San Francisco & Alcatraz by Land & Sea

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
- Cruise around Alcatraz Island
After boarding the boat at the Embarcadero, you'll set out across the eastern waterfront en route to Alcatraz Island. As you cruise under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, you'll learn that in 1868, this island was the home of Fort Alcatraz, a military facility that was part of a three-point defense strategy for San Francisco Bay. In 1934, it was converted to Alcatraz Prison, a federal penitentiary. During the 29 years it was in use, the jail held such notable criminals as mobster kingpin Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz) and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly. It's also been the setting for many films such as 'The Rock' with Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage, 'Escape from Alcatraz' with Clint Eastwood and 'The Birdman of Alcatraz' with Burt Lancaster.

- Tour of San Francisco
Back on dry land, you'll board your motorcoach and cross the Golden Gate Bridge into the city. Your narrated drive will take you past the city's highlights, allowing for photo opportunities from the comfort of your seat. You'll pass Fisherman's Wharf, home to sidewalk seafood vendors, souvenir shops and other attractions, and witness Ghirardelli Square, once the site of the world-famous chocolate factory, now thriving with eclectic boutiques and cafes. You'll also pass the Cannery bustling with boutiques, restaurants and tourists.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Enjoy a brief photo stop at Vista Point, located at the northern part of Golden Gate Bridge. From this unique vantage point you can see the bridge's two towers rising an impressive 746 feet (191 feet taller than the Washington Monument!). Weather permitting, you'll witness sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, as well as Alcatraz, Angel Island and Yerba Buena Island, two islands situated in the San Francisco Bay, and the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Cruising out into the bay offers views of Treasure Island, built for the 1939 World's Fair; Angel Island State Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.