California and the Golden West

Day 1 - UK - Los Angeles - Redondo Beach

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel on Redondo Beach.

Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina (4-star)

Days 2 - Redondo Beach - San Diego

Depart Redondo Beach for San Diego where there'll be time at leisure in Balboa Park before checking into your hotel.

Hilton San Diego Harbor Island Hotel (4-star)

Day 3 - San Diego

Explore the highlights of San Diego, from the bustling streets of Downtown and the historic charm of the Gaslamp Quarter to the cultural treasures of Balboa Park and the colourful streets of Old Town San Diego. After some free time for lunch (own expense), enjoy the afternoon at your own pace - either take an optional Bay Harbour tour or relax back at the hotel.

Hilton San Diego Harbor Island Hotel (4-star)

Day 4 - Scottsdale

Travel from California to Arizona, arriving in Scottsdale in the afternoon.

Hilton Garden Inn, Scottsdale (3-star)

Day 5 - Sedona - Flagstaff

The desert scenery of Arizona is a complete contrast to the Californian coast - but just as beautiful. En route to Flagstaff, stop to take in the scenery (think pine forests, burnt-orange sandstone formations and dramatic buttes) and spend time in the artist colony of Sedona.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Day 6 - Grand Canyon

Nothing can quite prepare you for your first sight of the Grand Canyon. This colossal geographical wonder is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and one mile deep. Peer down and you’ll spot the silvery Colorado River flowing far below. Get your adrenaline pumping and take to the skies on an optional helicopter ride over the canyon, or pull up a rock and ponder the incredible view. However you choose to view it, this inspiring sight is sure to inspire the creative photographer in you so be sure to charge your camera ahead of our visit today.

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff (4-star)

Days 7-8 - Williams - Las Vegas

Sin City. The Entertainment Capital of the World. City of Lights. Las Vegas is all of the above and more. After stopping off for a Wild West shootout at Williams, arrive at this oasis of indulgence in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The city might seem a little overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to be a high roller or slots wizard to have fun here. Stop for a show (you’ll have plenty of choice!), visit Fremont Street - the ‘original’ Las Vegas - or walk along The Strip to soak up the weird and wonderful sights.

Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (4-star)

Day 9 - Calico - Selma

Cross the Mojave Desert en route to Calico, a once-thriving centre of silver mining, now an enjoyable reminder of the days when cowboys roamed its streets. Stay overnight in Selma.

Holiday Inn Selma-Swancourt, an IHG Hotel, Selma (3-star)

Day 10 - Yosemite National Park - Modesto

Yosemite takes center stage among America’s national parks, offering some of its most breathtaking sights. Inhale the crisp mountain air, admire the craggy peaks, and stroll past postcard-perfect lakes and lush forests. Pause for a photo in front of El Capitan, an immense vertical rock formation and an icon of American wilderness. With waterfalls, streams, lakes, rivers, valleys, and meadows at every turn, Yosemite proves endlessly photogenic. After soaking in this natural wonder, the journey continues west to Modesto.

DoubleTree Modesto (3.5-star)

Days 11-12 - San Francisco

Spend two nights in the ‘City by the Bay,’ with a full day at leisure. The guided San Francisco tour highlights include sampling street food in Chinatown, wandering through Union Square, and taking in the skyline while crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. With a full day to explore independently, there’s plenty to see and do. Visit notorious Alcatraz (tickets must be booked in advance from the UK), stroll along the city’s famous streets including the zig-zag of Lombard Street, or explore the eclectic Haight-Ashbury district, once the heart of America’s 1960s counterculture and a favourite of hippies, artists, writers, and musicians.

Parc 55 San Francisco - a Hilton Hotel (4-star)

Day 13 - Monterey - 17 Mile Drive - Carmel - Big Sur - Cambria - Pismo Beach

Today, make the epic drive from the old Spanish and Mexican capital of upper California, Monterey, to Pismo Beach - a route which takes you along one of the loveliest roads in the world. 17 Mile Drive wiggles along the coastline of the Monterey peninsula, passing pebbled bays, craggy coves and cypress forests. Stop for lunch in delightful Carmel, before continuing along the curving Big Sur coastline (Jack Kerouac’s inspiration) to Cambria and then our classic beach destination.

Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach (3-star)

Day 14 - Santa Barbara - Redondo Beach

Santa Barbara - a town of natural beauty favoured by artists - is a ‘really great place’ (as the locals will proudly tell you). The pretty harbour promenade and palm-fringed streets are the perfect setting for a stop, en route to Redondo Beach for the final night.

Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina (4-star)

Day 15 - Los Angeles - In flight

After check out, head to Hollywood and Beverly Hills for a city tour. If there's time, visit Manhattan Beach to experience the laid-back life of the South Bay region before transferring to the airport for a return flight to the UK.

Day 16 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.