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Californias Winelands National Park And Pacific Coasts
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A Walking and discovery in Yosemite, San Francisco, Napa Valley and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula |
Ref: EX-DWF
14 days
from £0 (minimum 7 passengers)
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Destination:
USA
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Walking and discovery in Yosemite, San Francisco, Napa Valley and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula
California is a land of geographical extremes and its incredibly diverse landscape is full of natural wonders. The sheer scale of the soaring granite domes of Yosemite National Park is truly impressive, the beautifully rugged Pacific coastline has cypress-covered cliffs and fantastic beaches, while San Francisco is an unforgettable city, draped over hills close to the ocean. This is the land of the giant Sequoia trees that have been inching skywards for 3000 years, and vast expanses of fertile valleys dedicated to the fine art of viniculture. We spend our days on leisurely walks with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the experience as well as studying the extensive variety of flora and fauna. The areas of Monterey and Napa rank among the most coveted resort areas in the US, while the North Coast and Yosemite have long attracted keen walkers and lovers of the great outdoors. The fabled sunny weather makes the outdoor experiences so much more enjoyable, while the world-class wine-tasting and gourmet food delight the palate. We travel in a small group with a knowledgeable local leader who will show us the sights and guide us on walks to the natural highlights.
Extend your stay: extra accommodation can be booked at the Radission Hotel in San Francisco £46 single, £52 double, plus a £5 booking fee.
Further Information
Special equipment required: walking boots are recommended, waterproof/windproof jacket for the occasional rain shower.
Extra Expenses: allow US$250-400 for meals not included, extra for drinks and optional activities such as whale watching (US$30), wine tasting, and Monterey Bay Aquarium (US$15). Please also allow approx. US$60 for tips.
Meals Included: 6 continental breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 4 trail lunches.
Transport: we use a private maxi-van with trailer for luggage with larger groups. The small vehicle and flexible itinerary allowing us to adapt to weather conditions, local happenings and access places off the main tourist trail; we can opt for extra stops, different walks, a beach picnic or sunset dinner in Yosemite.
Children: this group holiday is not available for children under the age of 16.
Joining locally: the land only joining point is the Radission Hotel in San Francisco. There is an airport shuttle from San Francisco Intl Airport for about US$15. You can join in the afternoon or evening of day 1.
Group & Staff
Min. 7, max. 13, plus leader/driver
Accommodation
Throughout this holiday we can expect most rooms to be modern and large, with large private bathrooms, televisions and phones. Many have irons, hair driers and coffee makers. The standard of the 3 and 4 star hotels is amongst the highest on any Destinations trip, with pools and Jacuzzis. In San Francisco we stay at the 4-star Radisson Miyako, 1.5 miles from Union Square, in a quiet, historic neighbourhood of charming Victorian homes. The rooms have sliding Japanese screens that open to reveal views of the city. The Comfort Inn in the small rural town of Santa Rosa has a large outdoor swimming pool and is close to a shopping area and about a mile from the town’s lively central square. At Yosemite we stay at the Best Western in the heart of the historic gold mining town of Mariposa. Carmel Mission Inn is next to flower-filled pedestrian areas and close to the ocean and historic town centre. The last night is spent near the airport in the Radisson Brisbane Hotel, convenient for the morning flight.
Food
California has a reputation for good food and excellent wine. Napa Valley wine tasting is some of the best in the States and innovative gourmet cuisine, such as Fusion cuisine, provides some unique menus, reflecting the considerable ethnic diversity of the population. Dinner is included on day 2 (a traditional Chinese meal in Chinatown), and on day 12. At other times there is always a choice of places to eat. The leader will suggest a restaurant for those who wish to dine as a group. 4 trail lunches (picnics) are included when there is nowhere to buy lunch. Breakfasts are included in the hotels when these represent good value; at other times there is always a good breakfast restaurant close by where you can buy hot or cold food.
