California Dreamin'

Welcome to San Fran! We'll meet and greet today in the Golden City before heading somewhere a little more tranquil... Is there a more majestic sight in nature than a redwood tree? These giant natural cathedrals - which can be up to 3,000 years old - take the breath away up close. We'll journey into Muir Woods to picnic in their towering shadows, before heading into wine country. Up for a tipple? Sonoma is a world-class wine-growing region, so touring a winery and taking a tasting is a no brainer. After comparing drops it's time to head to our sweet digs for the night, The Sandman, with its heated pool surrounded by a fence of redwoods. Impressed? You should see what's in store tomorrow. (L) Stay: The Sandman

Not a bad place to wake up, is it? Known as the valley of the moon, the sweeping, fertile lands of Sonoma are ours to explore today. Lucky us. So, what adventure will we choose? We could hire some bikes and explore the 13,000 acres of parkland, soar through the skies on a hot air balloon, or zipline through the forests. As the evening draws in, why not opt for a tasty dinner paired with local wines? (B)

Rise and shine - we're headed out of wine country and into what can only be described as a mountain paradise. This afternoon you'll become enamored with the tranquility of Bass Lake. You could opt to stand up paddleboard or kayak on the sparkling waters. Later on, kick back and enjoy the view from the chalet deck - it is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the jacuzzi and breathe in the fresh mountain air. (B) Stay: The Pines Resort

Thought the scenery couldn't get any more spectacular? Think again. We're headed to the most iconic National Park in the world: Yosemite. Here, amongst the towering sequoias, cascading waterfalls and winding trails we'll fall in love over and over again. Hike, bike or invest in some shinrin-yoku time (forest bathing), before heading to the iconic Yosemite Falls. Mother nature has never looked so good, and our eyes have never been wider. (B)

The good times don't stop rolling as we swing through to Palm Springs. We'll soak up the views in the plunging San Joaquin Valley - the agricultural heartlands of the world's 7th largest economy (the state of Cali). We've reached the retro-chic masterpiece that is Palm Springs. Feeling like Hollywood stars, we'll settle in our hotel with its buzzing poolside scene and colourful architecture. We've got a day of adventures ahead of us tomorrow. (B) Stay: The Saguaro

The day is ours to check out Palm Springs! First up though is yoga by the pool and brunch to follow. Feeling energised and ready for the day, we could stroll the streets checking out the chic boutiques, opt to take the Palm Springs Aerial Cable Car or maybe just hang poolside and soak up some sun. Between the pool clubs, DJs and quirky bars, the heat will be on tonight. It's party time. (B)

This morning we'll make our way towards LA and your final destination, Santa Monica. You'll arrive mid-afternoon for some activities by the beach, or take some time to explore Santa Monica Pier and the end point of famous Route 66. Tonight is a final dinner together at True Food Kitchen for some proper Cali vibes, before a night checking out Third Street Promenade. (D)

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone?