2009 Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to the “City by the Bay”
Your California travel family adventure begins at 6:00 PM at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf. A transfer from San Francisco International Airport to the hotel is included. After traveling all day, your family might enjoy taking a dip in the outdoor heated pool or exploring a little of San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Please join us to meet your Tauck Director and the families who will be traveling with you at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meal: Dinner
Lodging: Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Day 2 – Planets, penguins, a cruise and San Francisco treats
The Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, the “painted ladies,” the Marina District and Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world,” are all world-famous symbols of San Francisco, and you’ll see them this morning on a city sightseeing tour. After crossing over the Golden Gate, you’ll sail under it on a harbor cruise that also circles Alcatraz Island, the site of the first lighthouse and U.S. fort on the West Coast – and later an infamous federal prison that held some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals of the time. Then, head for the California Academy of Sciences where a world of natural wonders waits. It’s the only place on earth with an aquarium, a planetarium and a natural history museum all under one roof! There’s a lot to see and a lot to learn at this terrific place that houses more than 38,000 living things including penguins, but maybe one of the coolest things about the Academy is that its roof is alive! Your visit there will be a highlight of your California travel. The rest of the day is free for your family to explore what interests you most in San Francisco.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Day 3 – Back to the future… and, the past
As the song says, “run and catch the wind” – and that’s just what’s been happening at the Altamont Wind Farm, one of the earliest wind farms in the United States. You can take some great pictures of the kind of giant windmills – technically, wind turbines – that may look like "alien visitors," but will produce more and more of our electricity as the future unfolds. Then “return with us to the thrilling days of yesteryear” in Columbia, where you’ll find yourselves in the middle of the Gold Rush era, as citizens still travel in stagecoaches and merchants go about their business just as they did in the 1800s. You’ll even have a chance try your luck panning for gold during your California travel! Later, put your rock-wall climbing* skills to the test on the new climbing wall at your mountain resort just outside Yosemite National Park.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA

Day 4 – It’s Yosemite – Yippee!
A visit to Yosemite is one of the very best things about California travel. Yosemite National Park is chock-full of awesome wonders and adventures, as your family will discover for yourselves today. You’ll learn about Yosemite’s history, geology, plant and animal life, and must-see attractions from park rangers during a two-hour tram tour along the valley floor. Spend some free time with your family exploring this amazing place… go for a hike, rent bikes, go to programs presented by park rangers… or anything else you choose. Later, get set for a rip-roaring evening aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Moonlight Special. First, you’ll chow down at a great barbeque dinner while the Sugar Pine Singers entertain you with old-fashioned ballads and toe-tapping melodies. Then, it’s ALL ABOARD The Logger steam train for an exciting ride through Sierra National Forest – and back in time to the days when lumberjacks and steam locomotives ruled the woods. Keep an eye pealed for “outlaws” known for stopping trains in search of passengers with loot!
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA

Day 5 – The Grizzly Giant and friends
Have you ever heard of a drive-through tree? You may see one today, as well as the Grizzly Giant, a humungous sequoia tree thought to be between 1,900 and 2,400 years old! The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to about 500 of such ancient trees. Many of these trees are real “celebrities,” with their own fascinating names and stories, as you’ll find out during the Big Trees Tram Tour this morning. Lunch is on your own today and Wawona might be a great place to have it. While you’re there, you can visit the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona; learn more about life in the good old days as you investigate historic buildings brought to this living history museum from all over Yosemite. Or, head on back to the Tenaya Lodge and spend the afternoon enjoying all the fun activities it offers with your family. Tonight, see what really goes on the woods at night during an interpretive hike lit by flashlights – and perhaps by starlight or moonlight, too – in the Sierra National Forest.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, CA

Day 6 – From the mountains to the Monterey Bay
Visit the Mariposa Museum & History Center for a look at indoor and outdoor exhibits including an authentic Gold Rush-era saloon, a typical miner’s cabin and a one-room schoolhouse. California travel wouldn’t be complete without seeing “America’s salad bowl.” At least 25% of America’s agricultural products come from California and the majority of them are produced in the San Joaquin Valley. You may see vineyards, nuts, citrus fruits and vegetables basking in the sun as you drive along. Hopefully they’ll make you hungry because you’ll want a big appetite when we stop for lunch at Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ… it’s “bad to the bone.” While you’re waiting for your lunch to arrive, check out the huge indoor tree house, ride the mechanical bull or drag your family outside and take their pictures sitting on a big pink pig! After all that food and all that fun, someone in your family might need a little nap on the ride to coastal Monterey.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Casa Munras, Monterey, CA

