Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.
YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
- TASTE: "Carbe" Diem! Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and savor some of the best Italian food the city has to offer.
- DELVE: Rooted in Beauty A self guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium immerses you in the stunning ecosystems of the California Coast.
- TREK: Redwood ReTREEt! Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito.
SONOMA: Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery.
SACRAMENTO: Sightseeing tour includes California's state capitol building, Midtown, the famed Johnny Cash mural, and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Scenic ride along the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” en route to Lake Tahoe.
LAKE TAHOE: Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area.
Free time this evening.
YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
- DELVE: Historic Haunts Explore the American Wild West in Virginia City, Nevada, and follow the Pony Express route to the mining motherlode site at Comstock Lode.
- SAIL: Yachts of Fun! Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and glacier-carved Emerald Bay.
- GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway Soar to the 9,150-foot-high observation deck above Heavenly in a glass-cabin gondola for stunning views over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Free time this evening.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort.
YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
- TREK: 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.
- GAZE: Westward, Ho! Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of Native Peoples and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other.
- STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White Join a private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery with instruction by expert photography guides.
Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Center. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert.
This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm.
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite.
- The Wild West and the Pony Express ... lake time and gold mines ... granite cliffs and wine sniffs!
- Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
- Breakfast daily, 2 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.
- 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.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their YourChoice Excursions to ensure your preference is available. YourChoice Excursions booked on-tour are subject to availability and vendor terms.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of the USA through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Canada & USA (2026)
Let us take you beyond the guidebooks with insider access, exclusive moments, and seamless service. Enjoy front-row seats to legendary landmarks like Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and the Canadian Rockies, VIP entry where others wait in line, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring North America’s rich history and vibrant culture to life. With nearly a century of expertise, hand-picked hotels, expert Tour Directors, and worry-free travel, we go above and beyond—so you can too. This is Touring. Beyond. Don’t just see Canada and the USA. Tour them with Globus.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
