Northern California

7 night tour - Starting in San Francisco, California - ending in San Francisco, California.

Escorted Tour with Trafalgar.

Trafalgar has been creating exceptional Escorted journeys for nearly 70 years, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, first class hotels, complimentary WiFi on-board comfortable motorcoaches with restrooms and panoramic windows.

A showcase of California's many sides: the culture of San Francisco, the wines of Napa, the coastal retreat of Monterey and the beauty of Big Sur, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

You'll enjoy Insider moments like... tasting the heartiness of locally grown beets and smelling wonderful rosemary sea salt made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. You'll spend an unforgettable evening with a pair of renowned food preservationists and share a meal together, from the freshest of ingredients.

2017 Guaranteed departure dates:
July 29th
August 19th
September 02nd
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO 

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

Welcome to San Francisco, the City by the Bay. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a real San Francisco treat and dive into exploring on your own at nearby Pier 39, the famed marketplace filled with shops, attractions and street performers. Be sure to visit the pier's resident sea lion population. At 6 p.m., gather at a local restaurant with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Meal(s) Welcome Reception

Hotel Hyatt Regency San Francisco 

Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO SIGHTSEEING AND NAPA VALLEY

As the mist rises over the bay, the great city of San Francisco stands before you. Embark on a morning exploration that takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to fashionable Union Square. There's a story around every corner of San Francisco. Enjoy some free time at Fisherman's Wharf before driving across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, heading for Napa Valley's sun-dappled fields, lush vineyards and fragrant flowers.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast 

Hotel Embassy Suites Napa Valley

Day 3: NAPA – SACRAMENTO – LAKE TAHOE (2 NIGHTS)

Rise early this morning for an unforgettable optional hot air balloon ride over the lush Napa Valley. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Napa Valley area before boarding the Napa Valley Wine Train's lovingly restored Pullman cars for a taste of the golden age of rail travel. Journey through the sparkling sunlight of a Napa afternoon as you indulge in a Regional Meal lunch and wine tasting. After lunch, travel through the fertile Sacramento River Valley to the alpine splendour of Lake Tahoe, its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Hotel Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel at Heavenly Valley

Day 4: LAKE TAHOE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

After a relaxing breakfast, step back in time as you ride along the Pony Express Trail to America's largest historic landmark, Virginia City, where Mark Twain once roamed the streets and everybody wanted a piece of the "Richest Place on Earth". Learning about California's infamous Gold Rush is a true Cultural Insight. Take some time to visit one of the mansions, museums, gold and silver stores and see a real mine. This evening, join an elegant sunset dinner cruise on the lake, complete with live music and magnificent views.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel at Heavenly Valley 

Day 5: LAKE TAHOE – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Snow covered for much of the year, stunning Tioga Pass is the perfect entry point to the Golden State's most famous National Park, Yosemite. (Weather conditions may cause the Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used.) Descend from the Sierra Nevada Mountains into the Yosemite Valley, passing the misty splendour of Bridal Veil Falls. Enjoy your accommodation inside the park, taking in all of the natural wonders after the crowds have left and just a short stroll from Yosemite Falls.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Yosemite Valley Lodge

Day 6: YOSEMITE – SALINAS VALLEY – CARMEL – MONTEREY (2 NIGHTS)

Head west today into Salinas Valley and join an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit and vegetable production and advanced farming techniques of the region with a Local Expert. Then cruise scenic 17­Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Travel north to Monterey for a Be My Guest experience. Your hosts share their knowledge and love of food with you this evening as you dine on a meal of the freshest, locally sourced produce of the region. Participate in the creation of your meal, an experience meant to empower you as a diner with an understanding of the farm­to­table experience.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Hotel The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay 

Day 7MONTEREY, CARMEL AND BIG SUR EXCURSION

Experience the glories of the California coast cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the famed Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Link before travelling to Big Sur. Stop in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea to browse the many shops, wander down to the water's edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a café. Then it's on to hidden coves with sandy beaches, towering redwoods touching the sky and dolphins and sea lions cavorting in the clear waters-Big Sur's natural majesty will take your breath away. Return to Monterey for a tour of Cannery Row, made famous by native Californian author, John Steinbeck. Enjoy some free time at lively, picturesque Fisherman's Wharf, home to restaurants, shops and vibrant street life, or join an optional visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a festive Farewell Dinner. 

Highway 1/Big Sur advisory – Travel along Hwy 1 between Carmel and Ragged Point/Hearst Castle is now restricted due to recent mudslides and bridge closures. Re-routing via US-101 may be necessary depending on conditions at time of travel.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner 

Hotel The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay 

Day 8: MONTEREY – ROARING CAMP – DEPART SAN FRANCISCO

When Isaac Graham settled in the hills outside of Santa Cruz in the 1830s, Mexican authorities named his rowdy settlement “Roaring Camp.” Today, journey back in time to the era of lumberjacks and sawmills in a re­created 1880s logging camp, complete with a general store and railroad depot. Luckily, Graham and his lumberjacks didn't cut down the massive redwoods just minutes away in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Walk among the awe­inspiring trees —some of the largest living things on earth—and admire these treasures of California. End your journey where you began, in the golden city of San Francisco. Take a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or return to the Hyatt Regency San Francisco if you wish to extend your stay.

Please do not schedule any flights before 3pm.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Your Trafalgar Tour Highlights


Hidden Treasures Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.

Be My Guest Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced food with your hosts in Monterey.

Local Specialists An agriculture tour in Salinas Valley.

Cultural Insights at the Cable Car Museum and learn about fortune cookies.

Sightseeing Highlights

City tour of San Francisco
Visit the California State Railroad Museum, "The Salad Bowl of the World" in Salinas Valley, Lake Tahoe, breathtaking Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Roaring Camp and Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
See quaint Carmel, Big Sur and Napa Valley from the Napa Valley Wine Train
Scenic drive along spectacular 17-Mile Drive and ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train

Dining

7 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners (including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
7 nights First Class accommodation
 

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your chauffer-driven car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Trafalgar tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Trafalgar you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Trafalgar standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
29th July and 19th August 2017 £2566 £1865 £1683 Please call
02nd September 2017 £2594 £1894 £1710 Please call
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Trafalgar Tours before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £58.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Trafalgar Tours. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.