The Best of Northern California

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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Group Tour
Savor the natural beauty and culinary delights of Northern California on a Limited-Edition Tour, traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests. Beginning and ending in San Francisco, the City by the Bay, this trip will introduce you to its many delights, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Gaze at the towering Redwoods of the Muir Woods National Monu...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • : For over thirty years, Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been hand-crafting authentic ales and lagers with balance, complexity and a passion using sustainable brewing practices. Enjoy a tour and tasting at the brewery and see the fascinating process.
    • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhancedwell-being and hygiene protocols.
    • : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
    • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
    • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
    • San Francisco: Enjoy a delightful Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at your hotel.
    • Mendocino: Nationally acclaimed for its outstanding vegan cuisine, The Ravens Restaurant uses produce grown on the property with a focus on health and ethical sustainability. Enjoy delicious and nutritious fare packed full of flavor.
    • Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), 6 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L)
    • San Francisco: Linking San Francisco to Marin County across the three-mile Golden Gate strait, this magnificent suspension bridge was built between 1933 and 1937. Renowned as an engineering marvel due to the precise planning, design and construction processes that were applied, all over treacherous open water, it remains one of America's most fascinating landmarks.

What's this trip about?

    Savor the natural beauty and culinary delights of Northern California on a Limited-Edition Tour, traveling with a maximum of just 17 fellow guests. Beginning and ending in San Francisco, the City by the Bay, this trip will introduce you to its many delights, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Gaze at the towering Redwoods of the Muir Woods National Monument, learn about bees and mead at the Heidrun Meadery in Point Reyes and visit charming Healdsburg. On the stunning Mendocino Coast, visit the Mendocino Headlands State Park, learn about preserving coastal ecosystems at the Botanical Gardens and admire the colors of Glass Beach. Unleash your senses wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley with some of the region's finest producers. With sustainable travel at the heart of your journey, dine on seasonal, locally sourced food and taste artisan cheeses or hand-crafted ales. Along the way, you'll discover all the best the region has to offer, including unique experiences and destinations not available to larger groups.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Francisco
End CitySan Francisco

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Attractions

  • California
  • San Francisco

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to San Francisco

When you arrive in The City by the Bay, you will be instantly struck by its vibrant and eclectic charm. Check into the iconic Westin St. Francis Hotel. This hotel's central location in the heart of Union Square means you can absorb the local ambiance and explore all t...

Day 2: Discover the Golden City

Admire the eclectic mix of architecture and culture as you explore this morning with your Travel Director. Visit vibrant neighborhoods and see iconic locations such as the lively Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, a historical landmark linked to the American Civil Wa...

Day 3: Towering Trees and Honey Bees

Depart San Francisco and take a short journey to the Muir Woods National Monument to spend the morning walking among the towering ancient Redwoods. Then, join a Make Travel Matter® Experience at the Heidrun Meadery, a bee forage oasis. Have a picnic lunch and learn ab...

Day 4: From Sonoma Valley to Mendocino Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before visiting nearby Healdsburg, in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country. Savor the small-town charm, stunning vistas, and award-winning wines, all centered around a charming town plaza lined with shops, tasting rooms, galleries, and b...

Day 5: The Mendocino Coast

Get ready for a scenic day in the delightful coastal community of Mendocino. Visit the Mendocino Headlands State Park with your Travel Director and take a walk along the gentle trails, rugged coastline and secluded beaches. Next, join a Make Travel Matter® Experience ...

Day 6: A Journey to Napa Wine Valley

Depart Mendocino in the morning for a fascinating voyage through California's famous wine country. Admire the sweeping vineyard views and sample the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel at a renowned wineries before arriving in Calistoga. Famed for its vineyard...

Day 7: Depart Napa for San Francisco

It is time to say goodbye as you and your fellow travelers are transferred to San Francisco International Airport for your departures. Airport arrival at SFO International Airport is at 1:00 PM.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,489
Price per day$561
Last Updated: 6/25/2023

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
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Average
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Disappointing
255
Terrible
215
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Nov 2024

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Lovely Northern Spain with wonderful medieval sights

The coach had generous space and the tour director and coach captain were both attentive and smiley

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Westin St. Francis
  • Flamingo Resort, Satna Rosa
  • Stanford Inn by the Sea, Mendocino
  • The River Terrace Inn, Napa, CA
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-JVNCWCN17

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