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

Fly from the UK – San Francisco (2 nights)
Welcome to San Francisco! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Day 2

San Francisco sightseeing
This morning explore some of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. See Union Square, stately Victorian mansions, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Park, the Financial District, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon is free for you to pursue your own interests. This evening, join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Chinatown, the largest of its kind outside of Asia. Learn about the many streets and alleys, various Chinese-style buildings, tea and herbal shops; stop at the Golden Gate Cookie Factory to see how fortune cookies are made and sample freshly made cookies. Your visit to Chinatown concludes with a delicious Chinese Banquet at a local restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Overnight: Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Day 3

San Francisco – Sonoma – Napa
Today your Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure. Heading north, travel across the Golden Gate Bridge into California’s premier Wine Country. In Sonoma Valley, stop at a family-owned vineyard for an exclusive winery experience. Meet with the owners who take you on a private tour of their gravity flow winery. Sample estate-produced wines and olive oil served with local artisan cheeses and cured meats and savor a delicious luncheon served alfresco. Heading along the picturesque Carneros Highway, arrive in Napa and check in at your hotel. Later, board the superbly restored Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoy wine tasting followed by a gourmet dinner while taking in the wonderful vistas of the Napa Valley. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Overnight: River Terrace Inn

Day 4

Napa – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe
This morning an unforgettable optional hot air balloon excursion over the vineyards and wineries of the Napa Valley is available. Heading east, step back into the past in Old Sacramento, a typical town from the Gold Rush days. Continuing east, journey to amazing Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size in the United States and the largest alpine lake in North America. The lake’s water is 99.9% pure and so clear that a 10 inch white dinner plate would be visible at 75 feet below the surface. Perhaps take a gondola ride (seasonal) high up the mountain for dazzling views over Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear waters and gorgeous scenery. This evening, why not join an optional dinner cruise on the lake? (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Resort

Day 5

Lake Tahoe – Mono Lake – Yosemite
Travel south along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and stop at the Mono Lake Visitor Center. Learn about this hauntingly beautiful lake, its unusual formations called tufa towers and the lake’s millions of migratory and nesting birds. Next, cross the Tioga Pass (weather permitting) and enter Yosemite National Park. Descending through Tuolumne Meadows, enter the legendary glacier-hewn Yosemite Valley. Explore the unequalled splendor of this valley where breathtaking rock formations and waterfalls abound. Marvel at Bridalveil Fall, the majestic Yosemite Falls, and the granite monuments of Half Dome and El Capitan. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge

Day 6

Yosemite – San Juan Bautista – Monterey (2 nights)
Heading back to the Pacific coast, travel through more of Gold Rush country and across the San Joaquin Valley, known as California’s breadbasket. Stop at a historical fruit stand for a chance to buy fresh fruit and visit the historic Old Mission San Juan Bautista. Learn about the original 21 missions that were built by the Spanish along California’s El Camino Real. On arrival in the beautiful city of Monterey, visit John Steinbeck’s famous Cannery Row and quaint Fisherman’s Wharf. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: The Portola Hotel & Spa

Day 7

Monterey – Carmel – Big Sur excursion
Enjoy the remarkable scenery as you drive along the stunning 17 Mile Drive, home to the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Stop at the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, stroll down Ocean Avenue and explore the shady streets lined with eclectic shops and cafes. Heading south along the famous Highway 1 to Big Sur, admire the stunning ocean vistas, rugged shoreline and the great redwood forests. Back in Monterey there is free time for an optional visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium before this evening’s Farewell Dinner. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Overnight: The Portola Hotel & Spa

Day 8

Monterey – Bear Mountain – Depart San Francisco
Traveling north past Santa Cruz and heading inland, arrive at Roaring Camp. Step back in time to an 1880’s logging camp complete with depot, general store and other vintage structures. Just steps away is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park which offers spectacular views of the famous giant coastal redwood trees. Marvel at the size of these towering, primordial trees. Your Northern California tour ends with a complimentary transfer to San Francisco International Airport and the tour hotel in San Francisco for passengers extending their stay. (Full breakfast)
Please do not schedule flights before 3pm

Day 9

Arrival back to the UK

What's Included

• Return transatlantic flights

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)