Northern California
Day 01: Explore the city of San Francisco, where surprises await at every turn. Begin your Northern California getaway in this vibrant Bay Area metropolis. Meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.
Day 02: Prepare for a day of immersing yourself in the wonders of San Francisco. Marvel at the unique blend of Victorian and Modern architecture, soak in the vibrant culture and savor the diverse cuisines of this globally renowned city. Begin your morning exploration from the lively Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. In the afternoon, delve deeper into two iconic spots, followed by a leisurely ferry cruise to the charming Sausalito, allowing time for shopping. The evening is yours to enjoy; consider an optional guided walking tour of Chinatown with a delightful feast or a city illumination tour.
Day 03: Embark on your morning with a guided stroll along the extraordinary 1.7-mile stretch of the Golden Gate Bridge, often dubbed the “bridge that defied construction odds.” While marveling at the scenic view (recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), delve into the fascinating history of this iconic engineering feat. Later, venture to Sonoma and Napa Valley for a visit to a local winery, where you’ll savor a distinctive wine-tasting encounter. Indulge in a complimentary lunch with your fellow explorers in the afternoon.
Day 04: Explore the beauty of California’s State Capitol, then journey through the lush Sacramento River Valley to reach the stunning alpine charm of Lake Tahoe. Embrace the scenic vista of crystal-clear waters embraced by evergreen pines and rugged rocks for a captivating experience.
Day 05: Soar to new heights and set off on a picturesque journey through the Sierra Nevada mountain range via the captivating Tioga Pass to California’s UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty that led naturalist John Muir to nickname Yosemite Valley the “Incomparable Valley,” passing by the massive granite formations of El Capitan and the misty elegance of Bridalveil Fall. Tonight, our unique Stays With Stories experience awaits us at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Note that Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather conditions from mid-October to the end of May, prompting an alternative entry through the west side of the park. While this won’t affect our overnight stay, it may impact today’s sightseeing plans.
Day 06: Begin your day with breakfast, then explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias—an impressive collection of over 500 mature trees, making it the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park. Journey on to Monterey, where you can immerse yourself in a unique Farm-to-Table Be My Guest experience. Connect with locals and savor the freshest local ingredients in the company of Todd and Jordan Champagne. They are committed to delivering delightful, farm-driven cuisine to the community through their Happy Girl Kitchen Co. storefront.
Day 07: Embark on a journey along the sun-drenched California coastline, cruising the picturesque 17-mile Drive for unforgettable moments. Immerse yourself in a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the Salinas Valley, exploring agriculture with an educational tour showcasing fruits, vegetables, and cutting-edge farming methods. Indulge in the flavors of a local delicacy at one of Monterey County’s oldest family farms. Return to Monterey, the setting of Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and enjoy the evening exploring the vibrant street life. Optionally visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or relax at your hotel before tonight’s festive Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow adventurers.
Day 08: The majestic redwoods of California set a dramatic scene for the morning. Our journey takes us to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offering a chance to stroll amidst these ancient giants that have graced the land for a millennium. As we conclude, we head back to the enchanting city of San Francisco. Feel free to extend your stay and note that a complimentary drop-off at San Francisco International Airport is planned for 1:00 PM. Please consider this when arranging your flights.