Home > Tours > USA Tours > West Coast Tours > Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

9 Days San Francisco Return
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design

Overview

Globus
Trip Operated By:
 (833) Reviews
Total No. of Tours 400
Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush!
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
San Francisco
Trip Ends
San Francisco
Trip Style
Classic
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
45
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
F8G
Countries Visited:
USA

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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.
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 vacation. 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 Favorites
Local Favorites

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

Play Youtube Video

Download Brochure

Globus Worldwide (2026-27) Brochure

Globus Worldwide (2026-27)

Globus answers the call of curious travel lovers with nearly a century of sharing the world with adventure seekers, history lovers, and culturally curious explorers. We’ve perfected the art of travel planning by understanding that no two travelers are alike. From award-winning Classic tours that stand the test of time, to Small Group Discovery tours—big o moren experiences, small on crowds—to Globus Independent tours that spark your free spirit, you’re invited to travel your way… with our global expertise behind every effortless experience that speaks to you.

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.

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

9 Day Lost Canyons of the Southwest (Globus)

9 Days Phoenix Las Vegas

Operated By: Globus

From 4,009
10 Day Best of the Hawaiian Islands (Globus)

10 Days Honolulu Maui

Operated By: Globus

From 5,289
Save 350
8 Day Canyon Country Adventure (Globus)

8 Days Phoenix Las Vegas

Operated By: Globus

From 3,489
Save 350
8 Day Alaska's Northern Lights with Iditarod (Globus)

8 Days Fairbanks Anchorage

Operated By: Globus

From 4,099