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Our Muir Woods and Redwood National Parks Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers

Click on the question you would like to read:

General Questions: Muir Woods   Sausalito Tour Questions City Tour Questions Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Country Tour Questions Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach Questions Dinner Cruise Questions

General Questions

How To Book My Tour?

You can secure your booking directly through our secure reservation page (click here) and then once on that page , please scroll down to "Step 1-Tour Information" section to choose your preferred tour from the "select tour" drop down. Please fill out the credit card information under section "Step 2-Cardholder Information".
Please check your email you entered on our reservation form to get our merchant receipt, generated ONLY when transactions are approved! We will also send you a tour voucher confirming your tour, date and pick up time if your transaction is approved and based on availability. We will fully refund your transaction if the required tour or date is not available

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Where is Muir Woods National Park?

Muir Woods National Park is located in Marin County, 25 miles North West of San Francisco.

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How is the weather in Muir Woods National Monument?

Weather in Muir Woods and RNSP is greatly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Coastal temperatures and fog generally range between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (4–15 °C) all year round, while further from the coast summers are hotter and drier, and winters are colder. San Francisco and Muir Woods are subject to heavy fog in summer so please have some layers just in case.

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Visiting Muir Woods Park, hours of operations and the best time to visit?

Hours: Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are less crowded

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Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour Questions

How long is the Muir Woods Tour?

From San Francisco, including Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods tour lasts about 4 hours.

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How much time is allowed in Muir Woods?

About an hour is allotted to explore Muir Woods. Private tours and charters are able to stay as long as they want within the agreed time slot for the trip. (2-3 hours)

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What's special about Sausalito?

Picturesque views of San Francisco from a small, Mediterranean style town set in the hills of Marin County. Outside of San Francisco it's the most visited town in San Francisco Bay Area. Home to movie stars and celebrities.

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How long do we stay in Sausalito?

We stay in Sausalito about an hour, unless you're with a private tour, which can stay longer.

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How long is the Muir Woods/Golden Gate/Sausalito Tour?

This tour has been designed for clients who only have one morning or afternoon. The entire trip lasts about 4 hours. We are working on a new tour called the Great Muir Woods Escapade that involve points of interest in Muir Woods. Click here to learn more about this new and exclusive tour.

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Why Sausalito?

Sausalito is a picturesque relative to Mediterranean seaside towns. Sweeping, panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, unique boutiques and famous cuisine make Sausalito a great place to spend some quality time.

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Can we take the ferry back to San Francisco from Sausalito?

You are welcome to take the ferry back to San Francisco from Sausalito. Please visit the ferry website to learn more about schedule and prices.

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Where do we stop on the way to Muir Woods or the wine country?

We make 2 or 3 stops: at the Golden Gate, often in the Marin Headlands for its unique view of San Francisco and the Bay; there is also a stop in Sausalito, and an optional stop at the Palace of Fine Arts.

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Do you pick guests up at their hotel and desired locations?

Yes. We offer complimentary pick ups at any location or hotel located in the following districts of San Francisco: downtown including Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Japan Town, Market, Mission, Folsom and Howard Streets located between Van Ness and the Embarcadero, Financial District, Nob Hill, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Lombard Street, Marina District, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Presidio. We also offer complimentary pick ups for all Yosemite tours in the following locations: In Emeryville at the Amtrak Train Station and surrounding hotels, at any of Oakland's BART stations such as Mac Arthur BART Station located at 555 40th Street or in Emeryville at the train station . In addition, we also pick up at the Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station and at any hotel located on highway 120 in the city of Manteca and Oakdale. We can also arrange pick-ups in the East Bay and South San Francisco including SFO Airport. Please call us to schedule a pick-up in these areas. It may involve some additional fees. We may offer additional complimentary pick-up in Sausalito, in Sonoma and Napa including Napa airport for all wine tours. Please call us to schedule a pick-up in these additional areas in San Francisco Bay Area or elsewhere. It may involve some additional fees

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Do you pick up at hotels near the airport?

We can pick up at the airport hotels for the Yosemite and Monterey/Carmel Tours. For all other additional pick-ups please add $79 on van tour or $89 on SUV tours. Please call our office to arrange a pick up.

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Do you drive us back to our hotel after the tour?

