Enjoy a home cooked lunch at the original house of young Steinbeck. Then drive across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, past Fresno, to the town of Coarsegold and our deluxe Chukchansi Gold Indian gaming casino for 2 nights. Chukchansi Casino — Coarsegold, CA (B,L,D) |
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| Day 5 | Thursday, 10/7/2010 - Spend a full day exploring one of America’s truly great natural wonders – Yosemite National Park – originally set aside for posterity by Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Enjoy a tour of the Valley floor with stops at Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome Rock. In October, the fall foliage should be at its peak. Stop at the world famous Ahwahnee Lodge for an included lunch before returning to our hotel. Chukchansi Casino — Coarsegold, CA (B,L) |
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| Day 6 | Friday, 10/8/2010 - Motor up into the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains along scenic General’s Highway, named in 1875 by conservationist John Muir. Visit Kings Canyon National Park and marvel at the awesome 6,000 foot deep granite canyon carved by the Kings River. Stop for a picnic lunch at Grant Grove, home to General Grant Tree & Fallen Monarch. Then arrive at Sequoia National Park to visit the Giant Forest, home of the General Sherman Tree, a 275–foot high redwood tree with a 36–foot diameter. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Marriott Visalia — Visalia, CA (B,L,D)
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| Day 7 | Saturday, 10/9/2010 - Return by coach to the Central Valley as we make our way back to Southern California. Arrive mid day at LAX airport for our return flight home. (B)
NOTE: This tour involves high altitude day visits to Sequoia & Yosemite parks (7,200 feet) but no overnights at this altitude. It is advisable to check with your doctor if you are affected |
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