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Operates on: Thursday only
Visit the towering Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument
and enjoy the California Wine Country on this relaxing two day
getaway. The first day visits Muir Woods, the quaint town of Healdsburg
and wineries in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and
Russian River Valley appellations. Day two concentrates on the
vineyards and wineries of the Sonoma Valley. From
Kenwood and Glen Ellen to the Carneros
region we will taste our way down the "Valley of the Moon"
visiting a variety of wineries throughout the day. This two day tour is perfect
for those who would prefer a more relaxed pace to appreciate both the wine and
cuisine of the famous California Wine Country.
Tour Itinerary (for reference only):
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D A Y O N E |
Starts with hotel
pickup between 8 and 9 am, warming hut for view of Golden Gate Bridge
and learn about history of Presidio, Crissy Field and the Bridge. Then ½
hour trip north across the bridge to Muir Woods National Monument.
There you will take a one and a half hour self-guided tour of Muir
Woods, with the option of an easy 45 minute loop on the paved trail, or
a slightly more strenuous 1 hour and 15 minute hike, part on the paved
trail and part on dirt trail. This longer hike, the Hillside Trail,
affords you a view of the tallest trees on Earth from about halfway up
the height of the trees.
Muir Woods preserves the last old growth coast redwood forest in the San
Francisco Bay Area. The cool moist forest supports an amazing abundance
of plant and animal life, from the coast redwood to the slimy banana
slug, from the amazing Coho salmon to delicate trilliums.
After Muir Woods, we will drive just down the road to the Muir Beach
overlook, for an impressive view of the coastline and San Francisco
in the distance. Then we’ll head straight up to Healdsburg, about
one hour north, for wine tasting and sightseeing.
The lush valleys around Healdsburg are home to some of the oldest names
in California winemaking. Healdsburg is surrounded by several of
Northern California’s finest regional wine appellations, including
Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River
Valley. The Alexander Valley alone boasts over 13,000 acres of
vineyards, 30 grape varieties, 28 wineries and over 200 independent
farmers. Local wineries specialize in premium wines made from locally
grown grapes. The Healdsburg area includes over 90 world class wineries
and tasting rooms, from palatial European-style villas to rustic
family-run operations where you are made to feel like a member of the
family.
In addition to the many tasting rooms located at the wineries, there are
many tasting rooms on the Healdsburg Town Square. We will stop here
first to pick up fresh, delicious Northern California boxed lunches, and
have a chance to sample everything from olive oils to cheese to
chocolate. In the afternoon we will meander down Westside Road or
West Dry Creek Road, to at least three small, family-owned, incredibly
scenic wineries. At each winery you’ll be able to indulge in
complimentary tastes of 3-4 wines, browse the small gift shops, choose
wine to take home, or enjoy that evening, learn about the wines of the
area and the winemaking process, and enjoy one of the highlights of
California. After a full day we’ll take a break and check in at our
hotel. We’ll have dinner (not included) at the hotel restaurant which
prides itself on fresh local ingredients, inspired preparation, and
impeccable service.
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D A Y T W O
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Starts with breakfast (not included) at hotel around 8 am. We will then
leave the Russian River Valley, and drive south towards Sonoma to
Kenwood and enjoy breathtaking views and award winning wines. We can
expect to visit at least 4 wineries on this day.
Traveling south through the we will also visit Sonoma Square,
where grapes were first planted in Northern California. California's oldest
wine-producing region, Sonoma County was planted with grapes as early as
1812 by Russian colonists. It was, however, Franciscan father Padre Jose
Altimera, now considered the great-granddaddy of California wine, who put
California wine on the map when he planted several thousand grapevines at
San Francisco Solano mission in Sonoma in 1823. By 1920 Sonoma was home to
256 wineries working from more than 22,000 acres of vines. Although home
winemaking boomed during prohibition – families were allowed to produce up
to 200 liters – only 50 wineries survived until 1933.
The 1960s were a turning point for the industry, which went from producing
wines from bulk Central Valley grapes to small, artisan home-grown
productions. In 1999, 49,000 acres of vines were under production in Sonoma,
and 199 wineries called it their home. Today, the charming mission-era town
of Sonoma opens out onto a wine country that is as exciting as it is varied,
offering delicious wines and a rich legacy to its visitors.
At the town square we’ll see the northernmost Franciscan Mission, taste
cheese at Vela or Sonoma Jack Cheese Factory. On our way out of Sonoma
we’ll stop at one last winery, in the Carneros appellation, an area with
ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and known for its
exquisite wines. Sad as it will be to leave beautiful Sonoma, we’ll have San
Francisco to look forward to. On the way back we’ll stop for a late
afternoon view of the Golden Gate Bridge, with the city in the background,
and arrive back at your hotel at approximately 6pm. |
Package includes:
- 1 night hotel accommodation including tax
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off from San Francisco (Downtown and Fisherman's Wharf)
- Round trip 15-seat biodiesel van transportation
- Entrance fee to Muir Woods
- Select wine tastings
- Tour guide (Level
3: Fully-guided tour).
- Tax included
Tour Package does not include:
- Air fares between your city and San Francisco
- Laundry, valet, telephone calls, wines and liquors other than those
specified.
- All meals and drinks during the trip unless otherwise stated, but the tour guide will arrange for.
- All other private expenses, gratitude
to tour guide
Departure Details:
- Complimentary hotel pick-up service is available from all downtown hotels in central San Francisco area between
8:00am and 9:00am. Please advise pick-up hotel at time of booking and call upon arrival in San Francisco to reconfirm pick-up time.
Special Note:
- Lodging: Single price is for one person staying in one room.
Double, Triple and Quadruple prices are for two people, three people and four
people staying in one room respectively. Triple and Quad rooms are based on
the existing bedding in a room which is 2 double beds.
- Child Rate: This tour is not appropriate for
those under 21.
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