11 Days • 10 Nights
Luxury California: Coast, Wine & Cities
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A landmark San Francisco hotel
- An exclusive Napa wine-country resort
- Private tastings and a hot-air balloon flight
- An iconic clifftop Big Sur lodge
- A five-star Beverly Hills hotel
- Michelin dining and private touring
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred by private car to a landmark five-star San Francisco hotel. Settle into your suite and enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner.
A private tour of the city, the Golden Gate, cable cars and Alcatraz, with a Michelin dinner in the evening.
A day to indulge, private shopping, a bay sail, a spa, or the galleries and restaurants of your choice.
A private transfer to an exclusive Napa wine-country resort, with private cellar-door tastings and a gourmet dinner among the vines.
A dawn hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards, exclusive tastings with winemakers, and a farm-to-table lunch, a highlight of the journey.
A private drive to the coast and an iconic clifftop lodge in Big Sur, with the Pacific crashing below and a spa afternoon.
A day to savour Big Sur in luxury, private guided walks, a couples' spa, or simply the clifftop views and fine dining.
A private drive down the coast via Santa Barbara to a five-star Beverly Hills hotel, settling into LA glamour.
A private tour of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the beaches, with exclusive access and a Michelin dinner.
A free day to enjoy LA in style, private shopping on Rodeo Drive, a spa, the beaches, or the museums, with a gourmet farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred by private car to LA airport for your onward international departure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, gourmet dining as specified, a welcome dinner and a private wine 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
- private touring, exclusive wine tastings, a hot-air balloon flight and a luxury vehicle or chauffeur
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Premium wines and spa treatments beyond those included
- Optional private charters and experiences
- 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
What hotels will we stay in?
You stay in California's finest properties, a landmark San Francisco hotel, an exclusive Napa resort, an iconic clifftop Big Sur lodge and a five-star Beverly Hills hotel. Exact properties are tailored to your dates and confirmed on booking.
Is everything private?
Yes — this is a fully private, tailor-made journey with private guides, chauffeured transfers, exclusive wine tastings and a hot-air balloon flight, and every detail from Michelin dining to spa days arranged around you.
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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