California: Yosemite-size Fun

A beautiful itinerary that could be your own

1. Arrival in San Francisco

   You head to the Bay and settle in the legendary Argonaut Hotel. Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, this old brick warehouse has been turned into a boutique hotel that captures the quirky style of San Francisco without compromising luxury and comfort. It is ideally located to explore the city and the view of the Bay is known to drop some jaws.

2. Across the Golden Gate

   Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to the small community of Sausalito. During WW2, this small waterfront community was devoted to shipbuilding. Today, it is a quaint place full of artist studios and charming shops. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of the city with your private driver, who not only seems to know everything about the city, he’s also a natural storyteller. By the end of the tour, you can say you’ve been to the landmarks, and that you’ve seen them from a special perspective.

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Free 'Frisco

You have a free morning in San Francisco. To make the most of the day, you take the kids to the California Academy of Sciences, the only place on Earth that is rainforest, aquarium and natural history museum all in one. The interactive activities that you can do as a family bring you closer together, and spark in the little ones the latent fascination for the natural world. Or, you could instead choose to visit the Exploratorium, a science museum that explains the world through discovery and play. Whichever you choose, it’s something the kids will never forget, and very well could set them on a career in the sciences. In the afternoon, you enjoy a Catamaran sunset cruise around the bay.

Down Monterey Way

Monterey and Carmel Valley were immortalised in Steinbeck’s novels, and no wonder, since they are some of the most precious landscapes in all of California. On the way, you stop for a kayaking experience at Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that harbours hundreds of different animal species. The Sea Otter is a particularly charismatic one. After your water adventures, you arrive at Carmel Valley Ranch, one of those happy corners of the universe where rest and activity seem to be the same thing, and the more you do the more at ease you feel. Golf, hiking, tennis, gardening and mountain-top yoga are just the start.

The Crown Jewel of Cali

Take a ride with your private driver to Point Lobos, a place where marine life and dramatic scenery are a given. The charming trails and secluded coves make this small spot the Crown Jewel of all of California’s 280 State Parks. Continue to Big Sur, the largest stretch of undeveloped coastline on the continental US. As you drive across Big Creek Bridge, don’t be surprised if the children ask if you are in the movies. Spend another night at Carmel Valley Ranch, where you can keep playing or relax.

Whale Watching

A free morning at Carmel Valley that leads to an exclusive cruise in Monterey Bay. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins seem eager to put on a show. Telescope on-board, a marine biologist is there to answer questions and share insights into these magnificent animals.

Visions of Yosemite

A scenic drive to Yosemite to get your morning started. After check-in at Tenaya Lodge, a luxurious hotel that captures the spirit of the Great American Outdoors, you will have a free afternoon to enjoy the park and engage in many fun activities: archery, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and even after-dark hiking.

Full-day Yosemite

Embark on a tour, both on foot and motorised, to discover secret trails, iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, and enjoy a full day of exploring, learning, and being outdoors together, creating lasting memories in this beautiful place.

Family Adventure Time

Start the day with a 4x4 excursion to a Giant Sequoia grove. These towering trees are awe-inspiring and there is something magical about walking under their shadow. Hop on an a real American Quarter Horse and, together with a Cowboy, enjoy a fun adventure as you guide your trusty steed along breathtaking trails that wind around Yosemite.

California Dreaming

It’s time to go back home. In the last days, you have grown as a family, the children have learned quite a bit. You find them more secure, more comfortable on their own two feet, they are more inquisitive, focused and engaged with the world around them. You just realise that they haven’t even checked their phone or the tablet in days. That’s what nature will do to ya’!