Riviera Travel Classic California

• Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park, marvelling at granite monoliths such as El Capitan and the Half Dome, and witnessing thunderous waterfalls.
• Indulge in the world-renowned flavours of Californian wines, cultivated in the renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma wine regions.
• Tour the three major cities of California—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego—exploring their iconic landmarks with guided tours.
• Traverse California’s picturesque Pacific Coastline, visiting charming beach towns and cities, and embarking on a scenic road trip along the renowned 17-Mile Drive.
• Encounter the majestic giant sequoias of Calaveras National Park

• Return flights and transfers
• 13 nights in 3 & 4* hotels
• Selected Meals: Daily breakfast
• 16 experiences and visits
• National Park entrance fees as mentioned
• Services of an expert tour manager
• Checked luggage

Day 1: Fly to San Francisco

Fly to San Francisco before transferring to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure

Day 2: San Francisco

This morning, enjoy an introductory tour of the city, visiting Union Square and the Golden Gate Park before heading up to the Twin Peaks for brilliant sweeping views of the bay. This afternoon, you’re free to explore more of San Francisco independently.

Day 3: Napa Valley & Sonoma

Today, you’ll explore the renowned wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma, immersing yourself in the picturesque landscapes of California’s premier wine-producing areas. Uncover hidden gems among Napa’s gentle slopes, and visit a local winery for a tasting. Afterwards, head to Sonoma, a much more laid back region. Enjoy a wine-tasting in a local winery, savouring popular grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Day 4: Sonora

Head inland from the coast towards Sonora. En route, you’ll get chance to stop in Calaveras National Park. The park is home to some of the world’s biggest trees, the giant sequoias. In the early evening, you’ll arrive in Sonora.

Day 5: Yosemite

Embark on a scenic drive through Yosemite Valley this morning, encountering majestic granite peaks, fragrant forests, and iconic landmarks such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks. Tunnel View offers a breathtaking panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome—the epitome of stunning views in the USA. Further exploration unveils the lush valley floor with towering waterfalls and close-up perspectives of El Capitan and Half Dome from El Capitan Meadow.

Day 6: Monterey

Today, return to the California Coast, reaching Monterey, a city known for numerous Californian firsts. Take a tour which explores the city’s rich history, following in the footsteps of notable figures like author John Steinbeck. The itinerary includes a visit to the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, once a fish market, now a tourist hotspot with vendors, seals, pelicans, and sea otters.

Day 7: Carmel-by-the-sea

This morning drive along the picturesque 17-Mile Drive, one of the world’s most scenic routes, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. Passing through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula, you’ll reach Carmel, where highlights include the iconic Lone Cypress, Crocker Grove’s giant trees, and coastal attractions like Bird Rock, Point Joe, and Seal Point. You’ll have time at leisure to explore all these and more.

Day 8: San Luis Obispo

Travel south, stopping in Pismo Beach for some time to enjoy the coastal views before continuing on to San Luis Obispo, known for its historic architecture, markets and restaurants. On arrival, you’re at leisure to explore the city’s sights.

Day 9: Los Angeles

Today, head to Santa Barbara where you’ll have some time to take in the laid-back atmosphere before heading to Santa Monica, visiting the famous pier. The day’s journey ends in Venice Beach, where you’ll have time to walk the famous 2-mile boardwalk.

Day 10: Los Angeles

Explore Los Angeles this morning with a guided tour. Highlights include the star-studded Dolby Theatre, renowned for hosting the Academy Awards and shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent. Cruise along The Hollywood Walk of Fame with its 2,700 plaques on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, and catch a glimpse of the vibrant Sunset Strip adorned with rock bars, comedy clubs, and trendy establishments. Following the tour, enjoy ample free time to further discover the city’s attractions.

Day 11: San Diego

This morning, we’ll journey along the coast to San Diego. On an orientation tour, you’ll delve into the city’s past, exploring the transformed Gaslamp District, where the restored Victorian-era buildings sit beside modern skyscrapers, showcasing the city’s evolution. Following the natural curve of San Diego Bay, you can admire the waterfront adorned with captivating public art, restaurants, and shops. The afternoon provides free time to explore San Diego at your leisure.

Day 12: Free day in San Diego

Today, you’ll have the whole day to enjoy San Diego’s sights independently.

Day 13: Depart US

Transfer to Los Angeles for your flight home

Day 14: Arrive home

Arrive back in the UK

Hotel Riu Plaza, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
This hotel is close to the iconic Pier 39 and features an outdoor pool, gym and restaurant. Rooms feature a seating area, tv, mini fridge, air conditioning and wi-fi

Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks, Sonora
Located near to Yosemite National Park, this hotel has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and a fitness centre. The rooms feature a tv, tea & coffee making facilities, a fridge and a desk/seating area.

Hampton Inn, Monterey
The rooms at this hotel are airconditioned and feature a seating area, a tv, a mini fridge, and tea & coffee making facilities.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, San Luis Obispo
Rooms here feature a TV, a desk and seating area, mini fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Courtyard Los Angeles Westside, Los Angeles
This hotel is close to Culver City’s Westside shopping centre and a short drive from major attractions. Rooms feature a tv, in-room safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, a desk and seating area, a hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Best Western Plus Bayside Inn, San Diego
This hotel is in walking distance of the bay. All of the rooms feature a small balcony and have air-conditioning, a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board, complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, writing desk, microwave, fridge and coffee-maker.

Fact File

• Currency: US Dollar
• Flight time: Approx.  11 hrs 35 mins
• Language: English
• Time zone: GMT-8 to -7
• Country: USA

Visa Information

As well as a valid passport, UK citizens must have a ESTA visa waiver or visa to travel to the US. Details on how and when to apply will be sent with your booking confirmation.

*All times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic