Northern California

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.

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. Spend some time at leisure before driving beneath the glowing orange arches of Golden Gate Bridge en route to Napa Valley's sun-dappled fields.

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 and a enjoy a Regional Meal. 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.

A leisurely breakfast sets us up for our journey along the Pony Express Trail to America's largest landmark, Virginia City. Imagine a time when Mark Twain roamed the streets and everybody wanted a piece of the "Richest Place on Earth". Dive into Culture and immerse yourself in the colourful history of the 19th century mining bonanza, enjoying a private tour of the Comstock Gold Mill. This evening, as the sun sets over Tahoe's clear waters, enjoy an elegant Regional Meal dinner cruise, complete with wine, live music and magnificent views.

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 Bridal Veil Fall. Tonight, our Stay with a Story sees us overnight in the park, just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls.

Leave Yosemite behind and visit 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. Continue to Monterey where we'll Connect with Locals during a Be My Guest farm-to-table dinner.

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 consider an optional visit to the world-renowned 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.