We offer complimentary pick ups at any location or hotel located in the following districts of San Francisco: downtown including Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Japan Town, Market, Mission, Folsom and Howard Streets located between Van Ness and the Embarcadero, Financial District, Nob HIll, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Lombard Street, Marina District, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Presidio. We also offer complimentary pick ups for all Yosemite tours in the following locations: In Emeryville at the Amtrak Train Station and surrounding hotels, at any of Oakland's BART stations such as Mac Arthur BART Station located at 555 40th Street, Oakland 94609. In addition, we also pick up at the Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station and at any hotel located on highway 120 in the city of Manteca and Oakdale. We can also arrange pick ups in the East Bay and South San Francisco including SFO Airport. Please call us to schedule a pick up in these areas. It may involve some additional fees. We may offer additional complimentary pick ups in Sausalito, in Sonoma and Napa including Napa airport for all wine tours. Please call us at to schedule a pic- up in these additional areas. It may involve some additional fees.

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Do you pick up in Oakland or San Jose?

Yes, please call us to schedule a pick-up, and the additional fees that involve the duration of your use of one or more of our tours.

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Is lunch included in your tours?

Lunch, beverages, wine tasting, and entrance fees to sights and events are not included unless noted otherwise.

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Do you have restrooms on the bus?

Yes, many of our coaches have bathrooms for longer tours.

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Are your coaches clean, and well-maintained for safety?

Yes. All our vehicles comply with state and federal regulations. In addition drivers are drug tested randomly, and well-trained.

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Have you been rated? If so, what's your rating?

We have been rated. We've been given 8 out of 10 stars.

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Do you have a lost and found department?

Yes. All valuable items left in our vehicles are stored in a lost and found department for a month. Please call our office if you have forgotten anything in our vehicles. However, we are not responsible for property damage, missing or stolen items..

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Are the driver's and tour guide's tips included?

No. Your driver and tour guide will greatly appreciate any gratuities you give them. It's up to your discretion, but gratuity is usually about 15%

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Are your vehicles equipped with handicapped and baby seats?

Regretfully, we are not equipped to provide handicap-specific seating, or baby seats. We are working hard to be able to provide those services in the future.

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What type of vehicles do you provide?

EWe provide mini buses, vans, limousines, and SUV's.

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What's the difference between group and Daily tours, and a private tours?

Our daily tours are open to everybody, for individuals and groups from all over the US, and the world. Our private tours are only for private individuals, or groups who pay for privacy and service a la Carte.

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Where do you pick people up when they are coming from different cities and locations other than San Francisco?

We offer complimentary pick ups at any location or hotel located in the following districts of San Francisco: downtown including Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Japan Town, Market, Mission, Folsom and Howard Streets located between Van Ness and the Embarcadero, Financial District, Nob HIll, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, Lombard Street, Marina District, Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Presidio. We also offer complimentary pick ups for all Yosemite tours in the following locations: In Emeryville at the Amtrak Train Station and surrounding hotels, at any of Oakland's BART stations such as Mac Arthur BART Station located at 555 40th Street, Oakland 94609. In addition, we also pick up at the Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station and at any hotel located on highway 120 in the city of Manteca and Oakdale. We can also arrange pick ups in the East Bay and South San Francisco including SFO Airport. Please call us to schedule a pick up in these areas. It may involve some additional fees. We may offer additional complimentary pick ups in Sausalito, in Sonoma and Napa including Napa airport for all wine tours. Please call us at to schedule a pic- up in these additional areas. It may involve some additional fees.

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How do I book or make a reservation?

You can book directly online and save time and money:

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How do I pay for my tour?

You can pay online . We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. We also accept cash and traveler's checks.

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What is a vacation package?

A vacation package combines multiple travel elements into an all-inclusive price. This price is usually more affordable than separately booking the travel elements, because of volume purchasing. A package may include air transportation (we do not presently offer this service), lodgings and accommodations, meals, motor coach, rail or private vehicle, entertainment, car rental, airport shuttle, and sightseeing excursions.

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What are the benefits of a tour or vacation package?

Lower prices, convenience, and peace of mind.

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What if a problem occurs on my vacation?

The vast majority of tours go off like clockwork. But if a legitimate complaint should arise, please contact our office and we will do our best to resolve the issue.

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Where do the tours depart from, and at what time?

Please see our website at and look at the tour you've booked for more details concerning departure times and locations.

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Is your website safe to enter credit card information?

