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University Tours of California Colleges | Education Unlimited

Visit some of the top universities in California – from San Diego to San Francisco – with our immersive college tour program! Our university tours give students an authentic taste of campus life and prepare rising 9th through 12th graders for the important decision of choosing a college.

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Tour Dates: 
* June 28 - July 3, 2026
* July 6 - 12, 2026
The June 28 - July 3 tour will include visits to: 

  • University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  • University of California, Irvine (UCI)
  • Claremont McKenna
  • Caltech
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)
  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO)
  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley/ CAL)
The July 6 - July 12 tour will include visits to:
  • University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  • University of California, Irvine (UCI)
  • Caltech
  • Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • Pepperdine University 
  • UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) 
  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley/ CAL)

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California University Tour Highlights

We make deciding which colleges to visit in California easy with a comprehensive college tour itinerary covering both private and public schools. Our team handles all of the arrangements, so students and parents can focus on learning about each school.

  • Visit renowned California universities and colleges
  • Experience campus life with engaging, fully guided tours
  • nteract with campus staff and admissions representatives
  • Learn the right questions to ask campus officials and key factors to consider in the college decision-making process
  • Bring home materials to help compare schools

Program Overview

  • Students arrive in San Diego on Sunday, get to know the other students in the group, and enjoy a group welcome dinner. This also allows students traveling internationally to adjust to the new time.
  • We start touring universities on Monday morning. Each day, students will participate in a morning tour and an afternoon tour. If more than one university is listed, students select a tour of their choice.
  • We break for lunch as a group and then split up again for afternoon tours.
  • Students travel to the next city and enjoy local sightseeing and food before turning in for the night.

    Click the tabs below to learn more about this program and view a tour schedule.

  • California College Tour - Frequently Asked Questions


    What cities and campuses will students visit during the tour?

    Students will embark on an unforgettable journey through some of California's most vibrant cities, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. 

    What are the accommodation arrangements? 

    Students stay at business-class hotels such as Sheraton, Westin, Marriott, or Embassy Suites. Accommodations are conveniently located near attractions, providing easy access to the best of each city's offerings. We may also occasionally stay in a campus dorm/residence hall to get a feel of campus living.

    What is included in the tour price?

    The cost of our university tour program  price includes hotel accommodations, transportation, all meals, gratuities, full-time tour directors, guided tours and activities, and a comprehensive information packet.

    Are meals provided? 

    Yes.  All meals are provided, though many students choose to bring spending money for snacks and optionsl food items.

    Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
     

    Yes, provided that we are notified in advance, we can provide allergy-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan meal options. 

    How many students are on the tour? 

    The tour is capped at 20 students. 

    Can students enroll with their friends? 

    Yes.  We encourage students to apply with friends, but even those who don't arrive knowing someone will end up with a group of peers from across the US and often around the world..

    Is the tour chaperoned?
     

    Yes, two experienced teachers will travel with the students keeping them safe along their journey and providing guidance regarding the college admissions process.

    Who are the tour guides?

    Many of our college campus tours are led by the admissions office staff, while others are led by Education Unlimited personnel. Where available, campus tours will also include an information meeting with the admissions office staff.

    How can I ask more questions?
    You can: 

    • Call us at 510-548-6612
    • Text us at 510-859-1405
    • Email us at campinfo@eucamps.net
    • Chat with us by clicking the link on the bottom right of your screen





    Tour pricing is all-inclusive, covering all costs for housing, meals, tours, ground transportation, siteseeing and gratuity. Students are responsible for pocket money for personal items such as souvenirs.

    • Price: $2950  
    • Group Price: $2750 - 3 people registering together and sharing a room: $2750 per participant
    • Parents may accompany their student on tour by registering individually with a separate enrollment form. Pricing is per person.





    Program Grades Location Start Date End Date Price Options Register
    California College Tour 9 - 12 College Tours Jun 28, 2026 Jul 3, 2026 Join Waitlist
    California College Tour 9 - 12 College Tours Jul 6, 2026 Jul 12, 2026 Enroll

    Price Options for California College Tour

    Overnight Camp $2,995

    Price Options for California College Tour

    Overnight Camp $2,994.95

    *Parents may accompany their student on tour by registering individually with a separate enrollment form. Pricing is per registrant. 

    2026 California College June Tour 

    Day 1 Arrive in San Diego:
    • Arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN). 
    • Greet your fellow travelers and enjoy dinner and siteseeing in Old Town San Diego. 
    Day 2 Orange County and San Diego
    • Enjoy a hot breakfast before exploring Orange County and San Diego.
    • Choose between the  University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of San Diego (USD).for your first college campus tour.
    • Grab a quick a lunch as we head up the coast to beautiful Orange County
    • Spend the afternoon exploring on a guided university tour of  UC Irvine.
    • Join your group for dinner and evening fun at Downtown Disney
    Day 3 Los Angeles and The Inland Empire
    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a day of touring some of SoCal's top colleges.
    • Take a student tour of Claremont McKenna's campus
    • Meet back up with the group for lunch.
    • Visit the campus of Caltech  in the afternoon.
    • Join the group for dinner and some evening siteseeing before heading back to the hotel.
    Day 4 Los Angeles
    Day 5 Santa Barbara and Malibu
    • Enjoy breakfast before touring Santa Barbara's stunning seaside campuses.
    • Begin your day with a tour of University of California, Santa Barbara
    • In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO).
    • Take in the beautiful seascape as we make our way to the heart of Silicon Valley for dinner and siteseeing!
    Day 6 Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley 
  • Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.
  • Start your morning exploring one of the nation's top universities, UC Berkeley (CAL).
  • Enjoy lunch on the motor coach as we travel to Stanford University
  • Take an afternoon tour of Stanford University 
  • Catch your flight home out of San Francisco (SFO)


