Days 1 & 2: San Francisco
Arrive today in San Francisco, ‘The City by the Bay’, and make your own way to your accommodation for a two-night stay. Spend your time at leisure exploring this beautiful and entertaining city or perhaps experience our Deluxe City Tour.

Days 3 & 4: San Francisco - Monterey
Today, collect your hire car and begin your self-drive along the iconic coastal route to Los Angeles. Your first stop is two hours south of San Francisco in the relaxed coastal resort of Monterey, where you have a two night stay. The journey to Monterey takes you along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, famous for its dramatic coastal scenery and exclusive luxury residences. Monterey itself is particularly noted for its rich artistic history and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Keep an eye out for the entertaining California sea otters that inhabit the bay.

Day 5: Monterey - San Simeon
From Monterey, stop in at the sophisticated and immaculately turned out town of Carmel before hitting ‘Big Sur’, the iconic and most famous stretch of Highway 1 and car ad location par excellence! Here, the journey is the main attraction as you cruise around the dramatic headlands and bays just above the crashing rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. Your destination for the night is San Simeon and close by is Hearst Castle; the palatial, opulent estate of former newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and a must see on your trip!

Day 6: San Simeon - Pismo Beach
The spectacular coastline continues south to Pismo Beach, the ‘Clam Capital of California’ and home to the annual Clam Festival every October.

Days 7 & 8: Pismo Beach - Santa Barbara
Today’s drive takes you to the charming seaside resort of Santa Barbara. Often referred to as the ‘American Riviera’; the attractive town dates from 1602 making it one of the oldest in California. Relax on the trendy beaches and explore the surrounding wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley.