Northern California Bliss

Welcome to San Francisco! Upon arrival at SFO Airport, you will pick up your rental car and drive into San Francisco. Before heading out for dinner, you may want to enjoy a cocktail at the View Lounge on the 39th floor of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis for amazing views of the city. Kick-off your California adventure with a walk through the famous streets of Chinatown and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Few cities boast an international culinary scene like San Francisco. Hop on one of the city’s iconic cable cars to explore the exciting sights and unforgettable neighborhoods of the city while sampling some of its best dishes. Don’t miss the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Ghiradelli Square (make sure to pick up some chocolate!), and the classic San Francisco view from atop the hill on Lombard Street. Top off your day with a seafood dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll encounter some famous local residents, the Pier 39 sea lions!

Explore more of this exciting city: visit Coit Tower, wander through Little Italy and Chinatown, shop the boutiques of Union Square, or take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz. Or dive into nature for a true Northern California experience and set off across the Golden Gate Bridge towards Muir Woods. In this 560-acre park you’ll find the iconic towering redwoods, which grow as tall as 380 feet. On your way back, be sure to stop at the Muir Beach Overlook for magnificent views of the Pacific Coast and, if you travel at the right time of the year, whales! From here you can visit quaint Sausalito or Tiberon and enjoy a delicious seafood meal on the Bay.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you continue to Napa Valley with visits to notable wineries of your choice to sample some of California’s finest wines. On your way, we recommend your first stop to be Domaine Carneros winery to sample their world-famous sparkling whites! Continue to St. Helena, known as Napa Valley’s “Main Street” and where you’ll find exclusive luxury retreats, chic boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Spend your afternoon enjoying this charming town or visiting the many wineries ringing the town.

Explore beautiful California wine country: continue tasting in elegant Napa, or head to laid-back Sonoma Valley, nestled between two mountain ranges. You’ll find a wide variety of wineries in Sonoma, including St. Francis and BR Cohn, famous for its homemade olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as well as endless views of rolling hills and lush meadows. For a more active adventure, venture across the valley to Lake Berryessa, one of the largest bodies of freshwater in California, and enjoy boating, water skiing, and other water sports as well as quiet coves for kayaking and swimming.

After breakfast, make your way to the famous Pacific Coast Highway for awe-inspiring views as you drive towards the picturesque cities of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stop in Monterey for lunch at the Paris Bakery for their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Onwards towards Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll pass the charming little town of Pacific Grove, then Pebble Beach as you journey along the famous 17-Mile Drive. Winding its way along the coast, 17-Mile Drive offers spectacular views of dramatic cliffs, towering cypresses, magnificent homes, and an array of wildlife. Experience authentic Californian charm in the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea as you explore its tranquil white-sand beaches, whimsical storybook houses, and fantastic boutiques. Return to Monterey for a dinner of fresh seafood at one of the many fine local restaurants.