Golden California

On arrival in San Francisco, make your way to your centrally located hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to settle in and have a wander around.

Today is free to discover some of San Francisco’s highlights. Browse the markets of Fisherman’s Wharf, walk the hilly streets or hop on a cable car and visit Chinatown, the Japan Centre and Embarcadero, looking out for the island of Alcatraz as it glares back at you across the Bay.

This morning, we recommend collecting your rental car and making the two-hour drive to Napa Valley, the more scenic route taking you over the Golden Gate Bridge. Napa’s rolling California hills are considered to be the premier wine growing region in the United States.

This morning, head south from San Francisco to Monterey, with its own Fisherman’s Wharf and historic Cannery Row. Then take the famed 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, marvelling at the magnificent coastline before visiting Carmel’s 18th-century Spanish mission.

Today is probably the most scenic of your entire journey as you continue south along the spectacular coastline, through the Big Sur peninsula and on to San Simeon, where you should make time to visit Hearst Castle.

Farther south still lies the quaint town of Solvang, the influence of the Danish settlers who founded it still very much alive. Take a look at famous Malibu Beach and, if you have time, visit Universal Studios Hollywood before ending the day in Anaheim, 45 minutes south of Los Angeles.

Today is free, and if you’ve never been to a Disney theme park, now’s your chance. Walt Disney’s magical Disneyland remains one of Southern California’s top attractions, offering entertainment and excitement for young and old alike.

Head east through the Mojave Desert to visit Calico Ghost Town, before continuing on through the rugged landscape to Las Vegas, where the neon lights, 24-hour entertainment and world-class dining await.

Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The drive via Lake Mead to the awesome 277-mile Grand Canyon, with the mighty Colorado River below, is worth every minute.

Drive south past Lake Elsinore to the picturesque town of Temecula, then head through rolling hills and vineyards on your way to San Diego, popular for its year-round sparkling weather and relaxed way of life.

Today is free to visit attractions such as Balboa Park, the delightful Old Town, SeaWorld, which is the largest park in the world devoted to marine life, Coronado Beach, the San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village.

Today your journey ends and you can choose between flying home, flying onwards from San Diego or making the two-and-a-half-hour drive north back to Los Angeles.