New York and the Wonders of California

Days 1-3  New York  
Start your American holiday in the Big Apple. Over the next few days, explore the city at your own pace and visit the iconic sites. Explore Central Park’s many scenic trails by foot or bike, head down iconic 5th Avenue to indulge in some retail therapy, head up Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center for sensational views and experience Times Square’s electric energy and bright lights. One evening, sample some tasty New York style pizza perhaps catch a Broadway show where world-class theatre takes centre stage. The list is endless!

Days 4-6  San Francisco      
Fly to charismatic San Francisco, home to the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, handsome architecture and historic cable cars. Explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Union Square, Nob Hilland, sample some clam chowder in Fisherman’s Wharf or take a tour to the notorious island of Alcatraz – the prison may have closed down in the 1960s but the stories and infamy live on.

Day 7  San Francisco to Monterey      
Pick up your car and head south along scenic Highway 1 to delightful Monterey. En route, choose to stop off in Santa Cruz and walk the boardwalk filled with vintage rides or in Redwoods National Park to admire some of the world’s tallest trees.

Day 8  Monterey      
This lovely town has bags of charm and is home to historic waterfront Cannery Row and a quaint Fisherman’s Wharf – the perfect spot for a bowl of clam chowder. Spot adorable sea otters playing in the bay, enjoy a scenic hike along the coast, head to Pinnacle National Park to spot rare Californian condors or decide to drive along scenic Highway 1, past quaint seaside villages and the dramatic cliffs of the magnificent Big Sur.

Day 9  Monterey      
Today, set sail on an incredible whale watching tour of this protected marine park in search of gray and humpback whales, dolphins and possibly migrating orcas and blue whales.  

Day 10  Monterey to Yosemite      
Today, drive east to Yosemite, this famed national park is a truly awesome natural wonder. En route, perhaps stop off at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park near Jamestown to see steam locomotives and an authentic rail roadhouse.

Day 11  Yosemite      
Spend the day admiring the huge granite peaks of El Capitan and Half Dome, wandering beneath towering sequoia trees and seeking out beautiful waterfalls in this splendid national park.

Day 12  Yosemite to Napa Valley    
Leave the granite peaks behind as you drive to Napa Valley. The chic town of Napa makes a great base to explore the valley’s many vineyards and wineries of this famous wine region.  

Day 13  Napa Valley    
All aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train! This historic train journeys through California’s wine country as you dine on a gourmet three-course lunch whilst admiring the vast, rolling scenery.  

Day 14  Napa Valley to San Francisco      
Drive back to San Francisco and drop the car off before your onward journey.