Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
F8G-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design" tour and experience the cultural and natural wonders of Northern California. Begin your journey in the iconic city of San Francisco, exploring landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Savor the flavors of Sonoma with a wine tasting at a historic family winery, and delve into the rich history of Sacramento. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe, with options for a scenic cruise or a gondola ride. Discover the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park with guided tours and free time to explore. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner and stargazing at the luxurious Tenaya Lodge. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.SAN-FRANCISCO-ALAMO-SQUARE.jpg
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
Day 3: San Francisco,Sonoma,Sacramento
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SONOMA Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery.SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California’s state capitol building, Midtown, the famed Johnny Cash mural, and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO SONOMA Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting of the historic Kunde Family Winery.SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California’s State Capitol building, Midtown with its boutique shops and restaurants, the famed Johnny Cash mural and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)SONOMA.jpg
Day 4: Sacramento,Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Scenic ride along the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” en route to Lake Tahoe. LAKE TAHOE Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area. Free time this evening.
SACRAMENTO–LAKE TAHOE Scenic ride along the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” en route to Lake Tahoe. LAKE TAHOE Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area. Free time this evening. (B)LAKE-TAHOE.jpg
Day 5: Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time this evening.
LAKE TAHOE LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
Day 6: Lake Tahoe,Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Meals Included: Breakfast
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort.
LAKE TAHOE–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-VIEW.jpg
Day 7: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
Day 8: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Center. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Center. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B,D)YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-WATERFALLS.jpg
Day 9: Yosemite National Park,San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–SAN FRANCISCO This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm. (B)SAN-FRANCISCO-CABLE-CAR.jpg
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 2 dinners are included.
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Welcome Drink
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in San Francisco, Sonoma, and Sacramento.
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YourChoice Excursions
Various YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic drives through Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park with photo stops.
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Farewell Dinner
A farewell dinner followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert in Yosemite National Park.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included and is on your own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Center in Yosemite National Park are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from San Francisco are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 Dinners
Notes
We encourage all guests to prebook their YourChoice Excursions to ensure your preference is available. YourChoice Excursions booked on-tour are subject to availability and vendor terms.Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Accommodation
San Francisco: San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Sacramento: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Lake Tahoe: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy scenic drives through Northern California, including the 'Most Beautiful Drive in America' en route to Lake Tahoe, and comfortable transfers between San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, you can choose from three activities: a culinary journey through Little Italy, a self-guided tour of the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium, or a journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods with a scenic drive through Sausalito.
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What will I experience in Sonoma?
In Sonoma, you will have an orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. You will also have a guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at the historic Kunde Family Winery.
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What are the highlights of the Sacramento tour?
In Sacramento, the sightseeing tour includes California’s state capitol building, Midtown with its boutique shops and restaurants, and the famed Johnny Cash mural. You will also enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
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What can I expect during the scenic ride to Lake Tahoe?
During the scenic ride to Lake Tahoe, you will travel along the 'Most Beautiful Drive in America' with photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area. You will also have free time in the evening.
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What activities are available in Lake Tahoe?
In Lake Tahoe, you can choose from a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, a gondola ride to a high observation deck above Heavenly, or exploring the American Wild West in Virginia City and the Comstock Lode.
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What will I do in Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite National Park, you will explore the park on a scenic drive with photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. You will also have the option to choose from a guided tram tour, a nature walk with a Naturalist Guide, or a private guided photography tour.
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What is included in the farewell dinner at Yosemite?
The farewell dinner at Yosemite is followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert.
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What should I consider when booking YourChoice Excursions?
It is encouraged to prebook YourChoice Excursions to ensure your preference is available. Excursions booked on-tour are subject to availability and vendor terms.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.