Day 1 : Fly to California

We begin our adventure with a flight to “The City by the Bay” and transfer to our deluxe accommodations for two nights.

Day 2 : San Francisco

This morning, we board San Francisco’s iconic cable cars and ride along downtown’s fascinating streets. Afterward, a local expert joins us for a driving tour of the city where we see top highlights including Twin Peaks, Market Street, Golden Gate Park, and much more. We break for lunch and leisure time at Fisherman’s Wharf, the historic bayside district with restaurants, shops, and sea lions sunbathing. Later, we cross famous Golden Gate Bridge and get to know our new traveling companions during a Welcome Dinner in nearby Sausalito.

Day 3 : Napa Valley & Sacramento

Our morning starts with a journey into the heart of one of the most celebrated wine-growing regions in the world: Napa Valley. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at Castello di Amorosa, a medieval Tuscan castle winery, followed by a wonderful included lunch. This evening, we partake in a local food tour in Sacramento with restaurant visits to meet chefs who teach us about the local farm-to-fork culture while enjoying a selection of delicious gourmet dishes. Our hotel for the evening is in Sacramento.

Day 4 : Railroad Museum & Kennedy Gold Mine

We begin the day with discovering the Golden State’s 150-year rail history at the California State Railroad Museum, including original engines dating back to the 1860s. This afternoon, we’re immersed in history with a tour of the Kennedy Gold Mine. An expert guide emphasizes California’s gold rush era of the mid-1800s as we learn about mining and receive a complimentary poke sack for collecting our own treasures while we try our hand at panning for gold! Later, we travel to Oakhurst and check in for our two-night stay.

Day 5 : Yosemite National Park

Today, we explore the scenic protected lands of Yosemite National Park. At Mariposa Grove, embark on a delightful hike through enormous sequoias. These remarkable trees can live for more than 2,000 years and grow up to 300 feet tall! A park ranger then joins us as we view some of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, the Half Dome, and El Capitan. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore Yosemite on your own. Browse the Ansel Adams Gallery’s collection of famous nature photography, take a leisurely stroll along a beautiful trail, visit the park store, or watch a short film at the onsite theater.

Day 6 : Castle Air Museum & Monterey

After an included breakfast, we begin our drive back toward the California Coast and stop at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater. This military aviation museum features exhibits that showcase technology from the past and give sneak peeks into the future of flight. We then visit Casa de Fruta, a family-owned orchard featuring nuts, wine, sweets, and other gifts before arriving at our Monterey hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 7 : Whale Watching

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a fun day filled with California marine life. Start the day with an incredible, privately chartered whale watching cruise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. While taking in the scenic views, gain insight from the onboard naturalist or marine biologist. After our cruise, we visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, commonly rated as one of the top aquariums in the United States with regional marine life, including its groundbreaking living kelp forest. This evening is yours for individual exploration or relaxation.

Day 8 : Roaring Camp Railroads

After a leisurely morning, we arrive at the Roaring Camp Railroads station for a round-trip journey through towering groves of redwood trees. While similar in size, redwoods are taller than sequoias but have smaller cones and darker bark. We then return to the San Francisco area with time to unwind before celebrating our adventures with our new friends at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We return home with fond memories of our dreamy coastal California getaway.