California is a land of contrasts – from the dramatic Pacific coastline and towering redwoods to the arid beauty of its deserts. Our experts can curate extraordinary, tailor-made experiences, from private vineyard tours in Napa to exclusive wildlife encounters in the Sierra Nevada. Let us unlock the hidden gems of this iconic state for you.

 

 

 

 

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Why travel to California

California is a state that never fails to surprise. Its diverse landscapes – from rugged coastlines and ancient redwood forests to sun-soaked deserts and majestic mountains – make it a dream destination for those who seek both adventure and relaxation. We have curated a series of exclusive self-drive routes that unlock the very best of this iconic state.

Imagine cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, with a private guide revealing hidden coves and secluded beaches along the way. Or winding through Napa and Sonoma, staying in handpicked boutique hotels while enjoying private vineyard tours and insider tastings with world-renowned winemakers. Perhaps you’ll explore the Sierra Nevada, staying in luxury lodges and gaining privileged access to Yosemite’s most dramatic, off-the-beaten-path trails with expert naturalists.

 

 

Each route is designed to ensure a seamless journey, with all the best stops carefully chosen – from the finest farm-to-table restaurants in Los Angeles to the tranquil beauty of Lake Tahoe’s alpine waters. Whether it’s the vibrant cities, dramatic coastline, or rolling wine country that tempts you, our California journeys are carefully crafted to immerse you in the state’s beauty, all while enjoying the ultimate in comfort and style.

 

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KEY FACTS

CURRENCY

USD

LANGUAGE

English

TIMEZONE

GMT -07:00

TIPPING

15-20%

PEAK TIME

May to September

COLDEST MONTH

December
8°C on average

HOTTEST MONTH

July
27°C on average

ITINERARIES

Inspirational trip ideas

These are simply suggestions for the kind of luxury tailor-made holiday you might have. Your custom travel itinerary will be personalised, tweaked, and refined until it matches you completely.

 

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

 

 

 

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Our highlights in California

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

The climate of California is so localised that even in summer you need to plan for colder days along the coast, while a few miles in land the temperatures can rise rapidly.

 

Caroline 130 round
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America and North America
Hollywood, California
Did you know?

California is home to Sailing Stones. In Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa, rocks mysteriously slide across the desert floor, leaving long tracks behind—though no one ever sees them move.

 

Albino Trees

When exploring the forests look out for albino redwood trees. These rare “ghost” trees lack chlorophyll, so they survive by absorbing nutrients from nearby redwoods, creating an eerie white appearance in the forest.

 

Let us plan your perfect trip

YOUR TRIP
Currency
YOUR DETAILS
Name
Napa Winery, California
What our clients say
My latest cazenove+loyd adventure was a return to Africa in June 2018, this time to Zambia, Victoria Falls and Botswana. The plan was for three of us but at the very last minute, my friends had to cancel. I had special attention from the staff in each camp. There was a bottle of Champagne waiting at the hotel in Victoria Falls. These are the small touches that set c+l apart.
What our clients say
The Delta was spectacular with an abundance of animals and birdlife. The highlight of this camp was the helicopter flight giving us a 'drone' perspective of the region, during which we could truly appreciate the intricacy of the multiple waterways, lagoons and vegetation. Our gorgeous chopper pilot, all the way from New Zealand, surprised us with Champagne by the edge of a massive lagoon. What a treat!
What our clients say
The highlight of the Kalahari for us was the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The food here was also outstanding, and with each meal, we were seated at a communal table. Overall, our safari was an incredible experience, made up of three very different camps, spending three nights in each and made even more special by our guides and the supporting staff at each of the camps. The care and attention to detail throughout the trip was faultless.

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Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.