Classic California For Families

Embark on a spectacular tour of the Pacific west coast of California in a luxury SUV. Stay in the most sought after hotels and enjoy some unique experiences along the way.

Day 1 - Arrival in San Francisco

Upon arrival in San Francisco, you will meet your driver and be privately transferred to your hotel, centrally located in the city’s Union Square district. The rest of the day is yours to relax and get acclimated to your new surroundings.

Overnight at St. Regis San Francisco

Day 2 - San Francisco City Tour

Meet your expert guide this morning for an exciting day exploring San Francisco’ most iconic sites. Learn about the rich history and unique landscape of the city as your guide takes you to the most popular sites! A visit to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without a stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Next, head to the oldest Chinatown in North America, and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. Stop at Fisherman's Wharf where you will meander the bustling Pier 39, and catch a stunning view of the infamous Alcatraz Island. Pass by the Ferry Building, historical in nature but now symbolic of the city's cutting-edge food scene. Other stops potentially include North Beach, Nob Hill, Twin Peaks, and more!

Then in the evening, head to the infamous Alcatraz Island. Formerly the nation's highest security prison, Alcatraz Island today the Island is one of the most visited touristic attractions in Northern California. Take a 15-minute ride in a hybrid ferry to the island that criminals such as Al Capone once inhabited. Continue up the hill, taking in unique views of the city skyline and the famous Golden Gate bridge, and head inside the prison to collect your audio-guide. With authentic quotes from original guards and prisoners, as well as an expert narrator, learn about the daily life of an Alcatraz inmate. For the next hour or two, wander past cells, the cafeteria, and the guard’s offices. Slip into solitary confinement cells where select prisoners stayed in total isolation and darkness for up to 12 days at a time! Peruse the gift shop before boarding your ferry back to the pier.

Overnight at St. Regis San Francisco

Day 3 - San Francisco Biking and Yachting

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to set sail with a seasoned captain on an International America's Cup Yacht! Arrive at Pier 39 at the designated time to meet your captain and crew who will make sure you have everything you need for a perfect, comfortable ride on the water. You may choose to participate in the sailing with the instruction of your captain, taking turns at driving, working the controls or you can chose to just sit back and enjoy the thrill of the ride!

Then, in the afternoon, embark on a guided bike trip through San Francisco, riding across that same bridge you went under earlier aboard the yacht. Meet your guide and get fitted for your bikes, then allow your knowledgeable guide to lead you along the San Francisco waterfront, past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason and the Presidio before arriving at Fort Point. Pedal through the clouds across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a lively experience that you won't soon forget! Snap a fantastic photo at Vista Point before arriving in the historic waterfront town of Sausalito, where you will be able to enjoy its shops, art galleries and the delicious food before ferrying back to San Francisco!

Overnight at St. Regis San Francisco

Day 4 - San Francisco to Carmel

This morning, you will pick up your luxurious SUV and begin your drive down America’s most famous corridor, the Pacific Coast Highway. Just outside the city, make your first stop and meet an experienced pilot who will guide you on a private seaplane tour of the California Coast!

For the next glorious hour, soar through the clouds as your pilot points out some of the most beautiful and iconic sites below you. Fly over glistening Monterey Bay and follow the shoreline down to Big Sur, passing Moss Landing and Elk Horn Slough, one of the largest wetland regions in the state. Continue over Monterey, Carmel, and the stunning, and possibly haunted, Point Sur light house situated on jutting volcanic rock. You may even be lucky enough to spot a whale or two! Make sure to take a few pictures to capture this incredible experience before your pilot brings you safely back to land at the airfield.

Upon arrival at your hotel in Carmel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore its serene landscape, resort-like amenities, and gourmet restaurant.

Overnight at Bernardus Lodge

Day 5 - Monterey by Sea and Land

Today you will head over to Moss Landing, where you will meet your experienced captain and board a customized rigid-hull inflatable boat that was originally designed for military patrol use for an exciting, private ocean safari! Explore the magnificent coastline of Monterey Bay, as well as the spectacular wetlands of Point Lobos and Elkhorn Slough. Guided by an expert naturalist, you will get up-close and-personal with the magnificent, local resident whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters! Be sure to dress in layers, as the regional weather can change without warning.

Once back on land, make your way over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Built in 1984, the aquarium is located on the site of a former sardine cannery on the Pacific Ocean shoreline in Monterey. Your window onto the ocean, the Aquarium offers a private guided tour that will take you behind the scenes of its world-class attractions that attract almost 2 million visitors each year. Visit stingrays, jellyfish, sea otters, and numerous other fascinating and peculiar marine species. The aquarium is also one of very few in the world to exhibit both bluefin and yellowfin tuna, prized game fish and apex predators that are very difficult to maintain in captivity.

