The Ultimate California Adventure

Your trip begins in San Francisco, where you settle into well-located accommodation close to areas such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Presidio district, or SoMa. The days are shaped around relaxed touring, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the lively streets around Pier 39. You can enjoy time around Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Japantown, and the Embarcadero at your own pace, with optional excursions available to places like Muir Woods or Sausalito.

Several experiences are built around the city’s highlights, including views from Twin Peaks, moments at Coit Tower, and time near the Golden Gate Park, the De Young Museum, the Academy of Sciences, or the Legion of Honor if you wish to explore further. You may also choose to take the Alcatraz ferry to Alcatraz Island or visit the USS Pampanito. The surrounding neighbourhoods, from the Haight-Ashbury area to the Mission District, Fillmore, Nob Hill, Castro, Mission-Bernal, and the Tenderloin district, offer plenty to see.

You then continue to Los Angeles for the final part of the journey. Your stay places you within comfortable reach of key districts, making it easy to explore with included and optional excursions. Travel between the two cities is arranged in a smooth, organised manner, with options such as the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, or Capitol Corridor for scenic rail connections. Throughout the trip, you can enjoy added touches such as the chance to visit the Museum of the African Diaspora, the Asian Art Museum, the International Art Museum of America, or seasonal events like the Japantown Fair, Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, or Nihonmachi Fair when dates align.

• Return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester
• Six nights accommodation
• Range of guided tours and excursions
• Transport between San Francisco and Los Angeles
• Airport transfers
• Selected meals depending on final itinerary
• Support team throughout the trip
• Optional add-ons including rail upgrades, attraction tickets, and seasonal event access

Travelling depends on a mix of timing, personal schedule, and the purpose of your trip. Many people plan their journeys around annual leave, school holidays, or quieter periods at work. Others prefer to travel when destinations are less crowded, flights are calmer, and accommodation is easier to secure. The key is to choose a moment that aligns with your comfort, budget, and the type of experience you want, rather than feeling pressured by peak seasons or popular trends.

Weather is another factor that shapes when you can travel. Some travellers enjoy warm climates and long days, while others prefer mild seasons when temperatures are gentler and outdoor exploring feels easier. If you have a specific activity in mind, such as attending a festival, joining a guided tour, or experiencing a seasonal event, planning becomes more focused. Setting your dates with these elements in mind helps you enjoy a smoother journey and a more relaxed pace once you arrive.

Flexibility often leads to better options, especially when flights or hotels offer promotions. Travelling outside peak months can open the door to quieter attractions, easier reservations, and more personalised experiences. Whether you choose fixed dates or keep your plans open, deciding when to travel works best when you balance practicality with what feels right for your own rhythm and preferences.