In addition to the iconic hotels listed we have access to dozens of more great hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. There are simply to many to list. We work directly with the State’s regional tourist boards and have direct contacts to the hotels’ General Managers and Sales teams. To make sure you get that really get looked after.

If you wish to stay at a Four Seasons, Auberge or Rosewood all the way then great. But if you wish to mix and match to ensure you have a budget to also do some fun and authentic experiences then we work with you on your budget and tell you what you can do, guiding you to get the best value out of your trip.

 

Whether you are looking for the best vineyards to visit in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Santa Ynez (Santa Barbara) or Monterey or visiting the famous National Parks of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia, we can tailor make your special California-dreaming journey.

You can start in San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego and we will create your trip accordingly.

We have an exceptional experience and knowledge and work with partners and the local tourist boards so that we can offer private experiences from deep sea fishing off the Monterey Peninsula, to meeting and dining with a winemaker to a history or food tour of San Francisco.

Days 1-3 in San Francisco.

Depending on your international arrival times you will probably arrive early to late afternoon. We would suggest going straight to your hotel (we have priority early check-in and all our SELECT hotels), showering and dining locally. To shake off the jet lag take a bike tour across the Golden Gate to Sausalito. You can cycle back or take the ferry. Highly recommended restaurants include The Lighthouse for an Americana lunch (they do great pancake breakfasts ideal for the kids too), Scoma’s on the pier (there’s also one in the city) or local favourite Poggio Trattoria and try one of their fig pizzas. The next day try out a foodie tasting tour at either the Ferry Building or in the Mission District. Depending on your sense of adventure and budget, embark on a helicopter sightseeing tour of the harbour and city or a private sailing charter from Sausalito to San Fran.

Days 4-5 in Napa & Sonoma Valley.

Leave the city behind and in only 90 minutes you will find yourself in another world. In Monterey hire a classic car – convertibles highly recommended! A region of extraordinary wines, boutique wineries, world-class hotels and a thriving foodie scene with multiple Michelin restaurants. Indulge in private food and wine tours. Take a balloon ride as the sun rises, or a vintage family-friendly restored train journey. Go horseback riding along the Wine Trail and have a picnic along the way, all in the hands of an expert wrangler. Enjoy a cooking class whilst sipping local wines. Take a hiking excursion or fly fishing trip, finished off with some local wines and a picnic. And for those real wine connoisseurs treat yourself to a wine tasting tour with a local sommelier, opening doors to some of the quaintest wineries and meet the local winemakers. Many of our preferred hotels also have world-class spas and golf .

Days 6-7 Monterey Peninsula or Big Sur.

Home to Clint Eastwood, world-class golf, spectacular coastlines, wine and adventure. After your time in wine country, its a 2 & 1/2 drive to the Peninsula. Here we can tailor two days of various experiences whilst being based either in and around Carmel or Big Sur. Enjoy hiking adventures, food and art tours, helicopter trips, whale watching, more wine tastings, E-biking around 17-mile Drive, a beach horseback ride, sunset sailing and even a beekeeping experience. Before you fly out add an extra day and treat yourself at the Rosewood Sandhill, Menlo Park, less than 1/2 hour from SFO international airport but an oasis of luxury and pampering to end your week on a true high and leaving you certainly wanting and needing more of the Golden State. Relax and find Californian karma in the spa “Alchemy of Sleep” and enjoy Michelin-star dining at Madera.

Alternative Itinerary

As an alternative after visiting Napa and Sonoma Valleys, drive to Yosemite National Park for Days 6-7 and spend two days exploring home of Yogi Bear, Half Dome and El Capitan. For anyone that has watched Dawn Wall or Free Solo, they know what this captivating National Park has to offer in terms of awe inspiring granitic rock of Sierra Nevada Batholith. Inspiring Ansel Adams to create some of his most iconic work, take a family-friendly bike tour with a naturalist guide explaining and revealing local plant, wildlife and natural history. At night enjoy a private campfire, wake up the next day and take a breathtaking hike with your own guide to marvel at waterfalls (best viewed in late spring after the snow melt), vast monoliths and towering trees. In late summer you can enjoy soft adventure ideal for the entire family with white water rafting along the Tuolumme River (Class 2-3 rapids).