“Do you know the way to San Jose?” Tour operator American Independence provides a map for its Coastal California fly-drive holiday - but I’d hide it, just to get a chance to be Dionne Warwick for a moment. Perhaps you’d prefer to be Steve McQueen in Bullitt? Or Steve Martin in LA Story? There are countless California-inspired films, books and songs to plan an itinerary around. Just don’t go all Sandra and Keanu in Speed.
In between, there’s the beauty of the winding coast road to revel in. The eight-night holiday begins with three nights in San Francisco, giving you time to ride the trams and explore the bay area. You could even get out for the day to see the giant redwoods at Muir Woods. Two nights in Monterey mean you can take in Carmel and Big Sur.
Day six, take the coast road to Santa Barbara for an overnight stay before finishing up at LA’s Beverly Hilton. Prices start at pound;1,199 per person over Christmas and include flights out to San Francisco, return flights from Los Angeles, car hire, eight nights room-only hotel board, maps and, it says here, “full driving instructions”.
Surely Jack Kerouac didn’t bother with that kind of thing?
Details: 0870 241 4217.
Want to keep reading for free?
Register with Tes and you can read five free articles every month, plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.
