California – also known as the Golden State – is a jewel in America’s crown. With its diverse and stunning landscape, global cities and popular coastline, it has long been a favourite destination for travellers across the world. On the California Explorer you’ll get to sample some of the best this state has to offer. Starting in beautiful San Francisco, you’ll travel down the coast, hitting the likes of Yosemite National Park and Los Angeles, before finishing your trip in San Diego.
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Road Trip Itinerary
3 Nights – San Francisco
1 Nights – Napa Valley
1 Night – Lake Tahoe
2 Nights – Yosemite National Park
1 Nights – Pismo Beach
1 Night – Santa Barbara
2 Nights – Los Angeles
3 Nights – San Diego
✈ UK – San Francisco (3 nights): You’ll touch down, pick up your car and then have three nights in San Francisco to kick off your trip. Also known as ‘Shaky Town’, this city is famous for its painted ladies – Victorian and Edwardian homes painted in three or more colours – cable cars and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. As you walk the hilly streets of San Fran, you’ll sense a quaint nostalgia, which contrasts wonderfully with the newer parts of the city. The overall ambience is a quirky, eclectic one that makes it a perfect introduction to California. While you’re there, be sure to visit famous sites like Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Park, as well as allowing some time to chill out in the funky restaurants and bars.
🚗 San Francisco – Napa Valley (1 night): From San Francisco you’ll head out to California’s famous wine region, Napa Valley. With its undulating hills of green and rustic-style villas, it can feel like you’re in a different world compared to the rest of the Golden State. Be sure to sample the local wares and tour one of the beautiful vineyards.
🚗 Napa Valley – Lake Tahoe (1 night): Your next stop is often referred to as ‘America’s best lake’, Lake Tahoe is one of the most picturesque areas of California. It’s also the perfect place to get active, with lots of hikes and watersports available, from swimming to windsurfing. During the winter, the mountains surrounding the lake are covered in snow, transforming the area into a popular skiing spot. There’s also plenty of nightlife to enjoy.
🚗 Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National Park (2 nights): Next on to Yosemite, set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a striking mix of rocky mountains, green pastures and lakes. It’s famous for its sequoias – large, ancient trees that dominate the landscape. There is also the Tunnel View – a famous viewpoint over Yosemite Valley – and the 188-metre high Bridalveil Fall. When you’re not traversing the landscape, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in Yosemite Village to occupy yourself with. There’s also a museum for you to learn more about the area.
🚗 Yosemite – Pismo Beach (1 night): After your active time at Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, you’ll drive on to the picturesque coastal town of Pismo. This traditional beach community has plenty of sand dunes for relaxing strolls, restaurants for great food and miles of beach for sunbathing.
🚗 Pismo Beach – Santa Barbara (1 night): Driving down the stunning Pacific Highway, you’ll come to your next stop of Santa Barbara. This city is sure to give you a great taste of the Spanish colonial heritage of California. With red-tiled roofs on white stucco buildings, you can be forgiven for feeling like you’re in the Mediterranean. There’s also a range of great places to visit to learn about the local culture and history, including the Santa Barbara Presidio and the Mission Santa Barbara.
🚗 Santa Barbara – Los Angeles (2 nights): Your penultimate stop will be the iconic city of Los Angeles, where you can spend your time exploring Hollywood, the strip and the Walk of Fame. Griffith Park is also a must if you fancy a bit of a hike. As you’d expect of LA, there are plenty of restaurants and a great nightlife scene, meaning you can let your hair down for a few days. There’s also a huge healthy-living culture in the city, so be sure to sample some of the great things they have on offer.
🚗 Los Angeles – San Diego (3 nights): After LA you’ll travel on to your final stop and what a way to end your trip than in San Diego. This city has something for everyone, from famous landmarks to beaches and parks. If you love history, spend time in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which is a state-protected area with Mexican and American heritage. You have to spend some time in Balboa Park, which houses San Diego Zoo, as well as large open spaces and gardens. For some down-time on the beach, take a trip to La Jolla Cove or the Torrey Pines State Beach.
✈ San Diego – UK: Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so all that’s left is to drive to the airport, drop off your car and fly back to the UK.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Anonymous
Matt really helped with our booking. Nothing was too much trouble. Every time we changed our mind (which was quite a few) he rearranged the plans and got back to us promptly. I will definitely use this company again.
Posted 3 hours ago -
Angela
Have just booked with eShores for the second time. Gavin planned a three week Caribbean Island hopping trip earlier this year which was fantastic and very well organised. We decided to do the same thing again and look forward to our next trip in January. Would definitely recommend this company and use them again.
Posted 2 days ago -
Paul
Absolutely a fab team ...Matt has been taking care of my holiday he is really so nice and helpful and responded to everything for me..
Posted 2 days ago -
TeresaFrancina
Eshore’s are an excellent company I can’t praise them enough, especially Adam who has been amazing. He was really patient as I’m indecisive and changed my mind several times. He persevered and found us a dream holiday and put together great itinerary covering every aspect of our journey . Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel the trip and Adam went above and beyond to recoup as much as possible for us. It was a huge help & felt very personal as if he were a friend. We have rescheduled the holiday & will use Eshores for all future trips’
Posted 3 days ago -
DebbieAnn
Nick was helpful from start to finish, helped us with any concerns, would recommend( not been on the holiday yet but sure we won’t be disappointed)
Posted 4 days ago -
KarenBryant
Lynette has been very accommodating it meeting all of our requests and changes and also with her suggestions. Price was good too.
Posted 5 days ago -
Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much. As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!). The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!! Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 6 days ago -
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 1 week ago -
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 1 week ago -
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements. I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 1 week ago
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Your personal travel consultant will get to know your needs, ensuring they find you the most suitable holiday, at the best price!