California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa
This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch during an informative presentation. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.
This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch during an informative presentation. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tour the lovely grounds of a historic Napa Valley vineyard, before sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a delicious farewell lunch.
- 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.
Hotels
- Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa — Monterey, CA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel — Modesto, CA
- Hyatt Regency — Sacramento, CA
- Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf — San Francisco, CA
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Monterey, CA
- End City
- San Francisco, CA
- Duration (Days)
- 8
- Activity Level
- Level 1
What's Included
- 12 meals included
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tour the lovely grounds of a historic Napa Valley vineyard, before sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a delicious farewell lunch.
- 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.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-06-01 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-06-01 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-06-01 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-07-13 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-07-13 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-07-13 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-09-07 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-09-07 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-09-07 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-09-14 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-09-14 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-09-14 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-09-28 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-09-28 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-09-28 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-10-12 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-10-12 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-10-12 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2026-10-19 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2026-10-19 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2026-10-19 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2027-04-05 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2027-04-05 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2027-04-05 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2027-04-12 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2027-04-12 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2027-04-12 | |
| Double | USD 3,799.00 | 2027-04-19 | |
| Single | USD 4,599.00 | 2027-04-19 | |
| Triple | USD 3,749.00 | 2027-04-19 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Monterey, California
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. As travelers’ arrival times vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day.
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Day 2: Monterey
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.
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Day 3: Monterey - Modesto
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.
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Day 4: Modesto - Yosemite National Park - Modesto
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.
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Day 5: Modesto - Sacramento
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.
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Day 6: Sacramento - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento
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.
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Day 7: Sacramento - Napa Valley - San Francisco
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.
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Day 8: San Francisco - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories.