Day 1 : Fly to California

Upon arriving in the “City by the Bay,” we settle into our deluxe accommodations for two nights.

Day 2 : San Francisco

This morning, we board San Francisco’s iconic cable cars for a quintessential ride downtown. Afterwards, a local guide joins us for a driving tour of the city’s top highlights, including Twin Peaks, Market Street, Golden Gate Park, and more. We then enjoy leisure time at Fisherman’s Wharf, the historic bayside district with restaurants, shops, and sea lions sunbathing. Tonight, we cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge to nearby Sausalito and get to know fellow travelers during a Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Napa Valley & Sacramento

Today, we journey into the heart of one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world: Napa Valley. Indulge in a tasting of renowned vinos after our guided tour at Castello di Amorosa, a medieval castle winery that's reminiscent of Italy’s stunning Tuscany region. Following an included lunch, we depart the picturesque countryside and make our way to Sacramento. This evening, we partake in a tantalizing food tour with a variety of gourmet dishes at local restaurants. Meet the talented chefs behind the meals and learn about the area’s farm-to-fork culture while delighting your taste buds with the city’s incredible culinary scene.

Day 4 : Railroad Museum & Kennedy Gold Mine

Our day begins by discovering over 150 years of rail history at the California State Railroad Museum. See several steam locomotives dating as far back as 1862 and browse intricate exhibits that tell the story of how railroads changed life in the West. This afternoon, we’re immersed in California’s gold rush era of the mid-1800s during a tour of the Kennedy Gold Mine. Learn about mining from our expert guide, then receive a complimentary poke sack for collecting your own treasures while panning for gold! Later, we travel to Oakhurst and check in for our two-night stay.

Day 5 : Yosemite National Park

We explore the scenic protected lands and natural wonders of Yosemite National Park today! In Mariposa Grove, take a leisurely hike through enormous sequoias and marvel at how they can live for more than 2,000 years and grow up to 300 feet tall. A park ranger then joins us as we view some of Yosemite Valley’s most famous landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, the Half Dome, and El Capitan. There is also time to explore Yosemite on your own, such as grabbing a bite at an eatery, going for a stroll along a beautiful trail, or visiting the park store.

Day 6 : Castle Air Museum & Monterey

This morning, we begin our drive back towards the coast and stop at Castle Air Museum in Atwater. This military aviation museum features historic military and presidential aircraft, plus exhibits that showcase technology from the past and provide a glimpse into the future of flight. We then visit Casa de Fruta, a family-owned orchard that offers nuts, wine, sweets, and other gifts. Later, we arrive at our Monterey hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Day 7 : Whale Watching

Today’s adventure is all about discovering California’s spectacular marine life! We embark on a whale-watching cruise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a gorgeous, protected region that’s highly studied for conservation efforts. While taking in the scenic views, enjoy insight from the onboard naturalist or marine biologist. After an included lunch, we visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, commonly rated as one of the top aquariums in the United States and the first to exhibit a living kelp forest. The rest of the day is yours for individual exploration or relaxation.

Day 8 : Roaring Camp Railroads

We’re off to Roaring Camp Railroads this morning for a round-trip journey through the recreated 19th-century logging town. Take in stunning vistas as we roll among towering groves of redwood trees within the Santa Cruz Mountains to the summit of Bear Mountain. This afternoon, our journey concludes in the San Francisco area with time to unwind before a celebratory Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 : Fly Home

We return home with fond memories of our dreamy coastal California getaway.