This 10-night self-drive itinerary is ideal for families or couples looking to embark on an adventure along America’s breathtaking west coast. Begin your journey in San Francisco and make your way to Santa Barbara, stopping to hike in Yosemite National Park and exploring the charming towns of Monterey and Carmel. Travel along the iconic Highway 1, taking in stunning coastal views before reaching Santa Barbara where you can unwind on the beach and savour the flavours of California wines in the Santa Ynez Valley.
San Francisco is the place where Tom Hanks was born, where Hollywood moguls live, and where some of the best car chases in film history have taken place. The city is a cultural hub, a culinary paradise, and an artistic hub, and it is surrounded by lake and wine country. You will be greeted at the airport and whisked away in a private vehicle to your hotel, which is conveniently positioned at the crossroads of Market and New Montgomery.
Overnight Stay at The Palace Hotel
DAY 1This morning, hop aboard the ferry to Alcatraz and spend the day exploring the notorious prison island. Have lunch in San Francisco before continuing your sightseeing. Visit Pier One, go shopping in Union Square, get on a tram, explore the stalls at the Ferry Building Market, and dine in Chinatown. Relax in the hotel's spa or indoor pool after a day of sightseeing.
Overnight Stay at The Palace Hotel
DAY 2Pick up your rented car, cross the Bay Bridge, and travel east for 3.5 hours to reach Yosemite. Listen to 93.5 on the radio for some country music to set the mood as you drive through the ever-changing terrain and up to the breathtaking altitude of 6,000 feet. Groveland is a peaceful hamlet that transports you back to the 1950s and makes for a great lunch stop during your travels. After a midday drive, stop at Rush Creek Lodge so you can swim in the saltwater pool and sip drinks from the poolside bar.
Overnight Stay at Rush Creek Lodge
DAY 3The Lodge is located 20 minutes from the park's entrance on CA-120, which is a tricky route into the park due to its steep grades and tight twists but well worth the effort for the scenery. From there, Yosemite Valley, the park's centrepiece, may be reached in about 45 minutes. Several routes lead up into the mountains from here, and from there you can visit attractions like Big Dome and Bridlevail Falls.
Extra : Hiking with a private guide is an option if you want to make the most of the day and visit all the sights.
Overnight Stay at Rush Creek Lodge
DAY 4After a satisfying breakfast, hit the road towards Monterey on the coast to the west. Make a pit stop in Gilroy, a city known for its abundance of fruit trees. Travel time is around 3.5 hours. Moss Landing, where you can get fried artichoke hearts and smoothies, is another fantastic place to stop. Have some meals and beverages on the pier tonight after a stroll around the sand.
Extra : Upgrade to the Bernadus Lodge in Carmel Valley for upscale accommodation and world-class wine sampling.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel Pacific
DAY 5In the morning, take advantage of Monterey Bay's excellent conditions for whale watching. In addition to humpbacks, blue whales, fin whales, grey whales, killer whales, and other dolphin species may make an appearance. After returning to land, you can eat lunch before checking out the marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Take a quick 10-minute journey tonight to the renowned beach town of Carmel-By-The-Sea, where Clint Eastwood formerly served as mayor. Explore the grid system of streets lined with unique shops, delicious eateries, and relaxing beachfront cafes.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel Pacific
DAY 6Be ready to depart for Santa Barbara. Take a trip just outside of Carmel and cruise down 17 Mile Road, one of the world's most gorgeous drives around the headland from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, where you can marvel at the enormous houses of the world's super-rich. After leaving Carmel, Route 1 follows the coast to Santa Barbara, a stunning drive with frequent photo ops. Relax with a nice glass of local Chardonnay (adults only!) and watch California Condors and Red-tailed Hawks soar above Big Sur as you have a leisurely meal. Stop at Pismo Beach, about an hour's drive from Santa Barbara, and blast through the sand dunes in a two-seater motorised buggy. Go to Santa Barbara in the early evening so you may refresh up before supper.
Overnight Stay Hotel Californian
DAY 7Santa Barbara is a haven for wine connoisseurs and beach bums alike. The following three days are at your convenience, so you may go paddle boarding, surfing, cycling, or just lazily strolling down the pier while taking in the breathtaking harbour views. A trip to the Channel Islands, also known as the "Galapagos of the USA," is an experience not to be missed. In addition to a central shopping district, guests can relax in the hotel's pool and spa. Get some of the best clam chowder in the state at Brophys, a marina restaurant.
Extra : Choose to spend a day wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley with a private guide.
Overnight Stay Hotel Californian
DAY 8 - 10On your final day, before catching your trip home, drive a little over two hours to Los Angeles and leave your rental car at the airport.
