Experience the Ultimate Tour of the Golden State
One of our team members recently experienced an exciting familiarisation trip to California and has put together some tour recommendations based on his personal experiences.
The glorious golden state. I’m not talking about the powerhouse basketball franchise based in the Bay Area, but the state of California itself. This famous west coast state has plenty to offer its tourists besides the beautiful weather and the glamour of Hollywood. Experience the best of what California has to offer with an adventurous tour across Northern California before heading down south for a different take on the state.
British Airways fly direct daily from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to four cities in California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose. In addition, the airline’s codeshare agreement with American Airlines allows you onward connections to a wide range of destinations across North America. Start your journey with an added element of comfort on board British Airway’s brand new A380 which flies direct to San Francisco. The spacious and state-of-the-art four cabin class aircraft delivers passengers to the Bay Area in just under 11 hours.
San Francisco is a fabulous coastal city filled with a mix of cultures and history. The city is known for its establishment of liberation in the U.S.A. with the hippie counterculture and gay-rights movement during the 1960’s, as well as the renowned Summer of Love Festival. Examples of these elements are still found in the city’s Haight district. One way to explore the beauty of San Francisco is by taking a scenic bike ride through Fisherman’s Wharf and across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy lunch in the quaint city of Sausalito, before boarding a ferry back across the bay to enjoy a fun-packed afternoon at Pier 39. During the summer months, sports fans can take in a baseball game or an in-depth stadium tour at AT&T Park.
Driving across California is quite feasible and easily accessible. You can either rent a car or for something completely out of the ordinary, hire an RV (Recreational Vehicle). Don’t worry if you have no experience driving one; a video and practical demonstration is required before the keys are handed over. I would recommend that you add extra time to your journey when driving an RV as they are heavy vehicles to operate. A suggested afternoon stop is the Indigeny Reserve in Tuolumne County, just a couple of hours drive away from San Francisco. The lush 160 acre orchard, hidden in the hills of Sonora produces some of best apple cider and brandy in the world (in my opinion). You can sample a taste of Indigency’s own apple cider, brandy and vodka before continuing your journey. But don’t go over the limit of course (California highway patrol are very strict).
The colossal Yosemite National Park is spread out over 3,028 Sq km. This incredible national park is covered with majestic scenery, mountains and lakes. Accommodation is easily available here with a variety of comfortable lodges and secure campsites scattered across the park. With over 800 miles of hiking trails to discover at Yosemite National Park, you can take in the beautiful nature including the giant sequoia groves which can elevate up to 2000m. A suggested time to visit Yosemite National Park is during the autumn when the temperatures are cooler, the rush of visitors is low and the foliage displays are at an optimum. While it’s a lot warmer during the summer months, the heavy rush of visitors and build-up of traffic can spoil a peaceful visit.
Napa County, California is a paradise for wine lovers. This world-famous valley predominantly stands out amongst the other areas in California’s wine country. Take a sample of some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays across 400 wineries with pre-booked or walk-in appointments. You can even create your own bottle of wine during a practical session at the Conn Creek Winery. For an aerial adventure, a personal recommendation of mine would be to take a sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over Napa County, with breath-taking views followed by a delicious champagne breakfast.
Cap off your adventurous journey across Northern California with a few days of joyful relaxation in San Diego. This heart-warming metropolitan city welcomes you with a strong Mexican heritage, which can be explored through the city’s various districts. During the day, make the most out of the wildlife attractions with a day trip to either SeaWorld or San Diego Zoo. If you’d like a more relaxing experience, why not spend the day at Coronado across the San Diego Bay or enjoy a serene walk along the beautiful Mission Beach. Spoil yourself with a choice of fine-dining restaurants in the upscale La Jolla community, or head downtown to the Gas Lamp quarter where you can find an array of bars and nightclubs.
