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    Itinerary

    Discover California

    California
    The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
    Rachel Uzzell

    Senior Travel Specialist

    01242 386 474

    01242 386 474

    Best Time To Go

    May - October

    Holiday Length

    10 nights

    Price guide

    From £2,645pp

    Holiday type

    Tailor-made

    Highlights

    Discover California

    This experience-packed itinerary is sure to please all. Explore San Francisco’s picturesque waterfront by bicycle, visiting landmark sights such as Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, checking out the beautiful beach towns of Carmel and Monterey. Take a roaring dune buggy out on Pismo Beach. Admire Santa Barba’s stunning sands and discover its renowned Urban Wine Trail, before continuing on to San Diego. The conclusion of your tour brings unique flavours and historical insight at the birthplace of California, before an evening cruise along the enchanting coastline.

    Trip details

    Here's a taste of your next A&K holiday
    Day 1
    UK - San Francisco
    Day 2
    San Francisco
    Days 3 - 4
    Carmel
    Day 5
    Pismo Beach
    Days 6 - 7
    Santa Barbara
    Day 8
    San Diego
    Day 9
    San Diego
    Day 10
    San Diego - UK
    Click for day-by-day details >

    UK - San Francisco

    Surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is your ideal introduction to the sunny state of California. Once you’ve collected your car, head to the Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco and check in. In the afternoon, explore the eclectic neighbourhood of Fisherman’s Wharf or take advantage of the hotel’s location in the heart of the action.

    San Francisco

    This morning, discover the city by bicycle. Your map, helmet and cycle lock are provided, and a pick up in the Marina District has been arranged. You may decide to explore San Diego Bay, Great Meadow Park, Crissy Field, the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps finishing in the waterfront town of Sausalito for shopping and dining. From here, you can opt to catch a ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf.

    Carmel

    Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to spend two nights in the seaside town of Carmel. Explore the town’s many historic buildings and check out the vibrant art scene. Meanwhile, the exciting town of Monterey is easily within reach by the iconic 17 Mile Drive, a wonderfully scenic coastal route.

    Pismo Beach

    Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway, where the road hugs the cliff, the ocean crashing far below. Break up your journey with photo stops at the most scenic spots. Arrive in the quirky town of Pismo Beach, and watch surfers riding rollers just off shore – or have a go yourself – before checking into The Cliffs Resort. This afternoon, ride a dune buggy on Oceano Dunes, the only beach in California where can you drive a motorised vehicle.

    Santa Barbara

    Visit the pretty city of Santa Barbara where your hotel for your two nights is the Harbor View Inn which fronts the beautiful West Beach. Quintessentially Californian, this is the perfect spot for relaxing on the sand and dipping into the ocean. There are over 25 beaches and 100 miles of coastline within reach, leaving you spoilt for choice. While you’re here, you may also discover the famous Urban Wine trail, comprised of many superb wineries.

    San Diego

    Your last stop is the colourful city of San Diego. Explore the many flavours available among the city’s best restaurants, where you can find some great Mexican and original Californian snacks. Take a short hike to the old town, where the first Spanish settlers arrived, known as the birthplace of California. You can also experience San Diego’s rich heritage and vibrant nightlife in the intriguing Gaslamp Quarter. Along the way, sampling handmade tortillas and world-class tequilas.

    San Diego

    Take a boat tour of San Diego Bay, limited to only six passengers to ensure a personal experience. Your captain reveals iconic sights such as Harbor Island, the Marine Mammal Training Facility and the formidable USS Midway. Keep your camera ready for dolphins and other marine wildlife. Adult passengers receive two complementary alcoholic drinks. Your tour can finish at sunset just off Point Loma. Disembark at the Sunroad Resort Marina and head back to Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego.

    San Diego - UK

    Take in a final glimpse of San Diego’s skyline and scenic bay as you’re transferred to the airport for your return flight.

    North America team

    Whether it's an epic road trip, a relaxing escape or a whale-watching expedition, our North America team know how to plan the ultimate holiday
    Meet the team

    Still looking for inspiration?

    We have a huge range of destinations, experiences and hotel options available.

    Learn more about our luxury tailor-made holidays and unparalleled escorted tours to California

    Interested in this trip?

    Call us on 01242 386 474

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