Once your private tour concludes, spend some time exploring the aquarium at leisure, before heading back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight at Bernardus Lodge

Day 6 - Carmel to Santa Barbara

Depart Carmel in the morning, driving to Santa Barbara. As a 30-mile stretch of Highway 1 south of Big Sur is indefinitely closed for repair, the drive will take about an hour and a half longer than usual, rerouting inland on California’s 101 interstate before rejoining the Pacific Coast Highway at Morro Bay. Arrive in Santa Barbara in the late afternoon, get settled into your luxurious accommodations, and end your day with a gorgeous sunset meal by the beach.

Overnight at Belmond El Encanto

Day 7 - Santa Barbara Horseback Riding

Today you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the morning at leisure. Make sure to take advantage of your hotel’s impeccable amenities

This afternoon, spend a couple of unforgettable hours horseback riding along the pristine Santa Barbara coastline. Your private guide will set you up with the right horse for your stature, and your journey will begin. Trot along the beautiful beaches as waves crash around you. Gaze out onto the crisp horizon as the setting sun sets the sky ablaze.

Overnight at Belmond El Encanto

Day 8 - Kayaking and Snorkeling the Channel Islands

In the morning, head out for a relaxing day of kayaking along the Santa Barbara waterfront. First you will board a group ferry over to Channel Island. Keep an eye out on this ride over, guests often spot migrating whales and pods of dolphins.

Upon arrival to Santa Cruz Island, meet your small  group tour guide for the day who will outfit you with wetsuits, paddle jackets, and helmets; then provide a paddling demonstration and safety briefing.

Once on the water, paddle for a glorious 3-mile stretch along the coast surrounded by beautiful kelp forests and rugged cliffs. Paddle in and out of breathtaking sea caves while your guide provides insight on the marine ecology and natural history of the islands. Abundant marine life and sea birds offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the trip. After the tour, take out your snorkeling gear to explore the kelp beds of Scorpion Anchorage.

The group ferry will be waiting to bring you back to land in the late afternoon. Self-transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon and have the evening at leisure.

Overnight at Belmond El Encanto

Day 9 - Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

This morning, depart Santa Barbara and drive to Los Angeles. After checking into your accommodations at the iconic, timeless Beverly Hills Hotel, immerse into the world of the City of Angels with an expert-led driving tour of its most popular sites, as well as some lesser-known gems frequented by true locals.

Sights and stops may include: the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Bowl, Hancock Park, the Kodak Theater, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the legendary gates at Paramount Pictures, Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue, the Sunset Strip and scores of celebrity homes in Beverly Hills and Bel-Air.

Your tour will also include a sunset helicopter tour where you will soar over iconic landmarks of Los Angeles including the Pacific Palisades, the Santa Monica pier, and the celebrity homes of Beverly Hills and Bel Air. As many walking paths have been closed off in recent year, this aerial tour will get you as close as you can possibly get to the world-famous Hollywood sign!

After the tour concludes, your guide will bring you back to your hotel for a night on your own.

Overnight at Beverly Hills Hotel

Day 10 - VIP Universal Studios

Today, drive to Hollywood to enjoy an exclusive, VIP tour of Universal Studios! Begin the day in Universal’s private lounge, enjoying complimentary refreshments. Then, meet your small group VIP tour guide, who will escort you on a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios in a special trolley. Discover Hollywood’s most famous back-lot in the world’s largest working movie studio. Visit areas not open to the general public, such as Universal’s award-winning sound department and giant prop warehouses.

Savor an included gourmet lunch in the private VIP dining room, prepared by Universal's very own executive chef. Afterwards, visit Universal's theme park, including unprecedented service as you are escorted to the best seats in the house with front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions. Enjoy valet parking and VIP entry and exit to the Park.

Return to Beverly Hills in the evening and have the night at leisure.

Overnight at Beverly Hills Hotel

Day 11 - Free Time and La Brea Tar Pits

Today, you will enjoy a free morning to shop and explore Beverly Hills and the surrounding area at your leisure, before traveling 11,000 year back in time in the afternoon on a privately guided tour of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

Once a vivacious location for animals of all shapes and sizes, only few of the smaller species survived, leaving behind some truly exotic, captivating fossils that can now be viewed on your tour! This prehistoric adventure will take you out to explore Hancock Park, where your guide walk you around on a 45 minute adventure to see multiple tar pits, including Pit 91, which the organization is currently excavating! While walking through the park, your guide will explain the history of the tar pits, as well as explain how the methods and findings have changed since the very start of the excavation process. You will also have the opportunity to view the original excavation pit, where it all began, before making your way over to the museum to explore a bit on your own. The museum boasts a stunning collection which which has solely been creating with the fossils excavated from their own tar pits.

Overnight at Beverly Hills Hotel

Day 12 - Los Angeles Beach Day

After a hearty breakfast, head to Mother’s Beach, where you will meet your private outdoor adventure guide. Kick off the day by learning to stand up paddleboard. Glide on the ocean surface, past yachts and sea lions, as you explore the nearby marine life under the warm California sun. Finish up your leisurely paddle, and spend the next two hours biking along the world famous Venice beach boardwalk. Pass colorful shops, and even more colorful local characters, along a gorgeous stretch of beach. Take time to indulge in the fascinating performances by mystics and talented performance artist in one of the most vibrant areas in southern California. From mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters, and everything in between, take in the full essence of what makes the boardwalk unique.

Enjoy lunch, paid direct, and have the late afternoon at leisure. Tonight will be yours to explore on your own or relax at the hotel.

Overnight at Beverly Hills Hotel

Day 13 -  Los Angeles to Laguna Beach

In the morning, drive to Laguna Beach where you will check into your family-friendly luxury resort perched on a coastal bluff with pristine, white sand beaches below and the picturesque arts community all around. Your afternoon is at your own leisure to enjoy the beach.

Overnight at Montage Laguna Beach

Day 14 - Laguna Beach

Today, make your way to Legoland and  to spend the day like a true VIP. Let your private host lead the way, granting you priority access to all the rides, attractions, and shows. You will become an expert hearing little known facts about Legoland and Sealife Aquarium. Choose your behind the scenes adventure, whether it be a special building experience in the workshop, or a private tour of the factory where the legos are made. If you prefer, tours and behind-the-scenes experiences at the Sealife aquarium are available instead, with options to feed the sharks, play with reptiles, or 'wake up the fish' with a visit before the park opens!

Overnight at Montage Laguna Beach

Day 15- Laguna Beach

Today you will drive south to San Diego and to enjoy a VIP Experience at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo! Doubling as your chauffer, your personal tour guide will meet you at the gate and escort you around the park on your very own private golf cart, sharing insider stories and facts about the zoo’s history along the way. For two hours, you will enjoy private VIP guiding services, going behind the scenes in areas off-limits to regular visitors, and enjoying an encounter with a zoo resident of your choice! After the private tour concludes, spend as much time as you like at this sprawling attraction before heading back to Laguna Beach in the late afternoon.

Overnight at Montage  Laguna Beach

Day 16- Laguna Beach

Drive yourself to LAX airport with enough time to return your rental car and board your departure flight home. Safe travels!

Accommodations:

3 Nights - The St. Regis San Francisco, San Francisco in 1 Deluxe D/D Room With 2 Full Size Beds

2 Nights - Bernardus Lodge, Carmel in 1 Premium Santa Lucia Room with 2 Queen Beds

3 Nights - Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara in 1 Deluxe Bungalow Double with 2 Double Beds

4 Nights - Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles in 2 Superior Rooms with 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

3 Nights - Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach in 1 Ocean Horizon Room with 2 Queen Beds

Tours:

Day 2 - Half-day private tour of San Francisco

Day 3 - America’s Cup Yacht Private Charter

Day 3 - Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

Day 4 - Private Seaplane Tour

Day 5 - Private Eco-Rafting Ocean Safari

Day 5 - Monterey Bay Aquarium VIP Tour and Admission

Day 7 - Private Guide Horseback Riding Beach Experience

Day 8 - Private Painted Caves Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

Day 9 - Private Half-day LA Tour

Day 9 - Private LA Helicopter Tour

Day 10 - Private VIP Tour of Warner Brothers Hollywood Studios

Day 11 - La Brea Tar Pits Private Tour and Admission

Day 12 - Private Santa Monica Biking and SUP Tour

Day 14 - Private VIP Experience at Legoland and Sealife Aquarium

Day 15 - Private Insider’s Tour at San Diego Zoo

Transportation: 

Day 1 - Private SUV Transfer from SFO to the St. Regis San Francisco

Day 2 - 8 Hours Private SUV Driver for touring and transfers

Day 3 - 6 Hours Private SUV Driver for touring and transfers

Days 4 to 16 - Intermediate SUV Rental with pickup at SFO and dropoff at LAX 

Day 9 - 4 hours Private SUV Driver for touring and transfers

Meals: 

Daily breakfast, and lunch on days 8 and 10

Prices

Prices are for guidance only. They are subject to availability, change and current exchange rate. You will be advised of the price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed.

Prices on Request

For more information contact office@privatetraveller.co.uk

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