California Explorer

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to San Francisco. Upon arrival, make your way to the Hotel Zephyr, conveniently located on Fisherman’s Wharf which allows easy access to a whole array of San Francisco’s attractions.

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Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco

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Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco

Offering 361 guestrooms, each vibrant room is outfitted with fun and modern amenities for an enjoyable stay in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The stunning design is an adventurous twist on a nautical design along with some touches of San Francisco and the Bay area. Each room is appointed with a bar-style work station, mini-refrigerators, multi-device docking station with Smart TV streaming, and some even have a magnetic dartboard or backgammon set.

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Experience the rich cultural life of San Francisco, one of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. The many hills of the city afford visitors plenty of perfect views over San Francisco Bay. Cross the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco to the Marin headlands, and visit Golden Gate Park, boasting over 1000 acres of lawns, lakes and a riot of flora. Hop on a cable car, from the seaside community of Fisherman’s Wharf to the shopping hub of Union Square. Take a trip over to Alcatraz and experience the dark world inhabited by notorious criminals. Stroll through China Town, see Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” of colourful houses at Hayes and Steiner Streets, with its city backdrop. Your days in san Francisco will be filled with memorable attractions and experiences.

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Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco

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Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco

Offering 361 guestrooms, each vibrant room is outfitted with fun and modern amenities for an enjoyable stay in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The stunning design is an adventurous twist on a nautical design along with some touches of San Francisco and the Bay area. Each room is appointed with a bar-style work station, mini-refrigerators, multi-device docking station with Smart TV streaming, and some even have a magnetic dartboard or backgammon set.

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This morning, collect you rental car, and start your California journey by heading for Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is a true wake-up call to nature abundance of beauty and wonder. One of the first wilderness parks in the USA, it maintains its status as also one of the country’s most popular national parks. Although famous for its incredible waterfalls, it also boasts over 1,165 square miles of extraordinarily deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoia trees. Follow one if its superb hiking and walking trails, discover its flowing waters and spot the myriad of wildlife which call it home.

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Tenaya at Yosemite, Fishcamp nr Yosemite

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Tenaya at Yosemite, Fishcamp nr Yosemite

Elegantly decorated, accommodations offer an inviting retreat after active days in the abundant nature that surrounds the hotel. A range of guestrooms, suites and cottages all feature luxurious down bedding, climate control, televisions and wireless internet.

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Today you are taking to California’s beautiful coastline, which draws visitors from across the globe for its golden sand beaches, craggy coastline, warm ‘surf ready’ waters and myriad of quaint coastal towns. Your first base is Monterey on the northern coast. It is rich in visitor attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium with its three storey marine habitat tank and the Splash Zone filled with penguins, sea dragons and super sized scallop and clam shells. Kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching and beach-going are just some of the activities to be enjoyed on the beach, with golf, shopping, and driving the spectacular coastline to Big Sur some of the many land-based adventures. The visitor hub is Cannery Row, who’s historic warehouses from its sardine export era are filled with galleries, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Monterey is a treasure trove of history. The Path of History, marked by tiles on the pavements, leads travellers along a route filled with 19th century adobes, historic homes and churches. Don’t forget to head to Fisherman’s Wharf to see Monterey’s seafaring past brought to life.

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Hyatt Regency, Monterey

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Hyatt Regency, Monterey

Designed to reflect the hotel’s beautiful outdoor surroundings, the Hyatt’s guestrooms and suites feature elegant furnishings with natural materials and soothing colours. With comfort in mind, all rooms feature Hyatt’s Signature Grand Beds with pillow-top mattresses and sumptuous linens, and spacious bathrooms with marble floors and rainfall showers. In-room amenities include flat screen televisions, refrigerators and coffee makers.

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A highlight of your holiday, the road south isnt simply a means of getting to your next destination but a spell-binding journey of beautiful scenery and fabulous en route stops. Make stop at Carmel, a picturesque seaside town, with wonderful views and a wealth of character. Your destination is San Simeon, where Hearst Castle is a must. This hilltop mansion was built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century and is a curiosity to behold.

