Ultimate California

A superbly stylish journey through California, staying at the finest hotels, and combining the vibrancy of Los Angeles and San Francisco, an extraordinary retreat on Big Sur, a trip to the stunning Sonoma Valley and the very best of coastal living in Santa Barbara.

1. Days 1-4: San Francisco, California

   Begin your stylish adventure in the eclectic city of San Francisco. San Francisco is a city made for exploring, with its varied neighbourhoods, great restaurants, and palpable sense of history. Explore the colourful counter-culture of Mission District or Haight-Ashbury, have a great meal in Chinatown, and enjoy a long breakfast at the fantastic artisan market in the Ferry Building. We have included a bespoke four hour tour of San Francisco with your own private guide where you can visit some of the City's most iconic landmarks such as Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge. 

   Whilst in the city take a cable car ride up those steep hills, and be sure to take the ferry ride out to Alcatraz Island to see Al Capone’s prison cell. You can also cycle out across the Golden Gate Bridge to have lunch in pretty Sausalito with its extraordinary views of the San Francisco skyline, made even more evocative by the frequent mists that roll in.

   Accommodation: Ritz Carlton San Francisco (3 nights)

2. Days 4-6: Sonoma

   After three nights in the city, drive to the rolling vineyards of Sonoma Valley where you will stay two nights at the exquisite Farmhouse Inn.  Home to a beautiful Michelin starred restaurant, sommelier led wine tours and an impeccable spa, a stay at Farmhouse is all about indulgence. There is an excellent concierge too, who can tailor specific wine experience to your own individual taste.

   Accommodation: Farmhouse Inn (2 nights)

3. Days 6-8: Big Sur

   Next, it’s time to hit the coast. Experience one of America's most iconic drives along the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur to stay two nights at the Post Ranch Inn. This magnificent small luxury hotel has won countless awards and is set in a majestic position on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. It is a stunning place to do absolutely nothing, except watch the sea and the sun and enjoy exquisite food and wine; if you can pull yourself away, there are hidden coves to explore, marine wildlife such as whales and elephant seals to spot, and plenty of trails through the redwood forests to get lost in.

   Accommodation: Post Ranch Inn (2 nights)

4. Days 8-11: Santa Barbara

   Next drive south to chic Santa Barbara to stay at one of our absolute favourite hotels, Belmond El Encanto. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the terracotta-splashed rooves of Santa Barbara’s downtown and the crashing waves of the Pacific, a stay at El Encanto promises a romantic retreat unlike any other. With its gorgeous tropical gardens and blissful breakfast spot, the grounds are impeccably kept and provide guests with a luxurious home-away-from-home. Spend your time here relaxing by the pool, exploring Santa Barbara’s urban wine rooms or shopping the boutiques of State Street. We've included a spectacular wine tour where you can take in the coastline and wine country from the air, before landing back to explore with your wine-expert guide by road, enjoying pairings and a picnic lunch with a view.

   Accommodation: Belmond El Encanto (3 nights)

5. Days 11-14: Los Angeles

   Leaving the laidback California coast behind, head to the bright lights of Los Angeles. Explore Beverly Hills hip restaurants, glitzy velvet-roped bars and Hollywood star homes, to Santa Monica's colourful farmers' market and vintage shopping streets. Or go downtown to cheer on the LA Lakers shooting ball or get inside an LA studio tour. Take in the street-entertainment and cafe culture at eclectic Venice Beach or grab a surf board and head to Malibu. With three nights in the city, there’s plenty of time to explore the sights as well as the lesser known spots.

   Accommodation: The Maybourne Beverly Hills (3 nights)

San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles