Disappointed.
Before arriving in San Francisco, I already knew I wanted to do this tour. However, at this time of the year it is only achievable by private tours rather than a coach option.
We booked through Viator with what looked a great itinerary. However, with a couple of days to go still no confirmation or contact from the tour guide. Which was not a great start. So, we had to chase them.
On the morning of the tour, they were late and then advised they would be using a different vehicle which turned out to be a good thing as the message the day before stated they would be driving a Tesla which would have been very cramped indeed and totally unsuitable for the duration and distance being covered.
Once we eventually got underway the guide stated to explain the route she was intending to go. Before she got through her information, I challenged this route as she was suggesting go down through Silicon Valley on to Monterey. This was not we booked or paid for. I wanted to do the stops as per highlight on the Viator website and that is what we had booked and paid for.
She then tried to explain this was a suggested itinerary on the Viator website and should only be used as a guide. No where on the website or any information does this suggest it is a guide. After a heated conversation she agreed to do the route as per my printout (luckily, I had printed this out and brought a copy with me)
Unfortunately, this itinerary became a very whistle stop tour and we did have to miss out on the suggested 1 or 1 ½ hour stops. But at least we went down highway 1 following the famous coast road and not on the interstate as she would have had us doing.
So please ensure you know your route and itinerary that you have paid for otherwise this day will get cut in to a very short day with only seeing 2 or 3 places.
Rather than seeing the amazing views off highway 1.
Response from Host
Mar 2025
I understand your disappointment. You booked the tour on December 12, 2024. We updated the route on January 1, 2025. We discontinued that route she insisted on taking because it no longer meets the needs of our customers. This is what I was trying to explain to her but she did not want to listen. I had a splitting headache that morning and decided to hire another SUV driver. I was the tour guide. He arrived 15 minutes late as he lives in the East Bay and was caught up in the Bay Bridge traffic. I gave them 2 free hours to make up for the inconveniences that included attractions that were not on their obsolete printout. The other couple they were with were happier with the tour and gave us a tip as well.