by – Alex McCarty, Tour Manager, North America

After walking a short distance from the hotel to the cable car, you will ride the legendary hills of the City By the Bay on one of its most iconic symbols through the streets right into Chinatown.

This refuge for Asian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century has grown, generation by generation, to become the second largest Chinatown in America and boasts great shopping and even better restaurants.

Louie’s California Kitchen has been serving Contiki groups authentic family-style Chinese cuisine for a number of years and the variety of dishes that come to the table in a seemingly endless stream does not disappoint. If a healthy helping of vegetable fried rice, shrimp and veggies, beef and broccoli and sweet and sour chicken (and more!), all served with spring rolls, soup and green tea on a lazy susan aren’t your thing – no worries – there are plenty of other restaurants in the city.

For many Contiki travelers ending their tour in San Francisco, this opportunity to enjoy one last meal with brand-new lifelong friends is made that much more enjoyable by the authentic feast they share that night. And, it’s all topped off with a fortune cookie, which was invented right there in San Francisco!

Dinner in Chinatown is an Optional Excursion offered on Contiki Tours visiting San Francisco.

Dinner in Chinatown is offered as an optional excursion on Contiki USA Tours visiting San Francisco.