Day /1
San Francisco
Fly to San Francisco, on arrival transfer to the Fairmont San Francisco for a 3 night stay.
Fairmont San Francisco HotelSan Francisco, Carmel Valley, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach /Itinerary
Day /2-3
San Fransisco
Dominated by the Golden Gate Bridge and views of Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is a city full of surprises. Alongside an expert guide, ride the historic cable cars chugging through the neighbourhoods; explore the waterfront marketplace of Fisherman’s Wharf – fishing boats, basking sea lions, clam chowder and sourdough French bread bakeries. Shoppers will be in their element at Union Square, where evenings are spent dining in trend setting Michelin-starred restaurants and world renowned opera and ballets.
Fairmont San Francisco HotelDay /4-5
Carmel Valley
Collect your hire car and drive to Carmel Valley for a two night stay, but there’s one last surprise before getting there. On the way, meet up with your private seaplane pilot who will take you on an airborne journey over San Francisco and the surrounding areas. The next day, head out on an eco-raft tour to spot the whales, otters and sea lions of Monterey Bay and Point Lobos or Elkhorn Slough, before meeting with a local guide for a behind-the-scenes look at the marine life in the bay’s aquarium.
Carmel Valley RanchDay /6-8
Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara
Drive to Pismo Beach for a restful night and surf lesson-filled morning at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa before heading back on the road to Santa Barbara. Known as the “American Riviera”, the city’s Mediterranean-style charm will tempt at every turn. Head out on horseback to explore the beaches at sunset before spending a day in the water paddling the wildlife-rife caves and coastline, before snorkelling the kelp beds of Scorpion Anchorage.
The Ritz-Carlton BacaraDay /9-12
Los Angeles
There’s a reason Los Angeles is the longest leg of this tour, there’s just so much to do. The La Brea Tar Pits and Universal Studios themselves take up two days with in-depth VIP tours. Hitch a ride around L.A. with your driver-turned-guide to take in the sights; some are household names, like the Hollywood sign and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, but some are places only a true local would know. And to round it off, a resident journalist makes for great company during a paddle boarding session and a bike ride down Venice Beach boardwalk.
The Peninsula, Beverly HillsDay /13-15
Laguna Beach
Swap the shiny city for more pristine coastline as you make your way to Laguna Beach. Time here is more for winding down, however, there is one more behind-the-scenes special on the horizon. Legoland opens its doors to grant you priority access to rides, attractions and shows with either a private factory tour or building workshop thrown into the mix.
Montage Laguna BeachDay /16
Return to London
Drop off your hire car at Los Angeles International Airport before your overnight return flight home.