California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa
California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa
8 Days Starting in Monterey, USA and ending in San Francisco, USA
Visiting: Monterey, Modesto, Yosemite National Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15248
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa" tour and experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Northern California. Begin your journey in the charming seaside city of Monterey, where you can explore historic landmarks or visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Travel along the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, and then head to Modesto, where you'll enjoy a unique olive oil tasting and visit an almond orchard. Marvel at the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park with a guided coach tour. In Sacramento, choose between exploring the California State Railroad Museum or the Crocker Art Museum. Cruise the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe and savor the flavors of Napa Valley with a winery tour and tasting. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of San Francisco, where you can explore iconic landmarks at your leisure. This tour promises unforgettable memories and a true taste of California's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Monterey, California - Tour Begins
Location: Monterey
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
From the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley, the scenery, history, and culture of northern California is unparalleled. Your tour opens in Monterey, a seaside city with a rich history and gorgeous scenery.
Day 2 : Monterey
Location: Monterey
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
The morning is yours to relax or explore this charming city independently. Perhaps you’ll visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium* or walk along Monterey’s Path of History – a self-guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks. This afternoon, the scenery of your dreams comes alive as you travel along the famed 17-Mile Drive to Carmel. See the Lone Cypress Tree, Seal Rock, and prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course before relaxing over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Monterey - Modesto
Location: Modesto
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Travel northeast toward California’s Central Valley to Modesto, your base for visiting Yosemite and home for two nights. While Modesto is a city, it has a small-town atmosphere. Once you get there, visit a family-owned olive oil producer for an informative presentation, olive oil tasting, and lunch. Afterwards, meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Tonight, sit down with your fellow travelers for dinner and continue to savor those local flavors.
Day 4 : Modesto - Yosemite National Park - Modesto
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Dramatic waterfalls to soaring granite peaks, Yosemite will leave you in awe. Enjoy a scenic drive to the gates of the national park, where you’ll travel by coach through Yosemite’s unrivaled landscapes with an expert guide. Natural wonders abound as you stand before El Capitan, and take in breathtaking vistas including Half Dome, Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls.
Day 5 : Modesto - Sacramento
Location: Sacramento
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Sacramento, enjoying time on your own for lunch in Old Sacramento – a historic Gold Rush-era neighborhood filled with over 60 restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, and antique gas lamps. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the California State Railroad Museum and explore the detailed exhibits with a guide -OR- peruse a collection of Californian art and European master drawings on a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 6 : Sacramento - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort town of Lake Tahoe. Board a classic yacht-style vessel for a narrated cruise of Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters. Discover the history of the area and explore the enclosed and open-air decks for ideal places to snap photos of the dynamic landscape and breathe in the fresh air.
Day 7 : Sacramento - Napa Valley - San Francisco
Location: Napa Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Meals Included: Lunch
The iconic rolling vineyards of Napa Valley welcome you today. Tour the grounds of a vineyard while learning about the wine-making process before enjoying a private tasting and a delicious farewell lunch. Raise a glass of locally produced wine and toast to your California adventure. Tonight, enjoy an evening to explore San Francisco as you please.
Day 8 : San Francisco - Tour Ends
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories.
What's Included
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Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe
Enjoy a scenic cruise to the green and blue waters of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe.
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Yosemite National Park Tour
Take a coach tour through awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park.
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17-Mile Drive
Marvel at the views along scenic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel.
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Almond Orchard Visit
Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard in the Central Valley.
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Olive Oil Tasting
Visit a family-owned olive oil producer for lunch and a tasting.
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Winery Tour and Tasting
Sample local vintages during a winery tour and tasting in Napa Valley.
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Sacramento Museum Visit
Visit the California State Railroad Museum or the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.
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Napa Valley Vineyard Tour
Tour the lovely grounds of a historic Napa Valley vineyard, before sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a delicious farewell lunch.
What's Not Included
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Entry
Entry to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium is not included and can be explored independently.
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Lunch in Old Sacramento
Lunch in Old Sacramento is on your own and not included in the tour package.
Experiences
Marvel at the views along scenic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel.Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard in the Central Valley.
Culinaries
Visit a family-owned olive oil producer for lunch and a tasting.Sample local vintages during a winery tour and tasting in Napa Valley.
Must See
Enjoy a scenic cruise to the green and blue waters of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe.Take a coach tour through awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park.
