Fabulous 9 night Fly Drive holiday taking in San Francisco, Carmel Yosemite National Park & Napa
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
London to San Francisco
After you have cleared customs and US imigration make your way to the Argonaut hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, we are suggesting this hotel as your base for the first three nights of your exciting holiday
From Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Cable Cars, San Francisco is a hip and intoxicating destination, alive with attractions, museums, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and riveting city tours. You will be captivated by San Francisco’s eclectic neighbourhoods, Victorian homes, cultural diversity and dramatic scenery.
Experience the essence of San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the San Francisco Zoo, Alcatraz, Union Square, The Presidio, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Theatre District, The Asian Art Museum, Chinatown and the diversity of nearby eateries, cafés and shops that colour lively streets. Escape to San Francisco where your heart will embrace a culture as unique as San Francisco's enchanting coastal panorama.
Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco
The Argonaut a San Francisco boutique hotel at Fisherman's Wharf
Welcome to the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco, a luxury boutique Kimpton Hotel in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Located in San Francisco's most popular destination, the historic waterfront hotel - named for the Gold Rushers who sought their fortune here - offers guests an inviting atmosphere, personal services and amenities, and the experience of a luxury San Francisco boutique hotel.
Explorers throughout history have set sail for the vibrant, bustling port city of San Francisco. Today's adventurers looking to experience the essence of San Francisco and its rich maritime history check into the four star accommodations of the Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf.
In a unique partnership with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Argonaut Hotel makes its home in the historic Haslett Warehouse at The Cannery. The boutique hotel overlooks San Francisco Bay and this national park, including its fleet of historic ships. Many of our 252 spacious guestrooms feature unobstructed breathtaking views of Fisherman's Wharf, the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
Guests at this Fisherman's Wharf hotel can savour the history and soul of San Francisco. While the Argonaut Hotel's original 1907 style architecture still embodies elements of the nautical history of San Francisco in its heyday, its plush, stylish décor nestles guests in an accommodating, stimulating environment that is both modern and comforting.
From the stunning waterfront views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to the richness, comfort and unique nautical decor of each guestroom, the luxury Argonaut Hotel makes for an ideal location to enjoy historic Fisherman's Wharf and the exceptional City by the Bay.
Day 4
After enjoying your leisurely American breakfast make your way to the Alamo Rent a Car location where you will collect your hire car, make sure that you are fully familiar with the controls and USA driving regulations before making your way back to the Argonaut to collect your luggage.
Don’t waste too much time packing the car as I am sure you will be eager to start your exciting Journey. Today’s thrilling adventure takes down Pacific Highway 1 as you head towards Carmel.
World-renowned for its European charm, beautiful white-sand beach, performing arts, and hundreds of shops, art galleries, and restaurants, Carmel-by-the-Sea was rated a top-ten destination in the United States by Conde Nast Traveller. Like a jewel found along California's Central Coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea has the sophistication of San Francisco and the glamour of Hollywood nestled into one of most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Seasoned celebrities come to Carmel to blend like chameleons into this community by the sea. It’s where movie stars can have a romantic getaway, talk-show hosts can join girlfriends at a spa, writers can hang out at a local pub, and dignitaries can make reservations for dinner. It’s a place with charm and sophistication that makes everyone feel like a celebrity
The journey from San Francisco to Carmel is approximately 125 miles and should take you about 2½ hours all depending on how many time you stop to admire the views.
When you reach Carmel check into the L’Auberge Carmel, this is to be your home for the next two nights and it’s the ideal location from which to explore all that the Monterey Bay Area has to offer.
L'Auberge Carmel
L’Auberge Carmel, a member of Relais & Chateaux, is a historic hotel dating back to 1929. The hotel was completely restored in 2004, reconfiguring all of the 20 guest rooms, the entrance and landscaping. Throughout, the ambiance of the hotel and restaurant is luxurious and romantic, combining modern amenities with old-world charm. The decor accents the quaintness of original coved plaster walls, French windows and antique doorknobs, flat-panel TVs and wireless internet access. Individually designed enlarged bath areas feature antique travertine tiles with radiant floor heating, some with soaking tubs, hand-hammered copper sinks and custom bath products.
Guest room walls feature original black and white photography by Helmut Horn, and offer comfortably furnished seating areas. Luxurious designer beds are topped with romantic linens and down bedding.
All rooms feature a separate walk-in shower, vanity, flat-screen TV, i-pod music system, recessed lighting and radiant floor heating in the bathrooms. The individually designed guest rooms feature warm jewel tones that accent the French windows and the quaint charm of the architecture and the finest fabrics, linens and down bedding.
The highlight of the hotel is its’ restaurant, Aubergine.- The restaurant offers sophisticated modern California cuisine by Executive Chef Justin Cogley. Executive Chef Justin Cogley’s and Executive Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza’s cooking philosophy is built first and foremost on spontaneity. With access to an array of outstanding local products as well as ingredients and artisan purveyors from around the world, Cogley and Mendoza focus on incorporating these elements into their ever-changing menus. The intimate 12-table Aubergine restaurant features an underground wine cellar constructed beneath the inn’s courtyard to house the restaurant’s 4,500-bottle collection. The wine list features numerous great wines from around the world with a particular focus on wines from Monterey County and France.
Spa Services - L’Auberge Carmel is pleased to offer in-room massage and spa services. Take advantage of the convenience and pampering offered by the Serenity Therapist who is eager to provide you the ultimate relaxation or rejuvenation experience.
