Itinerary

Arrive in one of the world’s most famous cities, San Francisco, and be taken by luxury private transfer to the Hotel Caza in the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf neighbourhood. A modern hotel where you’ll have great views of either the bay or the city, it’s an ideal spot from which to get around. Get settled in and take a leisurely stroll around the local area – you’ll find you are just steps from the waterfront, Pier 39 and the iconic 3-mile long Lombard Street. Downtown, with its incredible museums and diverse neighbourhoods is just a few blocks further.

Start your first full day properly exploring this world-renowned city. There are many ways to see San Francsico, and one way we’d heartily recommend is from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on a scenic bike tour. You’ll get to see the innate beauty of the Bay Area with a 3-hour guided tour, cycling from San Francisco across to Sausalito and back, stopping for multiple photo opportunities along the way.

Whether or not you go cycling, chances are you’ll be hungry. So spend your afternoon or lunchtime taking a food tour around San Francisco. Food is a huge part of any culture, and the city has multiple districts that are known for their culinary delights. Choose between Italian-focused North Beach, historic and hip Mission District or San Francisco’s renowned Chinatown, and taste the local history.

Take your last day in San Francisco to leisurely explore the city by streetcar or on foot. There’s so much to see you can easily make this day your own. That said, if you are curious to see some of the Bay Area’s greatest landmarks, try a guided half-day tour where you can explore the famous Alcatraz Island off San Francisco’s coast, the giant redwood trees at Muir Woods and the charming town of Sausalito just across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Pick up your rental car first thing and drive about 2 hours south to the picturesque seaside town of Monterey. Filled with charm, natural beauty and abundant marine life, Monterey offers some of the most beautiful coastal nature in all of California. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of historic Monterey at Cannery Row and get settled in. The spectacular setting is worth a pause in and of itself. Spend the rest of the day exploring the galleries and boutiques along Cannery Row, venture into the surrounding Old Fisherman’s Wharf which has excellent eateries come dinner, stroll through the town’s quaint streets or visit one of the finest aquariums in the world: the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey Bay is one of the world’s premier destinations for year round whale watching, so this morning you will start the day with a half-day whale watching tour. Led by a local marine biologist, you’ll also learn about the marine wildlife of the local area and how to spot whales and dolphins. Spend the rest of the day after your tour enjoying Monterey at your leisure.

Depart Monterey first thing in the morning to arrive in Santa Barbara around lunchtime. An enchanting coastal town with tiled terracotta roofs and white stucco buildings, Santa Barbara has an illustrious past having been settled since the 1700s – first by the Spanish and later by American pioneers – and is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Drop your bags off at your hotel and get exploring – between the downtown and the harbour, there’s plenty to see on foot.

For those who want to make the most of Santa Barbara’s delightful wine country and culinary scene, take a Vineyard to Table taste tour by e-bike. Or, if you’re in the mood for some light physical activity, see Santa Barbara from the sea with a guided kayak tour of the city. You’ll experience Santa Barbara’s beauty from the ocean, witnessing breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Waterfront, the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Channel Islands and the impressive vessels in the harbour, all the while led by an experienced guide through the calm local waters and past the lovable sea life.

Take a short drive down to the world-famous City of Angels after breakfast and arrive at the Shore Hotel on the edge of west Los Angeles in Santa Monica. Both places have so much to see, it’s hard to know where to begin. Get settled in and then head out for a food and history tour at a Los Angeles staple: the Original Farmers Market. A unique landmark filled with more than 100 old-world grocers, an eclectic array of shops and dozens of restaurants serving food from around the world in an al fresco setting, the Market is a beloved town square for locals and one of the few places in the state where the businesses are still family-owned and operated and have been for generations. Take the rest of the day to explore LA at your leisure.

A walkable oasis just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles teeming with opportunities for outdoor recreation, Santa Monica is home to golden beaches, world-class restaurants, swanky nightlife, family-friendly exploration and unmatched shopping – all while offering a laid back surf culture that can only be found by the Santa Monica Bay. Spend the day exploring this oceanside locale at your leisure or spend part of the day discovering all of the town’s historic hotpots with a guided 3-hour e-bike tour. You’ll pass by the city’s iconic Art Walls, the renowned Venice Beach and the place where the US fitness boom started, Muscle Beach.

Depart the next day for Huntington Beach at your leisure. The 2-hour drive will fly by with all of the stunning coastal views. Arrive at your hotel and get your swimsuit on. Dubbed Surf City, USA, Huntington Beach has 16 miles of pure, uninterrupted coastline that’s world-renowned for one thing: surfing. Take a surf lesson – Huntington has waves for all levels – or engage in some water sports. The options for getting in the water are endless.

For beach lovers, there’s no better opportunity for making the most of California’s warm and welcoming coast, but for those who enjoy daily exploration, there’s plenty to do in Huntington’s lively downtown. Filled with unique boutiques, surf shops, open-air centres, public markets and artisanal dining, Huntington’s downtown is a wonderful place to explore for a few hours – especially as every block is enhanced by the city’s trademark ocean view.

Head to the sunny southern California metropolis of San Diego first thing – the city is incredibly beautiful and has so many museums and points of interest, you are going to want to fit them all in. Arrive at your resort, located on the exclusive Shelter Island, and take your pick from exploring the city’s many cultural attractions or spending the afternoon on the resort’s private beach. Come evening, why not take a sunset sail around San Diego’s stunning harbour? You’ll get some of the best views of the city’s skyline while enjoying the warm ocean breezes aboard a historic yacht.

Take this day to explore the epicentre of San Diego’s cultural institutions: Balboa Park or take a guided food tour of the city. San Diego has an impressive Cali-Mex culinary scene that has gained national recognition, so get a taste of it before you return home.
Soak up as much time as you would like on the resort’s private beach – come nightfall, you can even enjoy a seaside bonfire – or head into the city’s Gaslamp Quarter to experience some of the best nightlife in Southern California. You won’t have any trouble finding a great place to toast to your trip and dance the night away.