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Hosted By: Jenna Jackson
Anchor, Quad Cities Today
KWQC TV
View Biography
Hosted By: Dustin Nolan
Enjoy a dreamy West Coast vacation with iconic attractions and time at leisure for personal pursuits or relaxation. Begin with a city tour of San Francisco as we ride the famous cable cars, see Golden Gate Park, and spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf. Travel into the heart of Napa Valley, one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, for an included tasting before continuing on to Sacramento for a farm-to-fork tour of locally sourced, gourmet dishes. Try your luck panning for gold at Kennedy Gold Mine and then view Yosemite National Park’s natural wonders, including the amazing sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. Discover fascinating marine life during a privately chartered whale-watching cruise in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium, then climb aboard a 19th-century train for a wonderful ride through redwoods. Our journey concludes in the San Francisco area with a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
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October 3rd, 2025 - October 11th, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$5999
Single
$7199
Final Payment Date: 07/20/2025
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.
KWQC TV Pickup Locations:
Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport
Davenport, IA - Best Western Plus SteepleGate Inn
Maquoketa, IA - AmericInn By Wyndham Maquoketa
Rock Falls, IL - Walmart
Jenna Jackson is an award-winning journalist born and raised in the Quad Cities. She is the anchor and executive producer of Quad Cities Today on KWQC TV6 News. She is married to her co-anchor, Dustin Nolan and they have two sons together; Parker and Brooks. She enjoys true-crime series on Netflix, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.
Dustin Nolan is a quarterback turned award-winning journalist who loves to bring you the news of the day. Dustin made the switch from sports to news and now anchors alongside his wife, Jenna Jackson, on Quad Cities Today on KWQC TV6 News. When Dustin isn’t working, he spends time with his wife, Jenna Jackson, and their two sons, John Parker and Brooks.
Join Dustin, Jenna and KWQC-TV6 viewers on this wonderful tour.
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword QUAD.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.