From Singapore to California: The Ultimate Summer World Tour for Families

When you land in Singapore, you’ll have priority passage through customs to ensure your journey through the airport is as smooth as can be. After all the formalities, you’ll be privately transferred to your family-friendly accommodation in the heart of the city, an oasis of calm just moments from the vibrant Orchard Road. Inside this historic building, there’s a large garden and two swimming pools where you can relax after your long flight.

Your next two days are yours to spend exploring this incredible island, and we’ve got plenty of recommendations for families: wander through the picturesque neighbourhood of Emerald Hill where Colonial houses have been transformed into restaurants and shops; spot butterflies in Rail Corridor, a continuous path through the city where wildlife can move freely between its green spaces; enjoy a bowl of traditional chicken rice at one of Singapore’s many hawker centres (open-air complexes full of food stalls); head to Gardens by the Bay to marvel at bold and beautiful gardens that are as magical as Avatar’s ‘Pandora’; walk suspended above primeval tropical forest in the MacRitchie Reservoir Park; spend an evening in Clarke Quay, where old warehouses have been transformed into shops, eateries and nightclubs; traverse the trails of Singapore Zoo at night for a different perspective on the lives of nearly 900 animals; and take a turn in the Singapore Flyer (the city’s Ferris wheel) for a spectacular city view.

While Singapore has a reputation for being one of the most modern cities in the world – full of futuristic architecture and tech talent – there’s also plenty from this island’s past that’s worth discovering. For the adults, sampling a Singapore Sling is a must, the signature cocktail of the Raffles hotel bar that was created in 1915. On Orchard Road, you can browse the historic department store Tangs, which first opened in 1932. The Singapore Botanic Garden, meanwhile, was founded in 1859, and is the first and only tropical botanical garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Naturally, it’s a truly enchanting place to wander and explore.

Get ready to say g’day because you’re heading to the Land Down Under this morning. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport before your flight to Darwin, which takes about four hours and 45 minutes. On arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to Litchfield National Park, about an hour and a half away. Your accommodation for tonight is a small hotel with a swimming pool and barbecue so you can really get into the Aussie spirit. While you’re there, stretch your legs by exploring the magnificent park around the hotel whose flora and fauna really showcase the diversity of the Australian Northern Territory. You can also head out on a child-friendly hike with a view of Florence Falls, or bathe in the natural pools of Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. After that, it’s time to meet the area’s local wildlife including mischievous wallabies and wallaroos, and marvel at the Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are unique to the northern parts of Australia and are up to 100 years old.

Today you’ll drive east to the vast Kakadu National Park, designated by UNESCO as having outstanding universal value. To get here, climb up to the town of Humpty Doo – home of the Big Boxing Crocodile – before taking the Arnhem Highway where savannah and mangrove follow one another to the entrance to the park. You’ll spend two nights here in a small and simple lodge that’s ideally located for exploring the park and the Yellow Water River.

We’ll arrange for you to take a cruise on the Yellow Water River today, which runs close to your lodge. Yellow Water Billabong is one of Kakadu's most famous wetlands, located at the beginning of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. As you meander between the wetlands, riverbeds, floodplains and swamps, look out for crocodiles and birds – nearly a third of the country’s bird species live here. After the cruise, be sure to visit Ubirr, one of Kakadu’s most famous spots thanks to its Aboriginal rock art. To learn more about the region’s culture and the symbolism of the art, head to the Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru along with the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre near Cooinda.

For a little bit of luxury today, you’ll head back to Darwin to spend the night in a stylish, modern hotel with studio rooms. Located close to the city centre, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city. If your river cruise has sparked your crocodile curiosity, don’t miss a visit to Crocosaurus Cove, a museum park which is fantastic for families. Feed juvenile crocodiles, swim next to (but separate from) the crocs in a dedicated swimming pool, or even step into the ‘cage of death’ (safer than it sounds, we promise), where you’ll come face to face with one of Australia’s most fearsome predators. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory houses a beautiful collection of Aboriginal art, as does the Aboriginal Fine Arts gallery. And if you’re in the city on a Thursday or Sunday, don’t miss the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, where you can browse arts and crafts stalls before grabbing some street food and snapping some shots of the magnificent sunset for the family photo album.

After just over four hours in the air, you’ll find yourself in Sydney today. When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your spacious apartment in the Surry Hills district, known for its art scene and excellent restaurants. You’ll spend three nights here, which is plenty of time for your youngsters to splash around in the large swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, while you adults take it in turn using the gym, sauna and spa. This evening, head out to explore the local food scene, or make use of your apartment’s kitchen for a relaxed night in.

While you’re in Sydney, you’ll have a 3 Attractions Pass, which grants you access to three of the city’s major attractions. Choose from: Wild Life Sydney Zoo, where you’ll see koalas and yet more crocodiles; SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to get a taste of the Great Barrier Reef; Sydney Tower Eye, the largest structure in Sydney which offers panoramic views across the region; and Madame Tussauds where you can meet local and international celebrities (in wax form, of course!).

