Perfect Pairings: San Diego & Palm Springs

Let your hair blow free on this USA tour as you explore the West Coast. Indulge in the breathtaking panorama of the Palm Springs desert landscape, the rich coastal wildlife of San Diego and the vast Coachella Valley – all while losing yourself in sublime boutique retreats with wellness and rejuvenation oozing from their core. Your bespoke epic adventure is raring to go.

United States of America
5 nights private tour from GBP £6,800
Perfect Pairings San Diego and Palm Springs
Journey highlights
  • Peddle and paddle your way through San Diego's La Jolla neighbourhood and its wildlife rich coast

  • Lose yourself in the heart of the Temecula Valley’s historic old town with a divine olive oil tasting

  • Bespoke off-the-beaten-path hiking tour through the iconic Joshua Tree National Park

  • Gourmet picnic lunches and private hiking tours take this sensational itinerary to the next level

Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

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San Diego has a year-round climate. Summer (June - September) is the peak-tourist season, this is when the weather is at its hottest and the city can be over crowded. If you are visiting in May or June watch out for the 'marine layer', a cloudy overcast, almost fog-like cloud which may affect the beach and first mile or so of the coastal strip, especially in the mornings.

Palm Springs weather is best in the winter. Summers can be extraordinarily hot, temperatures may easily climb above 100ºF/38ºC from mid-April through mid-October. As a green oasis, its easy to forget that Rancho Mirage is a desert resort. High season for the resort is during our winter months from November to March when weather is cooler. During the summer months it is hot in the desert but staying here then becomes incredibly good value and there are plenty of pools to cool down in after a day exploring.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Rancho Valencia, San Diego, California, United States of America

Lean into this bespoke wellness break from the off as you arrive at Rancho Valencia, a Relais & Chateaux property, oozing hacienda chic among lush sprawling grounds with citrus and olive groves. A warm and relaxing ambience along with a pro-studded tennis program, yoga, Pilates, TRX, and spin classes that end with fresh-pressed juice and protein smoothies, this is wellness and rejuvenation at its best. 

After your first delicious breakfast here your exciting adventure awaits. Get set to peddle and paddle your way through La Jolla, one of San Diego's friendliest neighbourhoods and wildlife-rich coast on a bike and kayak tour. Be blown away by the controversial history of Mt. Soledad Cross and its historic sites, soaking up the views of the city backdrop whilst you cycle your way down and alongside San Diego's beachfront communities, admiring the beautiful oceanfront homes perched on the cliffs as you go. Next hit the water and paddle alongside the amazing marine life here including dolphins! Head back to the ranch for another exquisite night of sublime food and wellness treats. 

En route to Palm Springs the following day, you'll get to journey deep into the heart of the Temecula Valley’s historic old town. You will be spoiled with a special tasting at the renowned Temecula Olive Oil Company, tasting a range of their delicious oils. Once you have had your fill, hit the road with a bottle of your favourite oil or vinegar variety in hand. Head to a tucked-away scenic locale, where a packed picnic basket accompanied by an elegant spread will be waiting for you to enjoy. Bliss! Relax and admire the sprawling desert as you continue your journey to the luxury of the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage.

Accommodation: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa ( 2 nights )
Day 3-6

Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, California, United States of America

Sink into tranquillity as you arrive at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, a sensational desert retreat nestled in the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains. Soak up the fabulous views of the Coachella Valley from its stunning elevated position, sip a local beer by the firepit and watch the twinkling lights in the valley. After your journey here lose yourself in a beautiful slice of paradise as you experience a Hatha style yoga or Pilates session, to stretch out those tired muscles. There is an impressive spa with fifteen treatment rooms, swimming pools and hiking trails straight from the grounds. Enjoy a sublime evening of exquisite food and sensational views. 

The following day head into nearby Joshua Tree National Park to meet your naturalist guide for an off-the-beaten-path hiking tour of this stunning natural area. Be wowed by the otherworldly rock gardens, sandy washes and admire the namesake Joshua trees. Afterwards either roam free, relax at your hotel, or pre-book another activity. We recommend a visit to the unique 'Integraton', an otherworldly structure constructed by an eccentric UFO-ologist. Head inside for an unforgettable private sound bath experience, ready to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Returning to the hotel for the evening with its gorgeous bars and restaurants.

As the day’s heat begins to set in embark on an epic private hiking tour in Mount San Jacinto State Park. You will ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the mountain for a striking hike through this magnificent terrain, with mesmerising 360-degree views of the cliffs, gorges, and valley floors of Chino Canyon. After another beautiful day in the abundance of this landscape return to your desert retreat for one more delicious meal relishing in the memories this bespoke itinerary has brought you.

Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage ( 3 nights )
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3813 3729 to start planning your holiday.
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