Day 6
Leave the coast, and the celebrities, behind today as you head inland to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite is not just a great Valley, but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquillity of the High Sierra.
The Yosemite Valley is known for its breath-taking sheer walls and valley floor. The Valley's evolution began when alpine glaciers permeated through the canyon of the Merced River. Ice carved through the granite leaving such intriguing rock formations as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. The Valley is home to a variety of wildlife and the most majestic waterfalls of the world. The beauty of Yosemite is unsurpassed and is a favourite of nature lovers and photographers.
Today’s driving distance 205 miles approximately 4 hours driving time
On arrival in Yosemite check into the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for the next two nights of your holiday.
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
Ideally located at the base of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is a great place to both relax and explore. Enjoy well-appointed rooms with access to the Tour & Activity Desk, bicycle rentals, The Mountain Room Restaurant & Lounge and more.
Located inside Yosemite National Park and the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is an idyllic spot for families, group retreats and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness.
In 1998, the main complex was redesigned with an emphasis on glass and wood detailing to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Landscaping of indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers further reflect the natural beauty of Yosemite Valley.
Day 8
You leave the lush green valleys and glaciers of Yosemite today and head north to the rolling hills covered with vineyards that is Napa Valley, driving distance toady is about 188 miles, an approximate driving time of 4 hours.
Napa Valley is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. Breath taking views abound at every turn – mustard in the late winter, picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature dot the landscape. Whether you are wine tasting, dining at renowned restaurants like the French Laundry, pampering yourself with a mud bath in Calistoga, or just enjoying your stay at quaint bed & breakfasts, hotels or resorts ... Napa Valley is your spot of heaven on earth.
When picturing Napa Valley, one generally visualise the rolling hills covered with rows of endless vineyards and beautiful wineries. The memory of a good Cabernet wine might envelope your mouth as you picture this beautiful vacation spot.
We are recommending that you spend the last two nights of your never to be forgotten holiday at the River Terrace Inn, a luxury boutique hotel.
River Terrace Inn
Napa Luxury Boutique Hotel - River Terrace Inn
Discover wine country in Napa Valley, a peaceful sanctuary nestled among lush, rolling hills, a sea of vivid wildflowers, and radiant vineyards. Set in the heart of the Napa Valley Wine Country, River Terrace Inn features luxurious accommodations, personalised services, and a pristine riverfront setting. The River Terrace Inn of Napa Valley is an enchanting blend of modern elegance, laid-back California charm and the energy of downtown Napa, California.
Overlooking the Napa River in downtown Napa, California, River Terrace Inn is a tranquil retreat nestled along the River Trail and the Oxbow Park Preserve of the Napa Valley Wine Country. The elegant Napa boutique hotel is walking distance from downtown Napa’s charming wine tasting salons, restaurants, art galleries, nightlife, and attractions such as Oxbow Public Market, Napa Valley Opera House, and Napa Valley Wine Train.
Discover a relaxing sanctuary among Oxbow Park Preserve. Take a dip in the outdoor heated pool or lounge in the hot tub overlooking the Napa River. Rejuvenate with soothing spa treatment and get energised in the fitness centre. Enjoy local art in the beautiful Art Gallery or enjoy walks along the Napa River. With its chic, pastoral charm and innovative amenities, this Napa Valley hotel is the perfect balance of Wine Country serenity and urban hospitality.
A Sanctuary of Serenity boasting the relaxed ambience of the beautiful Napa accommodations are a luxurious blend of modern convenience and classic comfort. Open and airy, most rooms and suites offer balconies where cool breezes and brilliant sunsets inspire peaceful moments of private reflection. Begin your morning with a rejuvenating cup of coffee as you gaze out on the soothing Napa River.
A refreshing departure from standard Napa Valley accommodations, the spacious rooms are elegantly appointed with every modern luxury and convenience. After a day of sightseeing, wine tasting or meetings, indulge in a revitalizing spa treatment or enjoy your favourite cocktail with spirits in your mini bar. Enjoy premier lifestyle amenities such as complimentary high-speed internet access and Wi-Fi, designer bath products, Napa Dream Bedding with pillow-top mattresses and goose-down bedding, plush terry cloth towels, and soothing whirlpool tubs
River Terrace Café - Indulge your palate with an excellent bottle of Napa Valley wine enhanced by sumptuous cuisine at the Terrace Café - a casual riverfront Napa Valley restaurant. Overlooking the soothing waters of the Napa River, the Terrace Café delivers the ultimate Napa experience - delightful wine country fare, beautiful scenery, and the region’s most unique wines.
Napa Dining, Indulge Your Senses - A world-class dining destination, the vibrant and charming city of Napa, California features a cornucopia of incredible restaurants serving innovative cuisines, amazing wines and relaxed wine country ambience. Stroll through downtown and along Main Street - "Restaurant Row" - and you’ll discover over 40 wonderful Napa restaurants and dozens of cafes, wine bars and tasting rooms. Whether you crave wine country cuisine fusion, French fare, sizzling steaks, zesty Italian, BBQ, or tasty tapas, Napa is a melting pot of outstanding dining and wining experiences. The concierge will be happy to recommend their favourite Napa valley restaurants and reserve a table in town!
Day 10
Sadly all good things have to come to an end but I am sure that you will have enough time to relax and have one last dip in the hotels heated pool before making your way to San Francisco airport dropping your cay a the rental location before checking in for you flight back to the UK.
The distance to the airport is 60 miles and should take you about 1¼ hours
Overnight flight from San Francisco to London
