Ultimate Californian Road Trip

Experience the sights and sounds of San Francisco and watch as the infamous island of Alcatraz, with its imposing prison, looms on the horizon as you cruise past the Golden Gate Bridge. Tour the island itself, where you’ll learn about its tumultuous history as a federal penitentiary, once incarcerating Al Capone. Take a ride up Frisco’s hills on the manually-operated cable cars and check out the sweeping views across San Francisco Bay. Finish off back down on Pier 39, home to a colony of lazy sea lions and numerous restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques.

Cruise along the rugged Californian coastline on your way to Monterey, where it’s all about marine life. There’s a world-class aquarium to explore, plus the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, protecting the region’s seals, whales and dolphins. Check out the mind bending Monterey Mirror Maze, or why not learn to surf or try out the area’s golf courses. Don’t miss buzzing Cannery Row, named after the John Steinbeck depression-era novel of the same name. The promenade now buzzes with locals and tourists discovering its galleries, restaurants and antique shops.

With a wide sandy beach, Pismo is a great place to break your California journey. Watch the sunset from the pier and if you’re lucky enough to be travelling between October and March, do not miss the swarms of migrating bright orange monarch butterflies found in the eucalyptus groves. The more energetic can try some sea kayaking or take a hummer through the sand dunes. Perhaps take a detour to eclectic Hearst Castle, filled with grand 1920s & 30s styles and a fine collection of art, and, Lady Gaga filmed her G.U.Y. music video here.

Wine, dine, shop and flop on the beach in pretty Santa Barbara. Check out the pretty stone façade of the hilltop Santa Barbara Mission, built in 1829 in the style of a Roman temple. The original was destroyed in the 1812 earthquake and this ‘new’ version of the mission has been designed to be earthquake proof. For a relaxing afternoon, take a wander among the beautiful landscapes of the Botanic Gardens with its 78 acres of blooming pathways and woodlands, offering fabulous views of the Santa Ynez Mountains in the distance.

It's time for some California dreamin' in Santa Monica. Perhaps rent a bike and spend a day cruising The Strand. A 22-mile beach path for walkers and bikers, it's the perfect way to experience the best of this laid back beach town. Need to cool down? We recommend a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean before heading to the landmark Santa Monica Pier, where you can watch surfers catching waves, experience the rides at Pacific Park, and spot sea lions playing near local fishermen. Enjoy a spot of shopping and people-watching on 3rd Street Promenade, also an open-air foodie paradise where you can tuck into fresh, organic fare. Delicious!

See the sights of San Diego from the comfort of an old fashioned trolley. Chill out on La Jolla beach and wander the gardens, museums and theatres of Balboa Park. With a number of gardens to choose from, including the Japanese Friendship Garden, which offers bonsai and sushi classes on weekends, and the Rose Garden with its 1600 roses, as well as a carousel and a miniature train, there’s something for everyone here. The park is also home to San Diego Zoo, a pioneer of the cage-less, open air style, where the animals are housed in areas that resemble their natural habitats as closely as possible.