Highlights include Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valleys, COPIA, Napa Valley Wine Train, Korbel, |Bodega Bay, Glen Ellen and more.|
Itinerary:
Day #1 San Francisco, California - Experience the vibrancy of San Francisco and explore the beautiful countryside of the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Traveling through this world-renowned region, gain an understanding of wine culture and production through private discussions with vineyard experts and sample locally made food during culinary tours and tastings. Today you arrive in the stunning "City by the Bay", San Francisco. This wonderful city is celebrated for its colorful culture, breathtaking setting, temperate climate and picturesque waterfront.
Day #2 San Francisco - This morning you will be met by a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city. Highlights include the Twin Peaks, Seal Rocks and the Golden Gate Bridge. The remainder of the day is free to independently explore the best of what San Francisco has to offer. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner on Fisherman’s Wharf.
Day #3 San Francisco - Sonoma - Santa Rosa - Only a few miles north of San Francisco, across the famed Golden Gate Bridge, is the old-growth coastal redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument, named for famed naturalist, John Muir. Stroll through 1,000-year-old giant trees towering 260 feet high and find out why the sun seldom hits the ground! Continue your travels into the verdant Napa Valley. Long known as the epicenter of California wine and cuisine, this sun drenched valley features small towns nestled in the curve of the hills and vineyards and farms dotting the landscape. Upon arrival in Sonoma, enjoy a tour of the Viansa Winery followed by a “Tuscan” wine and food pairing with an experienced wine specialist.
Day #4 Santa Rosa - Napa Valley - Santa Rosa - All aboard!! Arrive at the Napa Valley Station for a wine symposium and tasting before you board the Napa Valley Wine Train. The Napa Valley Railroad Company was founded in 1864 by Samuel Brannan. In 1885 the Southern Pacific Railroad Company purchased the line and it continued in operation for the next 102 years until sold to the Napa Valley Wine Train, Inc. in 1987. Today, the train offers a splendidly restored 1915 Pullman car that takes you through the beautiful Napa Valley. Enjoy an exquisite lunch aboard while viewing the beautiful scenery.
Day #5 Santa Rosa - Bodega Bay - Santa Rosa - Start your day with a visit to the Kendall Jackson Wine Center. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the winery and learn the process of winemaking from one of the staff at this world-famous wine center. Following the tour, enjoy a tasting before taking time to explore the beautifully manicured gardens. Next, travel to one of the most well-known champagne makers in the United States, Korbel. Enjoy a cellar tour to learn the process of making champagne followed by a tasting of select champagnes. Following this quintessential Sonoma experience, travel along the beautiful and rugged California coast to the quaint fishing village of Bodega Bay, made famous as the location for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds.” Your day winds down as you return to your hotel traveling through Sonoma Valley’s picturesque landscape lined with farms and vineyards.
Day #6 Santa Rosa - Glen Ellen - Sonoma - Santa Rosa - Spend the day exploring the flavors of Sonoma! Begin your day in the village of Glen Ellen. During your visit discover the step-by-step milling process of how olive oil is made. Following your tour, partake in a tasting and judge for yourself which one suits your palate. Then, stop at the first ever chocolate tasting room to taste chocolate and view the chocolatiers working in a viewable kitchen. No visit to wine country would be complete without learning about wine’s most favored pairing – cheese. Visit an artisanal cheese maker to learn about the process of making cheese, followed by a tasting. Next, visit the town of Sonoma and enjoy free time to explore Sonoma Plaza, a National Historic Landmark framed with lovingly preserved adobe buildings housing unique shops and restaurants. Tonight will be the highlight of your trip with a special dinner where you will toast your memorable trip to San Francisco and the wine country of California.
Day #7 Sonoma Valley - Tour Concludes - Your tour ends in the Sonoma Valley this morning.