California Dreamin'

Several options: embrace the “Californian attitude” and enjoy the beach at Venice Beach or Santa Monica…

Or drive to Hollywood and its Walk of Fame, go shopping around Beverly Hills, visit the Getty Center, or climb to the top of vast Griffith Park, with its observatory and unbeatable views over L.A.’s skyline… and the famous Hollywood sign.

Overnight in Marina Del Rey (or nearby).

Head for Angeles Crest Highway, the first exceptional road of your journey, offering breathtaking views!

Drive towards the San Bernardino Mountains and Silverwood Lake, then descend to San Bernardino via the beautiful Rim of the World Highway. If you have time, take another spectacular road, the Pines to Pines Highway, for an astonishing transition between the ridges of the San Jacinto Mountains and the palm trees of the Coachella Valley!

Overnight in Palm Springs.

Early departure for a demanding stage. Head to the magnificent Joshua Tree National Park, popularized by Bono’s band in 1987 with their eponymous album… The landscapes here are unique, dotted with twisted, otherworldly Joshua trees.

Drive north to the legendary Route 66. Stop in Amboy to refuel at the only gas station around and admire the remains of the famous Roy’s Motel, which is no longer in operation.

Follow Route 66 through the Mojave Desert, cross the Colorado River at Needles, then head to Oatman. This former mining town is now an unmissable stop for pilgrims of the Mother Road.

You’ll meet donkeys roaming freely, browse shops, and maybe even catch a staged gunfight… Arrival in Kingman on Route 66.

Overnight in Kingman.

Departure for Hackberry General Store, one of the iconic spots along the Mother Road, before reaching the Grand Canyon West area, on Hualapai tribal land.

While the site’s main attraction is the Skywalk, a glass walkway hanging over the rim (paid access), general admission allows you to use the mandatory shuttle to discover three vertiginous viewpoints over the Colorado.

Optional: helicopter flight (contact us).

After a detour to the impressive Hoover Dam (220 m high and 366 m long) and/or via Boulder City, you reach Las Vegas, passing the famous “Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

Optional: Cirque du Soleil shows (schedule depending on your travel dates), helicopter flights… Contact us.

Overnight on the Las Vegas Strip.

Head to Red Rock Canyon, with its sandstone rocks in countless shades of red and ochre… After the typical little town of Shoshone, untouched by time, you approach the extraordinary Death Valley. Temperatures rise…

To truly grasp the majesty and vastness of this unique national park, drive up to Dante’s View for one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the West, over the main valley, Badwater, and the Panamint Mountains.

Before reaching your hotel, make a short detour to Badwater, the lowest point in the U.S., 88 m below sea level!

Then drive up Artists Drive, a narrow one-way road lined with rocks in unbelievable colors—especially around Artists Palette—late in the day.

Overnight in the heart of Death Valley National Park.

A short morning detour to Zabriskie Point, where sunlight and crumbly rocks perform a beautiful symphony. Then head to the white sand dunes of Mesquite, near Stovepipe Wells—great fun to run around (watch out, it gets hot!).

Gradually leave Death Valley behind after a few stunning viewpoints, and reach the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, around Lone Pine.

This is the base camp for climbers and hikers heading for Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska), rising to 4,421 m.

Arrival in Mammoth Lakes, on Yosemite’s eastern side. It’s a very pleasant mountain resort (skiing lasts late into the season). For hot-spring lovers: the area has many natural hot springs.

Overnight in Mammoth Lakes.

Departure for Mono Lake and its “tufas”, chimney-shaped limestone formations emerging from this highly saline lake.

Then head to the ghost town of Bodie. It is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Gold Rush era. At its peak, the town had up to 9,000 inhabitants, with brothels, opium dens, gambling halls and saloons… The last few kilometers are on a drivable dirt road.

Next, drive to Yosemite National Park via the spectacular Tioga Road, crossing Tioga Pass (subject to it being open at the time of your trip; otherwise there are alternative routes further north).

Yosemite is a paradise for nature lovers, with countless waterfalls, sheer-cut granite massifs, abundant wildlife and giant sequoias.

