California - In the Footsteps of John Muir23rd Sep 2025

California - In the Footsteps of John Muir

From:£6,995

Summary

California is a paradise on the Pacific, a place of mythic proportions blessed with an intoxicating climate. Its monumental landscapes, including ocean, mountains, mighty redwood forests and barren sweeps of deserts all fill the senses.

Our unique horticultural tour starts in the San Francisco district, moves to Yosemite, comes back to Monterey and follows the coastal route down to Santa Barbara. Of course we are only scratching the surface of the Golden State, however what we have included on our full itinerary will stay with you forever.

With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse climates and rich plant life, California contains some of the most exciting and stunning landscapes in the world. We have a combination of famous botanical gardens such as those of Berkeley University, Santa Barbara, Strybing and Huntington, one of the most famous gardens in North America. We also visit private gardens such as Filoli with its beautifully preserved Georgian revival house and Lotusland, for many the outstanding garden of this tour.

All these man-made features will be dwarfed in comparison with the redwood forests and the National Park of Yosemite. In 1868 the young Scotsman John Muir ventured through California’s wild landscape and was so entranced by the beauty of the place that his enthusiasm to conserve it for eternity eventually led to the formation of America’s network of National Parks.

We also visit the Channel Islands National Park, five remarkable, uninhabited islands with a wealth of natural and cultural resources which afford a glimpse of southern California as it once was.

Our tour is led by the Curator of Tresco’s Abbey Gardens and expert horticulturalist Mike Nelhams, who rates the Pacific coast of California as one of his favourite destinations in the world.

California

15 Days

Moderate

Deposit£1049.25

Full Price£6995

(includes flights)

departure:

Optional Excursion - Alcatraz£60

£6,995

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What to Expect

  • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the Muir Woods
  • The magnificent Filoli Gardens
  • Francis Ford Coppola's winery in the Napa Valley
  • A full day in the Yosemite National Park
  • Boat trip to the uninhabited, wildlife-rich Channel Islands

Departure Routes

LocationPickup TimeDropoff Time
London Heathrow Airport00:0000:00
San Francisco Airport00:00
00:00

** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **

Day by Day Itinerary

Enjoy access to the airport executive lounge before we depart from London to San Francisco. Upon arrival in San Francisco, we will be met by our coach and transferred to our hotel.  The remainder of the day is free to explore and relax after our journey.

Meals includedIn flight

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Tour Enquiry

The team is available Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm (GMT)

Call us: 01334 845 392