Green Tortoise Tours

Hi All,

Once again, I'm back to ask more questions about my trip to America next year.

I'm planning to take two Green Tortoise tours from San Francisco - the National Park Loop which is 16 days and the Yosemite 3-day trip (because Yosemite isn't included in their NP Loop). Has anyone ever been on either of these trips, or any Green Tortoise tours for that matter, before? If so, what were they like? Did you feel rushed? Overcrowded?

I'm balancing out these two trips with other people with a possible solo trip down Highway 1 to Big Sur/Monterey, so can get some solitary travelling in then if I want, but I am a bit worried about the prospect of sharing a bus with unknowns for 16 or more days, understandably. If you've done trips with Green Tortoise, did you stay at their hostel in San Francisco before departing, to meet your fellow travellers and make friends? Would you recommend it?

With regards to the road trip down Highway 1, I've revised my itinerary to what it previously was, for those that remember my last post regarding my trip.
Revised Schedule:

Day 1 - San Francisco-Big Sur.
Collect hire car noon/early PM and travel out of San Francisco following CA-1 etc. Stop offs along the way. Include Half Moon Bay. Travel about 3-4 hours with stops. Arrive Big Sur by middle evening.
Realistic? Also - could use some tips re. staying in Big Sur? Is camping my best option? Hostels/hotels are expensive down there!!
Day 2 RT SF-M. Day in and around Big Sur. Include trip to Julie Pfeiffer Burns SP (15-30mins south).
I have checked out the need for State Park passes. These seem pretty expensive from what I've seen, and only annual available. Am I just not looking properly - are there week/month passes available somewhere?
Day 3 RT SF-M. Drive up to Monterey (40-50 mins) early-mid AM. Include brief stop at Sea Otter Game Refuge? Worth it? Explore/relax/recuperate.
Day 4 RT SF-M. Day visiting aquarium and whale watching trip out on the Bay. Need more time for this? Can cut down time in Big Sur/cut out Sea Otter Game Refuge quite easily if necessary
Day 5 RT SF-M. Visit Carmel. Possible day on beach/relax.
Day 6 RT SF-M. Drive up to Santa Cruz. Aim to be there by lunchtime. Explore/relax.
Day 7 RT SF-M. Finish seeing Santa Cruz. Visit Wilder Ranch SP/Henry Cowell Redwoods SP. Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Day 8 RT DF-M. Early start. Visit Big Basin Redwoods SP. Possibly do the 11 mile loop hike. Continue to San Francisco along scenic inland route. Arrive San Francisco late PM. Drop hire car off.

I feel I am spending a bit too long in Santa Cruz - is there enough to do and see? Should I spend more time exploring the State Parks? Are there plenty of beaches etc?

Thanks guys!