Grand Tour of California & the Golden West

Today we’ll fly to San Francisco, arriving late afternoon or early evening, and check into our hotel. The rest of the evening is to spend at your leisure.

This morning, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city, starting near our hotel in Fisherman's Wharf. We'll see the cosmopolitan hub that is Union Square with its huge amphitheatre and granite pedestals where the artsy city performers entertain passersby. And visit the city's renowned Golden Gate Park to see the beautiful displays of flowers before making our way up to the Twin Peaks by coach. Standing over 900 feet above the city the viewpoints here offer sweeping views of the city, the bay and beyond. 

The rest of the day is then yours to explore at leisure. You could amble through Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia. With 30 blocks to explore, you could certainly spend an afternoon getting lost here, stumbling upon something new around every corner. Down one alley a quiet incense-filled temple where locals gather to pray; down another, a Fortune Cookie Factory where nimble-fingered workers rapidly fold fortune cookies to a symphony of whirring machinery. Alternatively, you could stroll down to the Ferry Plaza Building on the waterfront, which has been converted into a huge alfresco Farmer's market that San Franciscans flock to every Saturday. Or undertake an expedition around the bay by one of the many ferry services, seeing Alcatraz Island up close or sailing around Angel Island.

We'll spend the day indulging our inner oenophile (or 'wine lover') with visits to the wine areas of Napa Valley and Sonoma.

We'll adventure through the beautiful countryside of California's most famous wine-producing regions, where there are hundreds of wineries to explore. Together we'll uncover a few hidden gems among Napa's gentle slopes and visit a local winery for a tasting of their delicious wine.

The reigning grape in Napa is a Cabernet Sauvignon, which often shows dark red and black fruits, tobacco, mocha, and hints of spice. With its medium to full body and great structure, it's become a signature for Napa Valley. And the bottles are highly sought after. The most expensive wine ever sold here was a Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992, which sold for $500,000. (A very expensive exception to the dated rule of rare wines, as it wasn't even a decade old at the time of purchase.)

Sonoma, while less well-known, is much more expansive - it's almost double the size of Napa - and much more laid back. It's considered the birthplace of California's modern wine industry and boasts the state's oldest premium winery and the longest continually operating family winery. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are some of the most popular grapes on offer here but the towering peaks, miles of Pacific coastline, oak-studded hills and sun-kissed valleys create the perfect growing conditions for over 60+ grape varieties. We couldn't possibly taste every variety, so we'll just take our pick of the best during a wine-tasting in a local winery.

As we head east from the coast towards Sonora this morning, we'll stop to admire the views in Calaveras National Park.

You can look out for the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations and natural meadows as we travel through that park, but the main attraction here is the trees. The park is home to some of the world's largest trees, giant sequoias. Many sequoias stretch 250 - 300 feet into the air - the tallest recorded sequoia is 325 feet high (that's taller than a 26-story building). While their height is impressive, it's their girth that is the real wonder. Many of the giant trees have diameters over 30 feet near the ground (that's wider than 5 park benches side by side).

We'll continue onto Sonora in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills, arriving early evening. Founded during the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s and known as the 'Queen of the Southern Mines', Sonora still holds on to its historic downtown charm and is the perfect base to explore nearby Yosemite National Park.

We'll drive through the epic scenery of Yosemite Valley as we enter the park this morning. The sight of mighty granite peaks and cliffs, carpeted by fragrant forests of oaks, firs and pines, and the distant rumble of falling water excites the senses. The valley is home to some of Yosemite's most famous landmarks - Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks as well as the most famous view of Yosemite, Tunnel View. From this viewpoint, you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background. These are some of the most staggering views in the USA.

Continuing deeper into the lush, forested valley floor, enclosed by cliffs on either side, we'll enjoy views of some of the highest waterfalls in North America. We'll also see El Capitan up close with a straight-up view of the granite monolith from El Capitan Meadow as well as the Half Dome. You won’t soon forget the undeniable natural grandeur of Yosemite National Park.

Today, we'll head back towards the California Coast to Monterey. It's a city of California's firsts, including the first theatre, brick house, publicly funded school, public building, public library and printing press, which printed The Californian, California's first newspaper. We also wouldn't blame you for thinking this is the birthplace of Monterey Jack Cheese, but you'd be wrong. The hard cheese actually originated in nearby Carmel Valley (which we’ll pass through tomorrow) and is named after a ruthlessly corrupt businessman, David Jack.

On arrival we'll tour the city, walking in the footsteps of figures like author John Steinbeck - who spent years living in and writing about the area - and enjoying the entertaining mix of wildlife, coastal views and important history. Included in our tour will be a visit to the historic Fisherman's Wharf. Once a wholesale fish market in the 1960s, it has now become a tourist attraction. Vendors selling chowder and candy compete with the adorable but noisy locals - a herd of seals that spend their days lounging on the rocky beach below the pier, alongside other marine life, like pelicans and sea otters.

This morning, we'll drive along one of the world's most scenic motorways, 17-Mile Drive. With sweeping views of the Pacific Coast, we travel through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula to Carmel. On our journey, you can spot the legendary Lone Cypress, the giant trees of Crocker Grove and its dramatic coastal cliffs with other scenic attractions, like Bird Rock, Point Joe and Seal Point. There is also an abundance of wildlife, so keep an eye out for pelicans, deer and sea lions!

Arriving at Carmel, we’ll enjoy time at leisure to explore its charming courtyards and secret passageways lined with shops, art studios and antique stores. There are discoveries to be made around every corner. Alternatively, find one of the many wine-tasting rooms and sip some of the Californian Central Coast's best varietals while enjoying sandy coastal views. The fairytale-like architecture, designed in the 1920s, is styled after an English village complete with rolling eaves, rounded doors and wonky stone chimneys - so we'll feel right at home!

Travelling south this morning, we'll stop in Pismo Beach, on California's famous central coast halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Here, in this retro beach town, you can watch surfers catch waves as you walk along Pismo Beach Pier. As you take in the views, you can relax in one of the eateries which offer local produce and deliciously fresh seafood that started its journey from sea to plate earlier that very same morning.  

Later, we'll head to San Luis Obispo, founded by the Spanish in 1772, it's known for its historic architecture as well as farmers markets and restaurants.

This afternoon you'll have free time to explore the city.

You could seek out some of the city's beloved local landmarks, like the city's namesake Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a California Historical Landmark, built in 1772 by a Spanish Franciscan friar. Or add your own wad of chewing gum to the walls of Bubblegum Alley, a 70-foot-long alley lined with gum left by passersby. This quirky landmark is locally made (although no one knows exactly how or why it started) and filled with an estimated 2 million pieces of gum. Alternatively, head downtown to try the freshly caught seafood and award-winning wine on offer in the city's restaurant and finish off your meal with a scoop of homemade ice cream in the local Ice Cream Lab.

Continuing south, we'll stop in Santa Barbara on a pristine stretch of California's central coastline. Nicknamed the 'American Riviera', its mixture of the Golden States' Spanish influence and laid-back vibe – along with its dramatic location between the mountains and the coast - have enticed celebrities since the days of silent films. Charlie Chaplin spearheaded the development of the Montecito Inn in 1928 and married Oona O'Neil here. Today, it's home to the likes of Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Later we'll head to Santa Monica, a SoCal beach town with a vibrant cityscape. Here we'll visit the famous Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, it quickly became a popular fishing pier. Its popularity grew with the addition of the Hippodrome and the famous carousel in 1931 and it remains a must-visit landmark.

Finally, we'll end today's journey in Venice Beach. Here you can walk the famous 2-mile boardwalk, browsing the hundreds of street vendors and stopping to catch the street performers - mimes, jugglers and musicians - as they entertain passers-by.

LA, the City of Angels, has it all - glitz, glamour, stars and miles of pristine beaches. This morning, we'll explore one of America's coolest cities on a guided tour of the highlights. We'll see the Dolby Theatre, home of the star-studded Academy Awards and host to shows like American Idol and America's Got Talent. And we'll pass The Hollywood Walk of Fame - where 2,700 plaques (and counting) line the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. We’ll also see Sunset Strip, lined with rock bars, comedy clubs, trendy bars and everything in between.

After our tour, you'll have time to explore the city further. A stroll through L.A.'s Chinatown is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, where you can enjoy delicious dim sum, hidden art galleries, and cozy bars under lanterns and neon signs.

You might also visit Paramount Studios, one of Hollywood's oldest studios, known for hosting stars like Sophia Loren and Elvis Presley. Alternatively, explore Rodeo Drive, renowned for its upscale fashion houses and boutique shops. Don’t miss the Original Farmers Market, featuring over 100 vendors and a diverse array of cuisines, many of which are family-owned for generations.

