Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. SAN FRANCISCO. Welcome to San Francisco! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Sat. SAN FRANCISCO. Your visit to the “City by the Bay” begins with a sightseeing tour that takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, and Nob Hill. Next, visit a culinary epicenter, Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Located within the historic Ferry Building, shops celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafés serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco’s best chefs. Afterward, travel to famous Fisherman’s Wharf for a visit to the BOUDIN MUSEUM AND BAKERY, where you’ll learn the story of sourdough French bread. Stroll through the collection of historic and interactive exhibits as you observe the bakery in action. Nibble on fresh, French, sourdough bread from the Bakery & Café in Baker’s Hall, enjoy a taste of authentic San Francisco, or shop for gourmet gifts in the marketplace. Your afternoon is free to enjoy historic Fisherman’s Wharf with its delicious seafood, spectacular sights, and unique shopping. Walk along the streets, sidewalks and by-ways of one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities! Each neighborhood has a distinct architecture, history, and personality that deserves in-depth exploration. Discover the colorful characters, beautiful vistas, and charming architectural treasures. This evening, you may choose to take a ride on one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars and explore the shops of Pier 39 or Ghirardelli Square.

Day 3:
Sun. SAN FRANCISCO–NAPA VALLEY REGION. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge this morning and visit charming little Sausalito, an eclectic village of artisans and free spirits, with its large houseboat community anchored in Richardson Bay. Afterward, stop at COPIA—The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts—for an introduction to California wines and uniquely American foods and cooking techniques. Perhaps stroll through the lovely gardens, inspired by Chateau Villandry in the Loire Valley of France. This afternoon, enjoy WINE TASTING at Mumm Napa, masters of sparkling wines. Tonight, settle into your home-away-from-home for the next four nights in Sonoma. Your accommodations are conveniently located just steps from the historic Plaza.

Day 4:
Mon. NAPA VALLEY REGION–EXCURSION TO CALISTOGA. Another day to sample the fruits of the Napa Valley. First stop is OLIVE OIL TASTING at Round Pond Olive Oil Estate, where artisans craft gourmet olive oils and red wine vinegars from local produce. Continue on to WINE TASTING at Beringer, one of America’s foremost vintners and the oldest continuously operating vineyard in Napa. Your exploration of wine country continues with an excursion to the charming town of Calistoga, including a visit to California’s version of Old Faithful Geyser. After viewing the eruption of the 60-foot-high geyser, enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Calistoga and stroll the streets that retain their charm of yesteryear.

Day 5:
Tue. NAPA VALLEY REGION–EXCURSION ON NAPA VALEY WINE TRAIN.The Napa Valley is by far California’s most famous grape-growing region. Today, enjoy a relaxing journey through the heart of Napa Valley’s picturesque vineyards and past world-renowned wineries. Napa Valley’s rolling hills are covered with wildflowers as golden as the vineyards and are home to colorful towns known for their rural elegance. Return to a gracious era of elegant rail travel with distinguished service as you enjoy a three-hour journey in the Silverado railcar with tastings in the Wine Tasting Car. The “open air” environment and à la carte menu is like dining patio al fresco. This afternoon, return to Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square of its kind in California and a National Historic Landmark built in 1835. The carefully preserved adobe buildings include the Mexican Army Barracks, General Vallejo’s home, and the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, the last in California’s 21- mission chain.

Day 6:
Wed. NAPA VALLEY REGION–EXCURSION TO PETALUMA. Experience the charm of one of the oldest cities in California, with one of the best-preserved historic downtown areas, on the National Register of Historic Places, Petaluma. Begin the day with a walking tour of this historic district, where you’ll see a collection of iron-front buildings and Victorian homes surrounded by a charming riverfront town. End your day with a BREWERY TOUR before returning to your Napa hotel.

Day 7:
Thu. NAPA VALLEY REGION–SAN FRANCISCO. Check out of your Napa hotel this morning and return to Sonoma for a CHEESE TASTING. The Sonoma Cheese Company is famed nationwide for high-quality cheeses. Next, stop in Berkeley at the SAKE MUSEUM and tasting room. Learn about sake production as well as taste and experience the quality of Sho Chiku Bai Sake. This afternoon, return to San Francisco for one final night. An optional farewell dinner is the perfect opportunity for you and your traveling companions to celebrate an enjoyable visit to California wine country.

Day 8:
Fri. SAN FRANCISCO. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to the San Francisco International Airport.

Dates & Prices

In San Francisco.

Itinerary

Day 1:
LOS ANGELES. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses! This afternoon, head to the mountainringed desert resort of Scottsdale.

Day 3:
SCOTTSDALE. Your Tour Director will suggest an optional guided 4-wheel-drive tour into the Arizona desert to discover the cacti and other plants and animals that make up the desert’s delicate ecosystem. Early this evening join our optional outing to relive the days of the Wild West.

