California
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California Fly Drives
The USA offers some of the most exciting and diverse holiday options in the world, create your own dream holiday:
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Northern California
Spectacular coastline, rolling Pacific surf, green valleys with thriving vineyards, majestic mountains, amazing national parks and vibrant cities.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a rich and contrasting cosmopolitan city, famous for its striking bay, cable cars, the notorious Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and the Golden Gate Bridge. The many hills of the city afford visitors plenty of perfect views over San Francisco Bay.
- Take a cable car ride
- Enjoy a seafood meal in Fisherman's Wharf
- Visit Alcatraz
- Shop in Union Square
- Visit bustling Chinatown
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
Discreetly tucked away downtown within walking distance of shops, theatres and Chinatown, this is a luxury hotel boasting the high standards which are synonymous with the Mandarin Oriental name. To make sightseeing as effortless as possible, the hotel provides complimentary car transportation into the downtown area. The award winning Silks restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine, try the MO Bar for casual fare and cocktails.
The Fairmont San Francisco
Perched on prestigious Nob Hill, a short walk from Union Square and Chinatown. Built in 1907, this elegant hotel retains its classical ambience, whilst offering guests modern features and comfort. Club One at Nob Hill Spa offers a fitness room, massage and treatments.
The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco
Located in the Nob Hill district, in the heart of San Francisco, just a five minute walk from Union Square which is famous for its designer shops. The hotel is elegant and relaxed, and offers impeccable service. The Dining Room, serves French cuisine and was recently voted as one of the top 50 hotel restaurants in the USA, whilst The Terrace specialises in contemporary Mediterranean fare in an alfresco setting.
Grand Hyatt Union Square
The Grand Hyatt is a few minutes walk from the famous cable cars and many designer names in shopping. A perfect position for exploring the city. The elegantly appointed guestrooms offer supreme comfort, service and first class amenities. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 36th floor Grandview’s Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge.
Carmel & Big Sur
Carmel is found at one end of the famed 17 Mile Drive, a terrific tour of the Monterey Peninsula, a charming town once made famous when film star Clint Eastwood was mayor! Carmel boasts a quaint atmosphere, wine shops, booksellers, antique shops and art galleries. Visit nearby Big Sur, one of the world’s great drives and an American Scenic Byway, taking you on a thrilling route across nearly vertical cliffs plunging to the Pacific. Point Sur Lighthouse is spectacularly perched on a huge mound of volcanic rock jutting offshore.
Carmel Valley Ranch
This 400 acre countryside estate is surrounded by the lush forest of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The ranch-style lodge accommodates 144 suites in a variety of styles, all lavishly decorated with extravagant amenities some with wood burning fireplaces, refreshment centres and large decks with stunning views.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, the Post Ranch Inn offers romance, seclusion and luxury, with organically designed rooms, which include the Ocean, Coast and Tree House – each with slate spa bathtubs, wood burning fireplaces and decks with fantastic views. The Sierra Mar restaurant provides unforgettable dining and views, with wine selections from one of the most extensive cellars in North America.
Monterey
South of San Francisco, on California’s central coast, here you can dine at waterside restaurants, hear seals barking and otters splashing, watch saltwater taffy being pulled and watch, or join, boats full of whale watchers. Marvel at sea life in floor to ceiling glass tanks at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and stroll down Cannery Row, made famous by the author John Steinbeck, now a shopping district.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Dramatically perched over Monterey Bay, this world class resort on Cannery Row is very well placed for visiting Monterey’s many attractions, and is an ideal oceanfront stop on California’s Route One. The rooftop spa and fitness centre has whirlpool tubs and a sundeck, whilst the Duck Club Grill offers succulent seafood.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park boasts soaring cliffs, rugged canyons, valleys, gigantic trees and waterfalls – Yosemite offers incomparable beauty and a two night stay is recommended so you can experience on of the most stunning and beautiful national parks in the world.
The Ahwahnee
A National Historic Landmark within Yosemite Park with great character, high levels of service and guestrooms of a Native American design. Designed to blend in with the surrounding forest and its natural setting, this luxurious hotel is just a short hike or drive from El Capitan, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. The hotel boasts a popular restaurant, cocktail lounge with outdoor seating area, a swimming pool and complimentary transport to a selection of the parks attractions.
