California Family Road Trip

10 days From £11,400pp

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WHEN TO VISIT

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Begin in San Francisco, exploring its characterful neighbourhoods, waterfront and food scene, with time for a cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge and a visit to Alcatraz.
Head to Sonoma, cycling between private vineyards with tastings and a countryside picnic, followed by a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over the valley.
Discover Yosemite National Park with a private naturalist guide, exploring its iconic landmarks, quieter trails, waterfalls, Giant Sequoias and alpine landscapes.
Follow the Pacific coast, from whale watching with a marine biologist in Monterey Bay to a private sunset sail, family surf lesson and sea-cave kayaking in the Channel Islands.
Experience Los Angeles beyond Hollywood, combining Universal Studios with creative neighbourhoods, galleries, dining and the city’s cultural scene.
Finish with Nevada and the Grand Canyon, flying by helicopter over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before landing on a private plateau for sunset, followed by an exhilarating private UTV adventure through the desert.

A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
Private international airport transfers in destination
The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
24/7 support whilst travelling
ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

ITINERARY IN DETAIL

San Francisco, California, USA

Explore San Francisco at your own pace, from its characterful neighbourhoods and waterfront to its parks and museums. Cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge, wander colourful districts or simply soak up the atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city’s excellent food scene along the way.

Alcatraz Prison, San Francisco, California, USA

Take a boat out to the renowned Alcatraz that sits on an island in the bay and enjoy the fantastic audio tour as you walk through this infamous former prison.

Sonoma County, California, USA

Set out with your private guide for a relaxed day in Sonoma, cycling between vineyards for tastings and a leisurely picnic in the countryside. Unhurried and fully tailored, with e-bikes available, it’s an easy and immersive way to experience the region.

Sunrise hot air balloon flight, Sonoma, California, USA

Start your day with one of the quintessential wine country experiences, a balloon ride high above the valley. At take-off, the burners roar before falling into complete silence as you gently lift into the early morning air. Drifting peacefully over a patchwork of vineyards, you follow the winding contours of the Russian River, with incredible views that, on clear days, stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco.

Yosemite Valley, California, USA

Enjoy a picnic lunch before meeting your own private expert naturalist guide in Yosemite Valley, selected for their deep knowledge of the park and ability to tailor the day entirely to your interests. Explore iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan, alongside quieter trails, meadows and waterfall viewpoints away from the main crowds. End the day with a relaxed stop at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel before returning to Rush Creek Lodge.

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Explore Yosemite’s High Country at your own pace, driving through dramatic mountain scenery to Tuolumne Meadows with a stop among the ancient Giant Sequoias. Hike to alpine lakes and cool off with a swim in Tenaya Lake.

Monterey Bay, California, USA

Head out onto the wildlife-rich waters of Monterey Bay with a captain and marine biologist, exploring this remarkable marine ecosystem. Keep watch for whales, dolphins, seals and sea otters as you experience this extraordinary stretch of coastline up close.

Santa Barbara, California, USA

Meet your private captain in the late afternoon and step aboard a 28ft sailboat for a relaxed cruise along the coast. Let the wind carry you along the Pacific shoreline as the sun begins to set, with time to unwind and toast the evening on the water.

Channel Island National Park, California

Set out by ferry to the Channel Islands National Park, a remote and unspoilt marine sanctuary where whales are often spotted en route and wildlife thrives in abundance. With your naturalist guide, paddle through crystal-clear waters by kayak, exploring sea caves and sheltered coves, with seals, sea otters and dolphins often close by. A relaxed picnic on shore and time to hike the cliff-top trails complete this unforgettable island experience.

Santa Barbara Surfing, California, USA

Channel your inner Beach Boy or Girl as you head to a local beach for a family surf lesson with a private instructor.

Hollywood, California, USA

Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where iconic films and behind-the-scenes experiences bring the world of cinema to life. Continue through Hollywood to take in famous landmarks and sweeping city views, before exploring the creative neighbourhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. End in Downtown Los Angeles, where restored architecture, vibrant dining and world-class galleries reflect the city’s cultural revival.

Grand Canyon, USA

Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the vast expanse of the desert en route to the Grand Canyon. Land on a private plateau overlooking the Colorado River to enjoy champagne and light refreshments, before returning at sunset as the canyon is bathed in dramatic evening light.

UTV Nevada Desert, USA

Head into the Nevada desert for an exhilarating off-road adventure, driving powerful CAN-AM Maverick X3s across sand dunes and rocky terrain with your private guide leading the way. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy experience that showcases the dramatic desert landscape just beyond Las Vegas.

Nothing but the best. On this suggested California itinerary, these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested hotels + lodges.