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
In pictures
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:
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.
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