Chateau du Sureau
This stately inn, located 20 miles south of Yosemite, features classically decorated guestrooms, a superb restaurant and sits in 9 landscaped acres. This beautiful Provençal château lies in the heart of the Sierra Nevada forest. Its 10 elegant guest rooms and the 2 bedroom Parisian Villa, decorated with sumptuous antique furniture, open onto balconies which offer stunning views of the Californian countryside. After a glass of champagne in the gardens, owner and renowned cordon-bleu Erna Kubin-Clanin will delight you with superb regional cuisine and an award-winning wine list.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Board the Napa Valley Wine Train and sail through the picture-postcard setting of Northern California’s Napa Valley region. This 3 hour excursion, starting and terminating at Napa Valley Station, follows the historic train line built in 1847 by Samuel Brannan. The 26 mile journey takes you through famous wine valleys to the quaint town of St Helena then loops back through the Napa Valley.
The vintage carriages, built between 1915 and 1947, have been lavishly restored to their original décor of a bygone era to enhance the experience. Napa Valley Wine Train has a choice of two excursion options, Gourmet Express or Champagne Vista Dome for either lunch or dinner.
The epitome of elegance, those choosing the Champagne Vista Dome are treated to perfect views of the manicured vineyards and unique California architecture through the elevated dome windows. Passengers dine at their lavishly appointed tables with fine velveteen chairs, reminiscent of the early 1920’s.
Southern California
Enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, beautiful coastal resorts or fun in the desert resorts of Palm Springs.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the vast sprawling City of Angels has much to offer, from designer stores on Rodeo Drive and the extravagant residences of Beverly Hills to the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica.
- Take a day out to Universal Studios
- Visit Disneyland
- Join a tour of star's homes and hangouts!
- Grauman's Chinese Theatre
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Shop on Rodeo Drive
- Enjoy the beach and pier in Santa Monica
Four Seasons Los Angeles
An opulent retreat in this fast-paced city, situated in a quiet, palm-lined residential neighbourhood in the heart of Beverly Hills, just a short complimentary limousine ride away from Rodeo Drive shopping. The guestrooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, decorated in warm tones reflecting the warmth of the Californian sunshine. A great choice of restaurants serves tempting cuisine.
The Beverly Hilton
Located in the Beverly Hills area, within walking distance of Rodeo Drive and only a short distance from Hollywood and the beaches. Newly renovated, the 570 guestrooms and suites feature contemporary décor and amenities. Bask in the sunshine at the Aqua Star Pool or work up an appetite at the fitness centre, enjoy the Aqua Star Spa for rejuvenating treatments.
Hotel Bel Air
Sitting in 12 acres of lush gardens, fountain courtyards and towering palms in the Bel-Air region of Los Angeles. Exquisite furnishings and luxurious Italian linens grace each of the 91 guestrooms and suites of this prestigious hotel. The oval shaped pool is heated to a perfect 83 degrees, and the fitness centre is housed in the cottage where Marilyn Monroe used to stay!
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
Located at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, this hotel occupies a great location in the heart if Beverly Hills. Great taste and a relaxed ambience echo through all the guest rooms. Full service spa, health club and Italian villa-style pool. CUT, a contemporary steak house offers a great restaurant and lounge experience by the renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck.
Santa Monica Pier – take a spin on a solar-powered Ferris Wheel, stroll along Ocean Front Walk, rollerblade on the South Bay Bicycle Trail right at the edge of the sand, take a bite of fresh-spun candyfloss and relax on this oceanfront pier and stunning beach.
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
This stunning beachfront property is located in Santa Monica, famous for celebrity sightings, great shopping and dining and Santa Monica Pier. Each of the 198 guestrooms is decorated in soft colours of the ocean and is luxuriously appointed with custom-designed beds and either a balcony or patio to enjoy beautiful views.
