Northern California
8 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DANCN19
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3670
$2953 (USD)
Operator discount: -$717
-20%
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern California, where the beauty of nature meets the charm of iconic cities. This meticulously crafted tour invites you to explore the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Golden State. From the cosmopolitan streets of San Francisco to the majestic Yosemite National Park, every day promises a new adventure. Marvel at the engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge, indulge in a wine tasting and picnic lunch at a local Sonoma County winery, and cruise the serene waters of San Francisco Bay. Enjoy scenic drives along the spectacular 17-mile Drive and through the breathtaking Tioga Pass. With visits to quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, the California State Capitol, and the towering redwoods of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, this tour offers a blend of history, wildlife, and sightseeing opportunities. Accompanied by an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, and staying in cherry-picked hotels, your Northern California experience will be as comfortable as it is thrilling.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of ‘The City’. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.
Day 2: Dive Into Eclectic San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fuel up for a full day of indulging in San Francisco’s many sites. Admire the eclectic mix of Victorian and Modern architecture, vibrant culture, and cuisines of one of the world's most livable and iconic cities. Embark on a morning exploration tour that takes you from the lively hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square. This afternoon offers a deeper look into two of the city’s iconic spots. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing ferry cruise to the quaint seaside community of Sausalito with time for shopping. This evening is at your leisure. Perhaps choose to join an optional guided walking tour of Chinatown including a delicious feast and a city illumination tour.
Day 3: Journey To Wine Country
Location: Sonoma and Napa Valley
Accommodation: Resort, Flamingo Resort & Spa
Accommodation Name: Flamingo Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start off your day with a guided Golden Gate Bridge walk across the 1.7-mile span of the magnificent "bridge that couldn't be built." As you gaze across the water (one the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, learn how this iconic engineering marvel was constructed). Continue to Sonoma and Napa Valley. Today, we'll visit a local winery and enjoy a unique experience and exploration of wine with a tasting. Enjoy an included lunch this afternoon with fellow travelers.
Day 4: Entice Your Senses At Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation: Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a visit to California's State Capitol before traveling through the scenic, fertile Sacramento River Valley to find yourself in the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe. Its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops provides you with a picturesque scenery to behold.
Day 5 : Embrace The Wilderness Of Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Lodge, Yosemite Valley Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Touch the sky and embark on a scenic road-trip into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, winding along the Tioga Pass to California’s UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the incredible natural beauty that inspired naturalist John Muir to dub Yosemite Valley the “Incomparable Valley”, passing the colossal granite faces of El Capitan and the misty splendor of Bridalveil Fall. Tonight, our Stays With Stories brings us into the park at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park. While this may not cause a change in overnight, sightseeing will be affected this day.
Day 6 : Taste The California Difference
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, head to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to over 500 mature trees and the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park. Continue to Monterey where we’ll Connect With Locals and enjoy a Farm-to-Table Be My Guest experience including the freshest local ingredients. Meet Todd and Jordan Champagne who have been dedicated to providing simple, delicious and farm driven foods for the local community from their storefront Happy Girl Kitchen Co.
Day 7 : Witness The Incredible California Coast
Location: Monterey
Accommodation: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The pinch me moments continue as we follow the sun-kissed California coast, cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive. Visit the Salinas Valley where you'll love this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit, vegetables and advanced farming techniques. You'll visit one of the oldest family farms in Monterey County and taste a local delicacy. We return to Monterey, home to Cannery Row, immortalized in the John Steinbeck novel. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Monterey’s vibrant street life or on your own take a trip to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Day 8: Take A Walk Through The Redwoods
Location: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
California’s towering redwoods provide an imposing backdrop for this morning. We continue to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where we’ll have an opportunity to walk amongst these giants that have stood for over a thousand years. We return to the golden city of San Francisco where you might consider extending your stay. Airport drop off at 1:00pm, please be aware when booking fights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers outside of the scheduled times
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Friday
Jul 19, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Friday - Friday
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May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Friday - Friday
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Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions