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8 Days 1 Country 8 Cities
Northern California
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Alternate Trips
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15 Days 1 Country 9 Cities
Iconic Rockies With Western Canada
Departure date
San Francisco, USA
Return date
San Francisco, USA
Book and Pay By:
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Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Please read our Trip Notes before booking
iNotes
- Airport arrival will be at 1 p.m., please be aware when booking your flights.
- Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
- Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Website Terms of Use page.
- Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
- For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
- Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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This departure of Northern California is sold out. However, we have an alternative trip with a similar itinerary - take a look...
Back to calendar
15 Days 1 Country 9 Cities
Iconic Rockies With Western Canada
Departure date
San Francisco, USA
Return date
San Francisco, USA
Book and Pay By:
i Flights available
Hurry almost full
Early payment discount
Was: PP
Save: PP
Code: XXXXX
Extensions available for this trip
Secure your trip with a deposit today
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Please read our Trip Notes before booking
iNotes
- Airport arrival will be at 1 p.m., please be aware when booking your flights.
- Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
- Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Website Terms of Use page.
- Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
- For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
- Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
About this trip
Jump aboard the ultimate northern Californian road trip, winding your way through the fresh cityscapes of San Francisco and Monterey, and along the sun-kissed seaside cliffs of Big Sur, tasting the golden age of rail travel through Napa Valley wine country and dining on the quiet waters of Lake Tahoe.
Trip type: Country Explorer i
Trip code: DANC
7 Nights
accommodation
11 Meals
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7 full breakfasts
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3 dinners (including Be My Guest)
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1 lunch
On-trip Transport
All transport shown.
Highlights
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
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City tour of San Francisco
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Scenic drive along spectacular 17-Mile Drive, through Napa Wine Country
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See quaint Carmel, Big Sur, Napa Valley
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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
What's Included
Dining
-
7 full breakfasts
-
3 dinners
(including Be My Guest) -
1 lunch
What's Included
Travel Highlights
-
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
-
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
-
Optional Experiences and free time
-
All porterage and local charges included
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
-
VIP entry to many sights
-
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Airport Transfers
Northern California
Your Itinerary
- 1 of 8
- 2 of 8
- 3 of 8
- 4 of 8
- 5 of 8
- 6 of 8
- 7 of 8
- 8 of 8
Day 1
Arrive San Francisco Day 1 - Arrive San FranciscoWelcome 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 travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel
Fairmont San Francisco Authentic Accommodation
Meals
- Welcome Reception
Hotel
Fairmont San Francisco Authentic Accommodation
Meals
- Welcome Reception
Day 2
San Francisco Sightseeing – Napa Day 2 - San Francisco Sightseeing – NapaAs 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.
Hotel
Embassy Suites Napa Valley
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Hotel
Embassy Suites Napa Valley
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Day 3
Napa – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe (2 Nights) 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 splendour of Lake Tahoe, its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops.
Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel at Heavenly Valley
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Regional Meal
Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel at Heavenly Valley
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Regional Meal
Day 4
Lake Tahoe Sightseeing Day 4 - Lake Tahoe SightseeingAfter 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.
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Regional Meal
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Regional Meal
Optional Experiences
*Napa Valley Hot Air Ballooning
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.
Adult Price: US$249.00
Day 5
Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National Park Day 5 - Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National ParkSnow 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 splendour of Bridal Veil Falls. Enjoy your accommodation inside the park, taking in all of the natural wonders after the crowds have left and just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls.
Hotel
Yosemite Valley Lodge Authentic Accommodation
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Hotel
Yosemite Valley Lodge Authentic Accommodation
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Day 6
Yosemite National Park – Salinas Valley – Monterey (2 Nights) 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.
Hotel
The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Be My Guest Dining
Hotel
The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Be My Guest Dining
Day 7
Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Excursion Day 7 - Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur ExcursionExperience the glories of the California coast cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links before travelling 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 tour 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 travellers for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Farewell Dinner
Meals
- Full Breakfast
- Farewell Dinner
Optional Experiences
Monterey Bay Aquarium
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.
Adult Price: US$50.00
Day 8
Monterey – Roaring Camp – Depart San Francisco Day 8 - Monterey – Roaring Camp – Depart San FranciscoWhen 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.
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Meals
- Full Breakfast
Available Departures
Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/en-us/tours/northern-california for the latest discounts & departure information.
The Trafalgar Difference
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Authentic Accommodation
Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA Opened in 1907, this Authentic Accommodation is well known for its impeccable service and centrally located at the top of Nob Hill. Take a stroll or stop for a tropical drink in their historic tiki bar, Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar, opened in 1945 for a truly memorable experience.Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park, California, USA Located right inside Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is an idyllic spot for families and visitors seeking the comforts of a hotel after an exciting day exploring the wilderness. Your Authentic Accommodation has a cosy, ski-lodge type atmosphere, redesigned with an emphasis on glass and wood detailing to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. -
Be My Guest
Learn about California's organic food scene and watch two food preservationists prepare your meal using fresh ingredients -
Cultural Insights
Learn about West Coast's silver rush history in Virginia City where Mark Twain once roamed the streets -
Hidden Treasures
Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure -
Local Specialists
Embark on an agriculture tour in Salinas Valley
Find out what makes Trafalgar different.
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Click here to see other trip recommendations
Highlights
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
-
City tour of San Francisco
-
Scenic drive along spectacular 17-Mile Drive, through Napa Wine Country
-
See quaint Carmel, Big Sur, Napa Valley
-
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
What's Included
Dining
-
7 full breakfasts
-
3 dinners
(including Be My Guest) -
1 lunch
What's Included
Travel Highlights
-
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
-
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
-
Optional Experiences and free time
-
All porterage and local charges included
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
-
VIP entry to many sights
-
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Airport Transfers
Why Trafalgar?
The Trafalgar Experience
Simply Authentic
EnjoyEnjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.
Simply Authentic
Love... Travel"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO
Simply Authentic
MeetMeet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.
Simply Authentic
TasteTravelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.
Simply Authentic
UnwindOnce you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.
Northern California
