We Love —
- Beginning in San Francisco, strolling through lively Fisherman’s Wharf, and gazing out at the Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in Pacific mist.
- Experiencing the raw beauty of Yosemite National Park, where towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls and ancient giant sequoias create some of the most unforgettable landscapes in America.
- Ending our journey in Los Angeles, a city of glamour, creativity and sun-soaked lifestyle.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Discover the best of California on a 16-night journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Explore Yosemite’s natural wonders, drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, and enjoy the vibrant cities and golden beaches of San Diego, Newport, and Santa Barbara — the perfect mix of adventure, coast, and sunshine.
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover California at your own pace on this captivating 16 night road trip. From the vibrant cityscape of San Francisco to the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park and the dramatic coastal scenery of Highway 1, each day promises unforgettable highlights. Stroll through charming seaside towns such as Monterey and Santa Barbara, soak up the glamour of Los Angeles, and unwind in the tranquil desert setting of Palm Springs.
With a mix of golden beaches, iconic national parks, and lively cities, this trip showcases the very best of California in one adventure.
Your itinerary:
16 night road trip:
Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco
Day 2: San Francisco
Day 3: San Francisco – Sacramento (87–115 miles)
Day 4: Sacramento – El Portal (Yosemite) (180 miles)
Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Day 6: Yosemite – Monterey (183 miles)
Day 7: Monterey & Carmel
Day 8: Monterey – Santa Barbara (230 miles, via Highway 1)
Day 9: Santa Barbara – Los Angeles (100 miles, via Malibu)
Day 10: Los Angeles
Day 11: Los Angeles – Palm Springs (115–240 miles)
Day 12: Palm Springs
Day 13: Palm Springs – San Diego (124 miles)
Day 14: San Diego
Day 15: San Diego – Newport Beach (90 miles)
Day 16: Newport Beach
Day 17: Depart Los Angeles (approx. 43 miles to the airport)
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO
Arrive in the lively city of San Francisco, famous for its steep hills, Victorian houses, and iconic bay views. The city’s neighbourhoods each offer their own character, from bustling Chinatown to the bohemian Mission District. This eclectic and energetic hub makes for a memorable introduction to California.
- Arrive in San Francisco
- Pick up your car hire
- Night at Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (or similar)
DAY 2: SAN FRANCISCO
Spend a full day discovering the city. From the history of Alcatraz to the peaceful green spaces of Golden Gate Park, the mix of culture and nature is unmistakable. Trendy shopping streets, colourful murals, and panoramic viewpoints all add to the city’s unique appeal.
- Free day
- Night at Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (or similar)
DAY 3: SAN FRANCISCO – SACRAMENTO (87–115 MILES)
Leave San Francisco behind and journey inland, either through the vineyard landscapes of Napa Valley or over the Golden Gate Bridge. Sacramento, California’s capital, offers Gold Rush heritage, wooden boardwalks, and lively riverfront dining. It’s a city where history and modern energy blend seamlessly.
- Drive to Sacramento
- Night at Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena (or similar)
DAY 4: SACRAMENTO – EL PORTAL (YOSEMITE) (180 MILES)
Travel east towards the Sierra Nevada, watching the flat plains give way to dramatic mountain scenery. Arrive on the edge of Yosemite National Park, where soaring cliffs and thick forests set the stage for days of discovery. The sense of wilderness grows stronger as you approach the park’s entrance.
- Drive to El Portal
- Night at Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
DAY 5: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite is famed for its monumental granite walls, thundering waterfalls, and deep valleys carved by ice. The scale is overwhelming, from the towering presence of El Capitan to the iconic Half Dome. Even unhurried & relaxed walks offer unforgettable views in this natural wonderland.
- Free day
- Night at Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
DAY 6: YOSEMITE – MONTEREY (183 MILES)
Head west, crossing back through farmland before reaching the dramatic Pacific coastline. Monterey is known for its historic waterfront, thriving marine life, and literary past. The town’s oceanfront atmosphere makes it one of California’s most charming coastal stops.