Day 7 – All around the Monterey Peninsula... and another great bay
Did you know that an octopus tastes with its tentacles… that among seahorses, it’s the boys who have the babies… that corals and jellyfish are cousins? That’s just part of what you may learn at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the former site of a sardine cannery and one of the world’s largest aquariums, during your visit this morning. Next up is a drive along the 17-Mile Drive through the Del Monte Forest past mansions and famous golf courses to Cypress Point, where you’ll find the lonely lone cypress. This afternoon, your family can choose between three fun things to do – a bike tour* along the coast, a kayak adventure* in Monterey Bay or a self-guided walking tour along Monterey’s Path of History. There are bound to be some cool surprises during our farewell dinner event, a "California Marketplace Experience" at the Culinary Center of Monterey. Exchange addresses with your new friends and share your favorite memories of your family’s California travel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Casa Munras, Monterey, CA

Day 8 – Homeward bound
Your California travel ends in Monterey. Your family can fly home anytime; a transfer is included from the Casa Munras to Monterey Peninsula Airport. For those flying from San Jose International Airport, one group transfer is included from the Casa Munras for flights after 11:30 AM. Please allow 1 ½ hours for flight check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast

* For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-to-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.

Reserve your family’s fun-filled California travel adventure soon
to ensure the best choice of departure dates.

Inclusive Prices

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the local guides and drivers, and of the Tauck Director are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at San Francisco International Airport and provide transportation to the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided Tauck has received accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from Casa Munras to Monterey Peninsula Airport when you choose to depart. For those flying out of Mineta San José International Airport, one group transfer is included from the Casa Munras for flights leaving after 11:30 AM on the last day of the tour only.

Child Discount ― Children 12 years of age and under may receive a discount of $200 USD on the tour price. To qualify for a child discount, the child’s birth date must be provided at time of booking. No child discount is offered on the Tauck Travel Protection plans.

Hotel Accommodations ― The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples and quadruples are usually accommodated in two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available. For safety and security purposes, children 18 years of age and under must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. Quadruple accommodations are not available for four adults.

Please note that we cannot guarantee adjacent, adjoining or connecting rooms. We will do all that we can to secure rooms next to one another or connecting when possible. A hotel may consider “adjacent” to be across the hall.

Meals ― Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tauck Director ― Majestic California: The Pacific, Redwoods & Yosemite is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.

Gratuities Included ― All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff, local guides and drivers, and the Tauck Director are included.

No Options Sold ― Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

Not Included

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the .

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours ― To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility ― Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses ― Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers (where applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.



Additional Information

Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.

If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.

Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration Internet website by clicking here.

Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility ― Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of printing.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of Casa Munras on the last day of the tour. Individual transportation is provided to Monterey Peninsula Airport when you choose to depart; one group transfer is provided to Mineta San José International Airport for flights leaving after 11:30 AM on the last day of the tour only.

Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour ― Occasionally, we will use photograph taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

Preparing To Go

Air Conditioning ― All the motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. Air conditioning is provided at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf and the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Heat only is provided at Casa Munras in Monterey.

ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Clothing and Packing ― The coastal climate of San Francisco and Monterey is cooler than the desert-like conditions of inland California where the heat of the day may drop 30 °F (17 °C) by evening. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater and jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll.

Check-in time at the Hyatt is 3:00 PM, so you may want to pack swimwear in your carry-on bag to enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool when you arrive.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Children may want to consider bringing along pocket toys and games with a “sound off” button or a portable radio or CD player with headphones for use on longer travel days. Journals, binoculars and cameras are also great for children to have with them to make the most of their adventure.