We have taken every precaution to ensure safety and secure transactions through our website. In addition to all the safety and security measures to protect our website from hackers and fraud, we added an additional Fraud Detection Suite to filter and identify and eliminate any eventual fraud before it occurs. We maximize all chances to guarantee your secure transactions and protect your identity.

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What forms of payment are accepted?

For internet bookings on our website, we accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For group bookings made by email, fax, or phone, the same credit cards are accepted. Certified US and Canadian checks may be accepted and money wire.

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What are your office hours of operation?

Every day 8 am - 8 pm, except Sundays, 9 am- 7 pm. These hours are subject to change.

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Do I get a discount if I purchase 2 or more tours?

Yes, you can get a discount on your second purchase. You may contact us for more information..

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Do you provide group discounts?

Groups of 10 or more are entitled to a 10% discount or more. Please contact us at Contact Us to make arrangements for group services.

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Once I make reservations, will I receive tickets for my tour?

You will receive a voucher for confirmation and travel within 24 hours of booking. Just print it out and present it at the time of check in.

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What if our tour bus is delayed due to traffic?

Any traffic delays just mean that the tour will run a little later.

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What should I wear on my tour? Are there special items I should bring?

In the summer months, dress for warm weather and bring water and sunblock. In the winter, layered clothing is your best bet. But regardless of the time of year, bring your camera. For the Yosemite tours, get ready to hike with comfortable shoes and clothing. We often hike to waterfalls and to see the Giant Sequoias.

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It's my birthday/anniversary/wedding/honeymoon. Can I arrange for a little extra on my trip?

We love to take people on special days! If you are interested in making the occasion more memorable, just give us a call and we should be able to arrange something to suit your needs. We recommend our brand new SUV for a private tour.

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I have seen cheaper tours advertised in brochures. Would you make a price match?

Yes we will match the price, as long as you provide a valid written promotion.

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How soon should we reserve our tours?

We recommend booking your tours at least two weeks in advance. However, we do our best to make room for our last minute reservations as much as possible.

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How long have you been in business?

YOur company has been providing quality tours at the lowest prices for 7 years. However, our teams has more than 20 years of experience in the tour industry, and wide international experience.

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Is smoking or drinking allowed aboard your vehicles?

For the health and safety of our passengers and drivers, smoking is not allowed on any of our vehicles. Charter groups may transport unopened alcoholic beverage containers in the luggage bays for use at the guest's destination.

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Do you have gift certificates available?

Not at this time but we are willing to work out something similar with you.

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Is my credit card safe?

Our website is safe, ensuring the safety of your credit card information as mentioned above.

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How can I contact your company?

Please contact us.

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Do you have tips for hikers?

Tips for Hikers:

  • Carry enough water for fairy rigorous hike allowing 1.30mnt for 2 miles round trip when hiking on one of our hiking tours
  • no restroom is available in certain hiking trails such as the Sequoias grove hiking tours
  • if you see a bear do not get to close
  • have hiking shoes.
  • Do not hike if you smoke or pregnant or have any health & respiratory issue. We assume no responsibility of any accident injury that may occur. Hike at your own risk.
  • the return uphill is fairy rigorous hike about 400 elevations on our Yosemite hiking trails

(Usually the Yosemite hiking trails are open from June through October) The hiking trails are located above 5000 and 6000 ft high.

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What to bring on the Yosemite tours?

What to Bring (May-October) & (November-April)

  • Small Overnight Bag (that can fit under reseat)
  • Hiking Clothes (Shorts & T-shirt)
  • Sun Protection & Bug spray
  • Water Bottle
  • Warm Layers (Evenings can be cooler)
  • Raincoat/Jacket (summer rain showers are common)
  • Hiking Boots or Sneakers (waterproof proffered)
  • Swimwear (Hotel has Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi)
  • Jacket/Pants for winter conditions

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City Tour Questions

What method of payment do you take besides cash?

We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Debit cards are also accepted. American Express is always subject to additional fees, due to their transaction costs per item and per person that they apply to us. Please note that foreign credit cards may be subject to some additional fees due to currency conversions.

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Do we remain inside the bus for the entire tour, or are we able to walk around certain points of interest?

Many smooth hiking excursions to waterfalls, wine tasting, and walk around some sites of interest are built into the tour to provide the opportunity to spend quality time in the outdoor, rather than on the vehicles.

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Does the tour guide have the required knowledge and experience necessary to successfully lead the tours?

