Northern California's Finest

9 Days San Francisco Return
Northern California's Finest
Northern California's Finest
Northern California's Finest
Globus
Trip Operated By:
Globus
 (841) Reviews
Discover the natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and coastal charm of Northern California on a journey through some of the Golden State's most celebrated landscapes. Explore San Francisco's famous hills, waterfront districts, and landmark sights before venturing into the scenic wine country of Sonoma Valley for a tasting at a family-owned winery.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, where granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient forests create one of America's most spectacular natural settings. Continue to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to stand among read more some of the world's largest trees, including the awe-inspiring General Sherman Tree.

Along California's rugged coastline, visit Monterey and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea before enjoying the spectacular views along the famed 17-Mile Drive. As night falls, experience stargazing beneath some of California's darkest skies and enjoy special stays in national park lodges surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty. PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Yosemite so you can plan your day your way.
Our Price From
A$6,731 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $256 per person
Check Availability
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
San Francisco
Trip Ends
San Francisco
2 Trip Reviews
All-Inclusive Level
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
45
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AL
Countries Visited:
USA

Itinerary

Welcome to San Francisco!

At 6:00p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - Explore more in San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman's Wharf, a bowl of clam chowder with famous sourdough bread, or a Ghirardelli chocolate or two in the stunning city by the bay. Your Tour Director has suggestions for your night.

Golden Gates & Gardens

This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of San Francisco to take in its famous sights. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City before dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - From the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the stunning Japanese Tea Gardens to the iconic and incredible Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Presidio, you'll also soak in the sea air with sights including Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and more.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bridge to Bountiful

Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma for a city tour and tasting at a family-owned winery. Beyond the scenic landscapes and superior wine, Sonoma Valley features a legacy of Native communities, preserved adobe buildings, and the historic downtown, where pivotal moments in California's history unfolded.

Enjoy lunch on your own and free time at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Artisan cafes, organic produce stands, and local food vendors provide a variety of delightful lunch options. Continue to the capital of California, Sacramento, for a sightseeing tour and free evening. Tonight, venture out to explore one of the many restaurants, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms.

LOCAL FAVORITE - Visit a beautiful winery, where estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines have flowed for over a century. Taste the California vintages that thrive here with a tradition of generations while enjoying panoramic hillside vistas for an authentic Sonoma Valley experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Treasures of the High Sierras

Travel south through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Best known for its waterfalls, Yosemite also offers nearly 1,200 square miles of grand meadows, ancient sequoias, and much more. Continue to Tenaya at Yosemite for a memorable two-night stay.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Tenaya at Yosemite is nestled among towering sugar pines in the Sierra National Forest offering an elegant mountain retreat with access to multiple eateries, a world-class spa, three swimming pools, and refined guestrooms with deluxe amenities. Enjoy the night sky and sweet snack at the fire pit with a s'mores kit. Widely regarded as the premier lodging experience near Yosemite National Park, Tenaya at Yosemite combines modern comforts with rustic Sierra charm and exceptional access to the park's natural wonders.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend your day your way in Yosemite

Explore more of Yosemite National Park with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.

  • ALL ABOARD - Descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram Tour to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour with a Park Ranger.
  • 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.

Enjoy free time for the balance of the day in Yosemite National Park. As part of the Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic national park is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - Explore more in Yosemite National Park, a place Theodore Roosevelt described as a “great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.” After camping here with naturalist John Muir in 1903, Roosevelt became an even stronger advocate for conservation, helping to expand protections for America's natural treasures. During his presidency, more than 230 million acres of public land were placed under federal protection, including national forests, monuments, wildlife refuges, and parks. Your Tour Director can offer recommendations on how to fill your afternoon.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Forest Giants & Heavenly Objects

Travel to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to explore the “Land of Giants,” where soaring mountains, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees create a landscape of remarkable beauty and diversity. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a stargazing experience.

LOCAL FAVORITE - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both certified as International Dark Sky Parks and offer an amazing opportunity for spectacular stargazing. As you look skyward to the glittering heavens, hear ancient and cultural legends about the constellations you'll witness in the night sky.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Feel like you're dreaming during the stay at the wonderful Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. The beautifully crafted cedar and stone architecture offer panoramic views of the surrounding forest and High Sierra peaks from its spectacular alpine setting in the Sequoias.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Old-Growth Trees & Ocean Tides

Spend more time this morning exploring these magnificent parks, which now protect nearly half the remaining sequoia groves in the world. See the General Sherman Tree, spend time at the Visitor Center, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings. Continue across the farmlands of California to the coastal town of Monterey for a two-night stay.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name, Cannery Row is filled with history and vibrant sights along the waterfront of Monterey Bay. Once a bustling area of sardine factories, the street is a brightly painted avenue of eateries and shops that harken back to a heritage of fishermen and rich stories.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Rocky Shores of Pebble Beach

This morning, stroll along Fisherman's Wharf for the chance to see shore and sea creatures in the Pacific Ocean or visit historic Cannery Row. Other highlights today include a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive and the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Return to Monterey, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Feel the windswept spirit of the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular drive along 17-Mile Drive to the charming haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea. See its crooked cottages and twisted trees in the popular haunt of writers, artists, and celebrities. You'll pass by sweeping sea views and rocky shores, visit the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course for a walk on the fairway, and see the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to its rocky perch.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Safe travels until we meet again!