On your first full day in Sydney, we’ll arrange for you to see the city with a local guide. They’ll put together a programme based on their knowledge and what you’d most like to see and do as a family, and as you wander along streets, pathways and beaches, you’ll learn more about life in this fabulous city. This tour usually lasts between three and four hours, but here in Australia life is pretty relaxed, so just ask if you want to extend it.

Afterwards, there’s plenty to get stuck into: stand at the foot of the Opera House, one of the world’s most iconic buildings; stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens; visit The Rocks, a historic neighbourhood packed with bustling markets; search for vintage clothes in Newtown or Paddington; tuck into Italian food in Surry Hills; wander through the Art Gallery of New South Wales; climb the 200 steps of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (children must be ten years or over); go snorkelling on the small cove of Shelly Beach before Pizza at Hugo’s Manly; enjoy the idyllic setting of hidden Collins beach; take the ferry to Taronga Zoo Sydney and enjoy the views of the city; tuck into fish and seafood at the fish market; or go for an evening stroll along Circular Quay to marvel at the city’s multicoloured lights.

Today you’ll say goodbye to Australia and head to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The flight takes about 12 hours including a stop in Auckland, but you’ll cross the date line as you fly, so you’ll land the day before you left. It’s a long trip, so we’ll arrange for you to be greeted at the airport and given access to the VIP lounge while you’re waiting for your luggage. To make this part of the journey as easy as possible, you will also have priority passage through all the police and customs formalities.

When you’re ready, you’ll be privately transferred to Lafayette Beach, Tahiti’s magnificent black sand beach. Your accommodation for the next three nights is a cocoon at the water’s edge. After all that travelling, unwind as you enjoy the view of Matavai Bay, take a dip in the open-air jacuzzi and lounge beside the magnificent infinity pool.

Tahiti is famous for its sparkling lagoons and white sand beaches, but as you tour the island, you’ll also discover its lesser-known gems: black sand beaches in the east, and untouched mountain landscapes that are ready to be explored. We’ll arrange for you to spend a day with a private guide exploring Tahiti’s central region in a 4x4, particularly the Papenoo area. Thanks to its isolated location at the heart of the island, this area is full of spectacular natural landscapes and ancient sites including deep valleys, high waterfalls, archaeological structures, agricultural terraces, basalt mines and ancient dwellings.

The rest of your time on Tahiti is yours to spend as you please. Take a stroll around the Papeete market to buy a straw hat or colourful parasol, go on a guided hike that is tailored to your youngsters, take a trip to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, or simply enjoy the swimming pool. For a real local experience, head to the port and grab dinner from one of the many fabulous food trucks.

Your next stop is the island of Mo’orea, which takes about 30 minutes to reach after your private transfer to the port. When you arrive, pick up your rental car and drive to the village of Maharepa. You’ll spend three nights here in family-friendly accommodation that’s not far from the village and beautiful Cook’s Bay. Expect typical Polynesian décor, a vast infinity pool and a great range of activities to choose from. If you need to unwind, head to the spa to enjoy a treatment or massage.

Mo’orea’s gentle way of life has long attracted painters, sculptors, writers and poets. Now you have two full days to explore Tahiti’s sister island and see for yourself why it’s so popular. With a rental car at your disposal and a private villa as accommodation, you can explore at your own pace and organise your days to suit you. We’ll also arrange for you to experience Mo’orea’s lagoon by boat with a private local guide, who will let you in on the secrets of their island and its treasures. During snorkelling stops, you’ll see the varied ecosystem of coral reefs as you swim alongside rays, sharks and sea turtles; back in the boat, dolphins might decide to pay you a visit. You’ll also get to enjoy views of Mo’orea’s imposing mountains and lush vegetation as you make your way across the sparkling water.

Today is all about experiencing Mo’orea your way. Try a plateful of mahi-mahi at a restaurant on the beach with your feet in the sand or do as the locals do and pick up some fish at the market to prepare yourself. For a dose of culture, you can attend a traditional dance show, or we can arrange for you to spend the day with a local guide to learn more about life on the island. There are plenty of fun family activities on offer here, including catamaran trips, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, quad biking around the island or riding in the Opunohu valley (suitable for all levels). Of course, the lagoon is always there for you to enjoy too, so grab your mask and fins and spend some time swimming among multicoloured fish. And if all you need is a bit of R&R, spend a lazy day on the terrace dividing your time between a deck chair and the jacuzzi as your youngsters blow off some steam playing in the pool.

