California Dreamin'

The towering redwood trees of the rugged California coast, laid-back San Francisco, the stunning beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite's breath- taking scenery, sparkling Lake Tahoe, the inky blue waters of Crater Lake, the incredible beauty of Lassen and the Napa Valley are carefully blended into this leisurely 15 day/14 night self-drive tour operating Fridays (prices for other departure dates available on request) from 24 May to 13 September*.

Day1. Arrive San Francisco.
Upon arrival at San Francisco's International airport we recommend that you take a taxi or shuttle to your city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the nightlife of this fabulous city. Overnight: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (Standard) or Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf (Superior)

Days 2 & 3. San Francisco.
Two full days to unwind and succumb to the charms of one of the world's most beautiful cities. Explore the shops and attractions of Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Take a city tour, visit Alcatraz (pre-booking essential), ride the cable cars and then choose from some of the city's finest restaurants. Overnight: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (Standard) or Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf (Superior)

Day 4. San Francisco to Yosemite National Park (200 miles).
Collect your rental car from the downtown depot in San Francisco and head east over the Bay Bridge and across the Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the spectacular beauty of Yosemite National Park. Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge - Mountain-view room (Standard) or Yosemite View Lodge - River-view room (Superior)

Day 5. Yosemite National Park. A full day to explore Yosemite. The giant redwood trees of Mariposa Grove, the plunging waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, the tranquil lakes of the high country, the wildlife and the mountains - a day of natural wonders. Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge - Mountain-view room (Standard) or Yosemite View Lodge - River-view room (Superior).

Day 6. Yosemite to Lake Tahoe (220 miles).
The journey today takes you through the heart of the California Gold Rush country. In 1848 gold was discovered near Sutter's Mill in Coloma and this find started the famous gold rush of 1849 when thousands of prospectors flooded into the area to seek their fortunes. Today, the names of the sleepy villages such as Angels Camp, Bullion and Placerville are all that remains of the once thriving gold industry. As you drive north along highway 49 (named after the gold rush), stop at semi-ghost towns such as Columbia with its Victorian buildings, and the Marshall Gold Discovery Site before arriving at South Lake Tahoe. Overnight: Best Western Plus Station House Inn - (Standard) or Best Western Plus Timber Cove Lodge (Superior).

Day 7. Lake Tahoe. A free day to enjoy the Lake Tahoe area. This beautiful high Sierra lake is now a major recreation area with activities such as sailing, horse-riding, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and relaxing on the lake's beaches. The ski lift to the top of Heavenly Valley provides panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. In the evening enjoy the nightlife over the casinos of the Nevada town of Stateline an mini Las Vegas by the lake. Overnight: Best Western Plus Station House Inn - (Standard) or Best Western Plus Timber Cove Lodge (Superior).

Day 8. Lake Tahoe to Mineral (190 miles).
North through the pine forests and mountains of northern California to the small community of Mineral - gateway to one of America's hidden gems and least known national park - Lassen. Overnight: Mineral Lodge - (Standard & Superior).
 
Day 9. Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen is a volcanic park with lots of thermal activity - fumaroles, mud-pots, volcanic peaks, stunning lakes and lots of wildlife. From late September to mid-June the park is often closed by snow, and even in mid-July there are often high snow drifts lining the road! The lakes are often frozen and a pristine beauty greets the visitor. Take your time discovering this small but beautiful national park. Overnight: Mineral Lodge - (Standard & Superior).

Day 10. Mineral to Crater Lake National Park (270 miles).
Head north through Redding and on into Oregon today as you journey to Crater Lake National Park. Overnight: Mazama Village (Standard) or Crater Lake Lodge - Lakeside room (Superior)

Day 11. Crater Lake National Park.
Crater Lake is surely one of the most spectacular sights on this tour. The deep blue waters of the lake fringed by the sharp peaks of the volcanic crater which forms its rim, the tall Ponderosa Pine trees and the clear mountain air combine to produce a paradise you won't want to leave. Take a cruise on the lake and a leisurely stroll along the rim and enjoy the peace. Overnight: Mazama Village (Standard) or Crater Lake Lodge  - Lakeside room(Superior)

Day 12. Crater Lake to Crescent City (200 miles).
Follow the Rogue River south as it makes its busy way from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. There should be time for you to explore the rugged coastline near Crescent City and visit the Redwood National and State Parks close to the town. Overnight: Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn - (Standard & Superior) - full breakfast included.

Day 13. Crescent City to Ft.Bragg (230 miles)
Take the coast road south today past the Redwoods National Park, stopping at some of the small towns and scenic overlooks before arriving in Ft.Bragg. Overnight: Best Western Vista Manor (Standard & Superior) - Continental breakfast included.

Day 14. Ft.Bragg to Napa Valley region (165 miles).
Choose between the slower - but spectacular - coastal route 1, or the faster inland Highway 101 today on the final leg of your journey to the Napa Valley wine region. You should have time to visit some of the wineries this afternoon before enjoying dinner at one of the area's many excellent restaurants. Overnight: Best Western Plus Inn At The Vines (Standard) or The Lodge At Sonoma (Superior).

Day 15. Napa Valley to San Francisco (75 miles)
Plenty of time to linger and enjoy the Napa area this morning, before making the short, final journey to San Francisco International airport. Return your rental car and check in for your return flight to the UK.

All mileages are approximate. Hotels/Lodges are subject to availability at the time of booking.

* Due to weather conditions, it may not be possible to cross Lassen Volcanic National Park before mid-June or after mid-September under normal snow conditions and a diversion using Interstate 5 and an overnight stay at Redding instead of Mineral, may be necessary.

Just America provides a full tailor-made holiday service and will be pleased to quote packages inclusive of transatlantic flights from the UK, car rental and excursions.  We can change the number of nights, add extra nights, offer alternate hotels and offer first-hand personal experience and advice to help you design the itinerary to your specifications, please enquire at the time of booking.