Itinerary
Classic California
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
Vicki Cook
Platinum Travel Specialist, North America
01242 386 474
EnquireHighlights
Classic California
Perfect for families and couples alike, this tailor-made road trip combines the natural beauty, storied history and trend-setting culture of the ‘Golden State’. Begin in San Francisco, where a private cycle ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and a sunset cruise lets you admire the city from multiple angles. Continue to Yosemite National Park, whose granite massifs, towering sequoias and plunging waterfalls will have you scrambling for your camera at every turn. Kayak and snorkel in the Elkhorn Slough, enjoy behind-the-scenes access at Monterey Aquarium, and finish on the golden sands and tempting surf of Santa Barbara.
Arrive San Francisco, USA
Fly to the ‘City by the Bay’, where you collect your rental vehicle. Transfer to your hotel in downtown San Francisco and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
San Francisco
Begin today with a shared bicycle tour – a healthy, family-friendly introduction to this attractive city. You set off from Fisherman’s Wharf alongside your guide, cycling around San Francisco’s scenic waterfront. The mostly flat bicycle path takes you through Fort Mason, the Marina District and Presidio National Park, then onto the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Spend your afternoon at leisure, before boarding a catamaran for a shared sunset cruise around the Bay. Admire Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from the water, keeping your eyes peeled for marine wildlife such as sea lions and pelicans.
Yosemite National Park
Drive to Yosemite, among the ‘crown jewels’ of the United States’ national parks. After checking into your nearby hotel, spend the rest of the day independently exploring this haven of waterfalls, alpine meadows and dramatic peaks. Hike the trails to granite massifs and groves of giant sequoia – the oldest of which is just shy of its 3,000th birthday. The scale of nature here will take your breath away.
Yosemite National Park
The following day, admire more of the park’s natural wonders alongside your driver guide. Hit the road to explore the highlights, including Yosemite Valley’s most iconic waterfalls and rock formations, as well as the lesser-visited High Country – a landscape of meadows, lakes and unbeatable vantage points. You stop at beauty spots throughout, giving you plenty of time to snap some envy-inducing travel photos. Your route will be shaped around your interests and seasonal access.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea and embark on a three-hour foodie adventure. Feast on all five senses as you visit and sample tastes from Carmel’s iconic restaurants and shops. Enjoy unique flavours and experiences, a local’s insider knowledge, hidden passageways, and beautiful scenery. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel – a ranch retreat near the charming city of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Monterey
This morning, head to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. This non-profit haven of aquatic life features an 8.5-metre-tall kelp forest sustaining rockfish, leopard shark and other indigenous fish; an Open Sea exhibit housing the likes of puffins, sea turtles and jellyfish; and a range of other tanks and galleries. During your visit, enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes view of kelp fronds teeming with wolf eels, sharks, sardines and more. After exploring the aquarium, spend the remainder of your afternoon at leisure.
Big Sur
Leave Carmel and travel along California’s scenic coastline to Big Sur, where chaparral-carpeted promontories drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a guided hike into McWay Canyon, home to towering sequoia redwoods which grow to be the tallest trees on Earth. Continue by road to pretty Santa Barbara – the ‘American Riviera’.
Channel Islands National Park
After driving to Ventura, catch the ferry to the archipelago of the Channel Islands. Here you enjoy a shared sea-kayaking and snorkelling excursion, exploring this picture-perfect national park with its captivating sea caves and marine life. Afterwards, return to the mainland and transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Santa Monica
Drive to Santa Monica, set on the golden sands between Malibu and Venice, and settle in for three nights at your beach hotel. During your stay, you’ve a range of optional private experiences from which to choose. Learn the basics of surfing with a two-hour beginner’s lesson. Hop on an electric or pedal bike for a cycle ride from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. Tour the highlights of Los Angeles, from Hollywood landmarks to the ancient tar pits. Or sample LA’s diverse cuisine on a market walking tour, flitting between eateries, artisanal shops and food stalls.
Santa Monica
Avoid the tourist crowds and explore Hollywood from the sky. Enjoy incredible aerial views as you soar over the iconic Universal Studios and get up-close for camera-worthy views of the world-famous Hollywood Sign.
Santa Monica
Today is at your leisure to further explore the Santa Monica region.
Depart Los Angeles
Today, drive to Los Angeles Airport and return your rental vehicle ahead of your overnight flight home.
North America team
Whether it's an epic road trip, a relaxing escape or a whale-watching expedition, our North America team know how to plan the ultimate holiday
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