It’s time to move on to Bora Bora today, so return your rental car and take a short flight to the island. You have three more nights to spend here on the Tevairoa motu in the middle of the island’s largest lagoon. Your accommodation combines luxury, hospitality and Polynesian décor, and of course a picture-perfect setting: flower gardens full of exotic species, castaway-style beaches, hammocks swinging between palm trees, and a stunning lagoon.

You have two full days to immerse yourself in magical Bora Bora. This island is perfectly placed in the heart of its lagoon, surrounded by every shade of blue. And thanks to the protective motus, the water is as peaceful as can be. Because you simply can’t leave the island without exploring the world beneath the gentle waves, we’ll plan for you to take a private family snorkelling trip. A complete tour of the lagoon will bring you closer to blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays and leopard rays in their natural environment. In Toopua, don your mask and take in the beautiful coral garden as you swim in water whose depth ranges from one to six metres.

Your first full day in LA will begin with a half-day private tour of the city so you can tick off some of those iconic spots: El Pueblo, the historic heart of the city where 19th-century buildings rub shoulders with modern constructions; the fabulous Hollywood Walk of Fame; the Dolby Theater which hosts the Oscars every year; the palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard; glamorous Beverley Hills and its world-famous Rodeo Drive; and finally the sandy stretches of Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

The rest of your day can be spent at your leisure, and we’re sure you’ll find something that appeals to your whole clan. For views of the city, take the funicular up to the Getty Center, a giant museum known for its spectacular architecture, or head up the Griffith Observatory, which is the perfect place to get a shot of the Hollywood sign. And if you’re itching to live that Californian lifestyle, take a surf lesson in Malibu, join a yoga class in Santa Monica, or go jogging in Laurel's Canyon.

The next day, Universal Studios will be calling your name, and luckily you’ve already got tickets. Combining film studios, an amusement park and the chance to meet some of your favourite TV characters, this is a must-do activity on any family trip to LA. If you’re lucky, you might spot a series being made while you’re there.

Today you’ll drive around four hours to Cambria, which is located exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Fransisco. Break up the journey with pitstops at the ‘American Riviera’ (also known as Santa Barbara), the oldest surf shop on the West Coast in Pismo Beach, or Morro Rock: an incredible volcanic plug that stands at 576ft.

The small town of Cambria is a real change from LA, nestled between the Pacific Ocean, pine forests and inland vineyards, and mainly geared towards outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, riding, whale watching and golf. You’ll spend tonight in a small beach house-style motel facing Moonstone Beach. They offer bikes to guests free of charge, so you’ll have no trouble exploring your beautiful surroundings. In the evening, cosy up beside the wood-burning fireplace in the living room, or take a seat on the porch to enjoy the view of the ocean.

Your road trip continues today along the Pacific coastline as you take Route One to Monterey. Along the way, you’ll have picture-perfect views of cliffs, coves and wild beaches. This former fishing port turned busy resort is known for Cannery Row, a colourful waterfront street full of restaurants, shops and an incredible aquarium (which you’ll have tickets for). When you’ve finished exploring, you’ll spend the night in charming accommodation whose design is inspired by Hispanic colonial architecture.

Today is the final stretch of your road trip, so put on your favourite tunes and enjoy the two-hour drive to San Francisco. If you like, make a pitstop at one of the small Californian surfing resorts or old fishing ports that punctuate the route.

The last few days of your world tour will be spent exploring San Francisco, from its legendary cable cars to its hilly streets and fog-covered bridges. Whether you’re lazing on the grass with a view of colourful Victorian houses or tracing the story of Al Capone in Alcatraz, there’s plenty of magic and mystery to be found in this fascinating city.

While you’re here, we’ll arrange for you to see San Francisco with a guide, taking in some of its most famous spots: winding Lombard Street, the Union Square district, Alamo Square, the Presidio, and of course the unmissable Golden Gate Park and Golden Gate Bridge. You can then head to Sutro Baths for sweeping ocean views before turning your attention to two things that make the city what it is: Haight-Ashbury, the friendly hippie district where the Summer of Love was born; and the neighbourhoods of Castro and Mission, which are full of culture and history. Although your guide will have some ideas, there’s no firm itinerary on this tour, so it can be adapted to incorporate what you’d most like to see and do as a family.

Afterwards, go shopping in the Union Square district to pick up some final souvenirs, or rent a bike and cycle across the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge. In the evening, the trendy SoMA district is the perfect place to grab dinner and drinks, or for a deeply atmospheric experience you can visit Alcatraz at nightfall.

Wave goodbye to Bora Bora because you’re about to experience a different kind of beach life. After your boat transfer to Papeete airport, board your eight-hour flight to Los Angeles. You’ll land in LAX late morning the following day, so after picking up your rental car at the airport, choose between starting to explore this legendary city, or heading to your accommodation for a well-earned rest. As your base, you’ll have a homely apartment downtown with plenty of facilities including a pool, gym, sauna, barbecue and even a basketball court.