Hotel Shangri-La, Santa Monica
Perched on a high bluff just steps from the ocean, with Santa Monica Pier, premium shopping and world-class restaurants just a short stroll away. The Shangri- La has recently undergone a $30 million redesign , yet timeless luxury still prevails here. The rooftop bar and lounge is trendy yet chic and boasts glorious views of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Barbara
Hang 10 as you learn to surf or sail away on a sunset cruise along this stunning stretch of classic California coastline. This pretty coastal city north of Los Angeles has great shopping within walking distance of the beach. Farmers’ Markets offer wonderful foods at various locations throughout the week.
January - February – Santa Barbara International Film Festival, catch a glimpse of some of the film industry’s hottest stars at this stellar line-up of galas, panel discussions and over 250 film screenings.
July & August – Old Spanish Days Fiesta, enjoy Santa Barbara’s signature event, a five day citywide celebration with an accent on food, drink, music, dancing and rodeo.
Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore
A truly luxurious property nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean, offering superb views, gracious service and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. This beautiful hacienda-styled building is the epitome of Spanish colonial elegance, surrounded by beautiful scenery amidst 20 acres of grounds. Innovative California wine-country cuisine is on the menu at Bella Vista, while Ty Lounge offers a cool drink with an ocean view from the terrace.
Bacara Resort & Spa
Bacara has an informally elegant and relaxed atmosphere, which brings together Spanish Colonial warmth, old Hollywood glamour and new California dreaming. Luxuriously understated rooms with ocean or mountain views and private patios or balconies offer Frette bed linens and DVD players. Facilities include two golf courses, a tennis centre, three pools and an amazing spa.
Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort
Encircled by gentle mountain ranges and overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean, this resort is located directly across from the beach on 24 acres of Santa Barbara’s coastline. Fess Parker’s has something for everyone, from bicycle rentals to tennis courts, outdoor pool and putting green. Rodney’s is known for its fabulous steak and seafood, Barra Los Arcos allows you to reflect on your day with a glass of wine and delightful view of the Ocean.
San Diego
San Diego offers one of the best climates of the USA, wonderful beaches, five of California’s leading attractions and wide range of unique shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities.
- SeaWorld
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park's Museums
- Old Town San Diego
- La Jolla, Coronado, Mission Bay and Del Mar
- Anza Borego Desert State Park
February – Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter, join in the spirit of a Caribbean carnivale, with parades, music and more, taking over downtown’s charming historic district.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
An elegant Californian resort in an idyllic beachfront setting, perfect for a romantic rendezvous or dream family vacation, this hotel occupies a 15 acres private peninsula in San Diego bay, just a short stroll from the Pacific shore. An inviting water garden with three pools, two whirlpool spas and a huge sundeck await you
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
The Lodge at Torrey Pines looks towards the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Torrey Pines Golf Course in beautiful La Jolla, a very picturesque Southern California town. The Spa at Torrey Pines and outdoor pool are welcome retreats.
Four Seasons Aviara Resort, Carlsbad
Located in a natural setting in Carlsbad, around 30 minutes north of San Diego, the resort’s Spanish Colonial architecture has been created to blend with the landscape. The hotel features a luxurious spa, six tennis courts, outdoor family pool with whirlpool, and an 18 hole coastal golf course.
US Grant, San Diego
Occupying a city location in the heart of downtown San Diego, the US Grant provides luxury in a convenient setting, just a few minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Shopping Village and Embarcadero Marina. The Grant Grill and Lounge serves market fresh Californian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Couples will enjoy the romantic setting of the rooftop terrace or perhaps choose to partake in an in-room spa treatment.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a year round destination with something for everyone. Amongst the stunning desert scenery you can find superb boutiques, luxurious resorts, world class golfing, hiking and biking.
The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Set in a breathtaking location, on a 650 foot bluff overlooking Palm Springs, The Ritz Carlton Ranco Mirage is intricately designed to complement its high mountain desert location, a short distance from excellent restaurants and shopping and a 10 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs.
Viceroy Palm Springs
This secluded hideaway, sitting at the base of the San Jacinto Mountain Range, boasts a great position for those who want to be in the heart of Palm Springs. The city’s restaurants, boutique shopping and lively entertainment are close by. Originally a desert inn during the 1930’s, the Viceroy has since been lovingly transformed into a modern, upscale boutique hotel.
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 19 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
