The Golden State & Beyond 

From golden coastlines and desert oasis to towering mountains and world-famous vineyards, this journey through California captures the very best of the Golden State and beyond.

Beginning in vibrant San Francisco, you’ll follow the legendary Pacific Coast Highway through Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara, before diving into the energy of Los Angeles and the laid-back charm of San Diego.

The adventure then turns inland to the desert landscapes of Palm Springs, the neon buzz of Las Vegas, and the stark beauty of Death Valley, before crossing the Sierra Nevada into the breath taking wilderness of Yosemite. Finally, unwind by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and savour the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley before returning home.

With a perfect blend of cities, coastline, deserts, and mountains, this itinerary offers a true Californian experience, rich in variety and unforgettable moments.

This USA holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

San Francisco

Leave your inhibitions behind, grab your walking shoes and your most outrageous outfit in preparation for the wild (and typically steep) ride that is the foggy and fabulous city of San Francisco.

It is crawling with outlandish locals, wacky street performers and eccentric artists who somehow manage to delight and charm their way into the hearts of even the most conservative travellers.

Your trip is likely to include some cardio-building jaunts up some dramatically steep inclines to hilltop viewpoints offering magnificent views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison and Coit Tower.

With its dizzying array of restaurants and farmers markets, rows of rainbow-coloured Victorian houses, as well as countless vintage saloons and speakeasies, there really is never a dull moment in this rollicking city by the bay.

Big Sur

The Big Sur region is home to what is arguably California’s most beautiful stretch of coast.

This rugged coastline and its unspoiled surrounding wilderness area extends 90 miles from San Simeon to Carmel.

The area boasts a rich and diverse history which has resulted in a number of remarkable manmade and natural landmarks.

Enjoy the golden sands of Carmel River State Beach, the rocky expanse of Point Lobos State Reserve, the architectural authenticity of Point Sur Light Station, the impressive Hearst Castle and a number of state parks.

Popular activities include hiking, cycling, boating and horseback riding. Big Sur makes an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the frenetic energy of the city and unwind in some truly unforgettable natural surroundings.

Santa Barbara

With its year round Mediterranean-like climate, its extraordinary stretch of rugged coastline and its idyllic setting between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it’s not hard to understand why Santa Barbara is widely considered to be the ‘The American Riviera’.

While the city lies less that 100 miles from the vast metropolis of Los Angeles, it differs greatly from its massive neighbour to the south.

Its broad pristine beaches, renowned wineries, and its relaxed atmosphere afford residents and visitors the kind laidback lifestyle one would expect from a small coastal town combined with the shopping experiences, dining opportunities and all the amenities of a large city.

Don’t miss the Spanish Mission Church, El Presidio State Historic Park, Butterfly Beach and Santa Ynez wine tasting.

Los Angeles

As the second largest city in the United States and the nation’s entertainment capital, L.A. is a vast metropolis brimming with movie stars, musicians, surfers, and plenty of glamorous A-list action.

The city is comprised of a number of wildly disparate neighbourhoods including the legendary celebrity hotspot of Hollywood, the inviting beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu and the hidden gems of Koreatown and Little Tokyo.

The result of this unlikely combination is an intriguing melting pot of bold creatives, eclectic world cultures, exotic cuisine and a never-ending array of wonderfully eccentric characters.

Spot a movie star, sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar, slip on a pair of designer shoes in an ultra-luxurious boutique in Beverly Hills, or dance the night away in a starlet-filled club. Keep an open mind and embrace all Los Angeles has to offer and you won’t leave disappointed.

San Diego

With its pleasant temperatures and endless days of sunshine, the city of San Diego is a summer vacationer’s dream destination.

Commonly considered to be one of America’s most family-friendly cities, San Diego is home to LEGOLAND, the New Children’s Museum, and the famed San Diego Zoo.

But you don’t have to be a child to enjoy this young-at-heart city. Sunbathers and surfers are sure to find that ideal beach; culture enthusiasts will be thrilled by the hip art galleries, artist studios, and museums; and food lovers will find numerous culinary delights in artisanal breweries and charming local bistros.

A vibrant downtown area and beaches ranging from ritzy to raucous make this enchanting portside city a popular spot for travellers of all ages and interests.

Palm Springs

Situated in the magnificent Coachella Valley, the famed resort city of Palm Springs offers an oasis of glitz and glamour in the California Desert.

Visitors and part-time residents, among them celebrities and the usual A-list crowd, come each year to enjoy the impressive golf courses and to browse the upscale galleries and exclusive boutiques.

Though many flock to Palm Springs to relax in a pool-side lounger with a cocktail in hand, the city has much more on offer.

Spend your days: marvelling at the gorgeous mid-century modern architecture; checking out some urban-chic contemporary artwork in the Palm Springs’ Backstreet Arts District; or exploring the numerous trails of the remarkable Indian Canyons.

With its natural beauty, sparkling pools, and the ideal combination of outdoor adventure and laid-back relaxation it's no wonder that Hollywood A-listers and weekend warriors have long made Palm Springs their weekend getaway of choice.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.