Fly from the UK to San Francisco and spend two nights in the City by the Bay. This very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the City’s streets can lead from Union Square to North Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf, with intriguing neighbourhoods to explore at every turn. Stay for 2 nights in San Francisco. 

Collect a car and drive Just 45 minutes North of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma County (approx. 45 miles) a land of agricultural bounty and world-class wines; ancient redwood forests and secluded ocean coves; genuine small towns populated with independent thinkers. With more than 370 friendly wineries, 40-plus spas, farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, shops, rivers, redwoods, and trails. Stay for 2 nights in Sonoma. 

Head north-west and out to the dramatic northern coast and the historic town of Mendocino (approx. 122 miles). Spend two nights enjoying the coast with its miles of unspoilt beaches and scenic bluffs. Mendocino has a multitude of festivals year round including celebrations of their signature local foods, wines and locally brewed beers. Other annual events celebrate whales, music, art, film, vintage locomotives and California’s oldest continuous rodeo. Stay for 2 nights in Mendocino. 

Head to Redding (approx. 240 miles). Enjoy hiking backwoods trails, kayaking pristine lakes, or skiing some of the most breathtaking terrain in the country, the Shasta Cascade sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Redding’s Pioneer Days come alive at the Jake Jackson Memorial Museum, while a helicopter tour of the granite peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and cascading waterfalls of the Trinity Alps offer a look at the area from an exhilarating perspective. Stay for 2 nights in Redding. 

Continue on to Lake Tahoe (approx. 224 miles), Jewel of the Sierras, is rimmed by majestic mountains and touted as a National Treasure for its pristine blue waters. The beautiful lake spans the border between California and Nevada and is a wonderful place to relax by the water, swim, paddle, fish or kite board. There are also many land based activities such as golf, horse riding, hiking and biking. Stay for 2 nights in Lake Tahoe. 

Head for Yosemite National Park, (approx. 211 miles) and enjoy two nights in this popular National Park. There are some great ranger-led programmes, as well as trails and driving loops that allow you to get the most out of your visit.

Drive from Yosemite to Sacramento (approx. 176 miles). As "America's Farm-to-Table Capital", Sacramento is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to do from museums, shops and restaurants to outdoor activities, Broadway shows and beautiful parks. It has a rich Gold-Rush history and a historic downtown area. Stay for 2 nights in Sacramento.  

Return to San Francisco (approx. 87 miles) drop off your hire car and fly back to the UK.