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: Beacon Grand 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: Beacon Grand or similar. Breakfast included.
Day 3
San Francisco – Sonoma – Santa Rosa
Begin your day with a guided walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the remarkable 1.7-mile span once dubbed “the bridge that couldn’t be built.” As you take in sweeping views of the bay, discover the fascinating story behind this engineering masterpiece.
Your journey then continues to Sonoma Valley, where you’ll visit a local winery for a unique tasting experience and an insider’s look at the art of winemaking. This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch with your fellow travellers amid the beautiful wine country setting.
Overnight: Flamingo Resort and Spa or similar. Breakfast and lunch included
Day 4
Santa Rosa – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe
Enjoy a visit to California’s State Capitol before travelling through the scenic and fertile Sacramento River Valley. Arrive in the alpine splendour of Lake Tahoe, where crystal-clear blue waters, framed by evergreen pines and rugged granite peaks, create a truly beautiful panorama.
Overnight: Harvey's Lake Tahoe or similar. Breakfast 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 – San Francisco
This morning, California’s majestic redwoods provide a stunning backdrop as you journey to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Stroll among these ancient giants, some over a thousand years old, and marvel at their towering beauty.
Later, return to the Golden City of San Francisco, where you may wish to extend your stay and explore more of its iconic sights. A complimentary airport transfer to San Francisco International Airport is available at 1:00 PM — please keep this in mind when arranging your departure flights.
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
