Virgin Holidays Highlights of Northern California 14-day tour 2009 – a walk-through of all the hotel rooms we stayed in
“San Francisco
2 nights’ accommodation at Fairmont San Francisco
Yes, you’ve arrived in San Francisco! Breathe in the fresh, sea air, marvel at the picture-postcard views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, and watch the sea lions bask in the sunshine. Fun lovers can enjoy Pier 39. San Francisco really has it all – shopping, restaurants, museums, history and attractions.
San Francisco – Napa Valley
2 nights’ accommodation at Embassy Suites Napa
Today you will head off to enjoy the wines and vines of the California wine region. Why not pre-book a trip on the lovely Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoy a gourmet lunch whilst you travel through the picturesque surroundings. Visit COPIA – a museum, or perhaps a shrine to the best of American food and wine. The area is home to several gourmet restaurants, including the west coast’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, the French Laundry. Or, why not take your time and visit some of the area’s best wineries and vineyards for a taste of some fine vintages!
Napa Valley – Sacramento
1 night’s accommodation at Hyatt Regency
Today you’ll journey from Napa to the little-known state capital of California. This pretty town was once the supply point for the 19th-century gold rush – back then it was a rowdy, dangerous place, but today it’s a pleasant city of leafy streets with a young and vibrant atmosphere, and the largest collection of restored buildings in California. Along the riverfront, Old Sacramento has been resurrected through the restoration of the wharves, warehouses, stores and saloons, which are now atmospheric restaurants and shops.
Sacramento – Lake Tahoe
2 nights’ accommodation at Marriott Grand Residence Club
Clear your wine-soaked head today with the clear, clean waters of Lake Tahoe, where you can swim or enjoy numerous water sports during summer months. The surrounding forests and mountains just beg to be explored in summer, while in winter, you can ski to your heart’s content. At night, casinos grace the Nevada side of the border and elegant restaurants populate the California side.
Lake Tahoe – Mammoth
2 nights’ accommodation at Mammoth Mountain Inn
More natural wonders abound in nearby Mammoth, where you’ll spend the next couple of nights. 9 deep, blue lakes form the Mammoth Lakes Basin and another 100 lakes dot the surrounding countryside. The region bubbles with hot springs, too. Hike along woodland trails, explore 90 miles of cycle tracks and paddle in crystal-clear streams.
Mammoth – Yosemite National Park
2 nights’ accommodation at Yosemite View Lodge
The supreme highlight of any trip to California is Yosemite. No amount of photos can do justice to one of the world’s most beautiful national parks. Yosemite encompasses 1,170sq miles, with many breathtaking view points including Glacier Point, located on the top of a 3,200ft almost sheer cliff. Make sure you pack some sturdy boots, as the best way to explore is by foot.
Yosemite National Park – Monterey
2 nights’ accommodation at Monterey Embassy Suites
Carmel is one of the pretty towns that dot the Pacific coastline. You can go whale watching, see native seal colonies or visit Monterey Bay’s famous aquarium and get up close and personal with great white sharks and giant octopus. Carmel has numerous art galleries, as well as lovely shops and restaurants.
Monterey – San Francisco
1 night’s accommodation at Fairmont San Francisco
Enjoy the scenic Pacific Coast Highway back down to San Francisco, and enjoy excursions and sightseeing that you didn’t have time to do at the beginning of this tour.”
Duration : 0:5:7
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