Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

31 Views
9 Days From

$4097

$3708

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:

Globus

Tour code:

F8G-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Sailing

Activities:

Walking

From: $4097 $3708 Operator discount: -$390

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Enjoy morning sightseeing in San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.

  • Embark on a culinary journey through Little Italy in San Francisco.

  • Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery in Sonoma.

  • Sightseeing tour in Sacramento, including California’s state capitol building and the famed Johnny Cash mural.

  • Scenic ride along the "Most Beautiful Drive in America" en route to Lake Tahoe.

  • Explore Yosemite National Park on a scenic drive, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

  • Private stargazing excursion with a local expert in Yosemite National Park.

Places You'll See

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite

Itinerary

Expand All

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.

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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:

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)

SAN-FRANCISCO-GOLDEN-GATE.jpg

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)

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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:

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.
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.

Free time this evening. (B)

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:

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.
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.

Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort. (B)

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

  • Accommodation

    Stay at San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe, and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 2 dinners are included.

  • Welcome Drink

    Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours in San Francisco, Sonoma, and Sacramento.

  • YourChoice Excursions

    Various YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.

  • Scenic Drives

    Scenic drives through Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park with photo stops.

  • Farewell Dinner

    A farewell dinner followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert in Yosemite National Park.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch

    Lunch is not included and is on your own.

  • 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.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from San Francisco are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Saturday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$4235 $3846

Operator discount: -$390

Friday - Saturday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$4264 $3874

Operator discount: -$390

Friday - Saturday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$4235 $3846

Operator discount: -$390

Friday - Saturday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$4097 $3708

Operator discount: -$390

Friday - Saturday

Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$4616 $4161

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$4642 $4187

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$4642 $4187

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$4642 $4187

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$4616 $4161

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$4466 $4012

Operator discount: -$455

Friday - Saturday

Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$4466 $4012

Operator discount: -$455

Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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