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Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon

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Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon

The 90 guestrooms have been tastefully decorated, offer a king or two queen size beds and provide all the comforts you would expect. A television, alarm clock radio, refrigerator and coffee-maker feature in every room, and those choosing an oceanfront room also enjoy a wood-burning fireplace and private patio.

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The next stop on your journey south is at San Luis Obispo. Downtown you’ll discover charming shops, restaurants, the weekly SLO farmers market and the beautifully preserved Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Along the shoreline from May to October, you can see humpback whales on route to Baja for the breeding season. Whilst at the water, visit the Olde Port Fish Market at the end of Port San Luis Pier, where fishmongers cook up crab and sell their freshly caught produce. If time allows, make a stop at Pismo Beach too, a pretty town where you can soak up the sun on the beach or partake in the many water sports available including surfing, sea kayaking and boating. Our final suggestion is a visit to Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the city’s Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs, The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese and European motorbikes and Old Mission Santa Inés showcases early-1800s Franciscan church architecture. Finally you reach Santa Barbara – one of America’s best kept secrets! Fondly recognised as the Mediterranean of the US, with its tiled terracotta roofs and white stucco buildings you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were in America. It is blessed with glorious sunshine, framed by the San Ynez Mountains and afford breathtaking coastal scenery. There are attractions for everyone, from its Botanical Gardens to a ten acre waterpark. Take a boat tour, visit a local vineyard for a tasting, head to the theatre or ballet, and  enjoy al fresco dining with million-dollar views.

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The Milo, Santa Barbara

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The Milo, Santa Barbara

Hotel Milo offers a warm, bungalow-style retreat across six low-rise hacienda buildings set on 2.5 acres, with 121 rooms designed to blend historic charm and modern comfort. Each room features a coastal-Spanish aesthetic with neutral tones, natural textures, and thoughtful touches to create a relaxed yet elegant feel. Amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, televisions, coffee makers, mini-bars, and L’Occitane bath products.

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No visit to California would be complete without visiting legendary Los Angeles. This vast city includes so many areas you are not going to want to miss. It has more than 50 miles of coastline and 33 public beaches, so you can always find a stretch of empty sand. From the quiet enclave of Malibu with its celebrity residents, to the fun-filled seaside pier of Santa Monica, to the funky ambience of Venice with its offbeat street performers, each of these waterfront wonders offers its own personality and its own take on dining, shopping, attractions and activities. Hollywood has evolved from its historic roots as the birthplace of the film industry into one of LA’s hippest spots to shop, dine and be entertained. At the center of it all is Hollywood & Highland Center with its trendy stores, hot restaurants, hip nightclubs, cool entertainment and the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Legendary Sunset Boulevard takes you east through Westwood and Beverly Hills, where Rodeo Drive is just one avenue in the world’s most famous shopping district. And on Beverly Hills’ palm-lined byways, you may think you’re in a movie yourself. There is also Universal Studios and Disneyland in Anaheim and Knotts Berry Farm to provide entertainment for the whole family.

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Loews Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles

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Loews Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles

Loews Hollywood Hotel offers 628 spacious guestrooms and suites, which have been stylishly designed and well furnished. Many rooms face the Hollywood Hills and the iconic Hollywood sign, whilst others have views of Los Angeles’ skyline. Flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFI, mini-bars, Keurig coffee-makers, and warming bathrobes come as standard in every room. A selection of suites is also available, which are all wonderfully spacious and offer upgraded amenities.

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Leaving the California coast behind, you head inland and cross the border to Nevada where the entertainment capital of the world awaits. Whether you spend your time soaking in the desert sunshine around a sparkling pool, taking a trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, feasting on the international cuisines at acclaimed restaurants, or taking in an award-winning theatre show or concert, is entirely up to you. Whatever you decide, Las Vegas is sure not to disappoint.

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Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

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Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

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Your incredible adventure has come to an end. Make the short drive back to Las Vegas Airport, return your rental car and check-in for your flight back to the UK.