Yes. All of our tour guides are well-trained, state licensed guides, and are members of SFTTG.org. Many are multilingual, and all are able to communicate easily and efficiently.

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Do we make photo stops at Vista points when we go on sightseeing tours

We make photo stops at the major and famous key locations. Stops can range from 5 minute photo stops to 20 minutes such as the stop at the Golden Gate Bridge and in all other sites of interest. We also add stops as the weather permits. These stops often include the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Civic Center by City Hall, Alamo Square the Palace of Fine Arts, and more.

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What is the difference between your tours and big coaches "hop on/hop off" tours?

Unlike Coach and "hop on/hop off" tours, we are not restricted to a single itinerary all the time. We have the advantage of vans and SUV's to drive almost anywhere in the city that might be off-limits to other tours. We are also able to add locations.

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Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Country Tour Questions

How long is the wine country tour?

7-9 hours.

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How many wineries are included in this tour?

For the Muir Woods/ Wine Country Tour, we generally visit 3 wineries, and have lunch at the historic Sonoma Plaza. However, we can add one more winery if time permits. For the Wine Discovery Tour in Sonoma and Napa, 4-6 wineries can be included. Private tours are the most popular options that allow more quality time to be spent at the wineries, more wine tasting, and less driving.

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Is wine tasting included? If so, are they included in the ticket price?

Wine tasting is not included. However, we always manage to offer one or more complimentary wine tasting as a courtesy to our customers. But we can't guarantee that, depending on each wine maker's policy.

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Will we be able to walk through the vineyards?

Depending on the wine tour, walking through the vineyards is possible. But we can only guarantee that on our charter and private tours.

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May we bring our children on the tours?

Yes, but no one under 21 is allowed by law to drink wine.

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This is a full day tour; will we have time to eat lunch?

We will spend time in places that combine architecture, history, views, shopping, and more. Many of these places have restaurants, cafes and diners, so lunch is almost always available.

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When do we start the tour? How long is it?

We leave San Francisco at 9 am. The tour is about 8 hours long.

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How many wineries are included on the tour?

We try to provide visitors with experiences at 4 or more wineries located in California's famed wine growing regions of Sonoma and Napa.

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How long is the drive time between wineries?

We know you want to spend time in the wineries, not sitting in traffic. That's why we pick up the best wineries located in the same region. We often target smaller wineries to provide you with excellent wine and great service.

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Are we allowed to walk through the vineyards?

Yes, some of our tours includes walks through the vineyard. A wine maker or a specialist may be available to explain the wine-making processes, from planting to harvesting, to bottling. Some wineries also allow guests to walk through the vineyards and take pictures as well.

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May we take our children along?

Children are welcomed aboard. No wine tasting is permitted by law for anyone who's under 21, but a vineyard is an exceptional learning experience for all ages.

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Do we stop for lunch?

We will spend time in places that combine architecture, history, views, shopping, and more. Many of these places have restaurants, cafes and diners, so lunch is almost always available.

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What wineries do we usually visit?

We usually visit 3 to 5 wineries from the following:

  • Chase Cellars (Private tours only)
  • Cline Cellars
  • Domaine Carneros
  • Larson Family Winery
  • Homewood
  • Loxton Winery
  • Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
  • Nicholson Ranch
  • Bouchaine Vineyards
  • Chandon
  • Sterling Vineyards (Private tours only)
  • Roche Winery
  • Mumm Napa (Private tours only)
  • Robert Mondavi Winery
  • and more

We are constantly adding more wineries to our list. We strive to provide you with the best wineries and service. If you have a special request, please contact us and we will accommodate you.

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Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach Questions

How long is the drive to Monterey?

The Monterey Tour is an all-day trip lasting 9-11 hours.

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How long do we spend in Carmel and Monterey?

We arrive at around 10:30 am and leave around 4:15 pm.

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We would like to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Do you stop there?

Yes. We allow 2 hours to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium website to learn more.

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Do we get to visit the Pebble Beach Golf Course?

Yes, visitors are able to walk around the golf course.

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When do we leave for the tour? How long does it last?

We usually leave between 8 & 9 am. The trip is day-long, lasting about 10-11 hours. We drive for about 2 hours each way between San Francisco and Monterey. We stop at a coffee shop stand along the highway where you can use the restroom and refresh yourself.

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How long do we stay in Carmel and Monterey? What is included?

