WESTERN USA - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 8 Days from approx $1,850 US Details below or
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Northern California showcases an eclectic mix of captivating cities and natural landscapes for you to enjoy. See the famous landmarks of San Francisco, indulge in a wine tasting in Napa Valley, discover amazing Lake Tahoe and relax in the quaint seaside community of Carmel-by-the-Sea on this unforgettable Californian escape.
Highlights: San Francisco, Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, San Juan Bautista, Carmel, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California Coast, Roaring Camp, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Day 1 ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to San Francisco, the City by the Bay! Hop on your complimentary transfer to the tour hotel. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director who can answer any questions you may have about the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco (MD)
Day 2 SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to the magnificent Golden Gate, and from crooked Lombard Street to fashionable Union Square. There's a story around every corner of San Francisco, and you have some time this afternoon to follow your own path before gathering for a guided tour of the largest Chinatown in the United States. Sample fortune cookies and then celebrate your discoveries at a sumptuous Chinese Banquet Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast/Highlight Dinner)
Day 3 SAN FRANCISCO - SONOMA - NAPA
You may leave your heart in San Francisco, but be sure to bring your appetite to Sonoma, the heart of California's wine country. Visit a family-owned winery for an exclusive tour. Relax amidst the vines during a lovely alfresco Be My Guest Lunch with the owner, where you'll be served local wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and succulent cured meats. Napa Valley's sun-dappled fields, lush vineyards and fragrant flowers provide an idyllic backdrop for your next adventure. After checking in at your hotel, board the Napa Valley Wine Train's lovingly restored Pullman cars for a taste of the golden age of rail travel. Journey through the magical twilight of a Napa evening as you indulge in a gourmet Highlight Dinner and wine tasting.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast/Be My Guest dinner/Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: River Terrace Inn (SF)
Day 4 NAPA - SACRAMENTO - LAKE TAHOE
Rise early this morning if you wish for an unforgettable optional hot air balloon ride over the lush Napa Valley. Then travel east to the state historic park of Old Sacramento, where you can experience life during the 19th-century California Gold Rush-listen closely and you might even hear the echo of the famous cry of "There's gold in them thar hills!" Travel from the fertile Sacramento River valley to the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe, its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops. In season, take a gondola ride for unparalleled views of the lake and nearby mountains. If you like, enjoy an optional sunset dinner cruise on the lake as you savor the magnificent views and magical mountain light.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort (SF)
Day 5 LAKE TAHOE - MONO LAKE - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Lying just east of the Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake feels like another world. Its salty waters and limestone formations called "tufa towers" were once part of a great inland lake that covered most of Nevada and Utah. These days, migrating birds use Mono Lake as a resting point on their journeys to South America or tropical seas. Snowbound for much of the year, stunning Tioga Pass is the perfect entry point to the Golden State's most famous national park. Descend from the Sierra Nevada into the Yosemite Valley, passing the misty splendor of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls. Gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge (MF)
Day 6 YOSEMITE - SAN JUAN BAUTISTA - CARMEL - MONTEREY (2 NIGHTS)
Come down from the mountains and across the fertile San Joaquin Valley toward the coast. After stopping for fresh fruit at a historical stand, visit the Old Mission in San Juan Bautista, one of the northernmost missions on the Camino Real that stretches up from Baja California. Stroll the peaceful grounds and learn how the early Spanish missionaries established 21 churches throughout California. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, stop in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the many shops, wander down to the water's edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe. Travel north to Monterey for the night.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: The Portola Hotel & Spa (SF)
Day 7 MONTEREY PENINSULA AND BIG SUR EXCURSION
Experience the glories of the California coast on your day trip to Big Sur. Highway 1 hugs the rocky cliffs, high above the dazzling Pacific. Hidden coves with sandy beaches, towering redwoods touching the sky and dolphins and sea lions cavorting in the clear waters-Big Sur's natural majesty will take your breath away. Return to Monterey for a tour of Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian John Steinbeck, and lively, picturesque Fisherman's Wharf, home to restaurants, shops and vibrant street life. Enjoy some free time or join an optional tour to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner including wine pairing.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast/Farewell Dinner)
Day 8 MONTEREY - ROARING CAMP - DEPART SAN FRANCISCO
When Isaac Graham settled in the hills outside of Santa Cruz in the 1830s, Mexican authorities named his rowdy settlement "Roaring Camp." Today, journey back in time to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills in a re-created 1880s logging camp, complete with general store and railroad depot. Luckily, Graham and his lumberjacks didn't cut down the massive redwoods just minutes away in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Walk amongst the awe-inspiring trees-some of the largest living things on earth-and admire these treasures of California. End your journey where you began, in the golden city of San Francisco. Take a complimentary transfer to San Francisco International Airport or return to the tour hotel in San Francisco if you wish to extend your stay.
Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
What's Included:
Sightseeing Highlights:
San Francisco - Tour the highlights of the City-by-the-Bay.
Sonoma Valley - Visit a local winery, enjoy wine tasting and see the beautiful historic Sonoma Plaza.
Napa Valley - Enjoy wine tasting and dinner aboard the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train.
Sacramento - Travel to Old Sacramento, a typical town of the Gold Rush era.
Lake Tahoe - Discover this amazing lake, the largest alpine lake in North America.
Yosemite National Park - Explore Yosemite Valley and admire the iconic Half Dome, El Capitan and waterfalls.
San Juan Bautista - Discover the historic Old Mission San Juan Bautista.
Carmel - Stop in this quaint seaside community.
Monterey - Visit Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf.
Monterey Peninsula - Journey along the spectacular 17 Mile Drive.
California Coast - Enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 1 to Big Sur.
Roaring Camp - Step back in time to a logging camp of the 1880's.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Marvel at the famous giant coast redwood trees.
Dining Highlights:
Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in San Francisco.
7 full breakfasts.
Chinese Banquet Highlight Dinner with wine in San Francisco.
Highlight Dinner with wine tasting aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Be My Guest Lunch with wine at a winery in the Sonoma Valley.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Monterey.
First Class Travel Highlights:
Includes all First Class features.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 8.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
DEPARTURE DATES May - September
PRICES From approx $1,850 US per person based on double occupancy
Departures on or within the seasons shown will determine the price
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