California Dreaming

Fly to San Francisco. On arrival make your way to your hotel.

Perhaps blow away the jet lag by hiring a bike and pedalling across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Or, take a ride on a classic cable car, explore Fisherman's Wharf or hop on a ferry across to unmissable Alcatraz.

Collect your hire car and head inland for the Napa Valley, a world-famous wine region. Pop into a winery or two for a wine tasting experience amidst glorious scenery, and as this is a highly regarded culinary region, the eateries are equally tempting (59 miles).

Stroll downtown Napa to browse the interesting shops and unique art galleries. Later, head east for Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California-Nevada border. Dotted with small towns, there's year-round charm on offer, along with outdoor activities aplenty (183 miles).

Perhaps step out on one of the many hiking trails before you drive to Yosemite National Park (184 miles).

Known for its plunging waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, sheer granite cliffs, and more, you could easily spend weeks exploring the park's natural wonders. Top sights to capture on camera are El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point.

Drive west for Monterey which lies along the curving sweep of its namesake bay. Explore Cannery Row, go whale-watching, or wander and watch the adorable otters as they dart in and out of the kelp (188 miles).

Spend an hour or two in pretty Carmel-by-the-Sea, or if golf's your game, perhaps book a round at iconic Pebble Beach. Journey south along the famed Highway 1, stopping here and there to admire the rugged, breathtakingly scenic Big Sur Coast. You'll also cross the iconic Bixby Bridge enroute to Cambria, an enchanting town with a dreamy blend of forest and sea (102 miles).

Before heading further south, we recommend visiting nearby Hearst Castle. With its 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens and pools, it's as grand as the finest palaces of Europe. Drive onwards to picture-perfect Santa Barbara, hailed as The American Riviera (94 miles).

Stroll State Street for excellent shops and dining, wander along Stearns Wharf or visit the classic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Later, drive on to the classic Southern Californian beach town of Santa Monica, Los Angeles' coolest neighbour (92 miles).

Visit the Santa Monica Pier, feel the energy of Main Street and feast at world-class restaurants. You should also head into LA to soak up the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, or maybe even hike up to the Hollywood sign.

A short drive leads to Huntington Beach, where surfing definitely sets the tone. It's not all about the ocean though, as the city's also renowned for its craft breweries and distilleries, well worth raising a toast to (48 miles).

Before returning to the road, hang out on the landmark Huntington Pier where you can admire the locals riding the waves. Continue your road trip along the coast to San Diego, a waterfront city overflowing with sights to see and things to do (93 miles).

Explore diverse neighbourhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter, head to Balboa Park for a museum-filled day, spend the day at one of the beaches, such as La Jolla or Coronado, or visit Old Town San Diego State Park for a window into California's earliest settlements.

Return your car at the airport where your tour concludes.