California explored

Experience the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles with a day spent exploring its star-studded highlights. Stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and walk among the stars. Delve behind the scenes of some of the biggest movies of all time with visits to Warner Brother's Film Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood. Learn about the making of blockbuster films and see film sets up close.

Depart Los Angeles early this morning and head north to the mighty Sequoia groves of Sequoia National Park; a journey of around five hours. Upon arrival at your hotel in the heart of the park spend the afternoon exploring the sights at your leisure. We recommend paying a visit to the General Sherman — the largest tree on Earth by volume. There are lots of walking trails that help you explore the forests and take in the sheer size of the trees here.

Enjoy a full day exploring Sequoia National Park and walk among the mighty sequoias in the Giant Forest. There are also several hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas, waterfalls, and meadows filled with wildflowers. We can also recommend a visit to Kings Canyon National Park, where you can hike through the impressive Kings Canyon, a steep gorge carved out by the Kings River, or visit Zumwalt Meadow, a scenic area with wildflowers and countless views. Both parks are also great places for wildlife watching, with the chance to see black bears, mountain lions, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Continue your journey today as you drive three and a half hours further north. The scenic drive from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite Valley has several attractions worth stopping at on the drive. Begin by exploring the historic town of Mariposa, located at the gateway to Yosemite National Park. The town is a treasure trove of charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Further up the road is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a living museum with restored historic buildings and exhibits showcasing the region's past. As you approach Yosemite National Park, take a detour to the stunning Merced River Canyon, with its towering cliffs, rugged terrain, and crystal-clear waters.

Spend the day exploring the iconic mountain scenery of Yosemite National Park. There are a number of activities available, including hiking, climbing and mountain biking. We recommend taking a guided walk to learn more about the park's geology, wildlife and history. If you're visiting between April and June you'll be able to see the park's waterfalls in full flow as they spill over the sheer-sided rock face. Between mid-May and November you can drive up the steep, winding road to Glacier Point, where you'll have a bird's-eye view over the whole of Yosemite Valley.

Leave Yosemite this morning and venture to the undulating vineyards of Napa Valley, which can be reached in roughly four and a half hours. Upon arriving at your Napa town hotel, take the afternoon to unwind and revel in the picturesque views by strolling or biking along the river. If time allows, consider visiting the Napa Valley Museum to delve into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Napa Valley's restaurant scene is diverse, innovative, and world-class, making it a top destination for food lovers. In the evening allow yourself to indulge in a wonderful meal in one of the valley's top-rated restaurants, of which there are many to choose from.

Indulge in a full day of adventure and discovery amidst the rolling hills of Napa Valley. Immerse yourself in the region's rich wine culture by visiting the many world-renowned wineries that dot the area, each offering a unique selection of varietals to sample. For a more immersive experience, consider taking a guided wine tour to learn about the art of winemaking and the unique history of the region. Alternatively, climb aboard the iconic Napa Valley Wine Train and treat yourself to breathtaking views of the picturesque countryside, while enjoying a delicious selection of the finest local wines alongside a gourmet lunch. In the evening head over to Oxbow Public Market, a vibrant culinary hub where you can sample and purchase an array of artisanal food products made in the region.

Today, leave Napa Valley's vineyards and journey west towards San Francisco, a mere hour's drive away. We can highly suggest stopping at the enchanting Muir Woods and enjoying lunch by the waterfront in Sausalito, before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heading into the city. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the city's vibrant attractions, from a leisurely stroll along the wharf to meeting the charming resident sea lions at Pier 39 or a more active bike ride across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Make the most of your day to discover the incredible city of San Francisco. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinatown, unwind amidst the natural beauty of Golden Gate Park, or hop on a tram and navigate the city's steep streets en route to a fresh seafood lunch at Fisherman's Wharf. For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a night tour to the infamous Alcatraz Prison Island. Delve into the history of this legendary penitentiary and gain a deeper understanding of its notorious reputation.

Embark on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive south this morning to the charming oceanfront town of Monterey. Upon arrival at your hotel, spend the rest of your day discovering the local charm of this delightful town. Stroll along Cannery Row, browsing in quaint shops, galleries, and enjoying fresh seafood in their many restaurants. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling whale watching excursion out in the bay, where humpback and blue whales can often be spotted between April and November.

