6 Days • 5 Nights
California Short Escape: San Francisco & Yosemite
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- San Francisco's cable cars and Golden Gate
- Yosemite's thundering waterfalls
- The granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome
- Giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove
- Black bears and Sierra wildlife
- A perfect city-and-wilderness break
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Met at San Francisco airport and transferred to your hotel. Explore Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy a welcome dinner in this beautiful city.
A guided tour of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Chinatown and Lombard Street, with time to explore.
You collect your car and drive east into the Sierra Nevada to Yosemite National Park, arriving in the valley beneath its towering granite walls and waterfalls.
A full day exploring Yosemite Valley, the thundering Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome, and the meadows and trails, watching for black bears and mule deer.
A day exploring more of Yosemite, the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove and the sweeping view from Glacier Point, with a farewell dinner.
You drive back to San Francisco for your onward flight, having sampled California's city and wilderness.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a national park lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Self-drive car hire or private transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, a San Francisco tour and Yosemite park entry and reservations
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: California is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Sales tax is added at the register
- Best time to visit: California is a year-round destination; spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and busy on the coast and in the parks (and very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and skiing in the Sierra
- Driving & distances: California is large, and a self-drive is the classic way to explore; Americans drive on the right, roads are excellent, and we arrange car hire and detailed routes, though city parking can be costly
- National parks: Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and others are highlights; some Sierra roads and passes close in winter, and popular parks may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange
- Deserts & heat: Death Valley and the desert parks are extremely hot in summer; we plan desert visits for cooler months or early in the day, and you should always carry plenty of water
- Wine country: Napa and Sonoma are world-class; if tasting, plan a designated driver or a guided tour, as US drink-driving limits are strict and strictly enforced
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; the legal drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is six days enough for California?
It is a taste rather than a full tour, but it captures the Golden State's signature contrast, cosmopolitan San Francisco and the wilderness of Yosemite, beautifully. It is ideal for a short break or as an add-on to a wider USA trip.
Can this be extended?
Easily — we can add the Pacific Coast Highway and Los Angeles, the wine country, or more national parks like Sequoia and Death Valley. Just tell us how much time you have.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a wine-country lunch. California's dining is world-class, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with our recommendations.
Is this a self-drive holiday?
Most California itineraries are designed as self-drives, the classic and flexible way to explore the coast, parks and cities, with a comfortable car and detailed route notes. We can also arrange private driver-guides or rail where it suits.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit California?
Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and lively on the coast (but very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and Sierra skiing. We advise on timing for your chosen route, especially for the parks and deserts.
Are the national parks easy to visit?
Yes, though popular parks like Yosemite may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange, and some Sierra roads close in winter. We plan your park visits and any permits so everything runs smoothly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, coast, parks and wine country, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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