Summer in California: One holiday, three ways

One self-drive, one trip by rail, and one guided tour

Rail: £2,649, Railbookers

We targeted three companies to ask for their best offer on a holiday to California this summer. All prices are per person, based on two travelling together, and include flights from Heathrow.

Self-drive: £1,199, Trailfinders

United flights to LA, departing 1 June, returning from San Francisco. Plus car hire and seven nights' room-only in Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Monterey (020 7368 1200; trailfinders.com).

Rail: £2,649, Railbookers

Delta flights to Seattle, departing 9 July, returning from LA. After a night in Seattle, guests travel by sleeper to San Francisco. Plus seven nights' room-only in California, and tours including Napa Valley (020 3780 2164; railbookers.com).

Guided: £1,478, Trek America

BA flights to LA, departing 24 August, returning from Las Vegas. Includes four nights camping and two in a hostel. Visits San Francisco, Big Sur, and Yosemite National Park (0333 999 7951; trekamerica.co.uk).