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Day 1 | Depart London on the flight to San Francisco. Transfer to the hotel. Those with land-only arrangements will join us at the hotel in the evening. | Day 2 | A morning briefing followed by exploration of the city on foot and by cable car, including Chinatown, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. In the afternoon we enjoy a harbour cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge. | Day 3 | A free morning to explore the museums, the botanical collection at Golden Gate Park, or just stroll the streets of this lively city. In the afternoon we drive to some fantastic viewpoints, and walk over the Golden Gate Bridge. There is time to explore the quaint streets of Sausalito and enjoy dinner before we head to Santa Rosa. | Day 4 | An early start for a half-day walk among the world’s tallest trees, the giant redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Park. By lunchtime we will be at the famous Korbel Champagne winery, where we have a chance to buy lunch, tour the cellars and taste the sparkling wines. More famous wineries of the Sonoma or Alexander Valley follow (small tasting fees apply). By late afternoon we will be back in Santa Rosa to relax by the pool, visit the lively square and find a good restaurant. | Day 5 | We start the day with a visit to the Sonoma State Historic Park, a living history museum of the Spanish settlers of the area, then move on to the wineries of Napa Valley. A tour of Niebaum Copola, includes a collection of Hollywood memorabilia. There is time to explore St Helena and take lunch, before culminating with a tour of Clos Pegase Winery (small fees apply for wine tasting). We end the day with a visit to the historic town of Calistoga. | Day 6 | Leaving the wine we head for the gold in them there hills of the Sierra Nevada. A leisurely 6 hour drive takes us to the pine tree studded foothills around Mariposa. In the afternoon we visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, to find out about the history of the Gold Rush. | Day 7 | We head for one of the most beautiful national parks in the world - Yosemite, the crown jewel of the High Sierra, the famous valley bordered by 1000m tall granite cliffs with tumbling waterfalls. Glacier Point provides unsurpassed views of Half Dome. Optional walking down the Panorama Trail to the John Muir Trail (about 8 miles) or some or the many shorter trails. | Day 8 | A morning walking among the giant redwoods of the Sierra Nevada before an afternoon exploring Yosemite Valley. | Day 9 | We head for the high country at Yosemite at Tuolumne Meadows. At 2500m we enjoy the stark scenery of Tenaya Lake and a scramble up Lembert Dome overlooking the valley. Afternoon at leisure in Mariposa. | Day 10 | We depart for the coast, reaching Carmel mid-afternoon in time to visit the beautiful Carmel Mission, founded in 1771. | Day 11 | A morning to relax or go whale watching (optional) with the possibility of seeing Blue and Humback Whales, sea lions, dolphins and sea otters. In the afternoon we drive along Highway 1, the fantastic cliff-hanging road above the Pacific Ocean. We walk to waterfalls that plunge into the ocean and spend time on a beautiful, wild beach in Andrew Molera State Park. There is excellent bird watching along the coast. | Day 12 | The last morning finds us at Point Lobos State Preserve, walking along the dramatic cliffs with views of the wild Pacific. Pass sea lion rookeries and maybe see endangered sea otters at Whaler’s Cove. We return to the hotel and then take the scenic drive along the coast between Carmel and Monterey. Visit Cannery Row, made famous by Steinbeck’s books, and a optional extra is to visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Late afternoon finds us heading to Half Moon Bay, to celebrate goodbye at a lively local restaurant with views of the Pacific. The last night is spend near the airport. | Day 13 | Depart San Francisco on the flight to London. Land only clients end the trip at the hotel. | Day 14 | Arrive London in the early morning. |
Departures Between | Price from | Price TBA | *£0 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Local payment US$140 (approx. £90)
Single room supplement £300
Insurance £77
**Land-only 13 days Fri to Wed
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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Californias Winelands National Park And Pacific Coasts
A Walking and discovery in Yosemite, San Francisco, Napa Valley and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula
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