Northern California's Finest

Northern California's Finest

112 Views
9 Days From

$4303

$3719

Northern California's Finest

9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, United States

Visiting: Arrive In San Francisco, California, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey, Monterey. Excursion To Carmel, North America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

AL-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 36

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $4303 $3719 Operator discount: -$399 Travel Club discount: -$185 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Southern California may be known for its stars, but northern California is the home of true legends. Despite the absence of paparazzi, you’ll hear countless shutters click as you enjoy a scenic tram ride through stunning Yosemite and coast along Monterey’s jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive. From the hilly streets of San Francisco to the towering-tree-lined slopes of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, there are endless highpoints included in this nine-day tour through northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to see how their award-winning wines are made. Other stellar experiences to toast on this northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and bidding the moon goodnight in two signature stone and cedar national park lodges. Sweet dreams.

Highlights

  • Explore San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf and a bowl of clam chowder.

  • Sightseeing tour of San Francisco including Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Wine tasting at a family-owned winery in Sonoma.

  • Visit Yosemite National Park with its waterfalls, meadows, and ancient sequoias.

  • Stargazing experience in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

  • Drive along scenic 17-Mile Drive and visit Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Explore historic Cannery Row in Monterey.

Places You'll See

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite

Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Wuksachi Lodge

Hyatt Regency Monterey

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San Francisco,California

Location: Arrive In San Francisco, California


ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf, a bowl of clam chowder with famous sourdough bread, or a Ghirardelli chocolate or two in the stunning city by the bay. Your Tour Director has suggestions for your night, and your GlobusGO mobile app puts all the possibilities right at your fingertips.


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Day 2: San Francisco

Location: San Francisco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


SAN FRANCISCO The City by the Bay This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco to take in its famous sights. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS San Francisco is a city to be loved. Maybe that’s why so many visitors really do leave their hearts here. From Golden Gate National Recreation area and the stunning Japanese Tea Gardens to the iconic and incredible Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Presidio, you’ll also soak in the sea air with sights of Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and more.


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Day 3: San Francisco,Sonoma,Sacramento

Location: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento

Meals Included: Breakfast


SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO Bridge to Bountiful Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma for an orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Delight in a tasting at a [LF] family-owned winery. Continue to the capital of California, Sacramento, for a sightseeing tour and a free evening. Tonight, venture out to explore one of the many restaurants, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Visit the beautiful family-owned winery, where estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines have flowed for over a century. Taste the California vintages that thrive here with a tradition of generations.


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Day 4: Sacramento,Yosemite National Park

Location: Sacramento, Yosemite National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


SACRAMENTO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Treasures of the High Sierras Travel south through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Best known for its waterfalls, but with nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find grand meadows, ancient sequoias, and much more. Continue to the Tenaya Lodge for a memorable 2-night stay. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Tenaya Lodge is nestled among towering Sugar Pines in the Sierra National Forest offering an elegant stay with access to multiple eateries, a world-class spa, three swimming pools, and refined guestrooms with deluxe amenities. You can even head to the fire pit with a s’mores kit. The pinnacle of Yosemite-area lodging, Tenaya Lodge offers Globus travelers something special.


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Day 5: Yosemite National Park

Location: Yosemite National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast


YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Nature’s Cathedral Today, descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Enjoy free time for the balance of the day in Yosemite National Park. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Yosemite National Park. The place which Theodore Roosevelt described as a “great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.” After camping with naturalist John Muir, the president was so moved by the natural and sacred beauty of this pristine land that he established the National Forest Service, followed by hundreds of national monuments, protected parks, and wildlife sanctuaries—preserving more than 200 million acres of wilderness for generations to come. Your Tour Director will be able to offer recommendations on how to fill your day.


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Day 6: Yosemite,Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Location: Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


YOSEMITE–SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Forest Giants & Heavenly Objects Travel to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a [LF] stargazing experience. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the “Land of Giants” in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to discover a land of stunning diversity and beauty with soaring mountains, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! This natural region is also blessed with some of the darkest night skies (free from city lights) that offer an amazing opportunity for spectacular stargazing. As you look skyward to the glittering heavens, hear ancient and cultural legends about the constellations you’ll witness in the night sky.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Feel like you're dreaming with a stay at the wonderful Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. Its beautifully crafted cedar and stone architecture offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and High Sierra peaks from its spectacular alpine setting in the Sequoias.


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Day 7: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks,Monterey

Location: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey

Meals Included: Breakfast


SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS–MONTEREY Old-Growth Trees & Ocean Tides Spend more time this morning exploring these magnificent parks, which now protect nearly half the remaining sequoia groves in the world. See the General Sherman Tree, spend time at the Visitors’ Center, or simply relax in one of the most beautiful settings you’ll find. Continue across the farmlands of California to the coastal town of Monterey, home to the world-famous Cannery Row, for a 2-night stay. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name, Cannery Row is filled with history and vibrant sights along the waterfront of Monterey Bay. Once a bustling district of sardine factories, the street is a brightly painted avenue of eateries and shops that harken back to a heritage of fishermen and rich stories. Tomorrow morning, stroll along the wharf for the chance to see whales, otters, and other sea creatures in the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean shore.


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Day 8: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel

Location: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL The Rocky Shores of Pebble Beach This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive and the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Return to Monterey, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Feel the windswept spirit of the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular drive along 17-Mile Drive to the charming haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea. See its crooked cottages and twisted trees in the popular haunt of writers, artists, and celebrities. You’ll pass by sweeping sea views and rocky shores, visit the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course for a walk on the fairway, and see the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to its rocky perch.


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Day 9: Monterey,San Francisco

Location: Monterey, San Francisco

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm.
MONTEREY–SAN FRANCISCO Safe travels until we meet again! This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm. (B)

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What's Included

  • Fully Guided

    Expert guide and director on this tour.

  • Transport

    Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi

  • Meals

    8 Breakfast and 4 dinner are included.

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

  • International Travel

  • Insurance

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Yosemite National Park

Meals

Breakfast daily, 4 dinners

Accommodation

San Francisco:San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Sacramento:Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Yosemite National Park:Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Sequoia National Park:Wuksachi Lodge
Monterey:Hyatt Regency Monterey

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at the following accommodations: San Francisco Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade in Sacramento, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Yosemite National Park, Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, and Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is fully guided with an expert guide and director.

  • What activities are included in Yosemite National Park?

    In Yosemite National Park, you will descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore famous sites like El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. You will also have free time to explore the park.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks?

    During the visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, you will have dinner followed by a stargazing experience. You will also have time to explore the parks, see the General Sherman Tree, visit the Visitors’ Center, or relax in the beautiful setting.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in San Francisco, California, and meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at 6 pm.

  • What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, you will travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary, such as free time to explore San Francisco on Day 2, free time for lunch in Sonoma on Day 3, and free time in Yosemite National Park on Day 5.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Optional activities are not included in the tour package and would need to be arranged separately.

  • 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

Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
$4602 $4257

Operator discount: -$133

Travel Club discount: -$212

Friday - Saturday

May 02, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$4303 $3719

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$185

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May 23, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$4914 $4301

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$214

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Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$4994 $4377

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$218

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Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$4489 $3896

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$194

Friday - Saturday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$5087 $4465

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$223

Friday - Saturday

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$4404 $3815

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$190

Friday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$4906 $4293

Operator discount: -$399

Travel Club discount: -$214

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    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.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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