- Drive to Monterey
- Night at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa (or similar)
DAY 7: MONTEREY & CARMEL
Explore the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, where the famous 17-Mile Drive winds past cliffs, beaches, and cypress trees. Just a short distance away lies Carmel-by-the-Sea, a village of art galleries, storybook cottages, and white sandy shores. Together, the two towns blend culture, history, and coastal allure.
- Free day
- Night at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa (or similar)
DAY 8: MONTEREY – SANTA BARBARA (230 MILES, VIA HIGHWAY 1)
Follow the legendary Highway 1 south, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes. The road threads through Big Sur, where cliffs plunge into the Pacific and iconic bridges span deep valleys. Santa Barbara awaits with Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined boulevards, and a relaxed beachside atmosphere.
- Drive to Santa Barbara
- Night at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara (or similar)
DAY 9: SANTA BARBARA – LOS ANGELES (100 MILES, VIA MALIBU)
Continue south along the coast, passing Malibu’s dramatic beaches and surf culture. Los Angeles soon rises ahead, a city of bright lights, sprawling freeways, and endless neighbourhoods.
- Drive to LA
- Night at Holiday Inn LAX (or similar)
DAY 10: LOS ANGELES
Spend the day in California’s entertainment capital, where film studios and cultural landmarks dominate the landscape. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Griffith Park each offer their own perspectives on this vast city. From glamorous boulevards to sandy beaches, Los Angeles has plenty to offer.
- Free day
- Night at Holiday Inn LAX (or similar)
DAY 11: LOS ANGELES – PALM SPRINGS (115–240 MILES)
Leave the coast behind and head into the desert, choosing either a direct route or a scenic detour through Joshua Tree National Park. Palm Springs welcomes with mid-century architecture, hot springs, and a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. The surrounding desert mountains frame this sun-drenched oasis.
- Drive to Palm Springs
- Night at Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs (or similar)
DAY 12: PALM SPRINGS
Enjoy a day in Palm Springs, known for hot springs, stylish dining, and a dramatic desert backdrop. The surrounding canyons and mountains add striking contrasts.
- Free day
- Night at Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs (or similar)
DAY 13: PALM SPRINGS – SAN DIEGO (124 MILES)
Travel south to San Diego, a city of sunshine, beaches, and charm. The Gaslamp Quarter offers historic streets and lively nightlife, while the harbour is ideal for strolls. Its balance of culture and coastal living makes it a highlight of Southern California.
- Drive to San Diego
- Night at Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (or similar)
DAY 14: SAN DIEGO
Enjoy a full day in San Diego at your own pace. Consider visiting Balboa Park’s gardens and museums, relaxing on Coronado Beach, or taking a harbour cruise for skyline views.
- Drive to San Diego
- Night at Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (or similar)
DAY 15: SAN DIEGO – NEWPORT BEACH (90 MILES)
Head north into Orange County, where Newport Beach welcomes you with golden sands and a bustling harbour. It’s an ideal spot to wind down your journey.
- Drive to Newport Beach
- Night at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach (or similar)
DAY 16: NEWPORT BEACH
Spend a leisurely day on the Pacific Coast. Bask on the beach, try surfing, or explore nearby Laguna Beach with its galleries and boutiques.
- Free day
- Night at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach (or similar)
DAY 17: DEPART LOS ANGELES (APPROX. 43 MILES TO THE AIRPORT)
Return to Los Angeles International Airport for your flight home and bring the memories of California’s coasts, cities, and mountains with you.
- Drop off your car hire
DAY 14: SAN DIEGO
Enjoy a full day in San Diego at your own pace. Consider visiting Balboa Park’s gardens and museums, relaxing on Coronado Beach, or taking a harbour cruise for skyline views.
- Drive to San Diego
- Night at Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (or similar)
DAY 15: SAN DIEGO – NEWPORT BEACH (90 MILES)
Head north into Orange County, where Newport Beach welcomes you with golden sands and a bustling harbour. It’s an ideal spot to wind down your journey.
- Drive to Newport Beach
- Night at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach (or similar)
DAY 16: NEWPORT BEACH
Spend a leisurely day on the Pacific Coast. Bask on the beach, try surfing, or explore nearby Laguna Beach with its galleries and boutiques.
