California fly drive with New York city break

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights New York
• 4 nights San Francisco
• 2 nights Carmel
• 1 night Santa Barbara
• 3 nights Los Angeles

Day 1: UK to New York

Board your flight from the UK this morning. On arrival you’ll be greeted and transferred by shuttle bus to your hotel.

Spend the day getting your bearings; why not head down to Times Square this evening and soak up the atmosphere or grab tickets to a Broadway show?

Included:  International flight, hotel & shuttle transfer

Day 2: New York

Today we’ve included a hop-on hop-off bus pass to help you see the best of what New York has to offer. Why not grab a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast before setting off to explore - starting with a stroll through Central Park, looking at art by Picasso and Andy Warhol in the MOMA and the Gugenheim before heading to Ground Zero to learn about the tragedy of 9/11. In the evening why not head to a comedy club or jazz bar to experience the best of New York nightlife. 

Included:  Hotel & hop-on hop-off bus pass

Day 3: New York

Today is free for you to continue exploring this exciting city, we have included admission to the Rockefeller Centre so take a ride up to the 70^th floor for the ‘Top of the Rock’ and look out over the spectacular New York skyline. Continue exploring today, whether you walk along the Highline for views over the river, 

Included:  Hotel & entrance to Rockefeller Centre

Day 4: Fly to San Francisco

This morning you’ll be collected and taken to the airport for your domestic flight to San Francisco. On arrival you'll make your own way to your hotel in the city.

Included:  Hotel, shuttle transfer in New York & private transfer in San Francisco

Day 5: San Francisco

Today is at leisure. Why not head down to Fisherman’s Wharf for a spot of lunch, and be sure to book tickets for a tour of Alcatraz, one of the world’s most famous prisons.

Included:  Hotel

Day 6: San Francisco

Today is yours to explore a little further. Why not take a tram up Nob Hill for stunning views of the city or stroll through the quirky neighbourhoods that make up San Francisco.

Included:  Hotel

Day 7: San Francisco and Napa Valley

Today we’ve included a full day trip to Napa Valley. You’ll be taken by bus into beautiful Californian wine-country where you’ll stop at a selection of wineries for tastings and tours.

Included:  Hotel & full day Napa Valley day trip (inc. lunch)

Day 8: San Francisco to Carmel

This morning you’ll collect your rental car and start your west coast self-drive.

This morning you’ll pick up your hire car in the city and head south along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Monterey and Carmel. Drive along the famous Route 1, and you’ll be able to hop between pretty beaches and tiny coastal towns, and still be in Monterey by lunchtime. Grab a quick bite by the harbour and explore the wharf.

Included:  Hotel & car hire

Day 9: Monterey and Carmel

Start today with a walk along the wharf, stopping at the little shops and restaurants that line the colourful front. Make sure you visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium where you can spot sea otters, sharks and thousands of other beautiful marine creatures! This afternoon, why not drive along ‘17 Mile Drive’; the pretty coastal route that will take you round the rocks to the neighbouring town of Carmel, where boutique shops and gourmet restaurants await. Enjoy the sunset from the sandy beach before tucking into a delicious seafood dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Included: Hotel

Days 10: Big Sur coastal drive to Santa Barbara

You are now lucky enough to be embarking on the most picturesque drive of your whole trip. This is another day that warrants an early start, as there are endless places to stop and enjoy. You will soon reach the famous Big Sur where you’ll drive over enormous bridges, with cliff faces plunging into the Pacific Ocean, hidden coves and bays, and plenty of lay-by’s to pull into. A great place to stop is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where you can see the 80-foot waterfall, enjoy panoramic ocean views, and walk some of the trails. This drive really is spectacular, so take your time and enjoy the ride.

On arrival in Santa Barbara, you will check into your hotel for one night. The town has a great feel and some lovely restaurants to enjoy after a hard day’s travel.

Included:  Hotel

Day 11: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

It’s your final drive today; it’s a short 2 hour journey to Santa Monica where you’ll check in for the next 2 nights.

Included:  Hotel

Day 12: Los Angeles

Spend the day exploring the city! You could stay in Hollywood in search of your favourite stars on the Walk of Fame, or head to Venice Beach where you can people-watch to your heart’s content while cycling along the oceanfront. In the early afternoon, why not take a hike through the Hollywood Hills from the Griffith Observatory to get 365-degree views over the twinkling city as the sun sets. This is the heart of La La Land!

Included:  Hotel

Day 13: Depart Los Angeles

Today you’ll return your car to the airport before boarding your overnight flight home.

Included:  International flight

Day 14: Arrive UK

Arrive back in the UK to complete your holiday.