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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Traditional Cable Cars
Seals at Fisherman's Wharf
Yosemite National Park
California Wine Train
California State Capitol Building
Sequoia National Park
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Wineries in Napa Valley
Departs: September 19th, 2021 Tour Dates & Pricing
Experience monumental Yosemite National Park, a leisurely ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, and city sights in Sacramento and San Francisco. Begin in San Francisco and tour the city with an expert guide, ride iconic cable cars, see Golden Gate Park, and enjoy leisure time at Fisherman’s Wharf. Experience Yosemite’s famous landmarks in an open-air tram led by a park ranger and enjoy time at leisure in the park. This tour also includes three wonderful rail attractions: lunch and a leisurely afternoon on the Napa Valley Wine Train, a visit to Sacramento’s California State Railroad Museum, and an excursion through towering groves of redwood trees on a 19th century steam train at Roaring Camp Railroad.
Hosted By: Walt Grayson
Feature Reporter & 4 PM Anchor
TCJM
View Biography
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Day 1 : Fly to California
We begin our adventure with a flight to the City by the Bay and transfer to our deluxe accommodations for two nights.
Day 2 : San Francisco
This morning we board San Francisco’s iconic cable cars and ride along downtown’s fascinating streets.
After, a local expert joins us for a driving tour of the city where we see top highlights including Twin Peaks, Market Street, Golden Gate Park, and much more!
We break for lunch and leisure time at Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic bayside district with plenty of restaurants, shops, and sea lions sunning themselves.
There’s time to freshen up at our hotel before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and getting to know our traveling companions at a Welcome Dinner in nearby Sausalito.
Day 3 : Napa Valley Wine Train
This morning we travel to the heart of one of the most celebrated wine-growing regions in the world, Napa Valley. Upon arrival, board the elegantly restored Napa Valley Wine Train where a gourmet lunch and wine tasting awaits. Our journey includes scenic vineyards, wineries, homes, and gorgeous valley landscapes.
This afternoon we tour an organic olive oil farm, see their mill, and experience a tasting of their award-winning oils and balsamic vinegars.
This evening we arrive at our hotel in the capital city of Sacramento for a two-night stay.
Day 4 : Sacramento
This morning we explore America’s Farm to Fork capital city with a step-on guide. During our tour we visit California’s capitol building and learn about Sacramento’s fascinating gold rush history.
Afterwards, we take time to stroll the boardwalk-lined street of the Old Sacramento district. Visit the specialty shops and see iconic landmarks including the Pony Express Monument and the Delta King Steamboat, now a permanently moored hotel and restaurant.
Next, learn about the 150-year history of rail’s impact on the Golden State at the California State Railroad Museum, seeing original engines dating back to the 1860s.
This evening we partake on a local food tour. We will visit various restaurants and meet chefs who will teach us about the local "Farm to Fork" culture of Sacramento while enjoying a selection of delicious dishes.
Day 5 : Mariposa
We gain a sense of the Old West as we make our way to Mariposa, just outside Yosemite National Park.
Take a surface tour of the Kennedy Gold Mine, one of the deepest mines in the world and among the most iconic mines of the California Gold Rush. We’ll learn about the miner’s way of life and learn how to pan for gold!
Later we enjoy lunch on our own in the town of Jackson, whose charming Main Street is packed with antique shops and boutiques.
We arrive at our accommodations in Mariposa in the mid-afternoon where we will stay for the next two nights. Located in the heart of California, Spanish missionaries named the town after their word for “butterfly” for the flocks of monarch butterflies passing through the area during the winter months.
Day 6 : Yosemite National Park
This morning we drive through the scenic protected lands of Yosemite National Park.
At Mariposa Grove, there is time to take in a delightful morning hike through the Giant Sequoias. These trees can live to be more than 2,000 years old and grow to more than 300 feet in height!
We continue our drive to Yosemite Valley Lodge and tour the astonishing wilderness that surrounds us on the Yosemite Valley Tram, an open-air sightseeing experience led by a Park Ranger. View some of Yosemite's most famous landmarks including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan.
Late afternoon, explore Yosemite on your own. Browse the Ansel Adams Gallery’s collection of famous nature photography, take a walk along a beautiful nature trail, visit the park store, or watch a short film at the onsite theater. We return to Mariposa for our second of two nights.
Day 7 : Roaring Camp Railroad
We depart our hotel this morning, heading west toward San Francisco. We stop at the charming roadside resort of Casa De Fruta, featuring a restaurant, deli, farmers market, wine shop, gift shop, park, and more.
This afternoon we arrive at the Roaring Camp Railroad Station for a round-trip rail journey through towering groves of Redwood. While similar in their tremendous size, Redwoods tend to be taller than Sequoias, although their cones are smaller and the color of their bark is darker.
We return to the San Francisco area with time to unwind before we celebrate our adventure with our new friends at a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 : Fly Home
Fly home with special memories of your time in California.
September 19th, 2021 - September 26th, 2021
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$4399
Single
$5299
Final Payment Date: 07/06/2021
TCJM Pickup Locations:
Jackson, MS - Jackson International Airport
Walt Grayson grew up in Greenville where he started his broadcasting career at one of the Greenville radio stations while he was in high school. He moved from radio to television in 1984 when he became a weather anchor and occasional feature reporter for Jackson’s WLBT-TV. Over the years that job flip flopped into him being an occasional weatherman and full time feature reporter. Walt has made a move up the dial and is now the full time lifestyle and feature reporter for WJTV, channel 12 in Jackson.
He has written four books about his travels around Mississippi and writes a monthly column for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi newspaper. He is the host and a segment producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Mississippi Roads.
He is married to his junior high school sweetheart, Jo. Between them they have 7 grandchildren.
Join Walt on this fabulous trip of a lifetime.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.