- Free day
- Night at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach (or similar)
DAY 17: DEPART LOS ANGELES (APPROX. 43 MILES TO THE AIRPORT)
Return to Los Angeles International Airport for your flight home and bring the memories of California’s coasts, cities, and mountains with you.
- Drop off your car hire
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected hotels.
Your hotels:
San Francisco: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
Sacramento: Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena
El Portal (Yosemite): Yosemite View Lodge
Monterey: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Santa Barbara: Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Los Angeles: Holiday Inn LAX
Palm Springs: Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs
San Diego: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Newport Beach: Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach
Please note that some hotels may request a parking fee.
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is an accommodation-only stay. Make every meal a dining adventure and relish the freedom of discovering local cuisine.
Included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Optional extras —
Explorer Pass San Francisco - choice of 3 attractions (Go City)
Discover San Francisco at your own pace with a flexible pass offering a selection of must-do activities for 60 days.
Explorer Pass San Francisco - choice of 4 attractions (Go City)
Discover San Francisco at your own pace with a flexible pass offering a selection of must-do activities for 60 days.
Your journey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
California
With its heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and vibrant cities, California offers an ever-changing landscape of natural beauty and cultural allure. From the sun-soaked shores of Malibu to the redwood forests of the north, every corner reveals a new facet of the Golden State’s charm.
Must-sees:
- Griffith Observatory: Panoramic views of Los Angeles and a gateway to the cosmos.
- Big Sur’s coastline: A dramatic meeting of land and sea along Highway 1.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Otherworldly desert landscapes, where twisted trees stand beneath vast, starry skies.
Culinary culture:
Savouring California’s cuisine means indulging in an eclectic blend of global influences. From the farm-to-table eateries of San Francisco to authentic Mexican street food in San Diego, flavours are as diverse as the state itself. Don’t miss Napa Valley for world-class wines or the seafood stalls of Fisherman’s Wharf for a taste of the Pacific.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the famous landmarks, California hides lesser-known gems. Wander through the art galleries of Laguna Beach, visit the Spanish missions dotted along El Camino Real, or explore the eerie ghost town of Bodie, a well-preserved relic of the Gold Rush era.
Good to know:
The ideal time to visit is: spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasantly mild. California’s vast size makes a road trip an iconic way to explore, with endless scenic routes to discover. Public transport is limited outside major cities, so hiring a car offers the greatest freedom to uncover the state’s many wonders.
San Francisco
San Francisco, a city of enduring charm and innovation, captivates visitors with its unique blend of cultural richness and stunning landscapes. From its Victorian-era architecture to the bustling atmosphere of its diverse neighbourhoods, this city promises an experience unlike any other. Be prepared for fluctuating weather; layering your attire is a must as fog often rolls in unexpectedly, even on sunny days.
Must-sees:
- Pier 39, a vibrant waterfront spot to see sea lions basking and enjoy local shops.
- Coit Tower, offering panoramic views of the city and its iconic landmarks.
- Alcatraz Island, an infamous prison turned museum with a fascinating past, accessible by ferry.
Culinary culture:
San Francisco's food scene is as diverse as its population. The city is renowned for fresh seafood, including clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls. Chinatown offers authentic dim sum, while Mission District taquerias serve some of the best tacos in the country. Don’t miss a visit to Ghirardelli Square, a historic site for sampling exquisite chocolate, a perfect souvenir.
Dive deeper:
To experience the city’s less-trodden paths, visit the Haight-Ashbury district, once the heart of the 1960s counterculture movement. Explore Dolores Park, a green haven with breathtaking views of the skyline, or wander through Chinatown, an enclave of unique architecture and lively streets. The Painted Ladies, an iconic row of Victorian homes, offer a glimpse into the city’s historic elegance.
Good to know:
The local currency is the US dollar, and most places accept cards, though cash may be useful in smaller establishments. San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable year-round, with summer often cooler due to fog. Public transport, including buses and cable cars, is reliable, though walking allows you to fully appreciate the city’s distinctive charm.
