Itinerary Highlights
- Savour San Diego’s vibrant Baja cuisine and unwind in the serene oasis of Palm Springs
- Explore towering redwoods, celebrity surf spots and iconic cityscapes on a golden Californian adventure
- Follow Highway 1, discovering Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey's spectacular coastal scenery
- Cruise San Francisco’s pastel hills and Golden Gate vistas, tailoring your itinerary to your desires
- Best time to travel April - October
What's Included
- Car Hire
- International Flights
18 nights from £6,355 per person
Nicola
Travel Specialist
From towering redwood forests to celebrity surf spots, California is a star-studded tapestry of wanderlust and adventure. Whether it's for a city break or fly-drive, the Golden State has it all.
Let your tastebuds lead the way to savour San Diego’s vibrant Baja flavours, then drift into the oasis serenity of Palm Springs. In Los Angeles, silver-screen glamour flows through the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica’s sunlit sands.
Turn north onto the legendary Highway 1, tracing Santa Barbara’s vine-framed shores, Big Sur’s towering turquoise cliffs and Monterey’s mist-kissed coastline. Retreat inland to Yosemite’s cathedral-like granite peaks and Napa Valley’s undulating vineyards thick with ripe clusters. Then, cruise up San Francisco’s pastel painted hills beneath the glow of the Golden Gate Bridge.
With each horizon shimmering into the next, your Californian itinerary can be tailored to cover as many highlights as you like, so you can chase Hollywood stars to your heart’s content.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to San Diego
Arrive in sunny San Diego and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, The Pendry. The rest of your day is at leisure to unwind. Explore the hotel’s refined amenities and relax for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 | San Diego
Spend your first full day in San Diego at your own pace. Some of the best things you can do here include wandering the Victorian-era streets of Gaslamp Quarter and exploring the 1,200 acres of Balboa Park and its must-see, renowned museums. Or how about stepping aboard the USS Midway Museum for a glimpse into naval history? Afterwards, head back to the comfort of your luxury hotel.
Staying at
The Pendry
Day 3 | San Diego
Take one last day to experience any highlights of San Diego you may have missed. Additionally, stroll through the city, where you can discover local shops, cafés and hidden gems, or head to Coronado Beach to soak up the sun and feel the Pacific breeze. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax.
Staying at
The Pendry
Day 4 | San Diego to Palm Springs (131 miles)
Collect your rental vehicle and drive northeast to Palm Springs, taking in the varied landscapes along the way. In-between, you can stop in Escondido, visit the Palomar Observatory and, for non-drivers, enjoy a tasting at Temecula Wine Country. Continue through the lush scenery of Mount Jacinto State Park before arriving in Palm Springs.
Day 5 | Palm Springs
Spend the day exploring Palm Springs however you please. For example, you could take a self-guided tour of the city’s mid-century modern architecture. Then you’re able to venture into Joshua Tree National Park, where rugged desert scenery and rock formations await. Return to your hotel in Palm Springs to relax, enjoying the comfort and serenity of your desert retreat.
Staying at
Parker Palm Springs
Day 6 | Palm Springs to Los Angeles (125 miles)
Drive west to Los Angeles and arrive in Santa Monica. Beyond checking in at the stylish Sandbourne Santa Monica, you have plenty of things to do. We suggest you take a stroll along the famous promenade, enjoy the hotel’s complimentary bikes or visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier for classic Californian fun. In the evening, relax at your hotel, soaking up the Pacific views as the sun falls.
Day 7 | Los Angeles
Spend a day immersed in the glamour and culture of Los Angeles. You can visit Beverly Hills for upscale shopping and exquisite dining or head to Griffith Park Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Universal Studios Hollywood offers behind-the-scenes access and iconic rides if you purchase VIP tickets. Return to your hotel after having a joyous time.
Day 8 | Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (85 miles)
Travel across the iconic Highway 1 along the Pacific coastline through Malibu. Your destination is the sun-soaked Santa Barbara. When you arrive, spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 9 | Santa Barbara
Today, savour Santa Barbara’s coastal and culinary delights. One option you can do is charter a private yacht with a personal chef - an exclusive sailing experience along the sparkling coastline. Another option is a farm-to-table dining and wine experience, during which you'll sample the fine local produce and vintages. Later, return to your hotel and relax.
Staying at
Hotel Californian
Day 10 | Santa Barbara
Spend today exploring the cultural and natural highlights of Santa Barbara. Firstly, you could visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission, a beautifully preserved landmark showcasing the city’s Spanish heritage. Or perhaps consider taking a guided hike through the Santa Ynez Mountains, enjoying panoramic views of vineyards, coastline and rugged peaks. Head back to your hotel in the evening.
Staying at
Hotel Californian
Day 11 | Santa Barbara to Monterey via the Big Sur (231 miles)
Drive north along the legendary Big Sur coastline, home to dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and panoramic vistas. On the way, stop at Hearst Castle to admire its grandeur and visit Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony to observe the creatures in their natural habitat. Enjoy a late lunch at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, famed for its spectacular ocean views. Then continue to Monterey.
Day 12 | Monterey
Spend a day immersed in Monterey’s natural beauty. This can be done by heading out on a whale-watching excursion in Monterey Bay, witnessing marine life in its natural habitat. Alternatively, explore the boutique shops and art galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea or enjoy a wine-tasting tour in Carmel Valley, sampling some of the region’s finest vintages. Return to your hotel.
Staying at
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
Day 13 | Monterey to Yosemite (182 miles)
Drive inland through Central Valley and the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada, arriving at the magnificent Yosemite National Park. Check in at Tenaya Lodge, a refined retreat nestled close to the park’s natural wonders. You can then rest for the remainder of the day.
Day 14 | Yosemite National Park
Spend a full day exploring the varied landscapes of Yosemite National Park. There are small-group or private guided tours that allow you to visit the park’s key attractions, from towering granite cliffs to majestic waterfalls and ancient giant sequoias. Immerse yourself in Yosemite, spotting wildlife and enjoying sweeping vistas at every turn. Retreat to your hotel.
Staying at
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Day 15 | Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a second day to experience Yosemite National Park. Guided hikes are perfect for discovering the hidden trails, waterfalls and viewpoints. Or, spend a leisurely day enjoying the amenities at your hotel, from spa treatments to relaxing with a good book by the pool.
Staying at
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Day 16 | Yosemite to Napa Valley (243 miles)
Depart Yosemite and drive north to the world-renowned Napa Valley, passing through picturesque landscapes and rolling vineyards along the way. After arriving in the heart of California’s premier wine region, settle into your luxury hotel, ready to begin your exploration of Napa’s highlights.
Day 17 | Napa Valley
Spend a day indulging in Napa Valley’s world-class wine and culinary experiences. Visit renowned vineyards for wine tastings, enjoy meals at Michelin-starred restaurants or ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a scenic journey paired with gourmet dining. Return to your hotel to relax.
Staying at
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley
Day 18 | Napa Valley to San Francisco (75 miles)
Spend the morning enjoying Napa Valley before driving to San Francisco in the afternoon. Upon arrival, return your rental car at the downtown depot and check in at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, ideally located to explore the city. The rest of your day is free to experience at leisure.
Day 19 | Departure
Explore San Francisco with a hop-on, hop-off city bus tour, including a ferry ride and a self-guided visit to Alcatraz. Afterwards, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your late flight back to the UK.
Nicola
Travel Specialist
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Saturday: 9am - 5pm
18 nights from £6,355 per person