Choice Highlights
Monterey, CA Immortalized as a thriving center of the sardine industry in the books by John Steinbeck, the city of Monterey today has repurposed the wharf's former canning factories into trendy shops and restaurants. In addition to retail therapy, visitors can use their free time to advantage of the very popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. By making use of the seawater in Monterey Bay, the Aquarium is one of the most cutting edge aquariums in the world and features towering kelp forests and the playful sea otters that make them their home.
Scenic 17-Mile Drive Connecting Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful drives in the US,with 17 miles of coastal beauty offering stunning views of three pristine golf courses, such as the famed Pebble Beach, large estates and natural landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Seal Rock. Since it's opening in 1881, not much has changed from the original routing, however the number of vehicles has with over 8,000,000 vehicles travel this classic drive each year.
Yosemite National Park For over 500 million years, the geology of Yosemite has been evolving from an ocean floor to the rolling hills and valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and beautiful canyons with cascading waterfalls. A national park since 1890 when 1,500 acres were set aside for preservation after the endorsement of conservationist and naturalist John Muir, Yosemite today is a natural playground. Tourists of all ages may experience the park on the two hour ranger-narrated Valley Floor Tram showcasing the flora and fauna distinct to Yosemite.
Sacramento Known as the "City Where California Begins" thanks to the Gold Rush, Sacramento is the capitol of California. With over 230 days of sunshine each year, Sacramento provides visitors with a wealth of activities including the Historic District. Situated along the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento is dedicated to the Gold Rush of the 19th Century with museums and raised wooden sidewalks in front of historic storefronts and the California State Railroad Museum.
California State Railroad Museum or Crocker Art Museum In Sacramento, visit the California State Railroad Museum and explore the detailed exhibits with a guide -OR- peruse a collection of Californian art and European master drawings on a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum.
California State Railroad Museum
Activity Level 1: The Museum is completely handicap accessible.
Docent led tours in groups of 15. Tour is approximately 1 hour long and entire visit will be 2 hours.
Crocker Art Museum
Activity Level 1: The Museum is completely handicap accessible.
Docent led tours in groups of 15. Tour is approximately 1 hour long and entire visit will be 2 hours.
Lake Tahoe Scenic Cruise
Napa Valley Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Tour the lovely grounds of a historic Napa Valley vineyard, before sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a delicious farewell lunch.
San Francisco Known as “The City By the Bay,” San Francisco is the second most densely populated American city after New York City with a population of 805,463 packed into its 49 square miles. With famous landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown and Pier 39, San Francisco offers a multitude of tourist attractions.
Mode of Transport
Travel through California's stunning landscapes by coach, with scenic drives along the 17-Mile Drive and through Yosemite National Park. Enjoy a narrated cruise on Lake Tahoe's pristine waters aboard a classic yacht-style vessel.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Modesto, and Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Conclude your adventure at the Hotel RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available in Monterey on the second day of the tour?
On the second day in Monterey, you have the morning to relax or explore independently. You might choose to visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a self-guided tour along Monterey's Path of History to see the city's historic landmarks. In the afternoon, you will travel along the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, where you can see the Lone Cypress Tree, Seal Rock, and the Pebble Beach Golf Course before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
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What can I expect during the visit to Yosemite National Park?
During the visit to Yosemite National Park, you will enjoy a scenic drive to the park's gates and then travel by coach through its stunning landscapes with an expert guide. You will have the opportunity to see natural wonders such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Tunnel View, and Yosemite Falls.
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What options are available in Sacramento on the fifth day?
In Sacramento, you have the choice to visit the California State Railroad Museum, where you can explore detailed exhibits with a guide, or take a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum to see a collection of Californian art and European master drawings. Both options include a guided tour and are handicap accessible.
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What is included in the Lake Tahoe experience?
In Lake Tahoe, you will board a classic yacht-style vessel for a narrated cruise of the lake's pristine waters. During the cruise, you will learn about the area's history and have the opportunity to explore both enclosed and open-air decks, which are perfect for taking photos of the dynamic landscape.
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What will the Napa Valley visit entail?
The visit to Napa Valley includes a tour of a vineyard where you will learn about the wine-making process. You will also enjoy a private wine tasting and a farewell lunch, where you can raise a glass of locally produced wine to toast your California adventure.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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