Day 4:
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS. Travel to Sedona, a thriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon. Up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River.

Day 5:
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS. Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. Watch for Joshua trees, a species of the lily family that grows more than 40 feet in height and can live up to 300 years. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, the fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, bars, and glamorous shows. Be sure to explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.” This evening, we highly recommend a night out to a dazzling stage show featuring top Vegas entertainment.

Day 6:
LAS VEGAS. The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos, shopping plazas, and amusement parks. Your Tour Director will have more suggestions to fill your day. Consider a river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.

Day 7:
LAS VEGAS–FRESNO. A day of striking natural contrast as the journey continues northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.”

Day 8:
FRESNO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA. Cross high Tioga Pass and enter YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, giant granite domes, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s a beautiful drive from the park to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era.

Day 9:
SONORA –SACRAMENTO–SAN FRANCISCO. Head toward Sacramento, capital of California, with time to explore Old Sacramento. “Old Town,” as the locals call it, features a Wild West ambiance. During your free time, see the country’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings, a Wells Fargo museum, and a historic Railroad Museum. From Old Town, continue west to reach San Francisco by early afternoon. Cross the splendid bay with vistas of the San Francisco skyline and its magnificent harbor. On your city tour, see the main sights, including the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, renowned Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. In the evening, how about dinner at a popular Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant followed by a cocktail at the world-famous Fairmont Hotel? You’ll end the night with an illumination tour of San Francisco.

Day 10:
SAN FRANCISCO. A full program of optional excursions is available, including a cruise on San Francisco Bay with a visit to Alcatraz and a helicopter ride over the city. Your Tour Director will suggest more sightseeing attractions as well as other favorite places to shop and dine.

Day 11:
SAN FRANCISCO. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to San Francisco International Airport.

Dates & Prices

In Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Itinerary

Day 1:
LOS ANGELES. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
LOS ANGELES–PALM SPRINGS–SCOTTSDALE. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world’s “Capital of Glamour,” including a drive through Hollywood and famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre. A stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs with its distinctive wind farms, 5,000 swimming pools, and 90 golf courses. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro stands sentinel. Arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale in the late afternoon.

Day 3:
SCOTTSDALE–SEDONA–GRAND CANYON–WILLIAMS. First stop is Sedona, athriving center for New Age arts set in canyon country. On to the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon and up through the San Francisco Mountains and beautiful pine forests to the South Rim of the GRAND CANYON. Time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional helicopter flightseeing excursion for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight in Williams.

Day 4:
WILLIAMS–LAS VEGAS. Leave the mountain town of Williams on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon, reach Las Vegas, a fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, enjoy our optional outing to a glittering Vegas show—or, if you prefer, explore some of the many-themed casino resorts along the colorful “Strip.”

Day 5:
LAS VEGAS. The morning and afternoon are free for you to swim and sunbathe at the hotel pool or explore the varied casinos. Try an optional river rafting trip through the Black Canyon.

Day 6:
LAS VEGAS. Another full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will have plenty of activities to choose from and will recommend favorite restaurants and shopping areas.

Day 7:
LAS VEGAS–FRESNO. A day of striking contrast as you journey northwest across the desert landscape of Nevada before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great “Garden of the Sun.”

Day 8:
FRESNO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SONORA. Leave Fresno for YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forest, giant granite domes, pinnacles, and mountains rising as much as 4,000 feet above the valley floor. We then drive to Sonora, once a thriving center in the gold rush era and well known for its collection of Victorian homes.

Day 9:
SONORA–SACRAMENTO–SAN FRANCISCO. This morning we visit Sacramento,California’s historic state capital, home to more than 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There’s time to visit historic Old Town, the nation’s largest collection of gold rush era buildings. We continue west to the Golden Gate City of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the Old Spanish Mission Dolores, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 10:
SAN FRANCISCO–WINE COUNTRY EXCURSION. This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint, Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views. Next, Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and WINE TASTING at one of the many wineries are included.

Day 11:
SAN FRANCISCO. A full day at leisure in the “City by the Bay.”

Day 12:
SAN FRANCISCO–MONTEREY. Today, we travel south to picturesque Monterey, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. Your sightseeing tour will include visits to historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. During your free time this afternoon, why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey is a “must-do.” This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds. Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder, or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters in the calm inner harbor waters.

Day 13:
MONTEREY–CARMEL–SOLVANG–LOMPOC. This morning, we take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities, before picking up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Overnight in the town of Lompoc.

Day 14:
LOMPOC–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES. It’s a short drive south to coastal Santa Barbara. Sightseeing includes a stop for photos at the historic mission and a visit to the pier. Follow the Pacific coastline past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 5 p.m.

Dates & Prices

In Los Angeles and San Francisco.