Off the beaten track in California
This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and taste his farm’s produce. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.
Your tour includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- 12 Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- An expert Tour Manager
- Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Optional Experiences and free time
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & travel insurance
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1 - Arrive Monterey, California
From the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley, the scenery, history, and culture of northern California is unparalleled. Your tour opens in Monterey, a seaside city with a rich history and gorgeous scenery.
Day 2 - Monterey
The morning is yours to relax or explore this charming city independently. Perhaps you’llvisit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium* or walk along Monterey’s Path of History – aself-guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks. This afternoon, the scenery of your dreamscomes alive as you travel along the famed 17-Mile Drive to Carmel. See the Lone Cypress tree, Seal Rock, and prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course before relaxing over dinner at a local restaurant..
Day 3 - Monterey – Oakdale – Tuolomne (Yosemite)
Travel east through California’s Central Valley and along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Stop in Oakdale, where almond and walnut orchards dot the landscape. Meet up with a local farmer, who will show you around town and bring you to his small farm where you’ll enjoy a taste of central California. Continue on to historic Tuolumne, a gateway to Yosemite National Park and your home for the next two nights.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
Dramatic waterfalls to soaring granite peaks, Yosemite will leave you in awe. Enjoy a scenic drive to the gates of the national park, where you’ll travel by coach through Yosemite’s unrivalled landscapes with an expert guide. Natural wonders abound as you stand before El Capitan, and take in breathtaking vistas including Half Dome, Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls.
Day 5 - Tuolumne - Sacramento
Arrive in Sacramento, enjoying time on your own for lunch in Old Sacramento – a historic Gold Rush-era neighbourhood filled with over 60 restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, and antique gas lamps. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the California State Railroad Museum and explore the detailed exhibits with a guide -OR- peruse a collection of Californian art and European master drawings on a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 6 - Lake Tahoe
Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort town of Lake Tahoe. Board a classic yacht-style vessel for a narrated cruise of Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters. Discover the history of the area and explore the enclosed and open-air decks for ideal places to snap photos of the dynamic landscape and breathe in the fresh air.
Day 7 - Sacramento – Napa Valley – San Francisco
The iconic rolling vineyards of Napa Valley welcome you today. Tour the grounds of avineyard whilst learning about the wine-making process before enjoying a private tastingand a delicious farewell lunch. Raise a glass of locally produced wine and toast to yourCalifornia adventure. Tonight, enjoy an evening to explore San Francisco as you please.
Day 8 - Farewell San Francisco
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories.
Pricing is based on travelling 7 October 2024
- from $4,449 per person twin share
- from $5,599 per person for solo travellers
Multiple departure dates are available in 2024 & 2025
Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
7 nights accommodation included on this tour
- Monterey Marriott (2 nights)
- The Hotel At Black Oak Casino Resort (2 nights)
- Hyatt Regency Sacramento (2 nights)
- Hotel Riu Plaza Fishermans Wharf (1 night)
Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 1: At a very leisurely pace, this tour involves minimal physical activity, such as climbing some stairs, boarding a motorcoach, and walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas.
Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.
Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.
Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Ask about the tour operators cancel for any reason waiver. Cancellation Waiver financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date.