How about using a small R.V. or VW camper bus rental? That way you have unlimited flexibility, can stop and eat, rest or sleep any where there is a rest stop or campground. You can come and go as you please without being tied to hotel/motel reservations.
Just google either of those describers and you'll find some good alternatives.
We go that way all the time and it's a blast!

On such a short trip, I'll agree with skipping Sequoia and Kings Canyon because you will already be doing Yosemite.

Although any number of the missions are worth a visit, the best one to visit for knowledge of the missions is the La Purisma one near Lompoc. All the missions are still Catholic churches except for two, La Purisma is one of the two and is now a State Historical Park with the most extensive renovation. You'll be able to best understand mission history in California from a visit here. It will be on your way back to Los Angeles.

http://www.lapurisimamission.org/

As between Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake, there really is no comparison, Lonely Planet or no Lonely Planet. As mentioned, you will be passing Mono Lake and can make a stop there without overnighting. I'd still suggest you spend one night at Lake Tahoe since you will be in the area.

Now for the coast.

Day 12 - drive from San Francisco down along Highway 101 to Highway 1. This should get you to Monterey along the coast. Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel sort of blend into each other. If memory serves, someone listed a number of B&Bs in Pacific Grove. If price is a consideration, there are some less expensive hotels in Monterey or Carmel.

17 Mile Drive is a worthwhile trip to do. There are any number of good restaurants inside, at Spanish Bay or the Pebble Beach Lodge.

Carmel Beach is easy to access and Carmel itself is an engaging area to walk around in. Also lots of good restaurants in Carmel.

A few miles south of Carmel is Point Lobos, one of the most beautiful areas along the coast. You can do the easy Seal Lion Point trail in about an hour, just depends on how long and how many stops you make.

http://www.pointlobos.org/Trails.html

Night in Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel.

Day 13: start south on Highway 1 and stop off at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here you will meet with the coast redwoods which are different from the redwoods you will have seen at Yosemite. I contrast them as the Laurel and Hardy redwoods; one is fat and round, the other is tall and thin. The coast redwoods are the tall and thin variety.

A few miles down the road from Pfeiffer Big Sur is Nepenthe. Gorgeous view on a clear day.

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

There are any number of stops you can make further along Highway 1.

Near Cambria will be Hearst Castle. I'm not certain you would want to visit there, since you are coming from Europe.

If you do decide to stop off to see Hearst Castle, then Cambria would be a natural stop for the night. Otherwise you could go further south to San Luis Obispo or any one of the beach towns (Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, etc.). If you do spend the night in San Luis Obispo dine at the Madonna Inn

www.madonnainn.com/

Day 14 - Keep going south, stop off at the Mission La Purisma in Lompoc, lunch in Santa Barbara or spend the night there.

Or keep driving down to LA - get to Santa Monica and spend the night in Santa Monica.

Day 15 - 1/2 day in Santa Monica or LA beach areas, then flight home.

Hope this helps a bit. Whatever you choose to do, it's a wonderful trip you're planning! Welcome to California!