14 Days • 13 Nights
Grand California: Coast, Cities & National Parks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- San Francisco and Yosemite
- The legendary Pacific Coast Highway
- Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles and San Diego
- The deserts of Joshua Tree or Palm Springs
- The full variety of the Golden State
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 14-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, with a welcome dinner and the city to explore.
A guided tour of the Golden Gate, cable cars and neighbourhoods, with free time to explore.
A day in the Napa wine country, touring cellar doors for tastings with a gourmet lunch.
You collect your car and drive to Yosemite National Park, arriving beneath its granite walls and waterfalls.
A full day exploring Yosemite Valley, its waterfalls, monoliths and giant sequoias, watching for wildlife.
You drive to the coast and the Monterey Peninsula, exploring its aquarium and the 17-Mile Drive.
You drive the spectacular Big Sur coast to elegant Santa Barbara, the 'American Riviera'.
A morning in Santa Barbara before driving to Los Angeles for Hollywood glamour and beaches.
A guided tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the beaches.
A free day for LA's beaches, theme parks or museums.
You drive east to the desert, exploring the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park or the resort glamour of Palm Springs.
You drive to San Diego, California's sunniest city, exploring its beaches, Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter.
A free day to enjoy San Diego, its beaches, the world-famous zoo and the coastal charm, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you return your car and transfer to San Diego airport for your onward flight, having toured the whole of California.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 13 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Napa wine lunch 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, San Francisco and Los Angeles tours, a Napa excursion and national park entries
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- One-way car hire drop-off fee (advised at booking)
- 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
Why choose the fourteen-day grand tour?
It is the only way to experience all of California, cities, coast, mountains, wine country and deserts, at a relaxed pace with time to enjoy each. Nothing of the Golden State's remarkable variety is missed.
Is it a lot of driving?
There is scenic driving on most days, as this is a classic California road trip, but distances are manageable and the routes are gorgeous. We pace it with two to three nights in the key places and handle all the logistics.
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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