Overnight near the park (El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst, among others). It is possible to stay inside the park (subject to availability / supplement applies).

A full day exploring the wonderful Yosemite area.

Hiking is the ideal way to reach the many waterfalls that dot the park. There are options for all levels and durations, depending on your profile, time available and the weather…

The most famous (and toughest) hike leads to the top of Half Dome (permit required). The ascent of Sentinel Dome is more accessible, even with children. Otherwise, the trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is easy and accessible (and crowded).

A stunning mountain road leads to Glacier Point (closed in winter) for an unforgettable view over the valley. Keep your eyes open: you may spot a coyote—or even a black bear, the park’s emblem.

Overnight near the park (El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst, among others). It is possible to stay inside the park (subject to availability / supplement applies).

Head for the ocean—Pacific sea spray awaits.

After a series of lovely roads, you cross the vast Central Valley, with its huge fruit crops, via the city of Fresno.

The beautiful Paso Robles area is home to many vineyards (tastings possible—enjoy responsibly).

Paso Robles itself is a charming stop, with Spanish-style accents reflected in the architecture of many buildings.

Strolling through the lively little streets around the main square, with its restaurants, shops and bars, is a real pleasure.

Overnight in Paso Robles (option to stay on the coast, near Cambria).

You reach the coast at Cambria. After the desert and the mountains, it’s time for the ocean!

You take the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway (subject to reopening, currently planned around March 2026), closed for several years due to a major landslide. There is a beautiful alternative route, however…

The coastal drive offers superb views all along the way between Cambria and Monterey. After Hearst Castle, an oversized mansion overlooking the coast from the heights of San Simeon (visits possible via shuttle), stop to watch the sea lions (elephant seals) lounging on the beach.

After McWay Falls, it’s time for lush Big Sur and the photogenic Bixby Creek Bridge. You reach Carmel, a charming upscale seaside town where Clint Eastwood was mayor in the 1980s. It’s a great place for a stroll.

Overnight in Monterey (or in Carmel, at extra cost).

Optional: morning excursion to spot whales and other cetaceans (contact us).

Others can visit the fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium, or drive the famous 17-Mile Drive, a paid road looping around the Monterey Peninsula and offering lovely coastal viewpoints, including the iconic solitary Lone Cypress.

Drive to Capitola, north of the bay, a nice little seaside resort with colorful houses.

You can push on to Santa Cruz, once a stronghold of the Hippie movement and now a favorite surfers’ spot.

Reach San Francisco after one last stunning drive along Skyline Boulevard, winding along the ridges between the Pacific and the San Francisco Bay…

Nerds can opt for a route via Silicon Valley, although few sites are open to visitors.

Return your car at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in San Francisco, in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Free day in the city: take the opportunity to visit Alcatraz (contact us), the famous rock that housed the legendary prison until 1963, notably known for having held Al Capone.

“Frisco” is a city we love. Forward-looking and delightfully cosmopolitan, it is built on hills like Rome, yet is easy to explore on foot—or with public transport (very easy using the dedicated app).

Wander through the Mission and Castro neighborhoods south of Downtown, especially around Dolores Park. They’re our favorites…

Hop aboard a cable car, stroll through Nob Hill, Russian Hill (with the twists of Lombard Street), Pacific Heights, or Telegraph Hill and its Coit Tower for great views over the city and the bay.

Overnight in San Francisco, in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Head to the famous Painted Ladies, those colorful Victorian houses on Alamo Square. Wander through Chinatown, around the Embarcadero and the Ferry Building, home to a large indoor market.

Union Square is the heart of the city, with shops, malls and many museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Don’t hesitate to rent bikes at Fisherman’s Wharf for a great ride across the bay via the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. In Sausalito, a small town north of the bay, go admire the famous houseboats (floating homes).

You can take the ferry back with your bikes to Pier 39, or extend the ride to Tiburon before taking the return ferry, which passes in front of Alcatraz.

Overnight in San Francisco, in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Transfer to San Francisco airport.

Return flight to Europe.

Contact us for any stay extension or itinerary change