Please refer to our itinerary. We usually start at the famous Cannery Row, where you can enjoy high quality seafood. And shopping. We allow you enough time to walk around and take pictures, about 2 hours. We then head down to the famous 17 Mile Drive. We wind our way along the picturesque Pacific Coast, where we make several stops at the best vista points, like Cypress Point and Pebble Beach.

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What are the charges for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the best time to visit?

Please refer to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information. They usually charge: Adult - $29.95; Child (3-12) - $19.95; Children under 3 are free, students 13-17 or with a college ID - $27.95; seniors (65+) - $27.95; These are subject to change. Only our private tours and charters may include the Aquarium due to time considerations as we deal with a group of people who have different interests.

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When is the best time to visit the Aquarium? How long does the average visit take?

The best time to visit the Aquarium is during the peak season, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The average visit lasts 2 to 3 hours, but it is easy to spend more time there. We allow 2 hours, and we have to leave on time. We recommend hiring a private tour or charter service to enjoy Monterey or Carmel at your ease. Please call us to arrange a private tour. If you are 3 or more you save time and money on doing so. Please visit our Private Tours webpage.
All the above prices are subject to update and change as well as our terms and conditions.

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Dinner Cruise Questions

What is the dress attire for the dinner cruises?

Depending on the cruise, it will usually be dressier when dinner is involved.

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When or how do we pick up the tickets?

We will provide the guest with their ticket if the dinner cruise is included. Otherwise we will give the guest recommendations and provide them with the required information.

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What time do I board the ship?

Boarding is usually around 7 pm for 7:30 departures from the Fisherman's Wharf. The cruise boats will occasionally board at 6:30 for 7 pm departures.

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How much are the dinner cruise tickets?

The dinner cruise tickets generally start at around $125.

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Where is the best place to park?

Depending on where you come from and which area you decide to park your car, we suggest parking at the parking lot located between Jones and Taylor and Beach/Jefferson. It is safe and reliable outdoor parking.

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Can I cancel my reservations?

It is possible. Please refer to our cancellation policy for more information. All cancellations must be made 72 hours before tour departure. Cancellations are subject to fees.

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Do you pick us up at our hotels?

Yes. As stated before, we pick up anywhere Downtown, Japantown, the Marina District, or Fisherman's Wharf. Please call to confirm your pick up location and time. Many hotels have the same name, so please ensure that you are providing street address, city, and zip code.

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Do you pick up from hotels near the airport?

We pick up at South San Francisco hotels and San Francisco airport hotels for $89 or more per pick up.

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Do you drop off at our hotel after the tour?

We always drive you back to the same location where we picked you up. However, if you came on your own from a location where we are not able to pick you up, we will do our best to drop you off as close as possible to where you need to be. Please note that buses and minibuses are not allowed to drive in certain areas. In this case we may have to drop you off in a different location.

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Do you pick up in Oakland, San Jose, or Dublin/Pleasanton?

We pick up in Oakland and Dublin/Pleasanton when going on the Yosemite Tour. Unfortunately we do not pick up in San Jose. However, you may take BART from Oakland, or CALTRAIN from San Jose, and we will pick you up at any Bart Station downtown or at the CALTRAIN station at 4th and Townsend Street in San Francisco. We will assist you when making your reservations to help in the best way to find your way around the city.

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Do you include wine tasting and meals in your tours?

Meals and wine tasting are not necessarily included in the tours. However, some tours provide wine tasting. We are working hard to provide a package that includes both meals and wine tasting.

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Do you have restrooms on the bus?

The majority of our full size coaches are equipped with restrooms. Our "mini coaches" and vans do not have bathrooms. All our trips go through cities and towns, or down highways with gas stations on both sides of the highway. We do make several stops to accommodate our clients. Many of our daily trips involves short driving anyway between two points.

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What method of payment do you accept?

All major credit cards, cash and traveler's checks, signed properly, that match your ID or passport.

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Are vehicles clean and well-maintained for safety?

They are well-maintained and checked daily by trained teams and dedicated mechanics in accordance with the California Department of Transportation (CHP).

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Where is Redwood National Parks and when this park was established?

The Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) are located along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park (established 1968) and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks (dating from the 1920s), the combined RNSP contain 133,000 acres (540 km2).[3] Located entirely within Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, the four parks, together, protect 45% of all remaining Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) old-growth forests, totaling at least 38,982 acres (157.75 km2).

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