Northern California
8 Days from $2,465 per person
Overview
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Day 1: Arrive San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco, the City by the Bay, check in to your hotel and explore. At 6 p.m., gather with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. -
Day 2: San Francisco Sightseeing – Napa
As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to fashionable Union Square. There's a story around every corner of San Francisco. Enjoy some free time at Fisherman's Wharf before driving across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, heading for Napa Valley's sun-dappled fields, lush vineyards and fragrant flowers. -
Day 3: Napa – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe (2 Nights)
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Napa Valley area before boarding the Napa Valley Wine Train's lovingly restored Pullman cars for a taste of the golden age of rail travel. Journey through the sparkling sunlight of a Napa afternoon as you indulge in a Regional Meal lunch and wine tasting. After lunch, travel through the fertile Sacramento River Valley to the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe, its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops. -
Day 4: Lake Tahoe Sightseeing
After a relaxing breakfast, step back in time as you ride along the Pony Express Trail to America's largest historic landmark, Virginia City, where Mark Twain once roamed the streets and everybody wanted a piece of the “Richest Place on Earth". Learning about the West Coast's infamous Silver Rush is a true Cultural Insight. Take some time to visit one of the mansions, museums, gold and silver stores and see a real mine. This evening, join an elegant sunset Regional Meal dinner cruise on the lake, complete with wine, live music and magnificent views. -
Day 5: Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National Park
Snow covered for much of the year, stunning Tioga Pass is the perfect entry point to the Golden State's most famous National Park, Yosemite, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Weather conditions may cause the 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.) Descend from the Sierra Nevada Mountains into the Yosemite Valley, passing the misty splendor of Bridal Veil Falls. Enjoy your accommodations inside the park, taking in all of the natural wonders after the crowds have left and just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls. -
Day 6: Yosemite National Park – Salinas Valley – Monterey (2 Nights)
Head west today into Salinas Valley and join an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit and vegetable production and advanced farming techniques of the region with a Local Specialist. Travel to Monterey for a Be My Guest experience. Your hosts share their knowledge and love of food with you this evening as you dine on a meal of the freshest ingredients, an experience meant to empower you as a diner with an understanding of the farm-to-table experience. -
Day 7: Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Excursion
Experience the glories of the California coast cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links before traveling to Big Sur. Stop in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea to browse the many shops, wander down to the water's edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a café. Then it's on to hidden coves with sandy beaches, towering redwoods touching the sky and dolphins and sea lions cavorting in the clear waters—Big Sur's natural majesty will take your breath away. Return to Monterey for a visit of Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author, John Steinbeck. Enjoy some free time at lively, picturesque Fisherman's Wharf, home to restaurants, shops and vibrant street life, or join an optional visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner. -
Day 8: Monterey – Roaring Camp – Depart San Francisco
When Isaac Graham settled in the hills outside of Santa Cruz in the 1830s, Mexican authorities named his rowdy settlement "Roaring Camp". Today, journey back in time to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills in a re-created 1880s logging camp, complete with a general store and railroad depot. Luckily, Graham and his lumberjacks didn't cut down the massive redwoods just minutes away in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Walk among the awe-inspiring trees—some of the largest living things on earth—and admire these treasures of California. End your journey where you began, in the golden city of San Francisco. Take a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or return to the Fairmont San Francisco, if you wish to extend your stay.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jun 18 | 30 Jun 18 |
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$2,595pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 28 Jul 18 | 4 Aug 18 | $2,595$2,465pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,075.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $85 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation..
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
11 meals: 7 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Cultural Insight
- Learn about the west coast's silver rush history in Virginia City where Mark Twain once roamed the streets
Be My Guest
- Learn about California's organic food scene and watch two food preservationists prepare your meal using fresh ingredients
Authentic Accommodations
- Stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge located within Yosemite National Park and the Fairmont San Francisco atop Nob Hill with its unique tiki bar.
Local Specialist
- Embark on an agriculture tour in Salinas Valley
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour of San Francisco
- Visit the historic gold and silver mining town of Virginia City, "The Salad Bowl of the World" in Salinas Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Roaring Camp, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- See quaint Carmel, Big Sur, Napa Valley
- Scenic drive along spectacular 17-Mile Drive, through Napa Wine Country
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
NAPA
*Napa Valley Hot Air Ballooning
Adult Price: 249.00
Rise early for the experience of a lifetime! Your hot air balloon flight begins at sunrise in the most scenic areas of the Upper Napa Valley – Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga, Capay Valley – as determined by the winds. Soar peacefully in colorful hot air balloons and float silently above the trees and fields, lush vineyards and orchards and world-renowned wineries. The sensation of ballooning is very gentle and its calming effect seems to put the world below into perspective. Your pilots are all experienced, professional and FAA commercially rated. They are familiar with the valley and dedicated to ensuring that your ballooning experience is safe, informative, memorable and fun! Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours.
MONTEREY
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Adult Price: 50.00
Located at the ocean's edge on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life. Visit sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and much, much more as you spend time exploring this fascinating museum of the ocean! Approx. duration: 2 hours.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
