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

Coastal California

16 NIGHTS FROM £7,449 per person

Drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on this self-drive itinerary which showcases some of California’s scenic and culinary highlights. Enjoy wine-tasting and farm-to-table foods in Napa and Sonoma, discover the seaside cities of Monterey and Carmel before spending time in the Big Sur. Take in some of the state's iconic cities from San Francisco to Los Angeles as well as the spectacular beaches of Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. 

Itinerary

place DAYS 1 - 3 - San Francisco

San Francisco

Spend three days discovering the vibrant city of San Francisco. Take the famous cable cars to explore the 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 a ferry journey over to Alcatraz Island to discover the eerie corridors of Alcatraz prison. Cruise on a jeep tour of the city for a unique way to drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, stop off at the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, and indulge with some tasty sourdough bread and fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.

place DAYS 4 - 5 -  Napa Valley

Napa Valley

Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge into California's wine country. Napa Valley produces some of the best wines in the USA and the rolling hills and vineyards are a beguiling backdrop. Tour the vineyards, take a journey on the wine train and indulge in sumptuous wine-tastings.

place DAY 6 - Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley

Located next to Napa is Sonoma, where the wine rivals that of its neighbour and you’ll find plenty of art galleries and historic adobe buildings. With over 500 wineries and acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, this region is an epicurean's dream. Enjoy a memorable one night stay at The Farmhouse Inn, an exquisite boutique resort.

place DAYS 7 - 9 - Monterey

Monterey

Head south and start your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway with a stay in Monterey. Colourful buildings dotted along the wharf were once canning factories but now house quaint shops perfect for browsing in and restaurants offering the region's fresh seafood on their menus. The area is a haven for wildlife with humpback whales often spotted offshore, and visitors hoping for a closer look at the magnificent marine life can board a boat tour to spot whales, dolphins and sea otters. Visit John Steinbeck House and take the Carmel Valley Wine Trail to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a pretty and serene beach resort.

place DAYS 10 - 11 - Big Sur

Big Sur

Re-join Highway 1 and set off along the stunning coastal route south to Big Sur. Wetlands, cypress forests, rugged coastline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean provide the stunning backdrop for this epic drive. Make regular stops to enjoys the views, especially when you come to the iconic Bixby Bridge. After a day of scenic driving enjoy two nights taking your time to explore the hiking trails, activities and delicious dining in the area.

place DAYS 12 - 13 - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Continue south 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 as well as sweeping panoramas across the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Why not spend an afternoon relaxing or horse-riding along the pristine coastline? Santa Barbara is a haven of stylish seafood restaurants, fashionable boutiques, art galleries and micro-breweries.

place DAYS 14 - 16 - Santa Monica

Santa Monica

End your journey in the laid-back beach city of Santa Monica. Sitting to the west of downtown Los Angeles, the beachfront amusement park, iconic pier and casual eateries take you back to the beach towns of the past. Choose to take a tour of Warner Bros. Studios to see how the Hollywood magic is made, rent a bike and head to the picturesque Marina Del Rey or simply relax by the pool or on Santa Monica's soft sandy beach after your epic tour of California.

DAY 17 - Depart Santa Monica

Depart Santa Monica

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16 NIGHTS FROM £7,449 per person

Price includes international economy flights, terms & conditions apply.

0141 955 4000