This morning we'll follow the coast to San Diego. Living up to its nickname as 'America's Finest City', this classic Southern Californian City is set around a sweeping bay with fine sandy beaches tickled by the cool waters of the Pacific.

There's a rich history and culture hidden in the modern cityscape. As the first site visited and settled by Europeans on the West Coast, San Diego is often referred to as the Birthplace of California (although it only became part of the United States around 1850). On our orientation tour of the city, we'll explore some of San Diego's more recent history in the Gaslamp District. Once an infamous gambling den with brothels, this beautifully restored district has been transformed into a lively neighbourhood where Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. We’ll also follow the natural curve of San Diego Bay to see the beautiful waterfront lined with eye-catching public art, restaurants and shops.

This afternoon you'll be free to explore at leisure. Perhaps take the ferry across the bay to Coronado and the Victorian Del Coronado Hotel, used in the film ‘Some Like It Hot’. You could visit the 1,200 acres of Balboa Park, the largest cultural complex west of the Mississippi which hosts 15 museums and numerous other attractions, with wonderful sub-tropical gardens and fountains. Or simply relax in one of the city's world-class breweries. Known as the 'Capital of Craft', San Diego is home to over 150 independent craft breweries - so there are plenty of new, local beers to try.

Take in the sights of San Diego with a whole day at leisure. Animal lovers may enjoy visits to the San Diego Zoo, the aquarium or La Jolla Cave, an underwater marine park and sanctuary with one of the highest concentrations of Garibaldi on the planet (the fish, not the biscuit). History buffs shouldn't miss the USS Midway Museum housed inside a decommissioned aircraft carrier or the Maritime Museum, which is a favourite of our guests. It has the largest collection of historical ships in the United States, including the Star of India, the HMS Surprise, a replica of an 18th-century frigate used in the film ‘Master and Commander’ and a Soviet-era submarine.

We'll say goodbye to America's Finest City, San Diego, and drive towards the bright lights of Las Vegas for a three-night stay.

Sin City – it's famous moniker - is known for the Strip, a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard lined with flashy casinos, opulent shops and upscale restaurants. Tonight, your options are (almost) unlimited. You could use a supermarket's walk-in cooler as a portal to another world at an eerie art installation, drink moonshine in an underground speakeasy housed in the city's first U.S. Post Office and Courthouse or simply dine in one of many restaurants - there are so many celebrity chefs here and the most Master Sommeliers of any city in the United States so we know you’ll be in good hands!

Just a short drive away is some of the grandest scenery in the world so, today, we'll drive out of the city to find two icons of America.

Our first stop is the Hoover Dam, a massive concrete arch-gravity dam that is 60 stories high and as wide as two football fields are long. It's hard to imagine just how big it is, so you have to see it for yourself! Walking across the top, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the bridge and the surrounding landscape, including Lake Mead. Those brave enough may want to venture close to the edge for vertigo-inducing views looking straight down the dam.

Hoover Dam is as important as it is impressive. It provides water to the rich farmlands of Southern California's Imperial Valley, generates enough hydroelectric power to serve 1.3 million people in urban areas of Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson, holds flood water back, and stores water during droughts. For all this and more, the Dam is a monument to the ingenuity of the nation’s engineers, the power of its machines and a symbol of an era when an urban, industrial America revelled in harnessing its natural resources.

From a man-made icon to a natural one, next up will be a visit to the Grand Canyon. With red-layered rock, this impressive geological feature is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world – and, standing at the West Rim, it's not hard to see why. At an average of 10 miles across, up to a mile deep and 277 miles long, its massive 1,904 square miles make it bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

Grand Canyon West resides in the Hualapai Reservation. Their tribal lands stretch one million acres, including part of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River - so be prepared for heart-pounding views.

The Hualapai Tribe is a sovereign Indian nation - which means they do not get any federal funding from the US Government. Our visit to the West Rim helps support the tribespeople and preserve their heritage and traditions for the next generation.

Tonight, you'll be free to embrace the buzz of the bright lights of Las Vegas - hopefully, Lady Luck finds you!

Put your planning skills to the test and find your favourite things to do in Vegas as we have a full day at leisure to explore the self-styled ‘entertainment capital of the world’.

The activities on offer here in this thriving city are among the wildest in the world, but even if you don't want to gamble, you’ll still find there’s plenty to divert you throughout the city. You can see recreations of some of the world’s most renowned sights and cities such as Venice, Paris, New York and even the Pyramids. You can even take a trip on a gondola on a canal on the first floor of one of the hotels!