Northern California's Finest
Northern California's Finest
Northern California's Finest
9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, United States
Visiting: Arrive In San Francisco, California, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey, Monterey. Excursion To Carmel, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AL-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 36
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Southern California may be known for its stars, but northern California is the home of true legends. Despite the absence of paparazzi, you’ll hear countless shutters click as you enjoy a scenic tram ride through stunning Yosemite and coast along Monterey’s jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the towering-tree-lined slopes of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, there are endless highpoints included in this nine-day tour through northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to see how their award-winning wines are made. Other stellar experiences to toast on this northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and bidding the moon goodnight in two signature stone and cedar national park lodges. Sweet dreams.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In San Francisco,California
Location: Arrive In San Francisco, California
ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf, a bowl of clam chowder with famous sourdough bread, or a Ghirardelli chocolate or two in the stunning city by the bay. Your Tour Director has suggestions for your night, and your GlobusGO mobile app puts all the possibilities right at your fingertips. SAN-FRANCISCO-ALAMO-SQUARE.jpg
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SAN FRANCISCO The City by the Bay This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco to take in its famous sights. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS San Francisco is a city to be loved. Maybe that’s why so many visitors really do leave their hearts here. From Golden Gate National Recreation area and the stunning Japanese Tea Gardens to the iconic and incredible Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Presidio, you’ll also soak in the sea air with sights of Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and more.SAN-FRANCISCO-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Day 3: San Francisco,Sonoma,Sacramento
Location: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento
Meals Included: Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO Bridge to Bountiful Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma for an orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Delight in a tasting at a [LF] family-owned winery. Continue to the capital of California, Sacramento, for a sightseeing tour and a free evening. Tonight, venture out to explore one of the many restaurants, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit the beautiful family-owned winery, where estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines have flowed for over a century. Taste the California vintages that thrive here with a tradition of generations. SONOMA.jpg
Day 4: Sacramento,Yosemite National Park
Location: Sacramento, Yosemite National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SACRAMENTO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Treasures of the High Sierras Travel south through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Best known for its waterfalls, but with nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find grand meadows, ancient sequoias, and much more. Continue to the Tenaya Lodge for a memorable 2-night stay. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Tenaya Lodge is nestled among towering Sugar Pines in the Sierra National Forest offering an elegant stay with access to multiple eateries, a world-class spa, three swimming pools, and refined guestrooms with deluxe amenities. You can even head to the fire pit with a s’mores kit. The pinnacle of Yosemite-area lodging, Tenaya Lodge offers Globus travelers something special.YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-WATERFALLS.jpg
Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Nature’s Cathedral Today, descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Enjoy free time for the balance of the day in Yosemite National Park. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Yosemite National Park. The place which Theodore Roosevelt described as a “great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.” After camping with naturalist John Muir, the president was so moved by the natural and sacred beauty of this pristine land that he established the National Forest Service, followed by hundreds of national monuments, protected parks, and wildlife sanctuaries—preserving more than 200 million acres of wilderness for generations to come. Your Tour Director will be able to offer recommendations on how to fill your day.YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-VIEW.jpg
Day 6: Yosemite,Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Location: Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
YOSEMITE–SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Forest Giants & Heavenly Objects Travel to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a [LF] stargazing experience. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITENATURAL WONDERS Explore the “Land of Giants” in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to discover a land of stunning diversity and beauty with soaring mountains, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! This natural region is also blessed with some of the darkest night skies (free from city lights) that offer an amazing opportunity for spectacular stargazing. As you look skyward to the glittering heavens, hear ancient and cultural legends about the constellations you’ll witness in the night sky. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Feel like you're dreaming with a stay at the wonderful Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. Its beautifully crafted cedar and stone architecture offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and High Sierra peaks from its spectacular alpine setting in the Sequoias.SEQUOIA-NATIONAL-PARK.jpg
Day 7: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks,Monterey
Location: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey
Meals Included: Breakfast
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS–MONTEREY Old-Growth Trees & Ocean Tides Spend more time this morning exploring these magnificent parks, which now protect nearly half the remaining sequoia groves in the world. See the General Sherman Tree, spend time at the Visitors’ Center, or simply relax in one of the most beautiful settings you’ll find. Continue across the farmlands of California to the coastal town of Monterey, home to the world-famous Cannery Row, for a 2-night stay. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name, Cannery Row is filled with history and vibrant sights along the waterfront of Monterey Bay. Once a bustling district of sardine factories, the street is a brightly painted avenue of eateries and shops that harken back to a heritage of fishermen and rich stories. Tomorrow morning, stroll along the wharf for the chance to see whales, otters, and other sea creatures in the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean shore. MONTEREY.jpg
Day 8: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel
Location: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL The Rocky Shores of Pebble Beach This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive and the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Return to Monterey, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Feel the windswept spirit of the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular drive along 17-Mile Drive to the charming haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea. See its crooked cottages and twisted trees in the popular haunt of writers, artists, and celebrities. You’ll pass by sweeping sea views and rocky shores, visit the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course for a walk on the fairway, and see the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to its rocky perch.CARMEL-17-MILE-DRIVE.jpg
Day 9: Monterey,San Francisco
Location: Monterey, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm.
MONTEREY–SAN FRANCISCO Safe travels until we meet again! This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm. (B)SAN-FRANCISCO-GOLDEN-GATE.jpg
What's Included
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Fully Guided
Expert guide and director on this tour.
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
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Meals
8 Breakfast and 4 dinner are included.
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
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International Travel
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Insurance
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 dinners
Accommodation
San Francisco:San Francisco Marriott MarquisSacramento:Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront PromenadeYosemite National Park:Tenaya Lodge at YosemiteSequoia National Park:Wuksachi LodgeMonterey:Hyatt Regency Monterey
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at the following accommodations: San Francisco Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade in Sacramento, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Yosemite National Park, Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, and Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with an expert guide and director.
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What activities are included in Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite National Park, you will descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore famous sites like El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. You will also have free time to explore the park.
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What can I expect during the visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks?
During the visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, you will have dinner followed by a stargazing experience. You will also have time to explore the parks, see the General Sherman Tree, visit the Visitors’ Center, or relax in the beautiful setting.
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What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in San Francisco, California, and meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at 6 pm.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary, such as free time to explore San Francisco on Day 2, free time for lunch in Sonoma on Day 3, and free time in Yosemite National Park on Day 5.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities are not included in the tour package and would need to be arranged separately.
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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.
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Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
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We look after you every step of the way.