DAYS THREE & FOUR

Los Angeles ACCOMMODATION: Short Stories Hotel

Day Three

Get sandy with most of the day spent at Malibu. Visit Malibu Pier and walk the planks for shopping and views over the coastline and the surfers riding the break down below. Lunch at Geoffrey’s Malibu creates a Medmeets-Malibu vibe, before boarding the Vintage VW Bus Wine Tour by Malibu Wine Hikes. Explore the astonishing Saddlerock Ranch, with its three centuries of history and delightful vine-tangled mountain vistas, drinking some wine as you go. Check in to the Short Stories Hotel, a new hotel close to LA’s shopping, dining and museums, before going out for a wander, a drink or two and a meal. Or choose to relax at the hotel.

Day Four

Original Farmers Market with its 100 gourmet grocers and restaurants. A VIP tour of Universal Studios – the world’s largest movie studio and theme park – is on the menu, the most exclusive way to go behind the scenes. The experience also includes VIP privileges with escorted express access to rides and attractions, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts Castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Lunch is also magical, prepared by Universal’s executive chef in the VIP dining room.

A horseback ride to the Hollywood sign is a great way to relax before dinner at Meteora, created by Michelin-star chef Jordan Kahn.

DAYS FIVE & SIX

San Francisco

ACCOMMODATION:

Beacon Grand Hotel

Day Five

Fly to the Golden City and check in at the Beacon Grand Hotel, before setting off on a San Francisco Chinatown and North Beach Food Walking Tour. Conducted by Tom Medin Local Tastes of the City Tours, the small group tour weaves history and local stories into several stops serving up a variety of dishes that represent what makes the food scene in this city so diverse – everything from Peking duck to cannolis.

Day Six

Explore some hidden gems in the Bay area over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on the Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour with San Francisco Jeep Tours. Marvel at the enchanting work of Mother Nature in the world’s oldest redwood forests before stopping in the much loved and ‘mystical town of Sausalito for lunch. This is one of San Francisco’s treasures. Taking the ferry back, the views of the iconic bridge are awe inspiring. Go exploring around the city with a Go City Pass or just rest up before heading to the Chase Center to watch the Golden State Warriors NBA team play. Afterwards, visit the one of a kind Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar at Fairmont San Francisco. It’s an underground bar that has to be seen to be believed. A storm rolls across every hour with rain, lightning and thunder. There is a fabulous band that plays on a platform in the middle of the water and cocktails in every shaped glass you can imagine.

‘The food walking tour was fantastic. We visited Chinatown and North Beach, going to places that are not on the tourist track. We went to a little Asian restaurant in Chinatown and the food – especially the Peking Duck – was sensational. I also loved the little tea house we visited, and the freshly made egg tarts that our guide picked up from her favourite bakery. I was surprised by North Beach – it had a lively restaurant and bar scene – I will be recommending that to my clients for sure.’

‘I highly recommend doing the Jeep Tour the first day you are there. The guide shows some of the points of interest on the way. It was a fun experience.’

KARINA JONES TRAVEL ASSOCIATES CRONULLA, NSW