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San Francisco Neighbourhoods
Downtown & Union Square The heart of downtown San Francisco is undoubtedly Union Square, lined with fashion boutiques and upmarket department stores, and bustling with commercial activity by day and by night. The cable cars clank their way right through Union Square, on their journey between Market Street and Fisherman's Wharf, and after the shoppers catch the cable cars home, restaurant- and theatre-goers take their place, and downtown is transformed into a happening nightlife district. Chinatown San Francisco has the largest Chinatown anywhere outside of China, and it's not to be missed. The supermarkets and herbalists sell all manner of exotic wares, and the neighbourhood buzzes around the clock. After dark, Chinatown becomes a blaze of neon, and the restaurants serve up everything from a cheap bowl of noodles to the highest standards of modern Asian gourmet cuisine. Fisherman's Wharf & Alcatraz Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's tourist playground, packed with great shops and restaurants, and guarded by the playful resident sealions at Pier 39. The famous highsecurity prison island of Alcatraz is an essential part of any visit to San Francisco, with fascinating audio guides to bring the former atmosphere alive. Alcatraz was in operation from 1934 to 1963, and housed the nation's most-wanted criminals such as Al Capone and the famous Bird Man' of Alcatraz. The number of daily tickets are strictly limited, so head over to Fisherman's Wharf early in the morning to ensure you're not disappointed, or book before you travel on the ferry company's website at www.blueandgoldfleet.com Haight-Ashbury San Francisco is famous as the epicentre of hippie culture and the Flower Power' scene of the 1960s, reaching its peak in 1967 which became known as the Summer of Love'. The small district around the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets retains something of the hippie character, and is well worth a look for its record stores, second-hand clothes shops and unique jewellery boutiques. The Castro This colourful area serves as the main centre of San Francisco's thriving gay and lesbian community, and an evening stroll through the Castro to browse the unique shops, bars and restaurants is highly recommended. San Francisco is known as one of the world's most tolerant cities, and is home to people of all kinds of alternative lifestyles. The city also plays host to unmissable festivals and parades, most notably at Hallowe'en. South of Market (SoMa) This trendy area of studios, workshops and refurbished loft-style apartments is just a few minutes' walk from Union Square, and well worth the trip to discover the cultural centres around Yerba Buena Gardens and the wonderful collections of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The district stretches down to the revitalised Embarcadero, whose renaissance is perhaps best illustrated by the gourmet marketplace now held in the historic Ferry Building. The Mission Vibrant, hip and multi-cultural, the Mission District is easily one of San Francisco's most trendy. The area takes its name from the historic Mission Dolores, which was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1776. The streets to the east of Mission Street are packed with Mexican and Latin American stores selling all kinds of tropical produce and snacks.
Chinatown, Dinner & San Francisco by Night
Departures Thu/Fri/Sat (6pm) Tour SFO3D 4 hours approx. Guided walking tour of Chinatown including dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant, followed by a drive across the Bay Bridge for breathtaking views of the city by night. Price £36 per adult, £30 per child (5-11 yrs).
Deluxe City Tour (with optional Bay Cruise)
Departures Daily Tour SFO 3.5 hours approx. Tour SFO1B (with cruise) - 4.5 hours approx. One of our most popular excursions, this great orientation tour takes in all the familiar sights of San Francisco. Drive across Golden Gate Bridge and view the Pacific Ocean before stopping at Vista Point North to photograph the city skyline. Back in the city, other points of interest on the tour include the Italian-influenced area of North Beach, exclusive Nob Hill and Chinatown. To really make the most of your day's sightseeing, why not combine the Deluxe City Tour with a fully-narrated 45-minute cruise on San Francisco Bay? Price £22 per adult, £11 per child (5-11 yrs); price with Bay Cruise £32 per adult, £16 per child (5-11 yrs).
City Pass
City Pass is the easiest and cheapest way to visit a full range of San Francisco's leading attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art, and provides you with a book of vouchers that can be redeemed locally. City Pass offers a fantastic saving of around 50% on the combined admission charges payable if you were to visit each attraction individually, and is valid for 9 days from first use. Ideal for anyone looking to make the most of San Francisco. Your ticket price includes one visit to each of the following: * San Francisco Museum of Modern Art * Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure * Aquarium of the Bay * De Young Museum/Legion of Honour * Exploratorium * Academy of Sciences OR Asian Art Museum * 7 days' unlimited use of cable cars/public transport Price £31 per adult, £23 per child (5-17 years).
Monterey Bay & Carmel
Departures Daily Tour SFO8 11 hours approx. Travel down the Pacific Coast to Monterey. Visit the Aquarium (not included) and enjoy free time before taking scenic 17Mile Drive, where you will visit charming Carmel. Price £34 per adult, £21 per child (5-11 yrs).
California Wine Country
Departures Daily Tour SFO6 9 hours approx. Enjoy the sights of the famous Napa & Sonoma Valleys with vineyard visits and wine-tasting in each. Return to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. Price £33 per adult, £21 per child (5-11 yrs).
Muir Woods & Sausalito
Departures Daily Tour SFO12 3.5 hours approx. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods and the amazing 250-foot coastal redwoods, then head to the artist's village of Sausalito. Price £24 per adult, £12 per child (5-11 yrs).
Vista Helicopter
Departures Daily Tour SFHEL1/SFHEL2 Transfer to the airport for a thrilling 15-20 min (SFHEL1) or 25-30 min (SFHEL2) helicopter flight over San Francisco. SFHEL1 price £72 per adult, £52 per child (2-12 yrs); SFHEL2 price £96 per adult, £67 per child (2-12 yrs).
Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions.
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