A 10-night self-drive adventure which is perfect for families or couples. Explore America's stunning west coast from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. Spend time hiking in Yosemite National Park before driving west to Monterey and Carmel and then hugging the famous Highway 1 along the coast to Santa Barbara, with time to relax on the beach and sample California wines in the Santa Ynez Valley.
ESSENTIAL USA - CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park.
- Driving along Highway 1 with incredible views of the California coast.
- Adrenalin-fuelled sand buggy adventure on Pismo Beach.
- Whale watching in Monterey.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive San Francisco
San Francisco - birthplace of Tom Hanks, home to movie moguls and the setting for some of the best car chases on the big screen. Surrounded by water and winelands, the city is a melting pot of cultures, a foodie heaven and boasts an eclectic art scene. You will be met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel, located on the corner of Market and New Montgomery within easy reach of all that the Bay area has to offer.
Overnight: The Palace Hotel
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Day 2 Exploring in San Francisco
Take the ferry out to Alcatraz this morning to wander around the infamous prison island. Enjoy lunch back in San Francisco before exploring the city. Head to Pier One, shop in Union Square, ride a tram, wander around the market stalls by the Ferry Building and dine in Chinatown. After a busy day of exploring, enjoy your hotel's indoor pool or spa.
Overnight: The Palace Hotel
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Day 3 Drive to Yosemite National Park
Collect your hire car and head over Bay Bridge and drive 3.5 hours east to Yosemite. Tune your car radio to 93.5 for country songs which gets you in the mood as you cruise through the constantly changing landscape climbing up to 6,000 feet with magnificent views. Break the journey for lunch in Groveland, a sleepy 1950s town that takes you back in time. Arrive at Rush Creek Lodge by mid-afternoon and cool off in the saltwater pool before enjoying cocktails at the pool bar.
Overnight: Rush Creek Lodge
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Day 4 Hiking in Yosemite National Park
The Lodge is 20 minutes from the National Park entrance and once in the park you drive on CA-120 which is probably the most challenging entry into the park in terms of the steep road and sharp turns - but worth it for the views! It is then another 45 minutes on to Yosemite Valley in the heart of the park. From here you can take numerous trails through the trees up into the mountains to see such highlights as Big Dome and Bridlevail Falls.
Option: Book a private guide for your hiking to maximise the time you have today and ensure you see the highlights.
Overnight: Rush Creek Lodge
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Day 5 Yosemite to Monterey
Head out after a hearty breakfast and drive west to Monterey on the coast. Stopping en-route in Gilroy, renowned for its fruit orchards.The journey takes 3.5 hours. Another great stop is Moss Landing for fried artichoke hearts and smoothies. This evening, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy drinks and dinner on Monterey's pier.
Option: For excellent wine tasting and a more superior hotel, you might like to consider upgrading to the Bernadus Lodge in Carmel Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Pacific
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Day 6 Whale-Watching in Monterey
This morning, enjoy a whale-watching trip in Monterey Bay which is teeming with marine life. Expect to see humpback whales as well as blue whales, fin whales, gray whales, killer whales and a variety of other dolphin species. Back on dry land, grab some lunch before visiting Monterey's world-famous aquarium. This evening drive 10 minutes to Carmel-By-The-Sea, famed for having Clint Eastwood as its mayor. Roam the grid network of streets crammed with quaint boutiques, delis and restaurants, and finish with an evening stroll along the beach.
Overnight: Hotel Pacific
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Day 7 Monterey-Pismo Beach-Santa Barbara
Pack up and head south to Santa Barbara today. Make sure you take a detour just outside Carmel and drive along 17 Mile Drive, one of the world's most scenic drives around the headland from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach where you'll see oversized mansions belonging to the richest of the rich. Highway 1 then hugs the coast from Carmel to Santa Barbara - an incredible stretch of road with regular places to pull over to take photographs. Stop in Big Sur for lunch and sip a cold glass of local Chardonnay (adults only) as you watch the California Condors and Red Tailed Hawks circle above you. Just short of Santa Barbara, stop at Pismo Beach for an hour's adrenalin rush as you drive a 2-seater motorized buggy over the sand dunes. Arrive in Santa Barbara in time to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Californian
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Day 8 - 10 Beach & Watersports in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is all about beach life and watersports with wine tasting thrown in. The next three days are at leisure to shop for trinkets on the pier with great harbour views, paddle board, surf, cycle and walk. Known as the Galapagos of the USA, a boat trip to the Channel Islands should not be missed. The hotel has a pool and spa or you can head downtown for a vast array of clothes shops. Dine at Brophys in the marina and taste the best clam chowder in the state.
Option: Book a private guide for a day's wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Californian
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Day 11 Depart
Drive just over 1.5 hours to Los Angeles and drop your car at the airport in time for your flight home.
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Depart
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Addition to Day 11
Extend your holiday by adding a few days in Los Angeles so that you can explore Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and spend a day or two at Universal Studios, Disneyland or Legoland.
Alternatively, Bermuda makes an excellent stopover for beach on the way home.
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 7,034 |
| Mid | $ 5,922 |
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"Fantastic service, knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Helped us plan our road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles - amazing memories."
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a double/twin room throughout.
- May and September are the most beautiful months to visit, avoiding the summer crowds.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary using entry level rooms.
- Private transfer on arrival in San Francisco.
- Hire car - mid range with full insurance cover.
- Alcatraz entrance fees and return ferry tickets.
- Whale watching trip in Monterey on shared basis.
- Dune buggy (2-seater) on Pismo Beach.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
- Optional upgrades which are purely suggestions.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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