Self-Drive: Northern California, the Lakes and Las Vegas

Day 1 UK to San Francisco

Today board your non-stop international flight from the UK to San Francisco and on arrival make your own way to your centrally located hotel. Spend the next two days exploring the vibrant and multicultural city of San Francisco known for its world-class restaurants and nightlife, bustling wharves and pastel-coloured Victorian houses. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 2 San Francisco

Spend today at leisure where you can explore San Francisco as you wish. Highlights include the infamous island prison of Alcatraz, Pier 39 where you can admire the sea lions basking in the sun, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the city’s numerous galleries and museums. For lunch why not stop at one of the crab shacks at Fisherman’s Wharf and sample some traditional chowder. During the afternoon meander through the rolling streets lined with colourful homes and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 3 San Francisco to Sonoma – 45 miles

This morning pick up your hire car from Union Square close to your hotel and travel north into California’s beautiful wine country. Tonight stay in Sonoma Valley and spend the remainder of the day visiting some of the local vineyards and wineries or opt to hire a bike and enjoy the stunning countryside. Make sure you also visit one of the region’s excellent farm-to-table restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Sonoma: El Dorado Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Sonoma to Sacramento - 89 miles

After breakfast continue your journey north to California’s state capital, Sacramento. As one of the state’s most historic cities, Sacramento played a central role in America’s Gold Rush era and traces its history back to the earliest settlers. The most evocative of these locations is Sutter’s Fort, a small white-washed adobe compound, established by John Sutter in 1839 and today brought to life with costumed actors and historic artefacts. Sutter’s Fort is close to downtown and a nice walk to the stunning California State Capitol. If time allows, explore the pretty gardens surrounding the capitol and explore the opulent interior. No visit to Sacramento is complete without a stroll around Old Sacramento. Lining the Sacramento River, ‘Old Sac’ as it is affectionately known, is a charming neighbourhood of historic timber buildings, saloons, restaurants and has an excellent railroad museum. The city also has a fine food scene, a number of craft breweries and independent shops. (N)

Accommodation in Sacramento: Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza (or similar)

Day 5 Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe – 169 miles

Visit one of the city’s excellent cafes for breakfast before departing for South Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains. During the scenic drive pass Eldorado National Forest before reaching the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe. America’s second deepest lake, Lake Tahoe straddles the California and Nevada border where the beautifully calm turquoise water is framed by golden sand and emerald pines. Spend the next three days exploring this alpine lake. (N)

Accommodation in South Lake Tahoe: Hotel Azure (or similar)

Day 6 – 7 South Lake Tahoe

The next two days are at leisure in South Lake Tahoe where the options are endless. Relax on the picturesque beaches, enjoy a hike through the wooded trails or cycle to one of the many viewpoints overlooking the pretty lake. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also great ways to explore the secret bays and crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. There are also a wealth of restaurants, bars and casinos, plus if you are visiting during winter it is an excellent base for skiing. (N)

Accommodation in South Lake Tahoe: Hotel Azure (or similar)

Day 8 South Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes via Bodie and Mono Lake – 166 miles

This morning depart South Lake Tahoe and drive south through the Sierra Nevada mountains towards Mammoth Lakes stopping en route stop at Bodie and Mono Lake. Bodie is a former gold-mining town, now a ghost town, where you can wander the abandoned streets and peek into the saloons, general store and jail for a glimpse of life from a bygone era. Continue your journey to Mono Lake, an ancient inland sea that is home to strangely shaped tufa towers. After exploring and photographing Mono Lake arrive at Mammoth Lakes home to majestic natural beauty, snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes. (N)

Accommodation in Mammoth Lakes: Juniper Springs Resort (or similar)

Day 9 Mammoth Lakes

Today spend a full day at leisure exploring the Mammoth Lakes region. Options include hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and during the winter, skiing and snowshoeing. However you decide to explore Mammoth Lakes, you will be sure to enjoy the beautiful vistas, pristine water and scenic trails on offer. You may also want to visit Devil’s Postpile National Monument, an unusual rock formation, and Rainbow Falls, a 30m waterfall that is named after the colourful rainbows reflected in the mist. (N)

Accommodation in Mammoth Lakes: Juniper Springs Resort (or similar)

Day 10 Mammoth Lakes to Death Valley – 205 miles

Enjoy your final morning in Mammoth Lakes before travelling to Death Valley. One of the hottest and driest places in the world, Death Valley is one of the continents largest national parks that encompasses salt flats, gigantic sand dunes, colourful sandstone canyons and remarkable rock formations. Arrive to your accommodation which lies just outside of the park. (N)

Accommodation in Death Valley: Longstreet Inn (or similar)

Day 11 Death Valley

Today is at leisure where you may explore Death Valley as you wish. Highlights include watching sunrise at Zabriskie Point, the vibrantly coloured rocks at Artist’s Drive and the shifting sand dunes of Mesquite Flat Dunes. The salt flats and pools of Badwater are another must-see. This is North America’s lowest elevation point where you can hike or drive to Golden Canyon, dramatic Red Cathedral and the Natural Bridge. (N)

Accommodation in Death Valley: Longstreet Inn (or similar)

Day 12 Death Valley to Las Vegas – 123 miles

This morning depart Death Valley and continue to your final destination - Las Vegas - the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’. Spend the evening exploring the wonderful range of restaurants, bars and entertainment available. (N)

Accommodation in Las Vegas: Luxor Resort (or similar)

Day 13 Las Vegas

Today is at leisure in Las Vegas. Highlights include the neon-lit ‘Strip’ and its jaw-dropping casinos, the Venetian hotel complex with the replica Grand Canal and the mesmerising fountain show at the Bellagio. Vegas is also famous for its world-class restaurants, bars and shopping and is also home to some of world’s best theatre and concert performances. We will happily arrange a show of your choice when booking your tailor-made trip. (N)

Accommodation in Las Vegas: Luxor Resort (or similar)

Day 14 Las Vegas to the UK

Enjoy your final morning at leisure in Las Vegas before making your way to the airport to drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Self-Drive: Northern California, the Lakes and Las Vegas

14 days from £2280 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2280 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Northern California, the Lakes and Las Vegas

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY