Tailor-Made Itineraries | Classic California | If Only
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SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY
United States

Classic California

13 NIGHTS FROM £6,449 per person

California is home to some of the most iconic cities in the whole of the United States, and there is no better way of combining them than on a scenic self drive holiday. Start your trip in vibrant San Francisco, then head south along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, stopping along the way to enjoy time in the seaside cities of Monterey and Carmel before spending time in the Big Sur. Continue on to the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara and finish your epic California adventure exploring all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Itinerary

place DAYS 1 - 3 - San Francisco

San Francisco

Your journey starts in San Francisco, where you will have three days to discover this iconic city. Take a ride on the famous cable cars to explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods, sample some local produce at the Ferry Building, and enjoy the eclectic nightlife; Union Square for cocktails, SoMa for dancing and Presidio for micro-breweries.Take the ferry over to Alcatraz Island to visit the notorious Alcatraz prison and learn all about the fascinating history. Enjoy a jeep tour of the city and discover the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and indulge with some tasty sourdough bread and fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. 

place DAYS 4 - 5 - Carmel

Carmel

Heading south, start your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway with a stay in the oasis of Carmel Valley Ranch. With plenty of activities to keep you busy you can spend time honey tasting, hiking, cheese tasting, golfing or horse riding during your stay. A short drive away is the charming city of Monterey, home to colourful buildings dotted along the wharf which were once canning factories but now house quaint shops and restaurants. The area is also a haven for wildlife, which you can enjoy on a whale watching tour to spot humpback whales, dolphins, orcas and sea lions to name just a few. Visit John Steinbeck House, and take the Carmel Valley Wine Trail to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a pretty and serene beach resort. 

place DAYS 6 - 7 - Big Sur

Big Sur

Re-join Highway One and set off on the stunning coastal route south to Big Sur. Wetlands, cypress forests, rugged coastline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean provide the backdrop for this epic drive. Make regular stops to enjoys the views, especially when you come to the iconic Bixby Bridge.

place DAYS 8 - 10 - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway passing the stunning McWay Falls, Sand Dollar Beach and Black Swift Waterfalls. In San Simeon, view the wildlife at Elephant Seal Vista Point and then visit Hearst Castle, a National Historic Monument and museum. When you arrive in Santa Barbara you will be greeted by the famous Spanish-style architecture and sweeping panoramas across the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. This upscale resort bustles with stylish seafood restaurants, fashionable boutiques, art galleries and micro-breweries. Go shopping on State Street, dine at the vibrant Funk Zone, or visit one of the county’s urban wineries with ease on a Hotel Californian bicycle.

place DAYS 11 - 13 - Los Angeles

Los Angeles

The final stop on this epic tour of California is Los Angeles, often referred to as the 'City Of Angels and is where Hollywood glamour and legend sit side by side in the very heart of the much-lauded film and music industry. LA has something for everyone whether it be; world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive, thrill seeking adventures at Universal Studios, hiking to the iconic Hollywood sign or experiencing that local life with a freshly made drink from the farmers market. End your trip soaking up the sunshine on the beach in Santa Monica and enjoy a stroll along the famous pier.

DAY 14 - Depart Los Angeles

Depart Los Angeles

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13 NIGHTS FROM £6,449 per person

Price includes international economy flights, terms & conditions apply.

0141 955 4000