San Francisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys
Escorted Coach Tour

The charms of the fabled City By The Bay and the delights of northern California's lush wine country make this journey to sophistocated San Francisco. in combination with a Sonoma and a Napa Valley tour, a memorable experience.  Explore the many historic and cultural faces of fascinating San Francisco during a three-night stay; take a private catamaran cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island, and an exclusive guided tour of the Ferry Terminal Building with a culinary expert.  Then, spend three nights amidst the vineyards and acclaimed wineries of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.  Savour a tasting of the best that northern California can offer for aspiring connoisseurs of cuisine and wine during your Napa Valley tour.

1. Arrive San Francisco
Tour begins: Le Meridien San Francisco at 5:30PM.  A transfer is included from San Francisco's International Airport to Le Meridien Hotel in the heart of the city's vibrant Embarcadero Center. Welcome to one of the world's most beloved cities, San Francisco!  Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Explore San Francisco / Sausalito. A sightseeing tour includes landmark sights and attractions including Lombard Street, known as the "crookedest street in the world;" Fisherman's Wharf; North Beach, noted for its 1950's "beat" generation; Twin Peaks, where you'll get a 360 degree view of the city; and the Civic Center; and a look at Victorian San Francisco to view the architectural styles of bygone days, including Victorian, Italianate and Queen Anne-style treasures. Then its all aboard a catamaran for a private luncheon cruise in San Francisco Bay.  Sail by Alcatraz Island, cross under the Golden Gate Bridge, and look for sea lions that commonly frequent these waters. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to explore at leisure.  Meals BL

3. San Francisco Treats.  A mecca for food lovers, the bayfront Ferry Terminal Building buzzes with artisan food shops, restaurants and wine bars, in addition to fresh Farmers Market produce.  Join an epicurean concierge for a customised tour of San Francisco's exciting food culture featuring exclusive tastings and specialty talks, then explore at your leisure for the rest of the day.  Meals B

4. Muir Woods / Sonoma Valley. Journey to the vineyards and wineries of Sonoma and Napa Valleys in the renowned wine country. A guided visit to Muir Woods takes you deep within the heart of the beautiful redwood tree groves. Spend some free time in Sausalito before a visit to Viansa Winery, fashioned after lush vineyards and villas of Tuscany, featuring Italian varietals.  Partake in a privately guided tour and wine tasting before arriving at your resort in Sonoma, where you'll have an opportunity to join the hotel's sommelier for a wine education class.  Meals: BD

5. Wine Train / Napa Valley. Embark on a journey aboard the Wine Train through the vineyards of Napa Valley. Return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel on a 36-mile excursion through wine valleys that ends in the quaint village of St. Helena. Dine in the restored 1917 Pullman Dining Car, replete with rich mahogany and etched glass. Upon your return to the resort you have a choice of taking a walk through historic Sonoma with your Tauck Director or spend time at leisure enjoying the resort's amenities. Meals: BL

6. Treasures of the Wine Country. Depart mid-morning for the Benziger Family Winery for a private tram tour and wine-tasting, followed by lunch in the cool (literally) "wine cave".  Alternatively, there is an optional (at additional cost - see below) early morning hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley with a champagne beakfast; you'll join the others for lunch at the winery. Tonight, join us for a farewell wine and cheese reception followed by dinner.  Meals: BLD 

7. Journey Home.  Tour ends: San Francisco Intl. Airport 10.00.  A transfer is included from the Lodge at Sonoma to San Francisco International Airport, approximately 45 miles.. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. Meals: B

Departure dates 2010
7 Days / 6 Nights
Begins San Francisco
May: 15, 22
Jun: 12, 19
Jul: 10, 31
Sep: 04, 11, 25
Oct: 02, 16, 23
Additional departure dates may become available as these sell out.

Dates in green indicate Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests, priced from £1465 per person double.

Dates in red indicate special departures where the single price is £1425.

Prices 2010
Price Per Person
Twin £1259
Single £1549
Triple £1165

Price includes all sightseeing in the itinerary plus choices as specified; choices are not transferable to other days unless indicated.  Hot Air Balloon Option - add £167 per person.

12 Meals Included

Transatlantic airfare is additional.

Special Airfares: Airfare to and from San Francisco is additional. Tauck offers special round-trip airfares, subject to availability; inquire at time of booking

Night 1,2,3 Le Meridien San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Night 4,5,6 The Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA