Day 1
San Francisco
Arrive into San Francisco and independently make your way to your hotel, then enjoy some time to explore the city at your own pace. This is a vibrant destination filled with galleries, museums, shops and a host of nearby attractions such as Pier 39. In the evening, gather at a local restaurant to meet your tour guide and group for a welcome reception.
Overnight: Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel or similar (Dinner included)
Day 2
San Francisco
Embark on a tour of the city this morning that takes you from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square with a host of exciting locations in between. Later you will arrive in the small seaside village of Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, for a bit of light shopping and lunch. Enjoy a ferry cruise back to the city and explore the Golden Gate Park, discovering over 1,000 acres of gorgeous tranquil oasis. This evening is at your leisure. How about an optional guided walking tour of Chinatown with dinner and city illuminations tour?
Overnight: Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 3
San Francisco – Sonoma – Napa Valley
This morning you'll embark on a wine tasting our of a local winery in Sonoma and Napa Valley. Enjoy lunch this afternoon together as a group.
Overnight: Embassy Suites Napa Valley or similar (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 4
Napa Valley – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe
Enjoy a scenic drive through the fertile Sacramento River Valley to the alpine splendour of Lake Tahoe. Here you will admire the clear blue waters surrounded by vibrant green pine trees and rocky outcrops. This evening, cruise along the beautiful Lake Tahoe whilst you enjoy your dinner.
Overnight: Lake Tahoe Resorts Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5
Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National Park
Enter the breath-taking Yosemite National Park via the snow-covered Tioga Pass – a perfect introduction to this amazing location.* Descend from the Sierra Nevada Mountains into the Yosemite Valley, passing the Bridal Veil to reach your accommodation nestled within the park.
*If weather conditions prevent you from entering via the Tioga Pass, typically between mid-October to end of May, you will be able to enter the park via an alternative route.
Overnight: Yosemite Valley Lodge or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 6
Yosemite National Park – Salinas Valley – Monterey
Journey west into Salinas Valley today to join an agricultural education tour, learning about the fruit and vegetable production here and the advanced farming techniques of the region with a local specialist. Afterwards, travel north to Monterey for a unique dining experience where you’ll be treated to a delicious farm-to-table feast prepared with local ingredients.
Overnight: Casa Munras Garden and Spa or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 7
Monterey – Carmel – Monterey
Experience California’s gorgeous coastal scenery in full today with a trip along 17-Mile Drive, passing the Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Link to reach Carmel by the Sea. Returning to Monterey, you'll visit Cannery Row, immortalised in the John Steinbeck novel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the vibrant street life. Your meal this evening is hosted by your Tour Director as you prepare to bid farewell to California with your fellow travellers and new-found friends.
Overnight: Casa Munras Garden and Spa or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 8
Monterey – Roaring Camp – San Francisco
Take a trip back in time this morning to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills with a visit to a recreation of a 1880s logging camp, complete with general store and railroad depot – when Isaac Graham settled into the hills outside Santa Cruz in the 1830s, the Mexican authorities names his settlement ‘Roaring Camp’. Take time to walk along the redwood trees at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and admire one of California’s most renowned natural treasures. Your journey will end in San Francisco where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
Last day airport transfer will be at 1pm, please be aware when booking your flights that the departure flight should be no earlier than 4pm
(Breakfast included)