Northern California

Tour Information

Head for northern California for a taste of the rolling wine country and all the excitement and culture of San Francisco. Cross over into the Sierra Nevadas to Lake Tahoe before visiting Yosemite National Park and then heading down the scenic California coast through Monterey and Carmel.

Tour price includes: Schedule flights from London, Professional Tour Director throughout the tour, first class hotels, luxury air-conditioned motorcoach transport, airport transfers on arrival and departure, and 11 meals.

Day 1

San Francisco
Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your downtown hotel. Meet your Tour Director, and later your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: San Francisco Marriott

Day 2

San Francisco
Spend a full day and night in San Francisco, one of America’s favourite cities. In the morning tour some of its best-known spots like the Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Financial District and Lombard Street. Spend the afternoon exploring independently. In the evening you’ll dine at a local restaurant.
Hotel: San Francisco Marriott

Day 3

San Francisco - Sonoma - Napa
Strike out northwards from the city into wine-growing country, stopping at a California vineyard to find out about the region’s winemaking history and sample a few local labels. Take a look around Sonoma and later Napa, where you’ll spend the night. Take a trip on the restored Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoy sweeping views of the Napa Valley with a gourmet meal and wine tasting evening.
Hotel: River Terrace Inn

Day 4

Napa - Sacramento - Lake Tahoe
This morning there is the option to take a hot air balloon trip over the Napa wineries before returning to the road to make your way east to Old Sacramento, an old Gold Rush town. Head onwards to Lake Tahoe where you can take an optional gondola ride (dependent on season) up into the mountains to witness incredible alpine views.
Hotel: MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa

Day 5

Lake Tahoe - Mono Lake - Yosemite
Travel along the east of the Sierra Nevada’s stopping on the way south at Mono Lake Visitor Center to learn more about the local tufa towers and the millions of birds that congregate here. Cross the Tioga Pass (weather-permitting) to reach Yosemite National Park and enter the Yosemite Valley to views beautiful waterfalls and the monolithic rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Hotel: Yosemite View Lodge

Day 6

Yosemite - San Juan Bautista - Monterey Drive back west to the Pacific Coast, travelling through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a historical fruit stand and then visiting the Old Mission at San Juan Bautista, one of the country’s first Spanish missions. Arrive in coastal Monterey to take a look at Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, made famous from the John Steinbeck novel.
Hotel: Portola Plaza

Day 7

Monterey - Carmel - Big Sur - Monterey
Head out from Monterey on a day excursion, driving down 17 Mile Drive, where you can spot the famous Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Club and enjoy the stunning coastal views on the way. Stop off at Carmel, a quaint village with many artistic shops, specialist boutiques and fashionable cafes. Continue south the Big Sur via Highway 1, again admiring the ocean views, where rugged beaches are flanked by redwood forests. Return to Monterey in the evening and spend the last evening of your tour with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Portola Plaza

Day 8

Monterey - Bear Mountain -San Francisco
From Monterey you will move on northwards past Santa Cruz and inland to stop at Roaring Camp, where you will be transported to an 1880s logging camp. You will also visit the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to see the giant coastal redwood trees. Transfer to San Francisco Airport or to a city hotel for those opting to extend their stay in the States.

What's Included

Included Highlights

• San Francisco - city tour
• Sonoma Valley - and tasting at a local winery, explore historic Sonoma
• Napa Valley - wine tasting and dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train
• Sacramento - visit Old Sacramento
• Lake Tahoe
• Yosemite National Park - see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan and waterfalls
• San Juan Bautista - visit Old Mission San Juan Bautista
• Monterey - visit Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and travel along 17-Mile Drive
• Carmel - visit this quaint seaside community
• California Coast - scenic drive along Highway 1 to Big Sur
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Reception in San Francisco
• Seven full breakfasts
• One three-course hotel dinner
• Farewell Dinner in Monterey
• 11 included meals in total.

First Class Travel Highlights

• Professional Tour Director throughout the trip
• Complimentary airport transfers
• Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach transport, including restrooms and reclining seats
• En suite hotel accommodation
• Hotel service charges, local taxes and baggage handling fees are included (one suitcase each)