Whales, Wine & Wonders of California

Days 1-3  San Francisco      
Fly to charismatic San Francisco, home to the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, handsome architecture and historic cable cars. 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 4  San Francisco to Monterey      
Pick up your car and head south along scenic Highway 1 to delightful Monterey.      

Day 5  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 and set sail on an incredible whale watching tour.  

Day 6  Monterey County      
Go for a leisurely drive along stunning 17-Mile Drive and then visit Carmel-bythe-Sea. This idyllic village delights with its cobbled streets, fairytale cottages and gorgeous white sand beach. Perhaps head to Pinnacles National Park for beautiful hiking trails and bird life.      

Day 7  Monterey to Paso Robles      
Continue south through Big Sur – this winding stretch of Highway 1 hugs the coastline and is one of the most scenic roads in the world. Then travel inland to the bucolic countryside of Paso Robles.

Day 8  Paso Robles    
Explore one of Paso Robles’ many vineyards or stroll through the town centre and take your pick from the plethora of wine tasting rooms on offer.  

Day 9  Paso Robles to Sequoia NP      
Journey onwards to Sequoia National Park, home to gargantuan trees, including General Sherman, the largest tree in the world.

Day 10  Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP  
Today, explore the splendour of Sequoia and its sister national park, Kings Canyon. Linked by the winding Generals Highway, rugged Kings Canyon boasts a dramatic deep valley and miles of hiking trails.      

Day 11  Sequoia NP to Yosemite NP      
Head to majestic Yosemite, this famed national park is a truly awesome natural wonder.  

Day 12  Yosemite NP      
There are so many incredible sights to take in, from towering El Captain to the beautiful cascade of Yosemite Falls and the dramatic vistas of Half Dome.    

Day 13  Yosemite NP to Napa    
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 14  Napa Valley Wine Train      
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.  

Days 15-16  Fly home  
Drive to San Francisco airport and drop off your car in time for your flight home.