After breakfast, depart Monterey for San Francisco. Travel north through the scenic Santa Clara Valley toward Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay for your transfer to the airport. Please schedule your departure flight from San Francisco International Airport for 1:00 pm or later. Want to explore more of San Francisco on your own? Additional nights are available for purchase.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore San Francisco with a Local Guide, featuring iconic landmarks and neighborhoods that define the City by the Bay
  • Tour and taste at a [LF] family-owned Sonoma winery and discover the traditions behind one of California's premier wine regions
  • Discover the spectacular landscapes of Yosemite National Park on guided sightseeing through one of America's most celebrated national parks
  • Personalize your experience with a Globus Choice Excursion in Yosemite: choose a Yosemite Valley Floor Tram Tour or a Naturalist-guided walk through the park
  • Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and enjoy a [LF] stargazing experience beneath some of California's darkest night skies, recognized by DarkSky International
  • Stand in awe before the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree by volume, in Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest
  • Discover Monterey's maritime heritage on guided sightseeing featuring historic Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf
  • Visit charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and enjoy a scenic drive along the famed 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach
  • Enjoy special overnight stays at Tenaya Lodge in the Sierra National Forest and Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park

  • Breakfast daily, 4 dinners

  • San Francisco: San Francisco Marriott Marquis (Superior First-Class):
    San Francisco Marriott Marquis welcomes travelers to Northern California with exceptional service, spacious guestrooms, and a prime downtown location. The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guestrooms offer plush bedding, Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and Wi-Fi access.
  • Sacramento: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (First-Class):
    Overlooking the Sacramento River next to the Tower Bridge, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is within a 10-minute walk of the Old Sacramento Waterfront District. The hotel features local art throughout depicting Sacramento history and life along the river and offers amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness center, and room service.
  • Yosemite National Park: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (First-Class):
    An elegant resort in the California High Sierra, Tenaya Lodge is the perfect gateway to four seasons of Yosemite adventure. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness room, indoor pool, three outdoor pool, and five hot tubs.
  • Sequoia National Park: Wuksachi Lodge (National Park):
    In the Heart of an Ancient Forest, wood and stone forge together. Hearth and kitchen glow with warmth. And all comes to rest in a lodge that bears the name of its ancestors.
  • Monterey: Hyatt Regency Monterey (Superior First-Class):
    This luxury resort is ideally situated near an acclaimed golf course, which provides ample views of gardens and landscapes. Renovations have transformed the interior into a modern, contemporary oasis with a fireplace lounge, fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, tennis courts, restaurant, lounge, and room service. Guestrooms feature cable TV, high-speed Internet access, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, coffeemaker, bath robe, and bath amenities.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
  • Maximum elevation on tour is 9,145 ft (2,787 m) for daytime excursions and 7,200 ft (2,200 m) for overnight stays.
  • For maximum enjoyment, guests should be able to walk 1/4 - 1/2 mile with ease and over uneven pathways. Guests should be prepared for sustained walking and standing.
  • Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
Sightseeing & VIP Access
Sightseeing & VIP Access

Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more

Expert Local Guides
Expert Local Guides

Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more

Culture Through Cuisine
Culture Through Cuisine

Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of the USA through its regional cuisine. Read more

Superior Hotels
Superior Hotels

Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more

Travel in Style
Travel in Style

Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more

Local Favourites
Local Favourites

Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more

Trip Reviews (2)

Globus Reviews
Reviews 2 Reviews
Average Rating 4.5 out of 5
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Great tour   1 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
This tour was a good mix of some city highlights and stunning natural features in some of the best National Parks in the US. We were there in late September and the weather was clear, sunny and very pleasant, even in San Francisco. We were in a group of 27, mostly Americans, and we got on very well together. The pace of the tour was fine and overall read more we were happy with the accommodation, some of which were actually in or accessible to a national park. The tour was really a sampler of these places, and anyone wishing to see San Francisco, for example, in depth would be advised to add extra days on at the beginning of the tour. We were very happy with both Global Journeys and the Globus tour leader for contributing to a memorable experience.
A good trip through through stunning places 1 , NSW, Australia, May 2017
We wanted to see Yosemite and some sequoia groves. The tour covered these plus Lake Tahoe and the coast around Monterey. Overall a good tour but it really needs an extra day. There were no very early mornings but there were some late arrivals, eg Lake Tahoe after 7.00 pm. At times it felt rushed but the destinations were excellent. Accommodation was read more overall good but some locations were a little below par. Globus should review these. The coach was very good but only had one door which made loading and unloading tedious. Also there were no seat back pockets for our bits and pieces while on the road. This is not acceptable for long tours. The driver was excellent.
Play Youtube Video

Dates & Pricing

Welcome Back Credit

Travelled with Globus before? We'll automatically apply any travel credits to your booking.

GJ Loyalty Discount

Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!
Friday 07 May 2027 07 May 27 San Francisco
Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 San Francisco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$6,839
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 21 May 2027 21 May 27 San Francisco
Saturday 29 May 2027 29 May 27 San Francisco
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$7,739
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

10 Day America's Musical Heritage (Globus)

10 Days Nashville New Orleans

Operated By: Globus

From 6,673
Save 236
9 Day Pacific Coast Adventure and California Redwoods (Globus)

9 Days Seattle San Francisco

Operated By: Globus

From 5,848
Save 214
10 Day America's National Parks (Globus)

10 Days Rapid City Salt Lake City

Operated By: Globus

From 7,129
Save 262
8 Day Sunny Days & Starry Nights: Wonders of Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks (Globus)

8 Days Billings Whitefish

Operated By: Globus

From 7,002
Save 257