Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush!
Why This Tour is El Capitan:
•A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite.
•The Wild West and the Pony Express ... lake time and gold mines ... granite cliffs and wine sniffs!
•Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
•Eureka!
Golden State Of Mind: Northern California By DesignDay 1 ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2 SAN FRANCISCO Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.
YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
TASTE: "Carbe" Diem!
Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and savor some of the best Italian food the city has to offer.
DELVE: Rooted in Beauty
A self guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium immerses you in the stunning ecosystems of the California Coast.
TREK: Redwood ReTREEt!
Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito.
(B)
Day 3 SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO SONOMA Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery.
SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California’s state capitol building, Midtown, the famed Johnny Cash mural, and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
Day 4 SACRAMENTO–LAKE TAHOE Scenic ride along the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” en route to Lake Tahoe.
LAKE TAHOE Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area.
Free time this evening. (B)
Day 5 LAKE TAHOE LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
SAIL: Yachts of Fun!
Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and glacier-carved Emerald Bay.
GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway
Soar to the 9,150-foot-high observation deck above Heavenly in a glass-cabin gondola for stunning views over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
DELVE: Historic Haunts
Explore the American Wild West in Virginia City, Nevada, and follow the Pony Express route to the mining motherlode site at Comstock Lode.
Free time this evening. (B)
Day 6 LAKE TAHOE–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)
Day 7 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
GAZE: Westward, Ho!
Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of Native Peoples and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other.
TREK: Yosemite, Naturally
Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir discovered "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." Your Naturalist Guide will show you the breathtaking views of the Yosemite region, while encountering the fantastic flora and fauna of this magical wilderness.
STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White
Join a private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery with instruction by expert photography guides.
Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort. (B)
Day 8 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Center. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B,D)
Day 9 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SAN FRANCISCO This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm.
(B)