Itinerary Highlights
- Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge on a private, former 'America’s Cup' yacht
- Drive to Napa Valley and indulge in gourmet food and fine wine on your exclusive private tour of Napa wineries
- Embark on an exhilarating eco-rafting adventure around Monterey Bay in search of whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife
- Soar above the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, and celebrity homes in Beverly Hills on a private helicopter tour
- Best time to travel April - October
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- International Flights
10 nights from £18,589 per person
Lucy
Travel Specialist
California is synonymous with sunshine, glamour and adventure — drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on this luxury, self-drive tour along America's beautiful West Coast.
On this holiday, you'll experience California's dazzling coastline and iconic cities with stops in San Francisco, the Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Malibu and Los Angeles.
Rub shoulders with A-list stars in Hollywood, take a scenic hike in the Big Sur, taste some of the world’s finest wine on a private tour of Napa’s wineries, and take to the ocean on an amazing eco-rafting adventure in search of incredible marine life.
Along the way, you’ll stay at some of the most luxurious hotels in California and enjoy guided tours, as well as expert insights throughout your holiday.
As with all our itineraries, this tour can be tweaked, edited or completely tailor-made to your own personal requirements. Discover California in a way that’s perfect for you.
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to San Francisco
Upon arriving in San Francisco you will be met at the airport and transferred by private luxury vehicle to the five-star St Regis San Francisco. The remainder of the day is at your leisure; why not pop into the neighbouring San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or the fascinating Museum of the African Diaspora?
Day 2 San Francisco City Tour and America's Cup Sailing Adventure
This morning’s city tour includes a stop at the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge and the famed Fisherman’s Wharf – home to Pier 39 and its playful seals, stalls selling crab and clam chowder. Following on from your city tour you will board a former America’s Cup yacht for a VIP sailing experience under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, past Alcatraz Island and other nearby San Francisco landmarks.
Staying at
St. Regis San Francisco
Day 3 Private Gourmet Food & Wine Tour of Napa
After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel for your tour of California’s wine country. Your day will be spent eating and drinking your way through Napa. You will visit three carefully selected wineries for tastings and enjoy a romantic gourmet picnic lunch. In the evening, you will dine at a triple Michelin starred restaurant, one of the best in the United States, before heading back to San Francisco.
Staying at
St. Regis San Francisco
Day 4 Eco-Rafting Adventure
Collect your luxury vehicle or convertible ready for your coastal journey. Stop at Moss Landing for a private eco-rafting adventure with Fast Raft Ocean Safaris, heading out into Monterey Bay in search of humpback, orca and blue whales, pods of dolphins and other marine life. Back on dry land, continue south where you can stop off at Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea for lunch before arriving at the stunning Post Ranch Inn, sitting atop massive cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Day 5 Hiking in Big Sur
Today’s private guided hike will take you through a lavishly twisting canyon overlooking terraced waterfalls. Continue down towards the sea, keeping an eye out for humpback whales and other wildlife. After a picnic lunch your guide will drive you to Pico Blanco, the most distinctive peak in Big Sur. Take in the stunning views from the summit as you are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and mountain peaks of the Los Padres National Forest.
Staying at
Post Ranch Inn
Day 6 Drive to Santa Barbara
Spend a leisurely day driving south along Big Sur, one of North America’s most spectacular coastal drives. Stop to see massive seal colonies at Piedras Blancas National Park. Visit Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark full of art and unique architecture. Continue south through the seaside towns of Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, arriving at Santa Barbara.
Day 7 Horse Back Riding & Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Mountains
Experience the outstanding beauty of Santa Ynez Valley on horseback on a 75-90-minute guided ride through the most breathtaking ranches and vineyards in the region. Trot past idyllic scenery and unsurpassed views after which you will taste two varietals from the vineyard you visited during your ride and then a full glass of your choice. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the charming Mediterranean-inspired Santa Barbara.
Staying at
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Day 8 Los Angeles
Drive to Los Angeles and check into the glamorous Hotel Bel Air. Take a stroll around the beautiful gardens, relax by the oval pool under the shade of swaying palms and enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant where Wolfgang Puck spends his time. We can arrange for a driver to take you shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or maybe take a private visit to a mansion of a famous Hollywood Star.
Day 9 Los Angeles & Malibu Helicopter Flight
Get a bird’s-eye view of California’s most iconic landmarks as you soar over Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign and celebrity homes in your private helicopter. Head west over world-famous Santa Monica and along the coastline where you will land on a secluded plateau overlooking Malibu Beach. Alight for a picnic and champagne toast while taking in the stunning views before your pilot brings you back to a landing site nearby to your hotel.
Staying at
Hotel Bel-Air
Day 10 All About The Movies
Today is all about the movies. Your guide will take you on a red-carpet experience beginning at Studio Plaza, before you enjoy a three-course lunch at the Hollywood favourite Commissary Fine Dining Room. Next, move on to the Prop Department, home to one of a huge collection of furniture and props from Hollywood’s golden era. Visit Stage 48: Script to Screen, an exciting interactive soundstage where you can discover first-hand how movies are created.
Staying at
Hotel Bel-Air
Day 11 Depart Los Angeles
Today check-out of your hotel and transfer by luxury private vehicle to the airport
Lucy
Travel Specialist
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Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
10 nights from £18,589 per person