Enjoy a full day exploring Big Sur, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive and Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is well worth a visit if you're interested in learning about conservation and the local marine life. Taking the scenic 17-Mile Drive sees you pass gated mansions and luxurious golf courses, while the town of Carmel has streets lined with unique boutiques and charming cafés. Meanwhile, the Big Sur area offers incredible views over the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline, as well as being home to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where seals, sea lions and otters can be spotted offshore.

Depart from Monterey at your own pace and continue along the Pacific Coast Highway for approximately three hours to reach Pismo Beach. On the way, be sure to make a stop in Big Sur, a rugged stretch of coastline renowned for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views. You can take a hike in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which features redwood groves, waterfalls, and stunning vistas. As you make your way further south, consider visiting Hearst Castle, which boasts a remarkable art collection and spectacular ocean vistas. Just outside Cambria, be sure to stop by the Piedras Blancas Rookery, where you can witness hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the beach. On arrival in Pismo Beach, marvel at the surfers from the long stretch of pier or take a walk along the vast sandy beach as the sun sets. There are some wonderful restaurants in the town that have panoramic views over the ocean and are the ideal place for a fresh seafood dinner accompanied by a fiery sunset.

Before you leave Pismo Beach this morning, enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the scenic boardwalk. We can highly recommend a trip to Oceano Dunes for an other-worldly view of vast rolling sand dunes. In the afternoon, head south for about an hour and a half to reach Santa Barbara, a city that was once a Spanish mission settlement. We highly recommend taking the scenic inland route and making a stop at Los Olivos and Santa Ynez for a delightful lunch at one of the area's wineries. As you explore Santa Barbara's quaint streets, you'll encounter traces of the town's rich history. Be sure to visit historic sites like the Old Santa Barbara Mission or the Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

With a whole day to spend in Santa Barbara, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Follow the town's urban wine trail to sample the locally produced wines of the Santa Ynez Valley, which leads you to the Funk Zone, a trendy neighborhood in downtown Santa Barbara known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. For lunch, we highly recommend heading to the pier to enjoy delicious seafood with picturesque views over the town and ocean. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also take a kayak out onto the water and watch the sunset over the horizon.

This morning you continue your drive south to the desert oasis of Palm Springs — a journey of around three hours. Located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, the Greater Palm Springs region is a beautiful and diverse area, with a warm and sunny climate, natural beauty, and a wealth of cultural activities, it's the perfect place to spend a few days. After arriving at your hotel, take some time to explore the thriving arts and culture scene in Palm Springs. We can highly recommend a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art. Take a self-guided tour around the town's incredible mid-century houses, under the backdrop of clear blue sky, before having a delicious meal in one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, which have an emphasis on using only fresh, local ingredients.

To make the most of your morning, consider an early start as you venture out to explore one of the top attractions in the area, Joshua Tree National Park. The park is expansive, covering nearly 80,000 acres of land and features breathtaking rock formations, hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. The park is particularly renowned for its Joshua trees, which are exclusive to the region and can reach towering heights. Take a scenic drive through the park, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. You can also hike one of the many trails in the park, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging treks. Nature enthusiasts can explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, with over 750 species of plants, including several rare and endemic species and a range of animals, such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and jackrabbits.

This morning take the Palm Springs Aerial tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, over two-and-a-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, desert and towns. Either settle down for lunch at one of two restaurants or pick up one of several challenging hiking trails that begin from Mountain Station. In the afternoon head south for two and a half hours to the delightful city of San Diego. Arriving at your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying San Diego's many attractions, whether you wish to relax on the beach or learn about the area's US military history on the USS Midway — an aircraft carrier from both the Second World War and Cold War era that has been converted into an interesting museum.

San Diego is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty of attractions. Spend the morning strolling through the gardens of Balboa Park and visiting its numerous world-class museums. In the afternoon, spend some time in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is the historic district located in the heart of downtown San Diego. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. During the day, you can wander the streets and explore the neighborhood's unique architecture and landmarks. At night, the Gaslamp Quarter comes alive with live music, bustling bars and comedy shows.

There's time today for any last-minute shopping and sightseeing in San Diego, before you head to the airport in time to board your onward flight.