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California Holidays

From the rolling Pacific surf, verdant vineyards, vibrant coastal cities and magnificent redwoods of the north to southern California’s dreamy desert resorts, golden beaches and cosmopolitan cities, there’s so much to discover in California at any time of year. In fact, there’s so much to experience that you can’t see it all in one visit so be prepared for a need to return, time and time again.

PLEASE NOTE: Two sections of Highway 1 are currently closed due to storms and landslides causing areas to collapse. Please contact us for up to date information as the situation is constantly changing.

Top Tips

"Everyone should drive Highway 1 - the Pacific Coast Highway, but our tip is to do it from north to south. Whichever direction you take the scenery is stunning but you get a better view going south because you're on the ocean side of the road."

"Hearst Castle is a must-see stop as you drive along the coast, taking you back to the early days of Hollywood."

"Wine tasting tours are plentiful in Napa and Sonoma. Our favourites are Jordan's and Chalk Hill. Try the Library Tasting tour, a wine and cheese pairing at Jordan's and the Culinary Tour at Chalk Hill, a wine and food pairing prepared by Chef Didier. Both are exceptional experiences and amazing value."

"Visit the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. On Thursdays, from 6pm, enjoy music, cocktails and entertainment whist experiencing world class exhibits and star gazing on the living roof."

"San Francisco - where do you start? Visit North Beach for the cafe culture, take a tour to Alcatraz (we recommend you pre-book it), see Lombard Street, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, take a sightseeing tour of the city on a fire engine, shop in Union Square."

"For spectacular scenery, and to escape from the desert heat, take a ride on the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway. If you're in downtown Palm Springs on Thursdays, you'll enjoy VillageFest, offering live entertainment and an array of stalls selling food and gifts."

"Yosemite National Park is one of California's great natural wonders. Stay for a couple of nights and include a guided horseback ride for a tour with a difference."

"Follow the scenic 17-Mile Drive coastal route between Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove for stunning views of the Monterey Peninsula. There's a small fee to drive this route but it's worth it."

"Rent a bike or rollerblades and enjoy people watching along the boardwalk at Santa Monica and Venice Beach."

"When visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, book the VIP ticket which allows you to jump the queues and includes behind-the-scenes access."

Our website features just some of the itineraries we offer. Tell us what your ideas are and we will create the holiday for you

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Cosmopolitan Cities & Quaint Towns

San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the 1,000 acres of surrounding Golden Gate Park lead you into the cultural capital of California.
Must-sees include Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square and you won’t want to miss a cable-car ride up and down the city’s roller-coaster hills. Head south for historic Monterey, home to an outstanding aquarium. before taking the famed 17-Mile Drive and reaching charming Carmel, with its quaint antique stores, galleries and boutiques.

Ocean front Santa Barbara will enchant you with its tiled terracotta roofs and white stucco buildings whilst the altogether more hip San Diego, home to Sea World, has a hint of Mexican flavour. Greater Los Angeles ticks all the boxes with some of the best beaches from Malibu and Santa Monica to Long Beach as well as glamorous Hollywood. Beverly Hills and the entertainment centre of Anaheim. where the original Disney theme park awaits.

Wine Tasting & Natural Wonders

The climate of Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino is the secret of California’s great wines. Discover your favourite vintage, as you taste your way around charming vineyards, staying in equally charming inns and hotels. Head for Lake Tahoe, the vast plains of Death Valley National Park or the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a generous slice of fresh air and solitude. Wonder at the sheer beauty of Yosemite, 1,165 square miles of untamed wilderness. We can’t think of a place with a more spectacular coastline than California. Take to the road or relax on an escorted tour.

Resort Living

Cushioned between Joshua Tree National Park and the San Jacinto Mountains are the prestigious desert resorts of Palm Springs, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert. Quite apart from the year-round sunshine, there’s a wealth of recreational activities on the doorstep of these outstanding luxury retreats. Back on the coast, the typically Californian towns of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Newport Beach are home to spectacular beachfront resorts, the perfect base from which to explore or simply soak up the sun in the lap of luxury.

North Coast Grandeur

Just a few hours drive North of the San Francisco Bay Area is one of America’s most alluring localities, the North Coast Region of California. You can’t fake the natural features of the North Coast. There’s no imitation for a towering and ancient Giant Redwood, a locally produced wine, fresh caught Dungeness crab or the thrill of a river rafting trip down a wild and scenic river. Approximately the size of Massachusetts, this region comprises 10,922 sq. miles/17,577 sq. km of rugged beaches, old growth forests, vineyards and farmland. Rugged cliff-side beaches are backed by forests of some of the most ancient trees in the world, opportunities for outdoor adventure exist around every bend and between the local restaurants, farms, breweries, and wineries there is a coastal taste experience to satisfy everyone.

Suggested Itineraries

Fly Drive & Multi-Centre

California Destinations

Palm Springs Desert Resorts

Redondo Beach, Long Beach & Palos Verdes

Sacramento

Los Angeles

Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur & Pebble Beach

Lake Tahoe, California

Laguna Beach & Dana Point

Napa & Sonoma Wine Regions

Sequoia & Yosemite National Parks

San Diego & Carlsbad

Santa Barbara

Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz & San Martin

San Francisco

Santa Monica

Newport Beach, Newport Coast & Huntington Beach

Death Valley

Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay & San Simeon

Superior Deluxe	Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas.
Deluxe	This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand.
Moderate Deluxe	This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.
Superior First Class	More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas.
First Class	A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.
Moderate First Class	Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.
Superior Tourist Class
Tourist Class
Dude Ranch
Resort Ranch
Working Ranch