Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern California with the "Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design" tour. Begin your adventure in the iconic city of San Francisco, where you'll explore the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio, and indulge in a culinary journey through Little Italy. Continue to Sonoma for a guided tour of historic wine caves and a tasting at a family winery. Discover Sacramento's rich history with a sightseeing tour, including the state capitol building and the Johnny Cash mural. Experience the breathtaking "Most Beautiful Drive in America" en route to Lake Tahoe, where you'll enjoy scenic views and free time. Conclude your journey with a visit to the majestic Yosemite National Park, featuring a scenic drive, photo stops, and a private stargazing excursion. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and daily breakfasts, with two dinners included, as you explore the Golden State's natural beauty and cultural landmarks. ...more ...less
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.
Day 2: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Little Italy, San Francisco, California Academy of Sciences, Steinhart Aquarium, Muir Woods, Sausalito
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: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.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. TREK: Redwood ReTREEt!Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito.(B)
Day 3: San Francisco,Sonoma,Sacramento
Location: Sonoma, Sacramento
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.
Day 4: Sacramento,Lake Tahoe
Location: Sacramento, 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.
Day 5: Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time this evening.
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.
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.
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.
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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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 are included.
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YourChoice Excursions
Various YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park are included.
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Scenic Drives
Enjoy 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 is included.
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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.
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
Stay at the luxurious San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
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 are included in the YourChoice Excursions?
The YourChoice Excursions offer a variety of activities such as a culinary journey through Little Italy in San Francisco, a self-guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium, and a journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods.
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What is included in the guided tours during the trip?
Guided tours are included in San Francisco, Sonoma, and Sacramento. In Sonoma, there is a guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery. In Sacramento, the tour includes California’s state capitol building and the famed Johnny Cash mural.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is included daily, and there are two dinners included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour, such as in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, where you can explore at your own pace or participate in optional activities.
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What is the farewell event on the last night of the tour?
The farewell event includes a dinner followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert in Yosemite National Park.
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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
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Book 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 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, USA
Visiting: San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Little Italy, San Francisco, California Academy of Sciences, Steinhart Aquarium, Muir Woods, Sausalito, Sonoma, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, North America ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
F8G-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided