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Balboa Pier in Orange County, California

California tours

These itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions for what is possible when you travel in California, and they showcase some of the routes that we've found work particularly well.

California tours

California tours

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California tours

California tours

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Summary  |  Detail
  • Palm Springs

    Desert to coast: Southern California self-drive tour

    USA
    • Fly high above Las Vegas in a helicopter, before landing at the bottom of the mighty Grand Canyon.

    • Learn about the unique biology in Joshua Tree National Park on a guided hike and tour.

    • Relax under the swaying palm trees and the impressive mountain backdrop of Palm Springs.

    • Enjoy a coastal retreat in laid-back Orange County.

    • Spot humpback whales breaching onboard an America's Schooner Cup racing yacht.

    12 days from £4,380pp

  • Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo

    Complete Route 66 self-drive tour

    USA
    • Admire the beaches, architecture and nightlife of Chicago.

    • Marvel at the epic scenery of the Grand Canyon.

    • Enjoy a hike through the beautiful Petrified Forest National Park.

    • Experience the excitement and bright lights of Las Vegas.

    • Soak up the atmosphere, relax on the beach or go shopping in Los Angeles.

    18 days from £4,525pp

  • Redwood National Park

    Northern California: Exploring the great outdoors

    USA
    • Wander through Little Italy and North Beach on a guided food tour in San Francisco, enjoying homemade Italian coffee and treats.

    • Drive north on the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying the rugged beauty and wide ocean views on this lesser-driven path.

    • Marvel at the mighty redwood trees and learn about their unique ecology, on a private guided tour in Redwood National Park.

    • Explore the geothermal wonderland of Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the state's lesser well-known national parks.

    • Kayak across the vast waters of pristine Lake Tahoe in clear kayaks.

    15 days from £4,550pp

  • Whales, Hawaii

    Family self-drive tour of Hawaii's highlights

    Hawaii and California
    • Enjoy some family relaxation on Maui's white-sand beaches.

    • Greet the local marine life on a snorkel adventure.

    • Between January and March, experience the majesty of humpback whales at sunrise.

    • Sample roadside treats and explore the landscape on the Road to Hāna.

    • Access your family's adventurous side and experience the heat of Hawaii's legendary volcanoes.

    13 days from £5,760pp

  • Napa Valley vineyard

    Active California: LA to San Francisco self-drive tour

    USA
    • Explore the mighty Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with a knowledgeable naturalist guide.

    • In Northern California, spend time in the vineyards, tasting the different varietals grown in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

    • At sunset, sail under the famous Golden Gate Bridge to conclude your epic California adventure.

    • Learn the basics of surfing with a private lesson, with a top surf instructor, on Santa Monica Beach.

    • A guided group adventure around iconic Yosemite National Park will allow you to explore the famed granite domes up close.

    16 days from £6,375pp

  • Humpback whale breaching, Baja

    Crossing coastlines via the Panama Canal

    USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Bahamas
    • Go whale watching in San Diego on a classic schooner.

    • Visit volcano-ringed coffee, banana, and cacao plantations in Mexico.

    • Look for wildlife in the jungles of Costa Rica.

    • Complete a full transit of the Panama Canal.

    • Enjoy a lazy sunset cruise off the Caribbean island of Aruba.

    27 days from £9,050pp

  • Lanai, Hawaii

    Hawaiian islands & seascapes

    California and Hawaii
    • Snorkel at night among elegant giant manta rays.

    • Hike the Hualālai volcano and peer into the abyss of its crater.

    • Search for dolphins and whales in the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary.

    • Attend an authentic paʻina (feast) and listen to Hawaiian legends in Halawa Valley.

    • Kayak in waters teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

    19 days from £10,605pp

  • Ranch at Rock Creek, Phillipsburg, MT

    Luxury ranch & beach

    USA
    • Spend five nights at a luxury ranch in a pristine valley in Montana.

    • Try out a variety of activities at the ranch, including horseback riding, fly-fishing for cutthroat trout, and mountain biking.

    • Unwind by relaxing in a cliff-side resort overlooking Laguna Beach.

    11 days from £11,670pp

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Some of our favourite travel guides

Valley View, Yosemite National Park

What to do in Yosemite National Park: our highlights guide

Yosemite in California is one of America's most visited national parks. In order to get the most from your trip we highlight some of the finest trails and accommodation as well as recommending the best time to visit.

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Bixby bridge, Big Sur

Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway

Experience some of California's most impressive scenery on a drive along its central coast on Highway 1, taking in the sights of San Francisco, Los Angeles and everything in between. USA specialist, Alex, discusses the route’s highlights, from laid-back beach communities to historic towns and vibrant cities.

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Route 190, California

Self-drive holidays in California

Take a fly-drive along the California coast and explore some of the region’s most captivating towns, cities and national parks, from glamorous LA, home of the US film industry, to the dramatic geological spectacles of Yosemite National Park.

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Redwood National Park

Family holidays in California

USA specialist David picks some of his highlights for a family holiday in California. From enjoying the different cultures in San Francisco to whale watching in Monterey, touring the film studies in Los Angeles to exploring Redwood National Park, California has a range of experiences for all ages.

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Lake Tahoe, California

Where to visit in California: a seasonal guide

A true year-round destination, California provides near-endless experiences no matter which season you’re visiting. Here, our specialists share ideas for where’s best to go in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, along with how to make the most of your time in the Golden State.

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