Sun-kissed Carmel Coastline
Sun-kissed Carmel Coastline
San Francisco Bay, Cityscape & Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Bay, Cityscape & Golden Gate Bridge
Big Sur, Cannery Row, Solvang & San Simeon
Big Sur, Cannery Row, Solvang & San Simeon
Downtown LA, Universal & Malibu Beach, California
Downtown LA, Universal & Malibu Beach, California
Grand Canyon, Las Vegas & San Diego
Grand Canyon, Las Vegas & San Diego

Self-Drive Golden California

11 nights from £2,169 per person Including Flights

Overview

Explore the incredibly scenic California Pacific towns, little gems that dot the coast, including Monterey, Carmel and the charming wine county of San Luis Obispo. Continue south to Los Angeles before heading inland to the glittering city of Las Vegas. End your road trip in the Sunshine City of San Diego. (ATI)

Further reading: Top 10 coastal towns in California

Itinerary Overview

11 night tour begins San Francisco and ends Los Angeles; Fly into San Francisco 3 nights - Monterey/Carmel 1 night - San Luis Obispo/San Simeon 1 night - Los Angeles 2 nights - Las Vegas 2 nights - San Diego 2 nights - Fly home from Los Angeles

Year round daily departures available

Before you leave the states, how about adding on three nights in Hawaii from £769 per person including flights - fly direct from Los Angeles to Honolulu, staying on iconic Waikiki Beach.

Our holidays include
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with American Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
Why American Sky?
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We offer expert advice and great service Our luxury tailor-made holidays are created with impeccable service from start to finish.

Day 1

Fly to San Francisco

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel. 

Day 2

San Francisco

Today discover the attractions of this beautiful city. See places like Union Square, The Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can also take a short boat trip to tour notorious Alcatraz Island - but make sure you book your tickets before you go as this tour is a daily sell-out.

Day 3

San Francisco

A full day to explore the City by the Bay, beautiful San Francisco, or to enjoy the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, Napa Valley, where famed wineries welcome you for tours and tastings. Established in 1828, this fertile area is considered the premier wine growing region in the United States. Click here for more ideas.

Day 4

San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel (126 miles)

Drive south to Monterey where you can stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The 17-Mile Drive toll road along the Peninsula Coast from Pacific Grove to Carmel boasts magnificent seaside scenery. Visit Carmel Mission, founded in 1770.

Day 5

Monterey - Central Coast (246 miles)

Continue by Big Sur to San Simeon and then onto Pismo Beach. Pismo Beach has gained the nickname "Clam Capital of the World" due to its abundant supply of Pismo clams. Visitors can enjoy clam digging during certain seasons or savor fresh clam dishes at local seafood restaurants. The city is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, particularly Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Day 6

Central Coast - Malibu - Los Angeles (97 miles)

Drive by Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles/Anaheim. If you plan to arrive in Los Angeles early, we suggest a visit to Universal Studios this afternoon before continuing to your hotel where you will stay for two nights.

Day 7

Los Angeles

A full day at leisure. We can book you onto a tour of Warner Studios, or a bike ride around the Hollywood Hills. You might enjoy a visit to Disneyland. Window shop on Rodeo Drive and star spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Day 8

Los Angeles - Las Vegas (280 miles)

It's worth an early start today to miss the LA rush hour. You can either take the direct route east through the Mojave Desert, visiting the ghost town of Calico en route. Or perhaps skirt the south of the Mojave National Preserve and visit the Wild West town of Oatman Arizona, arriving there by 13.30 you'll get to see the Ghostrider Gunfighters spectacular shootout which takes place daily in the middle of the town. Continue onto Las Vegas where you'll be staying for the next couple of nights.

Day 9

Las Vegas (Grand Canyon optional)

A full day at leisure for you to either take a short drive to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, or see one of the great natural wonders of the world, the spectacular Grand Canyon, on an optional day trip from Las Vegas by air. The canyon is 277 miles long, averages 10 miles in width from rim to rim and is 5,700 feet deep. Enjoy another fun evening in this glittering entertainment capital.

Day 10

Las Vegas - San Diego (336 miles)

Drive south past Lake Elsinore to the town of Temecula. Enjoy famed rolling hills and vineyards on your way to San Diego, popular for its year-round sparkling weather and relaxed living. Stay here for your final two nights.

Day 11

San Diego

A full day to discover some of San Diego’s attractions such as: Balboa Park, Old Town, Sea World, which is the largest park in the world devoted to marine life, Coronado Beach, the San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village.

Day 12

Fly home

Time for your holiday to end - you can either fly back from San Diego or drive to Los Angeles airport, return your car and fly home from there

If you're not ready to leave how about extending your stay and perhaps add a Hawaii Extension?

  • Return international flights
  • Fully inclusive car rental – upgrades available at a supplement (eg: SUV or convertible)
  • Hotel accommodation in 3* to 4* hotels  on a room only basis unless otherwise stated.
  • Electronic maps & driving instructions

What’s not included:

  • Resort fees
  • Parking charges
  • Meals, excursions & entrance fees
  • Fuel & road tolls

Julie Leggatt
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 331798 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

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