This two week fly drive follows one of the most well known routes in the United States, starting in San Francisco and working your way down the California coast before heading inland to Las Vegas. It is built to show you how the landscape, cities and atmosphere change as you travel, with enough time in each stop to understand what makes each place stand out.
Spend three nights in San Francisco, where the city sits right on the edge of the bay. Walk along Fisherman’s Wharf, take in the views from the Golden Gate Bridge and ride the historic cable cars through the streets. Your trip to Alcatraz adds a different side to the visit, with the audio tour bringing the prison’s history to life. The hop on hop off pass helps you cover the city properly, linking the waterfront, Golden Gate Park and key viewpoints.
Pick up your car and head into Napa Valley for two nights. This is California’s best known wine region, with vineyards and wineries spread across a wide valley. You can visit a few different estates for tastings, see how the wine is produced and enjoy long lunches in between. It is a change of pace from the city and gives you a proper feel for this part of California.
Drive south to Carmel, known for its coastal setting and white sand beach, before continuing along the Pacific Coast Highway into Big Sur. This stretch of road is one of the highlights of the trip, with cliffs dropping into the ocean and viewpoints all along the route. Stops like Bixby Bridge and the surrounding coastline are worth taking your time over. Staying overnight in Big Sur means you can step away from the road and explore the area on foot.
Continue to Santa Barbara for two nights. The town is known for its Spanish style buildings, palm lined waterfront and easy access to the beach. You can walk along Stearns Wharf, visit the Mission or spend time along the coastline. It is a comfortable stop that breaks up the journey before reaching Los Angeles.
Spend three nights in Los Angeles, staying in Hollywood. Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the Griffith Observatory for views across the city and head out to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Each area shows a different side of the city, from film history to beach life, and having a car makes it easy to move between them.
Drive inland to Palm Springs for a night. The setting changes quickly to desert, with mountains surrounding the town. Palm Springs is known for its mid century architecture, poolside hotels and warm climate. It is a short stop, but it adds a different feel to the trip before continuing on.
Finish with three nights in Las Vegas. Walk the Strip, see the themed hotels and take in a show or two in the evening. The included sidecar tour gives you a guided way to see the main sights, from the Bellagio fountains to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, before you explore further in your own time.
Return flights from Dublin to San Francisco with Aer Lingus and return flights from Las Vegas with Aer Lingus via Chicago, 11 days car hire from San Francisco to Las Vegas with inclusive insurance, Alcatraz tickets with 2 day hop on hop off sightseeing pass in San Francisco, private guided sidecar tour of Las Vegas Strip, accommodation throughout (3 nights at Hilton San Francisco Union Square room only, 2 nights at Silverado Resort Napa room only, 2 nights at Carmel Mission Inn room only, 1 night at Big Sur Lodge room only, 2 nights at Inn by the Harbor Santa Barbara bed and breakfast, 3 nights at Loews Hollywood Hotel room only, 1 night at The Colony Palms Hotel Palm Springs room only, 3 nights at Park MGM Las Vegas room only). Flights depart Dublin on 01 September 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (25 March 2026). Offers are subject to change.
Price from €3,752 per person
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