Valleys & Lakes

Outbound international flight to San Francisco

Stay: The St. Regis San Francsico (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

The St. Regis, San Francisco

A trendy SoMa location – great for foodies and art lovers with an all-knowing concierge and Bentley house car, this is the place from which to see the unrivalled aspects of the city through the eyes of a true insider.

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San Francisco

One of the nicest things about San Francisco is that, although the city is big in terms of attractions, it’s geographically pretty small – just 49 square miles, meaning it’s very easy to see and do a lot in just a short space of time. Of course The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, as is a cruise over to Alcatraz (or ‘The Rock’ as it’s more affectionately known). 

Rather than spending all your time around the touristy Fisherman's Wharf, there’s a more authentic side of San Francisco to explore: the diverse Mission District, the vibrant Castro and the oldest Chinatown, or sauntering through the Golden Gate Park – a playground in every sense of the word, with two major museums, facilities for over 20 sports, botanical gardens and more.​

San Francisco to Napa Valley

Drive Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes | Distance: 71 miles

After a short drive to California wine country, you’ll want to start your stay in Napa as you mean to go on, with a lunch that’s as chilled as the wines that accompany it.

Stay: Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort (2 nights)​

Your Stay

Calistoga Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection

Nestled on 157 acres amidst ancient oaks, majestic hills, a rock hew creek and a private lake, Calistoga’s 50 free-standing lodges beautifully blend the rustic with upscale luxury.

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Napa Valley

If you love food, then you'll adore Napa, with its galaxy of Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants. And while Napa excels in many things, the unforgettable wine paring experiences at many of the region’s wineries will elevate your tastebuds to a whole other level.​​

Napa Valley to Lake Tahoe

Drive Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes | Distance: 193 miles

Today it’s time to visit drop-dead gorgeous Lake Tahoe, but on your way be sure to stop in the Gold Rush Towns of Placeville, Folsom or Old Town Sacramento, its California Railway Museum and historic walking tours a must.

Stay: The Resort at Squaw Creek (2 nights)​​​

Your Stay

The Resort at Squaw Creek™

At the base of Squaw Valley (site of the 1960 Winter Olympics), this is a delight not only for its fantastic golf, but also for its historic, scenic and family-friendly qualities, like the brilliant Mountain Buddies kids' programme.

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Lake Tahoe

Swimming? Check. Golfing? Check. Shopping, dining and nightlife? Yes, those too. Lake Tahoe offers the best of all worlds rolled into one holiday destination. Spend your days hiking through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, getting a bird's-eye view of the lake from the Heavenly Gondola or kayaking in Emerald Bay. Then, as night falls, follow the bright lights to the southern shore's big-name casinos like Harrah's.​​

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park

Drive Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes | Distance: 224 miles

This is an incredibly scenic drive and there are two areas that are lovely to stop at: Bodie Ghost Town State Park and Mono Lake State Park. We suggest allowing lots of time. It's beautiful.

Stay: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

The Ahwahnee

Specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, The Ahwahnee is an architectural masterpiece, a National Historic Landmark right inside the National Park, and the park's only property with a year-round heated outdoor pool.

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Yosemite

One of California's most formidable natural landscapes, Yosemite National Park features nearly 1200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. But despite its enormous size, most of the tourist activity takes place within a seven-square-mile area of Yosemite Valley, where the park's most famous landmarks – Half Dome and El Capitan – can be found, as well as excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments.​

Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Drive Time: 3 hours, 55 minutes | Distance: 172 miles

Your journey to this tandem set of parks – famous for their giant sequoias, soaring mountains, deep canyons, and roaring rivers, though less well-known than Yosemite – takes you through Fresno County, in the heart of California, where you’ll find a wide variety of cultural diversity throughout its museums, restaurants, festivals, and outdoor pursuits.

Stay: Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park (2 nights)​

Your Stay

Wuksachi Lodge

Every national park has its signature hotel, and Sequoia’s is Wuksachi Lodge – a striking stone-and-cedar mountain property in the heart of the park, and one of the closest to many prime attractions.

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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

There’s something magical about awakening in Sequoia National Park, surrounded by groves of the world’s largest living things – as well as some of its smaller ones too: like red-tail hawks and yellow-bellied marmots. Meanwhile, adjacent Kings Canyon Park’s two distinct areas are Grant Grove (home to the General Grant tree, also known as "the Nation's Christmas Tree") and Cedar Grove. It’s also home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world and miles of hiking, horseriding and adventure –perfect place for outd​oor enthusiasts of every age.​​​​

Sequoia to Big Sur

Drive Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes | Distance: 263 miles

To make the most of your time on one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline, set off straight after breakfast and you’ll be in Big Sur just in time for lunch, with time to explore before soaking up the sunset at Post Ranch Inn.

Stay: Post Ranch Inn (2 nights)​​

Your Stay

Post Ranch Inn

Organically designed and nestled on a ridgeline 1200 feet above the crashing surf, Post Ranch Inn is a fantastic and luxurious place for couples needing peace and seclusion.

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Big Sur

Big Sur draws millions of visitors every year, but it still hasn't lost its sense of place. Independent art galleries dot the highway, sharing space with spa retreats and clifftop eateries. But the diverse landscape trumps all of the above by a landslide, its state parks and beaches reigning supreme as the main attractions. ​​

Big Sur to San Francisco

Drive Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes | Distance: 138 miles

Depart San Francisco on your international flight back to London Heathrow Airport.​