Northern California
Yosemite, Monterey, Sonoma & San Francisco
with wineries, Giant Sequoias, Pacific Coast Highway & Redwoods
with wineries, Giant Sequoias, Pacific Coast Highway & Redwoods
9 days/8 nights: Yosemite area 2n, Monterey 2n, Sonoma 2n, San Francisco xxxn
Want to personalize for your private group and dates? Please inquire here
Experience Yosemite, and northern California's iconic cities, majestic redwoods and Sequoias, vast coastline, and fabled wineries on this 9-day wine-fueled, experience-rich itinerary.
Want to personalize for your private group and dates? Please inquire here
Experience Yosemite, and northern California's iconic cities, majestic redwoods and Sequoias, vast coastline, and fabled wineries on this 9-day wine-fueled, experience-rich itinerary.
Day 1: Fresno Arrival, Yosemite area & Welcome Dinner Event
Your Tour Manager will meet your group late this morning at the Fresno, California airport (FAT), and you’ll be transferred together to your Yosemite area hotel, about 1.5 hours away, with a stop en route for lunch on your own. Our award-winning hotel is situated in the mountains just two miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. With views, a spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and other amenities, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax and refresh before our included Welcome reception, BBQ dinner, and foot-stomping live music event in the fresh Sierra air! (D)
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
We’ll spend the day in breathtaking Yosemite National Park. We’ll take in the major highlights of the Valley, like Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and the famous Tunnel View. You’ll have free time for lunch and the afternoon to explore as you wish. The excellent park shuttle system will allow you to go anywhere you want within the Valley. The short and easy hike to Yosemite Falls is a top recommended activity for anyone who hasn't been there. Other recommended highlights include Mirror Lake, the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Visitor's Center, Curry Village, and the trails throughout the Valley. We’ll stake out a great spot to enjoy sunset, and then enjoy dinner on your own at the Ahwahnee Hotel, one of the most famous dining spots in California.
We’ll return to our hotel after dinner, a lazy one-hour drive. (B)
Your Tour Manager will meet your group late this morning at the Fresno, California airport (FAT), and you’ll be transferred together to your Yosemite area hotel, about 1.5 hours away, with a stop en route for lunch on your own. Our award-winning hotel is situated in the mountains just two miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. With views, a spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and other amenities, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax and refresh before our included Welcome reception, BBQ dinner, and foot-stomping live music event in the fresh Sierra air! (D)
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
We’ll spend the day in breathtaking Yosemite National Park. We’ll take in the major highlights of the Valley, like Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and the famous Tunnel View. You’ll have free time for lunch and the afternoon to explore as you wish. The excellent park shuttle system will allow you to go anywhere you want within the Valley. The short and easy hike to Yosemite Falls is a top recommended activity for anyone who hasn't been there. Other recommended highlights include Mirror Lake, the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Visitor's Center, Curry Village, and the trails throughout the Valley. We’ll stake out a great spot to enjoy sunset, and then enjoy dinner on your own at the Ahwahnee Hotel, one of the most famous dining spots in California.
We’ll return to our hotel after dinner, a lazy one-hour drive. (B)
Day 3: Giant Sequoias & Monterey
This morning we’ll head to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to view the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.
From there, we head to the Central Valley and on to Monterey, with time for lunch en route.
From the dramatic panoramas of the Big Sur coastline to the fairytale cottages of the charming city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey area is a truly inspired California destination.
We’ll stay adjacent to Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, named in honor of John Steinbeck and his novel that described a colorful past set amid the cannery culture of the time. Now, Cannery Row's buildings are updated, shinier versions of turn-of-the-century canneries. They house an eclectic blend of specialty shops, local artists' galleries, and more than 25 restaurants and world-class attractions that make Cannery Row the perfect place for us.
We’ll arrive before dinner time, and make suggestions for exploring the area and dining on your own. (B)
Day 4: Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Monterey. You’ll be tempted by the options: Monterey’s world-class Aquarium is within walking distance of our hotel, and not to be missed. For adventure seekers, bike or kayak rentals are available nearby.
After lunchtime, we’ll discover one of the most scenic drives in the world on the 17-Mile Drive, an enchanting world full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches and mystical forests. We’ll be inspired by the Lone Cypress, awed by the giant trees at Crocker Grove, revere the untouched beauty at Fanshell Beach, be invigorated by the power of the Restless Sea at Point Joe, and stroll the boardwalk above the beach at Spanish Bay.
We’ll stop at Pebble Beach Lodge, and then enjoy free time in Carmel. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the area's most famous resident, former Carmel mayor and celebrity, Clint Eastwood!
It’s back to Monterey for an included dinner at one of the city’s iconic restaurants. (B,D)
This morning we’ll head to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to view the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.
From there, we head to the Central Valley and on to Monterey, with time for lunch en route.
From the dramatic panoramas of the Big Sur coastline to the fairytale cottages of the charming city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey area is a truly inspired California destination.
We’ll stay adjacent to Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, named in honor of John Steinbeck and his novel that described a colorful past set amid the cannery culture of the time. Now, Cannery Row's buildings are updated, shinier versions of turn-of-the-century canneries. They house an eclectic blend of specialty shops, local artists' galleries, and more than 25 restaurants and world-class attractions that make Cannery Row the perfect place for us.
We’ll arrive before dinner time, and make suggestions for exploring the area and dining on your own. (B)
Day 4: Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Monterey. You’ll be tempted by the options: Monterey’s world-class Aquarium is within walking distance of our hotel, and not to be missed. For adventure seekers, bike or kayak rentals are available nearby.
After lunchtime, we’ll discover one of the most scenic drives in the world on the 17-Mile Drive, an enchanting world full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches and mystical forests. We’ll be inspired by the Lone Cypress, awed by the giant trees at Crocker Grove, revere the untouched beauty at Fanshell Beach, be invigorated by the power of the Restless Sea at Point Joe, and stroll the boardwalk above the beach at Spanish Bay.
We’ll stop at Pebble Beach Lodge, and then enjoy free time in Carmel. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the area's most famous resident, former Carmel mayor and celebrity, Clint Eastwood!
It’s back to Monterey for an included dinner at one of the city’s iconic restaurants. (B,D)
Days 5: Redwoods Day Trip with Redwood Forest Steam Train & Winery visit The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Its historical significance and spectacular scenery draw travelers from around the world. Take a walk beyond the redwood grove and you'll find four diverse habitats that this park preserves: grasslands, river/riparian, sandhills, and redwoods. The tallest tree in the park is approximately 277 feet tall, about 16 feet wide, and around 1,500 years old. Keen-eyed visitors may spot banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, or steelhead trout.
We'll make a stop at a local winery today for a taste of mountain wine.
Day 6: San Francisco After a leisure start, today we'll take a panoramic city tour of San Francisco. The Haight Ashbury district harkens back to the time
of the 1960’s Hippie days. There is Alamo Square, the home of the “Painted Ladies,” the beautiful Victorian era homes of the 1870’s. Afterwards we’ll make a stop at the Ferry building at the Embarcadero for a lunch break. The Embarcadero, along the city’s eastern shoreline, is home to several waterfront attractions. With its iconic clock tower, the 1898 Ferry Building is a major food lover's draw, featuring restaurants such as the acclaimed Slanted Door, plus gourmet shops and a popular farmers' market. A series of piers offers ferries to Alcatraz Island, science exhibits at the Exploratorium, restaurants and Bay Bridge views.
We'll make a stop at a local winery today for a taste of mountain wine.
Day 6: San Francisco After a leisure start, today we'll take a panoramic city tour of San Francisco. The Haight Ashbury district harkens back to the time
of the 1960’s Hippie days. There is Alamo Square, the home of the “Painted Ladies,” the beautiful Victorian era homes of the 1870’s. Afterwards we’ll make a stop at the Ferry building at the Embarcadero for a lunch break. The Embarcadero, along the city’s eastern shoreline, is home to several waterfront attractions. With its iconic clock tower, the 1898 Ferry Building is a major food lover's draw, featuring restaurants such as the acclaimed Slanted Door, plus gourmet shops and a popular farmers' market. A series of piers offers ferries to Alcatraz Island, science exhibits at the Exploratorium, restaurants and Bay Bridge views.
Day 6: San Francisco Immersion Explore San Francisco with your guide today for a detailed look at the Embarcadero, Coits Tower, Lombard Street, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf among other great sites.
The balance of the day is yours for independent exploration of The Golden City.
The balance of the day is yours for independent exploration of The Golden City.
Day 8: Day at Leisure & Sunset Cruise With so many wonderful museums and historic sights there will be no end to your options. Maybe you would enjoy a boat tour over to Alcatraz for a look around this infamous prison sight.
Sail across San Francisco Bay on a catamaran sunset cruise to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. With an experienced captain at the helm, you'll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Light hors d'oeuvres and two drinks are included.
Day 9: Departure We'll include your airport departure transfer.
Sail across San Francisco Bay on a catamaran sunset cruise to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. With an experienced captain at the helm, you'll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Light hors d'oeuvres and two drinks are included.
Day 9: Departure We'll include your airport departure transfer.