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From $2,395 Per Person
2011 Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to San Francisco Your northern California adventure and Napa Valley tour begins at 5:30 PM at Le Méridien San Francisco. A transfer is included from San Francisco Int'l Airport to Le Méridien San Francisco in the heart of the city's vibrant Embarcadero Center. This evening, meet your fellow California dreamers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 2 - The beautiful City by the Bay
Get to know some of San Francisco's most famous landmarks and attractions during a morning sightseeing tour; from earthy Fisherman's Wharf to the beat generation's North Beach to the tortuously twisted Lombard Street, see the City by the Bay from literally top to bottom. Sail around San Francisco Bay on a private catamaran cruise for a 360° view of sights such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, with lunch featuring the famous sourdough bread from Boudin's Bakery - it's magic! Take a look at San Francisco's elegant Victorian, Italianate and Queen Anne-style architecture this afternoon, before exploring as you please for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 3 - San Francisco Treats
Your taste buds are in for a treat today as you sample some of San Francisco's noted cuisine at its source. Join a local epicurean concierge to discover the swirling sights, sounds and scents at the bayfront Ferry Terminal Building in the Embarcadero and its famous Farmer's Market on a customized culinary experience - the perfect prelude to a Sonoma and Napa Valley tour focusing on those superb California wines! Spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure in this remarkable city.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 4 - An ancient forest and a peaceful valley in wine country
Heading out to wine country today, the towering, primordial Coast Redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument inspire awe as you gaze up at them in wonder. A guided visit to this forest of living national treasures, reputed to be among the oldest living things on earth, reveals their stories and their secrets. After some free time in charming Sausalito, continue on through the Sonoma Valley to the Viansa Winery - styled after the vineyards and villas of Tuscany - for a private tour and tasting. Today's final destination is The Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa, your luxurious home for the next three nights of your Sonoma and Napa Valley tour, where you can join the hotel's sommelier for a wine education class prior to dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 5 - All aboard the Wine Train for a Napa Valley tour
Travel to the town of Napa this morning, where you'll board the celebrated Napa Valley Wine Train. Dine aboard a faithfully restored 1917 Pullman Dining Car - and sample local wines, of course - during a delightful 36-mile excursion through the valley's verdant vineyards to quaint St. Helena. Later, you may choose to stroll around the charming mission town of Sonoma with your Tauck Director, or just relax and enjoy all the amenities offered by your resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 6 - Experience the vineyards from within or above
Pay a mid-morning visit to the Benziger Family Winery for a private tram tour of the winery, a tasting and lunch in a wine cave.... what a great opportunity to see firsthand how fine California wine is produced! Or, if you choose, float gently above the region's lush vineyards aboard an optional, early morning hot air balloon adventure (available for an additional $275 per person), complete with a champagne breakfast; guests choosing the balloon option will join the others at Benziger Family Winery for lunch. Back at your resort this evening, cap your Sonoma and Napa Valley tour with a wine and cheese reception followed by a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 7 - Journey Home
Your San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa Valley tour ends at San Francisco International Airport. A transfer is included from The Lodge at Sonoma to San Francisco Int'l Airport, approximately 45 miles. Please allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in formalities.
Meals: Breakfast
Contact our office for availability and bookings.
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