Southern California Self-Drive

Relax in your included VIP airport lounge before a daytime flight to Los Angeles. On arrival, make your way to your chosen hotel before heading out to explore the city's many attractions. There's the golden sands of Long Beach and Venice, the glamour of Beverley Hills and the millionaires' mansions and sweeping city views from the Hollywood Hills. Or, for some unapologetic fun in the sun, perhaps spend a day at the theme parks of Disneyland and Universal Studios. 

Stay: Mondrian Los Angeles (Superior)

Collect your hire car and derive south out of Los Angeles along the coast to Laguna Beach in Orange County, home to a mix of opulent mansions and quaint cottages that line the bluffs above sandy coves. The town is also well known as an artist’s colony with more than 100 art galleries and boutiques. Just a couple of kilometres up the coast, Newport offers easy access to all the same attractions as its Laguna Beach counterpart. 

Stay: Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach (Superior) or enquire about an upgrade to Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort (Deluxe)

Continue your journey south to the quintessential Californian beach city of San Diego with its near-perfect climate, Spanish architecture and myriad of attractions including a number of theme parks and it’s world-renowned zoo. A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing trolley tour is one of the best ways to see the city, perhaps visiting its Balboa Park Spanish-era Old Town and Little Italy.

Stay: The US Grant (Deluxe)

Mountain scenery, 350 days of sunshine a year and some of the most acclaimed spas in the world make Palm Springs an irresistible retreat. Its lush greenery is thanks to its thermal wells, which not only produce some of the purest mineral water on earth but also help water the myriad of golf courses that you’re welcome to take a swing on.

Stay: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Springs (Superior)

Santa Barbara or ‘America’s Riviera’ as it’s also known is filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, bubbling fountains, towering palms and cascading bougainvillea. Within an hour of Santa Barbara is the Saint Ynez Valley (made famous by the film ‘Sideways’) – there are numerous wineries open for tastings.

Stay: Kimpton Canary Hotel (Deluxe)

It’s a short drive back towards Los Angeles passing Malibu along the way for your final stop in Santa Monica. Drop off your hire car and then head out to explore the famous pier, the famous farmers market and 3rd Street Promenade for some last-minute shopping.

Stay: Viceroy Santa Monica (Superior)

Make your own way to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Arrive back in the UK after overnight flight and continue your onward journey home.