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- Coastal Californian Roads & Cruise
Coastal Californian Roads & Cruise
From £3,075 pp
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18 nights
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Economy flights
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Available November
An opportunity to journey through California over land & sea, visiting its famous cities and beautiful coastline. From San Francisco in the north of California through to Los Angeles and San Diego in the south, this is the road trip of a lifetime along coastal roads with world-famous views. Leave the car and sail along the beautiful Californian coastline on a 7-night cruise and visit even more of ‘The Golden State’. Cruise departures are limited to October & November so take the opportunity to see California in a way few others have.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 11 nights
- 7 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
- 7 nights on board Holland America Line in an inside cabin
- Full Board on Holland America Line
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in San Francisco
Arrive in San Francisco, make your way to your hotel either by San Francisco’s train from airport to downtown, BART or taxi and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.
San Francisco is one of the most exciting cities in the United States and has something for everyone. Marvel at the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, experience the eight hairpin turns of Lombard Street, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore Fisherman’s Wharf.
Day 3
San Francisco to Monterey - 120 miles
After collecting your hire car from downtown San Francisco, drive the coastal road to Monterey and ensure your route includes the stunning 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. On arrival, walk the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf and look for the sea otters and other wildlife on the beaches and in the ocean. Please remember there is a charge to enter 17-Mile Drive - $11.25 per vehicle - which is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at most Pebble Beach Resort restaurants
Day 4
Monterey to Pismo Beach - 153 miles
The highlight of today’s drive will be the rugged stretch of coastal road from Carmel to San Simeon through famous Big Sur, the perfect coastal road, surrounded by plunging cliffs and dramatic scenery. With beautiful state parks and breathtaking Bixby Creek Bridge, which spans a 270-foot canyon, the drive provides unforgettable views. At your destination of Pismo Beach, take a stroll through this classic Californian beach town.
Day 5-6
Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara - 85 miles
Your drive south continues to historic Santa Barbara. In this city, Spanish influences are evident everywhere, particularly in the architecture of Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Old Mission. With many fine wineries and the Santa Ynez Mountains only a short drive away, why not make a trip to sample some of the wines that are on offer?
Day 7-8
Santa Barbara to Los Angeles - 90 miles
Los Angeles has it all, from the Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios, the Beverly Centre to Rodeo Drive. Find your favourite spot to relax along Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach, or if you’d like to show off your strength, head to the world-famous Muscle Beach. Those who like the glitz and glamour should visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame or a Hollywood Homes Tour, whilst the thrill seekers will love Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia - just a short 45-minute drive to the north of Hollywood.
Day 9
Los Angeles to San Diego - 130 miles
As you continue your drive down the stunning Pacific coastline to San Diego, stop off at Laguna Beach and Dana Point for lunch. As you continue your journey you will pass by delightful small towns such as Del Mar, which hosts famous Horse Track Racing during the summer. Upon arrival into San Diego, drop your car off in readiness for embarking on your cruise adventure.
Day 10
Holland America Line
Today you will check out of your hotel and board Holland America Line MS Koningsdam ready for your afternoon sailing.
Day 11
Avalon
One of California's Channel Islands, Catalina, lies southwest of LA. The island's distinctive landscape is mostly undeveloped outside the charming port town of Avalon. Today most of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, which works hard to preserve its flora and fauna. The main street is lined with boutiques and restaurants in brightly painted bungalows.
Day 12
At Sea
Today you will enjoy a day at sea, marvelling at the Californian coastlines from a different perspective. There’s also plenty to do onboard, so see what takes your fancy.
Day 13-14
San Francisco
Today you will return to San Francisco and have the chance to return to your favourite city spot, or discover new ones. Explore San Francisco and Sausalito with a scenic 3-hour guided bike tour that takes you over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with multiple photo opportunities along the way.
Day 15
At Sea
Your southbound journey starts here as you head towards the Mexican City of Ensenada.
Day 16
Ensenada
Nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, Ensenada is located on the Pacific Coastline of Baja California, Mexico. Take one of the onshore excursions to discover wineries or marine geysers, or relax on the beach or go shopping.
Day 17-18
San Diego
Disembark at the end of your cruise and enjoy a couple of final days in San Diego. With world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and the USS Midway Museum, there is plenty of exploring still to be done. You may choose to explore the Gaslamp Quarter - a lively downtown neighbourhood with restaurants, clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges - or head to Spreckels and Balboa theatres, offering music, comedy and drama.
Day 19
Homeward Bound
There’s still some time for final adventures before heading to the airport for your homebound flight.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
