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Yosemite National Park, Califiornia

Highlights of Northern California

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,600 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Combine northern California's world-class cities, wineries and national parks

Highlights

  • Begin with San Francisco's eclectic neighbourhoods and Golden Gate icon
  • Head north to taste your way through Sonoma's award-winning wineries
  • Turn inland to discover the spellbinding shores of Lake Tahoe
  • End with the UNESCO-listed treasures of Yosemite National Park

In Brief

  • 3 Nights San Francisco
  • 2 Nights Sonoma
  • 1 Night Sacramento
  • 2 Nights Lake Tahoe
  • 2 Nights Yosemite Valley

About

Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture | June holidays | May holidays | Natural world | October holidays | Self-drive

Soaring mountain peaks, vast redwood forests, miles of spectacular coastline, vibrant cities, world-renowned wineries, iconic national parks and the largest alpine lake in North America can all be found in beautiful Northern California. This USA fly-drive holiday takes you from the iconic hillside neighbourhoods of San Francisco, through the verdant vineyards of Sonoma and on towards the state capital, Sacramento. Then, finish things off in style with stays at mountain-ringed Lake Tahoe and the vast expanse of Yosemite National Park.

Day by day itinerary

Days 1-3
UK/San Francisco

After included airport lounge access and a daytime flight, you'll arrive in San Francisco where you'll make your way to your city hotel, the excellent Argonaut in Fisherman's Wharf. Alternatively, an upgrade to the Sir Francis Drake pairs grand staircases and gilded ceilings with fine dining and a superb Powell Street location. Then, across two days, you'll have free time to explore on the the USA's true city greats. Hop on a cable car to Fisherman's Wharf, take a ferry to Alcatraz or explore Nob Hill, Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, home to Alamo Square's famous 'Painted Ladies', a brightly painted row of Victorian and Edwardian houses. Head north and you'll find the vibrant wine region of Napa – perfect for a day trip or extended overnight stay before you go on to Sonoma. We particularly recommend the Napa Valley Wine Train Tour where, after an early start from San Francisco, you'll board the train in Napa and enjoy a three-course gourmet lunch among rolling valleys before an included vineyard tour and tasting.

Stay: The Argonaut, San Francisco (Superior)

Days 4-5
Sonoma Valley

Pick up your hire car and head inland to explore one of California's best-known wine regions, perhaps pausing for a tasting along the way. Often unfairly overshadowed by the big-name acts of its next-door neighbour, bucolic Sonoma, your home for a two-night stay, is an enticing, some say quieter, alternative to the more famous Napa Valley. Just like its sibling, however, Sonoma Valley features over 400 wineries, ranging from family-run boutiques to internationally regarded labels.

Stay: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma (Deluxe)

Day 6
Sacramento

California's charming state capital offers up a variety of exciting experiences, from white water rafting down the American River, to wine tasting in the up and coming vineyards of Amador County. Sacramento is the city that marks the original site of the famous nineteenth century gold rush, and panning for some elusive gold is still a popular activity for visitors today.

Stay: Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel (Superior)

Days 7-8
Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is, in places, so clear that you can see up to 70 feet down into the water! Outdoor activities abound at this national treasure and the drive around the lake offers jaw-dropping scenery including spectacular Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed places in the US.

Stay: The Landing Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 9-10
Yosemite National Park

Ansel Adams has brought the cliffs and domes of Yosemite to many, but nothing compares to seeing them for yourself. Whether by bike, on foot or on horseback, you'll need your camera ready for the striking profile of Half Dome, the iconic monolith El Capitan and the drenching mists of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in America.

Stay: Evergreen Lodge, Yosemite (Superior)

Days 11-12
San Francisco/UK

Return your hire car in San Francisco in time for your flight home, arriving on day 12.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior Deluxe

12-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,600 pp incl. flights

Superior

Low Season

from £2,600 pp. incl. flights

High Season

from £3,350 pp. incl. flights

Includes: 

  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights between London and San Francisco
  • 8 days car hire (Compact car)
  • Self-drive information pack including map
  • 8 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a room only basis
  • 2 night accommodation in a 3* (Standard) hotel on a room only basis

High season: June-September

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Meet our experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected