Northern California Highlights

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 travel companions at a Holiday Vacations 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 aboard the train 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 with a step-on guide. During our tour, visit California’s capitol building and learn about Sacramento’s fascinating gold rush history. After, we take time to stroll the boardwalk-lined street of the Old Sacramento District. Visit specialty shops and see iconic landmarks including Pony Express Monument and the 285-foot Delta King, an authentic riverboat originally built in Scotland and now a permanently moored hotel and restaurant. Next, learn about the 150-year history of rail in the Golden State at the California State Railroad Museum, seeing original engines dating back to the 1860s. This evening we partake in a local food tour. Visit restaurants and meet chefs who teach us about Sacramento’s local farm-to-fork culture 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 an included lunch in 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 swarm of monarch butterflies passing through the area during the winter months.

Day 6 : Yosemite National Park

Today we explore 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.