San Francisco, Monterey, the beauty of Yosemite and Lake Tahoe feature in this Regional Explorer trip.
Wind your way through fresh California cityscapes and along the sun-kissed seaside cliffs of The Golden State, winding your way through Napa Valley wine country.
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From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of 'The City'. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Admire the eclectic mix of architecture, culture and cuisines of one of the world's most livable cities. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from the lively tourist hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square, a historical landmark linked to the American Civil War. This afternoon, spend some time at leisure as you explore what else this wonderful city has to offer.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
San Francisco – Napa
Start off your day with breakfast in San Francisco before we head out to Napa Valley. Today, we'll visit a local winery and enjoy a unique experience and exploration of wine with a tasting. Enjoy an included lunch this afternoon with fellow travellers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Embassy Suites Napa Valley
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: $249.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Napa – Lake Tahoe
Travel through the scenic fertile Sacramento River Valley to find yourself in the alpine splendour of Lake Tahoe. Its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops provides you with a picturesque scenery to behold. This evening, enjoy a your Regional Dinner as you cruise on the beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Touch the sky and embark on a scenic road-trip into the Sierra Nevada, winding along the Tioga Pass to California's UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. (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.) Marvel at the incredible natural beauty that inspired naturalist John Muir to dub Yosemite Valley the "Incomparable Valley", passing the colossal granite faces of El Capitan and the misty splendour of Bridalveil Fall. Tonight, our 'Stay with a Story' sees us overnight in the park, just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Yosemite Valley Lodge
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Yosemite National Park – Salinas Valley – Monterey (2 Nights)
Tempt your taste-buds today with a visit to the Salinas Valley where you'll join a Local Specialist for an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit and vegetable production and advanced farming techniques of the region that is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World". Continue to Monterey where we'll 'Connect with Locals' for a farm-to-table 'Be My Guest' dinner including the freshest local ingredients.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive
The pinch me moments continue as we follow the sun-kissed California coast, cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive. We return to Monterey for a visit of Cannery Row, immortalised in the John Steinbeck novel. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Monterey's vibrant street life or guests can visit on their own the world-reowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a festive Farewell Dinner.
California's towering redwoods provide an imposing backdrop for this morning as we journey back in time to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills in a re-created 1890s logging camp, complete with general store and railroad depot. We continue to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where we'll have an opportunity to walk amongst these giants that have stood for hundreds of years. We return to the golden city of San Francisco. Take a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or consider extending your stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
*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: $249.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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Northern California Trip Reviews
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Marian Marshall in Brisbane AustraliaMy Account Icon
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Trafalgar is very organized!
Trip Rating
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5
Loved all the places on the trip but would like another night at Yosemite National Park.
Overall the hotels we stayed at were very good, though the Lake Tahoe Resort did not measure up to our standards. The Yosemite lodge was rustic but fit the setting perfectly.
Absolutely amazing! From itinerary, tour director, and seamless service and attention to detail, it was a once in a lifetime experience. The scenery was inspirational.
From start to finish the Trafalgar service was excellent. Our Tour Director was extremely friendly and courteous and had a really good sense of humour.
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Trip Notes
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Unless otherwise stated, 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.
Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia 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.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be traveling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
