Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, CA, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, North America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
F8G-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 36
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4664
$4220 (USD)
Operator discount: -$444
NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush! (P)Why This Tour is El Capitan: •A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite. •The Wild West and the Pony Express ... lake time and gold mines ... granite cliffs and wine sniffs!•Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. •Eureka!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2 : San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meals Included: No Meals
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:
DELVE: Rooted in Beauty
A self guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium immerses you in the stunning ecosystems of the California Coast.
TASTE: "Carbe" Diem!
Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and savor some of the best Italian food the city has to offer.
TREK: Redwood ReTREEt!
Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito.
Day 3 : San Francisco-Sonoma-Sacramento
Location: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 4 : Sacramento-Lake Tahoe
Location: Sacramento, Lake Tahoe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
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.
Day 5 : Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
SAIL: Yachts of Fun!
Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and glacier-carved Emerald Bay.
GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway
Soar to the 9,150-foot-high observation deck above Heavenly in a glass-cabin gondola for stunning views over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
DELVE: Historic Haunts
Explore the American Wild West in Virginia City, Nevada, and follow the Pony Express route to the mining motherlode site at Comstock Lode.
Free time this evening.
Day 6 : Lake Tahoe-Yosemite National Park
Location: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 7 : Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite
Meals Included: Breakfast
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White
Join a private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery with instruction by expert photography guides.
TREK: Yosemite, Naturally
Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir discovered "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." Your Naturalist Guide will show you the breathtaking views of the Yosemite region, while encountering the fantastic flora and fauna of this magical wilderness.
GAZE: Westward, Ho!
Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of Native Peoples and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other.
Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort.
Day 8 : Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 9 : Yosemite National Park-San Francisco
Location: Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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International Travel
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 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.
Accommodation
San Francisco:San Francisco Marriott MarquisSacramento:Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront PromenadeLake Tahoe:The Lake Tahoe Resort HotelYosemite National Park:Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Friday - Saturday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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