Pacific Coast Discovery Holiday

This USA holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

San Francisco

Leave your inhibitions behind, grab your walking shoes and your most outrageous outfit in preparation for the wild (and typically steep) ride that is the foggy and fabulous city of San Francisco.

It is crawling with outlandish locals, wacky street performers and eccentric artists who somehow manage to delight and charm their way into the hearts of even the most conservative travellers.

Your trip is likely to include some cardio-building jaunts up some dramatically steep inclines to hilltop viewpoints offering magnificent views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison and Coit Tower.

With its dizzying array of restaurants and farmers markets, rows of rainbow-coloured Victorian houses, as well as countless vintage saloons and speakeasies, there really is never a dull moment in this rollicking city by the bay.

Monterey

Resting on the rugged central coast of California, Monterey boasts a gorgeous beach, a phenomenal coastal route, and a thriving restaurant scene.

Go bar hopping and shopping along the Cannery Row, immortalised by novelist John Steinbeck, or taste the area’s excellent seafood and hand-crafted wines at an array of dining options.

Enjoy some brilliant waves, whale watching and an idyllic sunbathing opportunities at Carmel Beach, or play a few rounds of golf at some of the pristine, sprawling 18-hole golf courses among the professionals.

Discover the heritage of the area by visiting the iconic Carmel Mission, one of the most renowned missions in the county, and the Fort Ord National Monument.

Take Highway One and the 17-Mile-Drive to see exquisite cypress forests, artichoke fields, rocky shoreline and sandy beaches.

Cambria

Cambria is just a short drive south of Big Sur, where rugged cliffs and towering redwoods create some of California’s most iconic coastal scenery. This charming seaside village feels like a peaceful retreat, with quaint streets lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and inviting cafés perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Moonstone Beach is the crown jewel of Cambria, offering a picturesque shoreline for walks, tide-pooling adventures, and sunsets that verge on magical. Just beyond, the dramatic Highway One cliffs and Pacific vistas provide endless opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.

History and nature intertwine here, from the grandeur of Hearst Castle perched atop nearby hills to the Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas, where visitors can observe these massive marine mammals up close. Whether you’re sampling local wines, exploring hidden coves, or simply soaking in the ocean views, Cambria delivers a serene, coastal escape with a touch of adventure.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.