Exceptional California
Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley & San FranciscoThis classic self-drive itinerary experiences the amazing contrasts of the Golden State, California. Combining skiing in Lake Tahoe, wine tasting in Napa Valley and ending in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This romantic adventure combines wonderful food, delicious local wine and some unbelievable scenery on the way.
Journey highlights
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Romantic adventure in the Golden State of California
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Self drive through some of California's most stunning scenery
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Ski some of North America's finest slopes at beautiful Lake Tahoe
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Explore the wineries of Napa Valley and taste some of its finest produce
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
California is a year round destination and has a temperate climate. This itinerary is best enjoyed in March and April, where you'll enjoy the best of the Spring snow, the vineyards in Napa will be coming into bud, and Spring has arrived in San Francisco.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | GBP £5,400 | GBP £800 | plan your trip |
| February | GBP £7,400 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| March | GBP £6,700 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| April | GBP £6,700 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| December | GBP £6,700 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
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January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,400
Deposit from*GBP £800
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February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to San Francisco
Lake Tahoe Ski
You will start your Californian adventure on the cosmopolitan ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, after driving up from San Francisco or Reno Airports you will be staying in the luxurious village of Northstar. Northstar features fantastic mid-mountain skiing through the trees as well as stunning views across the cobalt blue north side of the lake. If you like cruising the groomed pistes and tree runs then Northstar is perfect for those leisurely or intermediate skiers. If you are looking for more challenging terrain then the Lake is home to 14 ski resorts, all within driving distance. This is skiing American style, where you can drive to different resorts, seeking out the best conditions each day and enjoying the varied après at night.
Accommodation: 8 nightsNapa Valley
After 7 days of skiing you will hit the road to continue your California adventure in the stunning region of Napa Valley. Think of Napa and the first thing that comes to mind is wine. However, not only is this little part of California producing wines to rival that of the old world, it also has a lot of surprises up its sleeve. The scenery is spectacular; the towns are quaint and eclectic; the standard of restaurants is phenomenal, and it oozes Californian sophistication. Wine tasting will be at top of your check list, and we can organise tours to the most notable wine makers or smaller, off-the-beaten track wineries in the valley and Sonoma. Why not leave your car behind and cycle between each one? Or see the entire valley from a hot air balloon?
Accommodation: 3 nightsSan Francisco
The next and final part of your trip takes you to the vibrant city of San Francisco. The California gold rush of 1849 turned San Francisco from a small Spanish colony into the largest city on the West coast. And after being nearly completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1906, it became the city it is today. Famous for being the birth place of free love, it retains its liberal air and is one of the world’s most famous cities, instantly recognisable in any picture. San Francisco is a city made for exploring with an array of must do experiences, including great restaurants, historic sites and buzzing markets. Be sure to take a ferry ride out to the island of Alcatraz to the see the notorious prison. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and have lunch in Sausalito whilst taking in the extraordinary views of the San Francisco skyline. With two nights in the city you will have time to see the best spots of the city.
Accommodation: 2 nightsFly home from San Francisco
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind