Self-guided tour – 15 days

California Classic

California Round Trip – Palm Trees, Desert, Giant sequoias and the Pacific Ocean: This 15-day motorcycle tour shows you California in all its facets. Let's get started in San Diego, where sun and surf flair await. The route then leads through the desert landscapes of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, via Route 66 near Barstow and into the Sierra Nevada – with stops in Bakersfield, Kernville, Sequoia and Yosemite National Park. The journey returns along the legendary Highway 1 via Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, before ending in San Diego or Laguna Beach.

Unforgettable curves, breathtaking nature and the Californian lifestyle make this tour a true dream trip for bikers.

Day 1 – Arrival in San Diego
Flight from Frankfurt to San Diego. After landing, you will immediately feel the relaxed Californian way of life: palm trees, sun, Pacific Ocean. Check-in at the hotel and first evening in the bustling old town or the Gaslamp Quarter, where bars, restaurants and live music offer the perfect welcome program. Ideal for ending jet lag with a cool drink or a Mexican dinner.

Day 2 – San Diego > Palm Springs
Distance: approx. 145 miles / 230 km
Today we finally get started! After breakfast, the motorcycles are taken over. Just a few miles beyond the city limits begins the typical Californian landscape: desert, mountains, and endless expanse. They drive inland along winding roads, through small Western towns and past cacti and rocks. The destination is Palm Springs – a place like something out of a retro movie: palm avenues, design hotels and the desert in the background. In the evening, perhaps a walk along Palm Canyon Drive or a cocktail by the pool.

Day 3 – Palm Springs > Twentynine Palms
Distance: approx. 60 miles / 95 km
Today, a true natural highlight is on the agenda: Joshua Tree National Park. The park lies between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts and is famous for its quirky Joshua trees, rock formations and scenic roads. The journey may not be long, but it's a real experience – every stop invites you to marvel and take photos. Overnight stay in Twentynine Palms, a small desert town on the edge of the park.

Day 4 – Twentynine Palms > Barstow
Distance: approx. 115 miles / 185 km
Today, the route leads along lonely highways through the Mojave Desert. Along the way you can stop at the old Route 66 in Amboy – a legendary stop with the famous Roy's Motel & Café and the legendary Bagdad Cafe, known from the classic ‚Out of Rosenheim“. The destination is Barstow, a typical desert town with a Route 66 feel. Here, railway workers, truckers, and bikers meet – just the right place for an evening at the diner.

Day 5 – Barstow > Bakersfield
Distance: approx. 175 miles / 280 km
You leave the desert and head towards the fertile Central Valley. The roads lead through a barren but fascinating landscape – the mix of High Desert and oil refineries looks like something out of an old Western film. The destination is Bakersfield, the heart of the Californian country music scene. Those who want to can experience live music in the evenings, because Bakersfield is known as „Nashville of the West“.

Day 6 – Bakersfield > Kernville
Distance: approx. 55 miles / 90 km
Today we're going to the mountains. You can reach the foothills of the Sierra Nevada via winding roads. The destination is the charming town of Kernville on the Kern River – popular with bikers, outdoor enthusiasts and river rafters. The stage is short, so there is time for a walk along the river or a cold beer in one of the quaint saloons.

Day 7 – Kernville > Sequoia National Park,
Distance: approx. 130 miles / 208 km
A dream stage through the Sierra
Nevada! Today you can expect narrow switchbacks, fantastic views and finally the gigantic trees in Sequoia National Park. Here stand the largest living things on Earth – giant sequoias that are over 2,000 years old. A walk to the „General Sherman Tree“ is mandatory. Evening overnight stay in the middle of the surrounding area.

Day 8 – Sequoia > El Portal / Yosemite
Distance: approx. 220 miles / 355 km
The journey continues north through the Sierra Nevada. Curved roads, high mountain passes and spectacular landscapes accompany you. The destination is El Portal, right at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Here you are in the middle of one of the most famous landscapes in North America.

Day 9 – Yosemite > San Francisco
Distance: approx. 190 miles / 305 km
In the morning, a short detour to Yosemite Valley – with El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome. Then head towards the Pacific Ocean. In the afternoon you'll roll over the last few hills and drive in overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – goosebump moment guaranteed.

Day 10 – San Francisco
A full day in San Francisco. Stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Chinatown, or take the ferry to Alcatraz. The city is a mix of hippie flair, modern metropolis, and breathtaking seaside location. An evening at Fisherman's Wharf with fresh seafood is the perfect end.

Day 11 – San Francisco > Pismo Beach
Distance: approx. 240 miles / 385 km
Today you will drive one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world: Highway 1 along the Big Sur Coast. Cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, wild surf, endless curves – pure biking dream. Via Monterey and Carmel, you reach Pismo Beach, a relaxed coastal town right on the Pacific coast.

Day 12 – Pismo Beach > Santa Barbara
Distance: approx. 95 miles / 150 km
The journey continues along the coast via Morro Bay and past wineries to elegant Santa Barbara. With its palm trees, Spanish buildings and casual beach life, the city is considered „the American Riviera“. Perfect for a cozy evening by the sea.

Day 13 – Santa Barbara > Los Angeles, Distance: approx. 95 miles / 150 km
The journey leads into California's largest city: Los Angeles. Even the driveway is an experience – Downtown, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills. Those who wish can visit the Walk of Fame in the afternoon or experience the sunset at Venice Beach. We recommend a Big Bus Tour.

Day 14 – Los Angeles > San Diego or Laguna Beach, distance: approx. 125 miles / 200 km
Last stage! The route continues south along the Pacific coast. If you're interested, stop in Laguna Beach – an artists' village with great beaches. Arrival in San Diego in the afternoon, return of the motorcycles and enjoy the final evening.

Day 15 – Return flight
One last breakfast under palm trees, then transfer to the airport independently. A flight back to Germany with memories that are guaranteed to stay – and perhaps even the thought of the next tour.

Included in the price

Included services:

• 14 nights as per itinerary in good standard or mid-range hotels or motels, some including breakfast.
• Rental of a HD Big Twin® including unlimited free miles, local taxes, preparation costs, half-shell helmets (subject to availability), saddlebags, security lock and motorcycle instruction
• VIP supplementary insurance without deductible in case of damage or theft***
• Additional liability insurance for EUR 2 million
• detailed roadbook with extensive information and road maps

*** In the event of comprehensive insurance damage/theft The deductible on site is a maximum of US$2000 / US$5000 and must initially be paid by the customer in the event of damage; after the tour, the claim will be submitted and the deductible reimbursed after review by our German reinsurer.

Services not included:

• Flight, we will be happy to provide you with a daily quote
• Seasonal surcharge – this must be determined daily.
  Nov-Mar: €240 per person for 2 people on one bike // €479 for 2 people on two bikes 
• May-June: €350 per person for 2 people on one bike // €699 for 2 people on two bikes 
• Further months available upon request 
• Personal expenses, tips, rainwear, travel insurance, etc.