menu
close
search
ABTA IATA ATOL
close
close
Request Quote

SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

USA

California Here We Come

13 NIGHTS FROM £10,205 per person

Enjoy the freedom of the road on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through the Golden State. With bucket-list sights and natural wonders around every corner, the Californian coast has to be seen to be believed! Set off on an awe-inspiring route that starts in the Golden Gate City of San Francisco, goes on to showcase the hillside vineyards of Napa Valley, followed by the spectacular mountains and redwood forests of Big Sur, and ends with Mediterranean-inspired vistas in Santa Barbara and Hollywood glamour in Los Angeles. Luxurious abodes elevate your experience further – setting the scene perfectly for adventures and relaxation in this incredible part of the world.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS expand_more

Self-drive through incredible coastal scenery along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway

Enjoy delectable wine-tasting and farm-to-table foods in Napa Valley

See San Francisco’s highlights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the notorious Alcatraz Island and the Palace of Fine Arts

Endless sunshine, world-class theme parks and incredible outdoor experiences are just some of the reasons why California is the ultimate road trip destination

Authentic Experience

Search for whales off the Pacific Coast on a carefully crafted experience tailored to your desired adventure level that takes full advantage of Big Sur’s many prime viewing spots. With opportunities to spot a variety of species offshore, the coast is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts year-round. Whether travelling during the annual grey whale migration, or looking out for blue and humpback whales in the summer months, the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in the wild is completely humbling.

BACK TO ITINERARIES

Call our Luxury Travel Specialists

California Here We Come

Make an enquiry for this itinerary

Request Quote

ITINERARY DETAILS

    DAY 1-3 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Arrive in San Francisco and spend three nights exploring the many attractions of this eclectic city from your base at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Visit the infamous former prison of Alcatraz, cycle along the famous Golden Gate Bridge on a bike tour or enjoy a uniquely San Franciscan cable car ride along the hills of the city.

    The Ritz-Carlton, San Franciscokeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Hotel
    • Summary: Exquisite service, fine dining and elegant surroundings
    • Feature: The POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) Programme for children
    • Rooms: 336 rooms & suites
    • Location: San Francisco, California, United States of America
    • Star rating: AAA Five Diamond
    DAY 4-5 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Pick up your hire car and set off on your self-drive adventure heading north to Napa Valley. Spend two nights exploring wine country, enjoying wine-tasting and farm-to-table cuisine.

    Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collectionkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Hotel
    • Summary: Intimate hillside setting in the heart of Napa Valley
    • Feature: Northern California's top culinary destination
    • Rooms: 50 rooms, suites & private maisons
    • Location: Napa Valley, California, United States of America
    • Star rating: AAA Four Diamond
    DAY 6-7 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Drive south along the coast to Big Sur with wetlands, cypress forests, rugged coastline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean as the enthralling backdrop for this epic drive. Soak up the striking sea views during a two-night stay at the renowned cliff-top hideaway, Post Ranch Inn.

    Post Ranch Innkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Boutique Hotel
    • Summary: An adults-only resort boasting delightful accommodation
    • Feature: There are no televisions in any of the guest rooms
    • Rooms: 40 rooms
    • Location: Big Sur, California, United States of America
    DAY 8-10 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    Continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway, perhaps stopping at the Elephant Seal Vista Point and Hearst Castle, a National Historic Monument and museum. Arriving in Santa Barbara, you’ll be greeted by the famous Spanish-style architecture and sweeping panoramas across the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Dine in stylish seafood restaurants, shop in fashionable boutiques and browse stunning art galleries.

    Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecitokeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Hotel
    • Summary: A graceful, glamorous retreat on renowned Miramar Beach
    • Feature: Personalised 'Estate-Style' service and farm-to-fork dining
    • Rooms: 124 rooms and 37 suites
    • Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
    • Star rating: 5 Star
    DAY 11-14 DETAILS ACCOMMODATION

    The last stop on your self-drive adventure is Los Angeles, better known as the 'City of Angels'. Spend three nights staying at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, exploring this famous city full of Hollywood glamour and A-list legends. Take a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood, hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign or shop local produce at the farmers' market – the many attractions of this world-famous city will certainly keep you busy. Your journey ends on day 14 as you drop your hire car off at the airport and fly home.

    Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotelkeyboard_arrow_right
    • Type: Luxury Hotel
    • Summary: An iconic hotel and impressive landmark
    • Feature: Steps from the fabulous Rodeo Drive shops
    • Rooms: 395 rooms & suites
    • Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America
    • Star rating: AAA Four Diamond
DAY 1-3ACCOMMODATION
San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and spend three nights exploring the many attractions of this eclectic city from your base at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Visit the infamous former prison of Alcatraz, cycle along the famous Golden Gate Bridge on a bike tour or enjoy a uniquely San Franciscan cable car ride along the hills of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Franciscokeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Summary: Exquisite service, fine dining and elegant surroundings
  • Feature: The POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) Programme for children
  • Rooms: 336 rooms & suites
  • Location: San Francisco, California, United States of America
  • Star rating: AAA Five Diamond
DAY 4-5ACCOMMODATION
Napa Valley

Pick up your hire car and set off on your self-drive adventure heading north to Napa Valley. Spend two nights exploring wine country, enjoying wine-tasting and farm-to-table cuisine.

Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collectionkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Summary: Intimate hillside setting in the heart of Napa Valley
  • Feature: Northern California's top culinary destination
  • Rooms: 50 rooms, suites & private maisons
  • Location: Napa Valley, California, United States of America
  • Star rating: AAA Four Diamond
DAY 6-7ACCOMMODATION
Big Sur

Drive south along the coast to Big Sur with wetlands, cypress forests, rugged coastline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean as the enthralling backdrop for this epic drive. Soak up the striking sea views during a two-night stay at the renowned cliff-top hideaway, Post Ranch Inn.

Post Ranch Innkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Boutique Hotel
  • Summary: An adults-only resort boasting delightful accommodation
  • Feature: There are no televisions in any of the guest rooms
  • Rooms: 40 rooms
  • Location: Big Sur, California, United States of America
DAY 8-10ACCOMMODATION
Santa Barbara

Continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway, perhaps stopping at the Elephant Seal Vista Point and Hearst Castle, a National Historic Monument and museum. Arriving in Santa Barbara, you’ll be greeted by the famous Spanish-style architecture and sweeping panoramas across the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Dine in stylish seafood restaurants, shop in fashionable boutiques and browse stunning art galleries.

Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecitokeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Summary: A graceful, glamorous retreat on renowned Miramar Beach
  • Feature: Personalised 'Estate-Style' service and farm-to-fork dining
  • Rooms: 124 rooms and 37 suites
  • Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
  • Star rating: 5 Star
DAY 11-14ACCOMMODATION
Los Angeles

The last stop on your self-drive adventure is Los Angeles, better known as the 'City of Angels'. Spend three nights staying at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, exploring this famous city full of Hollywood glamour and A-list legends. Take a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood, hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign or shop local produce at the farmers' market – the many attractions of this world-famous city will certainly keep you busy. Your journey ends on day 14 as you drop your hire car off at the airport and fly home.

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotelkeyboard_arrow_right
  • Type: Luxury Hotel
  • Summary: An iconic hotel and impressive landmark
  • Feature: Steps from the fabulous Rodeo Drive shops
  • Rooms: 395 rooms & suites
  • Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America
  • Star rating: AAA Four Diamond

ITINERARY EXCURSIONS

Alcatraz Tour

Cruise over shimmering San Francisco Bay, spotting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to infamous Alcatraz Island. Just over two miles from the mainland, "The Rock" houses the notorious former federal prison that was once home to the country's most dangerous and renowned criminals - including Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelley, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. This informative trip includes an audio-guided tour around the cell block, as well as a video orientation with historical footage and actual interviews of former guards and inmates. Please note that tickets purchased for Alcatraz are non-refundable.

Beverly Hills and West Hollywood Bike Adventure
Guided Tour

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without exploring the exclusive enclaves of Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Join a private guide as you cycle – on a high-end hybrid road bike - past the boutique stores of Rodeo Drive and pedal between the impressive private (sometimes former) homes of television, movie and music stars – including Madonna. Wander through the beautiful grounds of a landmark Beverly Hills Estate, as well as checking out the Sunset Strip and the Pacific Design Centre. In total, you’ll cycle around 10 miles on this eye-opening and exclusive excursion.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

California basks in glorious summer sunshine, but the USA is a true year-round destination.

  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Best

13 NIGHTS FROM £10,205 per person

Price based upon economy flights from London, transfers, UK airport lounge passes and meals and excursions as specified.Pricing based upon a departure date of 01 Sep 2024 with economy flights from London. Transfers, UK airport lounge passes, meals and excursions as specified.

Request Quote

Feefo Platinum Service Award 2024

We are proud to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Service Award in 2024. This independent seal of excellence recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

Read Our Clients Reviews
Treefo

Elegant Resorts launches sustainability feature to turn client feedback into forests.

View More

The Elegant Difference

diversity_1

Expert Team

room_service

Dedicated Concierge

verified

Book with Confidence

Beautiful Luxury Beach
Red Eye