Northern California
SAN FRANCISCO | NAPA VALLEY | LAKE TAHOE | YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK | MONTEREY
Wind your way through fresh California cityscapes and along the sun-kissed seaside cliffs of The Golden State, making your way through beautiful Napa Valley wine country taking in incredible scenery as you travel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Take in a scenic drive through Napa Valley
- Enjoy a city tour of San Francisco
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - San Francisco
From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of 'The City'. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.
Hotel: Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Day 2 : San Francisco Sightseeing
Admire the eclectic mix of architecture, culture and cuisines of one of the world's most livable cities. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from the lively tourist hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square, a historical landmark linked to the American Civil War. Spend some time at leisure this afternoon.
Day 3 : San Francisco - Napa
Today, we'll visit a local winery and enjoy unique experience and exploration of wine with a tasting. This evening, enjoy a Regional Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Hotel: Embassy Suites Napa Valley
Day 4 : Napa - Lake Tahoe
Travel through the fertile Sacramento River Valley to the alpine splendour of Lake Tahoe, its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops. This evening, enjoy a Regional Dinner cruise on beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Hotel: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Day 5 : Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park
Touch the sky and embark on a scenic road-trip into the Sierra Nevada, winding along the Tioga Pass to California's UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. (Weather conditions may cause the Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used.) Marvel at the incredible natural beauty that inspired naturalist John Muir to dub Yosemite Valley the "Incomparable Valley", passing the colossal granite faces of El Capitan and the misty splendour of Bridal Veil Fall. Tonight, our 'Stay with a Story' sees us overnight in the park, just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls.
Hotel: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Day 6 : Yosemite National Park - Salinas Valley - Monterey
Tempt your taste-buds today with a visit to the Salinas Valley where you'll join a Local Specialist for an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit and vegetable production and advanced farming techniques of the region that is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World". Continue to Monterey where we'll 'Connect with Locals' for a farm-to-table 'Be My Guest' dinner including the freshest local ingredients.
Hotel: The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay (2 nights)
Day 7 : Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive
The pinch me moments continue as we follow the sun-kissed California coast, cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive. We return to Monterey for a visit of Cannery Row, immortalised in the John Steinbeck novel. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Monterey's vibrant street life or consider an optional visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 -9 : Monterey – Roaring Camp – San Francisco - UK
California's towering redwoods provide an imposing backdrop for this morning as we journey back in time to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills in a re-created 1890s logging camp, complete with general store and railroad depot. We continue to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where we'll have an opportunity to walk amongst these giants that have stood for hundreds of years. We return to the golden city of San Francisco. Take a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or consider extending your stay.