Each child will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date. If the child resides outside of the U.S, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco because customs regulations prohibit the easy delivery of the backpacks in advance.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to California:

• Short and long sleeve shirts
• Sorts, slacks and jeans
• Tee shirts
• Socks
• Light-weight sweater
• Light-weight jacket
• Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Raincoat and rain hat
• Collapsible umbrella
• Swimwear
• Gym wear
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, chargers, memory cards and plenty of film
• Binoculars
• Travel alarm clock
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Elevation ― The maximum overland elevation on this tour is approximately 6,000 ft (1,829 m). The maximum overnight elevation is 5,200 ft (1,585 m) at Tenaya Lodge.

Health ― This Tauck Bridges tour is paced to accommodate guests of all ages; nonetheless, the itinerary is active and extensive. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.

Smoking

California has a statewide smoking ban in all public places, including bars, restaurants and non-hospitality workplaces. For the health of all its guests, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is an entirely non-smoking resort.

Vaccinations

The incidence of communicable diseases in the U.S. is such that they are unlikely to prove a hazard for international travelers greater than that found in their own country. There are, of course, health risks, but in general, the precautions required are minimal.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the U.S. and other western countries, they are still common in many parts of the world. If you are not vaccinated, you may be at risk for infection. Routine vaccinations include inoculations for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/ tetanus (DPT).

No vaccinations are currently required for travel to the U.S. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. You may access the CDC Internet website, Health Information for Travelers to the United States, by clicking here.

Medical Facilities

Medical treatment in the U.S. is generally very good and widely available.

Medical Insurance

We strongly urge you to consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling to determine whether your policy applies to the destinations visited and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please click here to view a description of Tauck’s Travel Protection Plan.

Medical Emergency Information

If you not a citizen of the U.S., we recommend that you determine which emergency medical services may be available to you through your country’s representative in the U.S. before you travel.

Luggage Restrictions ―

Checked Luggage – General

While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.

Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.

Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!

Travel Document Requirements ― Majestic California begins and ends in the U.S. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must carry proof of citizenship such as your passport, a notarized copy of your birth certificate, a driver’s license with photo or your naturalization papers.

If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also wish to read the U.S. Department of State’s eJournal, See You in the U.S.A., by clicking here.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and back sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel with Children ―

Age Recommendations ― Children 3 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck Bridges journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. We recommend that children be 8 years of age or older to participate fully in all activities planned for this tour. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

Babysitting ― Tauck Bridges journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.

Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.

Special Travel Documentation for Children

Authorization for Travel

All children traveling abroad must have a valid passport.

If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.

If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.

Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment

In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.

Destination Information

Cell Phones ― We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel and group functions, as well as when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to California.

Currency and Exchange Rates ― The official unit of currency in California is the U.S. dollar (USD) and it is divided into 100 cents. Major banks and private exchange companies provide exchange services. ATMs are widely distributed, and credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks should be taken in U.S. dollars to expedite your purchases. Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

To obtain the most recent currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to The Currency Site, oanda.com, by clicking here.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping ― If you are a resident of a country other than the U.S, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what customs regulations apply to your travel to the U.S. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agency maintains an Internet website that may assist you in determining which laws apply. You may access that website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return as well.

The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used abroad, which would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.

Electrical Current ― The electrical current in California is 110 V, 60 Hz, AC, which accommodates standard U.S. plugs having either two flat pins or two flat pins and a round grounding pin. If you bring electric devices that are not compatible with this standard, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.

Internet Access is available at each hotel as indicated:

Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf – Wireless access throughout the hotel for a fee
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – Wireless access in rooms for a fee
Casa Munras – Complimentary wireless access in rooms, business center and public areas

Time Zones ― California is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early March to early November, California switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 7 hours behind.

To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.

Weather ― The coastal climate of San Francisco and Monterey is cooler than the desert-like conditions of inland California where the heat of the day may drop 30 °F (17 °C) by evening. The temperatures in San Francisco and Monterey average 15 °F (8 °C) cooler than southern California from June through August.

The average high temperature along the coast in summer is approximately 67 °F (19 °C); the average low temperature is 52 °F (11 °C). The average high temperature in Yosemite in summer is 87 °F (31 °C); the average low temperature is 52 °F (11 °C).

You may encounter occasional fog in San Francisco, Monterey, and along the coast; it can be quite breezy and a bit chilly in the summer months.

If You Have to Cancel

Cancellation Fees ― Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Travel Protection.

If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more details.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys?  Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip.  Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.

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