Extra : Adding a few days to your trip to Los Angeles will allow you to see sights like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, as well as visit theme parks like Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Legoland.
Bermuda is a great place to break up the journey home with a beach break if you want to stay longer.
DAY11© 2023 All rights reserved - My World VIP
Please enter your details in the form below and we will contact you with a response.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Matteo has been connected to the world of music and events since he was a teenager.
In 1998, Matteo started playing at a club in Palma called Varadero; that’s when he began as a freelance percussionist.
His passion for music motivated his interest in the DJ world and he became a professional and successful DJ, working all over the Balearic Islands. He has worked at venues including Pacha, Titos, BCM, Mood and Anima Beach. He has also worked with large brands such as Canon and BMW, creating a fusion that today continues to evolve to transmit the best energy to the public, the energy of sound.
Working in the event sector for many years, Matteo is a dedicated music producer. Along with his knowledge, passion and creativity, he expertly coordinates and manages outstanding events and shows with staging, lighting, bands, musicians, dancers and unique acts with a great attention to detail, bringing it all together with high quality management skills and a true, genuine passion.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Santi started working at an advertising studio when he was just a teenager. When he got his first camera, it became his best friend, taking it everywhere with him, while traveling, going to meetings, attending family events and anywhere he could. Santi’s favourite style is candid photography and videography, as it is captured without creating a posed appearance, an unplanned, natural moment. “There is no posing, just the spontaneity of the moment.”
Working as a Senior Paralegal with distinctions in all law examinations, Hayley was privately educated in the UK with a career in law working at her father’s law firm. Hayley spent her spare time working weekends at the Grammy-award winning Parr Street Studios. Hayley was noticed for her flair for organisation and making things happen and she was asked to arrange a charity concert. Organising artists from all over the world to include Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star, Car Wash), Jackie Graham (Ain’t Nobody) and Brit nominated trio The Celtic Tenors with presenters straight out of the hit ITV show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Arranging video messages from Heather Mills, Chris De Burgh and the late Robin Gibb that were displayed on the night, the show was a success.
Building up a solid network around her, Hayley then worked on high profile corporate and private events arranging the entertainment and logistics with A List artists from the UK and USA including Sir Tom Jones. With an enviable contact list, Hayley successfully launched My World VIP in 2016, offering clients around the world an impeccable, first class concierge service.
With 25 years in the hospitality sector working in 5 star establishments, Ema has worked all over Europe and the UK. A Professionally trained Chef and Catering Manager specialising in VIP clients. Experience in Events coordination, leading a 20 strong team for events over 500 capacity, Ema has a passion for luxury and exquisite customer service with attention to detail, embracing the My World VIP philosophy of being driven by excellence.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will contact you with a response.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we possibly can. Please allow 2 working days for a response, although we aim to contact you earlier. If we feel that you could be a great match for our suppliers, we will send you a supplier onboarding form for you to complete.
Dan has a true passion for travel that began when he was 16 when he stayed in Madrid for two months, experiencing the culture and absorbing into the way of life. Dan and Hayley filmed with ITV’s travel programme, Wish You Were Here, with Judith Chalmers and Ruth England for a series where they were featured in Mallorca on five episodes. Dan and Hayley were married in the Church in Deia in 2009 have lived in various parts of the island over the years, settling in Deia in 2016 with their two children. Now based back in the UK, Dan is responsible for quality assessments for all our experiences and suppliers to ensure a first class service.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will contact you with a response.
Please enter the details of your party for a reservation request to the Exhibit 2 show at House of son Amar – Mallorca. The show is running until 1st October.
Please enter the details of your party for a reservation request to the Ohalá show at House of son Amar – Mallorca. The show is running until 1st October.
Please enter your details in the form below and we will contact you with a response.
Clare grew up in the UK, with strong connections to the Performing Arts and Theatre Industry before choosing a career path in the Travel and Tourism Sector. Throughout those initial years working within the Hotel, Conference and Banqueting division before moving into Management.
Clare took time out to experience world travel for herself before retraining as an Executive Assistant in the Tech Industry, working for world leaders such as IBM and Pace Micro Technology and being an integral part of the companies Flotation.
Clare then merged industry with high end travel and real estate and moved to the USA where she worked within aviation and yachting
Twenty years ago Clare moved to Palma De Mallorca as VIP Manager for the Island’s largest real estate agency and property developer before launching her own agency located in the prestigious marina of Puerto Portals. Specialising in high end villas, vacations, management, lifestyle and concierge, successfully operating for 14 years.
More recently, opening a new division to the existing business within the wine Industry, sourcing and importing French wines to the Balearics, part of a personal passion project and fitting in perfectly with the current business model of My World VIP.