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 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, the historic bayside district with restaurants, shops, and sea lions sunning themselves. There’s time to freshen up at the hotel before crossing Golden Gate Bridge and getting to know your new traveling companions during a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner in nearby Sausalito.

Day 3 : Napa Valley & Sacramento

This morning we travel to the heart of one of the most celebrated wine-growing regions in the world, Napa Valley. We arrive at a charming Napa vineyard & winery where we receive a delightful tour and tasting. This evening, partake in a local food tour. We visit restaurants and meet chefs who teach us about the local farm-to-fork culture in Sacramento while enjoying a selection of delicious gourmet dishes. We spend the night in Sacramento.

Day 4 : Railroad Museum & Kennedy Gold Mine

We begin the day in Sacramento, discovering the Golden State’s 150-year rail history at the California State Railroad Museum including original engines dating back to the 1860s. This afternoon, tickle your imagination with a guided tour of the Kennedy Gold Mine. An expert guide emphasizes California’s gold rush era of the mid-1800s. Learn about mining, then take a complimentary poke sack for collecting your own treasures and try your hand at panning for gold! Our destination this evening is Mariposa where we check in for a two-night stay.

Day 5 : Yosemite

Today we explore the scenic protected lands of Yosemite National Park. At Mariposa Grove, have a delightful morning hike through enormous sequoias. These remarkable trees can live for more than 2,000 years and grow up to 300 feet tall! A park ranger joins us as we view some of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks including Yosemite Falls, the Half Dome, and El Capitan. Late afternoon you have time to explore Yosemite on your own. Browse the Ansel Adams Gallery, a collection of famous nature photography, take a walk along a beautiful trail, visit the park store, or watch a short film at the onsite theater.

Day 6 : Castle Air Museum & Monterey

Driving back towards the California Coast, we stop at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater. This military aviation museum features exhibits that showcase technology from the past and give sneak peeks into the future of flight. Located adjacent is Castle Airport, a former U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command Base that’s been closed since 1995 during the end of the original Cold War. Our journey back to the coast also includes a visit to Casa de Fruta, a family-owned orchard featuring nuts, wine, sweets, and other gifts. We arrive at our Monterey hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 7 : Whale Watching

Today we come together for a fun day filled with California marine life. Start the day with a bang as we join a privately-chartered whale watching cruise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Gain insight from the onboard naturalist or marine biologist. After our cruise, we visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, commonly rated as one of the top aquariums in the United States featuring regional marine life including its groundbreaking living kelp forest. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 8 : Roaring Camp Railroad

After a leisurely morning, we arrive at the Roaring Camp Railroad Station for a round-trip journey through towering groves of redwood trees. While similar in tremendous size, redwoods are taller than sequoias, but their cones are smaller, and their bark is darker. We return to the San Francisco area with time to unwind before celebrating our adventure with our new friends at a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 : Fly Home