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San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Big Sur, Sausalito / Winelands and Highlands

As featured in Luxury Travel: All-time Favourites

One of our handpicked itinerary recommendations for 2017

California’s personality spreads far and wide across this enticing state, from quaint vineyards to metropolitan delights.

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Nights 12

San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Big Sur, Sausalito /Itinerary

Winelands and Highlands

12nights

Day /1-2

San Francisco

Fly to San Francisco, on arrival transfer to The St.Regis San Francisco for a 2 night stay. Dominated by the Golden Gate Bridge and views of Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is a city full of surprises. Ride the historic cable cars chugging through the neighbourhoods; explore the waterfront marketplace of Fisherman’s Wharf – fishing boats, basking sea lions, clam chowder and sourdough French bread bakeries. Shoppers will be in their element at Union Square, where evenings are spent dining in trend setting Michelin starred restaurants and world renowned opera and ballets. (RO)

The St Regis San Francisco

Day /3-4

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley

Collect your hire car, drive north to Sonoma Valley for a 2 night at the Farmhouse Inn. The quainter sibling of Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley entices visitors with its rustic wineries, undulating hills and remarkable coastline, dotted with lilac meadow fields, waterfalls and secluded beaches. Explore the galleries and boutiques of Sonoma Plaza, discover an idyllic picnic spot by bike or experience kayaking in the Californian sunshine. (RO)

Farmhouse Inn

Day /5-6

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Continue the drive to Lake Tahoe for a 2 night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe lays claim to some of the country’s top alpine resorts. Relish the pristine environment, blissful beaches and protected forests. Whilst winter brings snow and skiing, summer entices visitors with an abundance of water based activities including boat trips, parasailing, fishing and kayaking on the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe. Magnificent mountain golf can be enjoyed at the Jack Nicklaus designed course whilst hiking and mountain biking will offer spectacular mountain views. (RO)

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Day /7-8

Carmel

Carmel

Drive South to Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel for a 2 night stay. With its artistic heritage and thatched roof cottages reminiscent of quaint English villages, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a place steeped in romance and history. Once inhabited by a number of famous artists and writers, Carmel now boasts over a hundred unique art galleries, all within walking distance to restaurants, boutiques and an exquisite white sand beach. (BB)

Carmel Valley Ranch

Day /9-10

Big Sur

Big Sur

Continue along the scenic Highway One to Big Sur for a 2 night stay at the Post Ranch Inn. Cameras will be working overtime along the ninety mile stretch of rugged coastline between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway One. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate and historical landmark Hearst Castle in San Simeon the highlights. (RB)

Post Ranch Inn

Day /11-12

Sausalito

Sausalito

Return to the north for the last 2 nights at Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito. It wouldn't be unusual to mistake charming Sausalito for a Mediterranean fishing village, with its hillside pastel-coloured houses, sophisticated yacht marina and numerous boutiques. Only 20 minutes from San Francisco, the city boasts some of the most spectacular views over Golden Gate Bridge; the scenic waterfront walk along Bridgeway is also a delight. (RO)

Cavallo Point Lodge

Day /13

Return to London

Return your hire car to San Francisco Airport for the return flight back to the UK.

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Carrier has been tailoring holidays worldwide for over 35 years and has firmly established its reputation as one of the leaders in the luxury holiday market. We have been voted ‘Favourite Tour Operator’ by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine more times than any other company in the past decade, and have been featured in The Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Top 10 Tour Operators for 2016. Carrier has also won several national travel industry accolades, including ‘Luxury Tour Operator of the Year’ from TTG Luxury and Advantage Travel Centres.

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