17-Day Grand Tour of California & The Golden West

Overview

Embark on an epic adventure through California and the American West, visiting four world-class cities, iconic national parks, and stunning coastal landscapes. From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Las Vegas’ neon-lit Strip, experience the best of the Golden State and beyond.

Discover Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs, the breathtaking Grand Canyon, and the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California. Sip wine in Napa Valley, drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and explore vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.

This Grand Tour is the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, ideal for travelers who want to see it all!

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – 15 nights in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels, selected for location & comfort.

✔ Meals – Daily breakfast included.

✔ Flights & Transfers – Return international flights & all in-destination transport.

✔ Guided Tours & Excursions – Expert-led city tours in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego & Las Vegas.

✔ National Park Entrances – Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

✔ Scenic Coastal Drives – Pacific Coast Highway, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur & Pebble Beach.

✔ Cultural & Wine Experiences – Napa Valley & Sonoma wine tastings.

✔ Expert Tour Manager & Local Guides – Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

✔ Luggage Allowance – 20kg+ included.

✔ Free Wi-Fi in Most Hotels.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1: FLY TO SAN FRANCISCO

• Arrive in San Francisco, one of America’s most vibrant cities.
• Transfer to Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf (or similar).
• Evening at leisure to explore Fisherman’s Wharf. (B)

DAY 2: SAN FRANCISCO CITY TOUR & FREE TIME

• Guided orientation tour, including:
  • Union Square & Golden Gate Park.
  • Twin Peaks scenic viewpoint (900 ft above the city).
• Afternoon at leisure:
  • Explore Chinatown, visit Alcatraz, or stroll along the Embarcadero. (B)

🛶 Optional Tour: Alcatraz Island – Explore the infamous former prison. (From £50pp)

DAY 3: WINE COUNTRY – NAPA VALLEY & SONOMA

• Visit Napa Valley & Sonoma, two of California’s premier wine regions.
• Wine tasting at a local winery. (B)

DAY 4: CALAVERAS NATIONAL PARK & SONORA

• Visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to giant sequoias.
• Continue to Sonora, a charming Gold Rush town.
• Stay at Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks Hotel (or similar). (B)

DAY 5: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

• Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite:
  • El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls & Tunnel View.
• Enjoy scenic hikes and photo stops. (B)

DAY 6: MONTEREY & FISHERMAN’S WHARF

• Drive to Monterey, home to California’s first theatre, library & public school.
• Visit historic Fisherman’s Wharf & see sea lions and otters.
• Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Monterey (or similar). (B)

DAY 7: 17-MILE DRIVE & CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

• Drive along the stunning 17-Mile Drive, passing:
  • Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Seal Point & Pebble Beach.
• Free time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its charming shops & wine tastings. (B)

DAY 8: SAN LUIS OBISPO & PISMO BEACH

• Stop at Pismo Beach, a retro surf town.
• Visit San Luis Obispo, a historic Spanish mission town.
• Stay at Quality Inn San Luis Obispo (or similar). (B)

DAY 9: SANTA BARBARA, SANTA MONICA & VENICE BEACH

• Visit Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera”.
• Explore Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach Boardwalk.
• Stay at Courtyard Los Angeles Westside (or similar). (B)

DAY 10: LOS ANGELES CITY TOUR & FREE TIME

• Guided tour of LA, including:
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre & Sunset Strip.
• Free time to explore:
  • Rodeo Drive, Paramount Studios, or Griffith Observatory. (B)

DAY 11: SAN DIEGO CITY TOUR

• Drive south to San Diego, known for its coastal beauty & historic Gaslamp District.
• Stay at Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (or similar). (B)

DAY 12: FREE DAY IN SAN DIEGO

• Explore at leisure:
  • San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum, or Coronado Island. (B)

🛳 Optional Tour: San Diego Harbour Cruise (From £38pp)

🛩 Optional Tour: USS Midway Museum (From £31pp)

DAY 13: DRIVE TO LAS VEGAS

• Travel through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas.
• Stay at the Luxor Hotel (or similar). (B)

DAY 14: HOOVER DAM & GRAND CANYON WEST

• Visit Hoover Dam, one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels.
• Explore the Grand Canyon West Rim, including:
  • Skywalk (optional), Eagle Point & Guano Point. (B)

DAY 15: FREE DAY IN LAS VEGAS

• Enjoy Las Vegas at your own pace:
  • Try your luck at a casino, see a world-class show, or visit The Venetian & Bellagio. (B)

DAY 16: RETURN FLIGHT

• Transfer to Las Vegas Airport for overnight flight home. (B)

DAY 17: ARRIVE HOME

• Arrive back in the UK, bringing home memories of the Golden West!

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ Experience the Best of California & The West – Four incredible cities, stunning national parks, and the Pacific Coast Highway.

✅ Visit Iconic Natural Wonders – Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Sequoia forests.

✅ Scenic Drives & Historic Coastal Towns – Napa Valley, Monterey, Carmel & Santa Barbara.

✅ Handpicked Hotels in Prime Locations – Stay in comfortable, centrally located 3-4 star hotels.

✅ Seamless Travel & Expert Guidance – All transport, guided tours & national park entries included.

✅ Optional Experiences to Enhance Your Trip – Helicopter flights, harbour cruises & Alcatraz tours.

🌎 Book Now & Experience The Ultimate Grand Tour of California! 🚗🌟