Northern California's Finest

9 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Southern California may be known for its stars, but northern California is the home of true legends. Despite the absence of paparazzi, you’ll hear countless shutters click as you enjoy a scenic tram ride through stunning Yosemite and coast along Monterey’s jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the towering-tree-lined slopes of...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • San francisco: Sightseeing
    • Sonoma: Guided tour of wine caves & tasting
    • Lake tahoe: Scenic cruise
    • Yosemite national park: Yosemite Valley floor tour by tram
    • Sequoia & kings canyon national park: Sightseeing, stargazing program
    • Monterey: Sightseeing including scenic 17-Mile Drive; visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium; farewell dinner
    • This magnificent Northern California tour blends the sights of sophisticated San Francisco with the inspired beauty found in California’s national parks and picturesque areas, including its scenic towns—Carmel and Monterey
    • Spend two nights in San Francisco, where Globus has arranged a city tour of all the “must see” sites

What's this trip about?

    Southern California may be known for its stars, but northern California is the home of true legends. Despite the absence of paparazzi, you’ll hear countless shutters click as you enjoy a scenic tram ride through stunning Yosemite and coast along Monterey’s jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the towering-tree-lined slopes of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, there are endless highpoints included in this nine-day tour through northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to see how their award-winning wines are made. Other stellar experiences to toast on this northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and bidding the moon goodnight in two signature stone and cedar national park lodges. Sweet dreams.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA
End CityMONTEREY–SAN FRANCISCO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA

Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf, a bowl of clam chowder with famous sourdough bread, or a Ghirardelli chocolate o...

Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO

The City by the Bay This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco to take in its famous sights. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City before dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS San Francisco is a city to be...

Day 3: SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO

Bridge to Bountiful Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma for an orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Delight in a tasting at a [LF] family-owned winery. Continue to the capital of California, Sacramento, for a sightseeing tour and a free eve...

Day 4: SACRAMENTO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Treasures of the High Sierras Travel south through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Best known for its waterfalls, but with nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find grand meadows, ancient sequoias, and much more. Continue to the Tenaya Lodge ...

Day 5: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Nature’s Cathedral Today, descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Enjoy free time for the balance of the day in Yosemite National Park. (Breakfast)...

Day 6: YOSEMITE–SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

Forest Giants & Heavenly Objects Travel to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a [LF] stargazing experience. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Explore the “Land of Giants” in Sequoia and Kings Canyon ...

Day 7: SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS–MONTEREY

Old-Growth Trees & Ocean Tides Spend more time this morning exploring these magnificent parks, which now protect nearly half the remaining sequoia groves in the world. See the General Sherman Tree, spend time at the Visitors’ Center, or simply relax in one of the...

Day 8: MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL

The Rocky Shores of Pebble Beach This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive and the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Return to Monterey, where your Tour Director hosts a speci...

Day 9: MONTEREY–SAN FRANCISCO

Safe travels until we meet again! This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm. (Breakfast)

SAN-FRANCISCO-GOLDEN-GATE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,199
Price per day$467
Last Updated: 10/2/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 May 2025
10 May 2025
$4,199
23 May 2025
31 May 2025
$4,769
30 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$4,299
06 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$4,869
27 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$4,419
25 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$4,419
15 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
$4,979
22 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$4,419
29 Aug 2025
06 Sep 2025
$4,299
05 Sep 2025
13 Sep 2025
$4,299

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

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The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

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When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

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While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

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Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

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Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

San Francisco Marriott Marquis welcomes travelers to Northern California with exceptional service, spacious guestrooms, and a prime downtown location. The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guestrooms offer plush bedding, Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and Wi-Fi access.

San Francisco

United States

780 Mission Street

Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Overlooking the Sacramento River next to the Tower Bridge, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is within a 10-minute walk of the Old Sacramento Waterfront District. The hotel features local art throughout depicting Sacramento history and life along the river and offers amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness center, and room service.

Sacramento

United States

100, Capitol Mall

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

An elegant resort in the California High Sierra, Tenaya Lodge is the perfect gateway to four seasons of Yosemite adventure. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness room, indoor pool, three outdoor pool, and five hot tubs.

Yosemite National Park

United States

1122 Highway 41

Wuksachi Lodge

In the Heart of an Ancient Forest, wood and stone forge together. Hearth and kitchen glow with warmth. And all comes to rest in a lodge that bears the name of its ancestors.

Sequoia National Park

United States

64740 Wuksachi Way

Hyatt Regency Monterey

This luxury resort is ideally situated near an acclaimed golf course, which provides ample views of gardens and landscapes. Renovations have transformed the interior into a modern, contemporary oasis with a fireplace lounge, fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, tennis courts, restaurant, lounge, and room service. Guestrooms feature cable TV, high-speed Internet access, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, coffeemaker, bath robe, and bath amenities.

Monterey

United States

1 Old Golf Course Rd

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-AL

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