  • 2026 California College July Tour

    Day 1 Arrive in San Diego:
    • Arrive into San Diego International Airport (SAN).
    • Greet your fellow travelers and enjoy dinner and Site Seeing in Old Town San Diego.
    Day 2 Orange County and San Diego
    • Enjoy a hot breakfast before venturing out to see Orange County and sunny San Diego.
    • Start your morning at your choice of San Diego's top public or private universities at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
    • Grab a quick a lunch as we head up the coast to beautiful Orange County
    • Spend the afternoon exploring UC Irvine.
    • Join your fellow travelers for dinner and evening fun at Downtown Disney
    Day 3 Los Angeles and The Inland Empire
    • Put away your mouse ears and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a day of SoCal College Touring.
    • In the morning, take a tour of the beautiful campus of Caltech 
    • Meet back up with the group for lunch before heading out for our afternoon tours.
    • Hop back on the bus and take a group tour of University of Southern California (USC)
    • Get back together with the group for dinner and some evening site seeing before heading back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
    Day 4 Los Angeles
    • Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out to visit some of LA's top universities.
    • In the morning, visit beautiful Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
    • Gather together for lunch and tell your new friends about your morning tours.
    • Spend the afternoon visiting iconic University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 
    • Enjoy dinner and shopping on 3rd street promenade and Santa Monica Pier before driving up the coast towards Santa Barbara
    Day 5 Santa Barbara and Malibu
    • Enjoy a hearty breakfast and prepare for your visits to these stunning seaside campuses.
    • In the morning, begin your day at stunning Pepperdine University
    • In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of tour of University of California, Santa Barbara located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
    • Take in the beautiful seascape and a refreshing milkshake as we make our way to the heart of Silicon Valley for dinner and site seeing!
    Day 6 Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley
  • Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.
  • Start your morning exploring one of the nation's top universities, UC Berkeley (CAL).
  • Enjoy lunch on the motor coach as we travel on the Peninsula
  • Complete your tour with an afternoon tour of Stanford University
  • Don't forget to thank our motor coach driver before departing the motor coach for your flight home out of San Francisco (SFO)
  • Optional Add-On Day 6/7: 

    • Dinner, overnight stay and sightseeing in San Francisco.  Depart Saturday morning rather than Friday evening.

    Please note: 

    • Schedule Subject to change. 

    Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. Staff assignments vary by program and location. All tours will include a minimum of two staff chaperones and will have a minimum of a 10:1 staff to student ratio.  

    Janet Willford,  - College Tour Leader

    Janet Willford is an experienced high-school teacher.  She has taught both leadership and speech and debate at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, CA for over twenty years.  As the winner of the Eukel Teacher Trust award in 2004, one student said of Ms. Willford: “I have never known a teacher who cares so much about her students, their lives, and their school. She is truly the best asset San Ramon Valley High School has”.  As noted by one parent, “Every mother dreams of a mentor to help their daughter blossom into a young woman. I could not have chosen a better woman for the job. Janet Willford is excellence on two feet”.  Janet has been a college tour leader with Education Unlimited since 2010.

    In addition to her teaching role at San Ramon Valley High School, Janet has served as the school’s activities director since 1997.  In 2016, Janet oversaw the creation of the S.T.E.M Club on the school’s campus.  Created by the students themselves, Janet helped coordinate this effort by high school students interested in inspiring elementary age children to pursue science-based learning.  Janet has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from The University of California, Santa Barbara.

    Jennifer West, MA - College Tour Leader

    Jennifer West is an experienced high school teacher and coach. With over 30 years of experience working with students in various educational spaces, she has honed her skills in creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters inclusive and interactive college and career readiness. Mrs. West experience includes 15 years as an academy English teacher, color guard director and Cheer coach. In addition, she coaches a nationally ranked independent color guard. In addition, Jennifer is her schools Activities (ASB) Director. In this role, Mrs. West has been committed to creating a campus culture that is inclusive, supportive, and focused on college and career readiness. She understands that travel can be an essential part of personal growth and has planned and overseen multiple trips to national championships for her groups. Jennifer is also an experienced world traveler who firmly believes that experiencing life outside of your neighborhood makes for a more well-rounded individual. In recent years, her personal travels have taken her on many adventures including trips to South Africa and Poland, Jennifer holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Point Loma University. She is passionate about helping students find their passions and the right environment in which to foster them, and her dedication to creating a positive and supportive educational space is second to none.