Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

Welcome to San Francisco!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.

YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:

• TREK: Redwood ReTREEt! Enjoy the cool, moist air, as you stroll through 1,000-year-old trees towering 260 feet tall in Muir Woods. Experience the awe and wonder as you are treated to Northern California's signature fog that often shrouds the canopy above, while you wander in and out of Mother Nature's redwood alleyways. You will never forget the crisp, fresh redwood fragrance that will surround you on this journey through nature. Finish the day with a scenic drive through the seaside town of Sausalito. This charming village is famous for its sweeping views, timeless sophistication, delightful boutiques, and quaint cafes.
  
  
• TASTE: "Carbe" Diem! Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and sample some of the best Italian food the city has to offer. From the traditional Neapolitan pizza and pasta to artisanal gelato and freshly baked bread, this food walking tour offers a delectable experience for foodies and history buffs alike. Let your taste buds lead the way as you explore the charming enclave's rich Italian heritage and learn fascinating stories about the people and places that made it a culinary hot spot.
  
  
• DELVE: Rooted in Beauty A guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences takes you on a journey from sea to swamp and rainforest to living roof. Begin at the Steinhart Aquarium where highlights include the Philippine Coral Reef-the deepest indoor living coral reef-and the California Coast Exhibit, showcasing the diverse creatures of the Pacific Coast. Enter the enchanting Osher Rainforest where a glass dome houses the four-story living rainforest within a massive life-sized terrarium. Exotic birds and butterflies fly freely among lush tropical trees and plants-also home to fascinating fish, amphibians, and reptiles. At The Swamp, you'll meet famous resident, Claude, an American Albino Alligator. Take the opportunity to explore the Living Roof for dramatic views of Golden Gate Park amidst seasonal blooms, birds, and butterflies.

SONOMA: Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting of the historic Kunde Family Winery.

SACRAMENTO: Sightseeing tour includes California's State Capitol building, Midtown with its boutique shops and restaurants, the famed Johnny Cash mural and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B/D)

Scenic ride along the "Most Beautiful Drive in America" en route to Lake Tahoe.

LAKE TAHOE: Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area.

Free time this evening. (B)

YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:

• SAIL: Yachts of Fun! Embark on this unforgettable sightseeing cruise aboard a classic yacht. Cruising Lake Tahoe is one of the best ways to see the many colours for which this lake is famous. Learn about this history of the area from the knowledgeable captain and crew as you sail iconic sites. Be amazed as you enter spectacular, glacier-carved Emerald Bay for an up close view of Vikingsholm Castle, Eagle Falls and the infamous Tea House atop Fannette Island. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars - this is Tahoe sightseeing at its finest!
  
  
• GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway True to its name, Heavenly is one of the most picturesque spots around Lake Tahoe. Step aboard a glass cabin and enjoy the 2.4 miles long journey over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Reaching the Observation Deck at an elevation of 9,150 ft, you will enjoy panoramic views from the Tamarack Lodge. Inside you can indulge in everything from hand-crafted cocktails to traditional American snacks available for purchase.
  
  
• DELVE: Historic Haunts Go back in time to the American Wild West on this tour to Virginia City, Nevada. Follow part of the old Pony Express to reach the Comstock Lode, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush. With more than 100 mines in the area, seven million tons of silver ore were produced - equating to more than $600 million in both silver and gold in today's money. Among many things, this money helped to build San Francisco to what it is today. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, you will have free time to stroll the wooden sidewalks and see for yourself the legends heard around the world!

Free time this evening. (B)

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor centre. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)

YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:

• GAZE: Westward, Ho! Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of Native Peoples and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other.
  
  
• TREK: Yosemite, Naturally Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir discovered "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." Your Naturalist Guide will show you the breathtaking views of the Yosemite region, while encountering the fantastic flora and fauna of this magical wilderness.
  
  
• STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White Photography buffs and aspiring shutterbugs won't want to miss this private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery. Whether you have your own camera equipment or want to snap your own masterpieces with your Smartphone, you'll find your focus with photography guides to escort and instruct you in the best vantage points, hidden locations, and perfect time for the best light.

Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort. (B)

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness centre. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B/D)

This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm. (B)