Off the beaten track in California

Trip Code:3175
(AUD) Twin Share from $5,949pp
Days 8
Nights 7

This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch during an informative presentation. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.

Multiple Dates Available from June 2026 to April 2028

Departing: June 2026 / July 2026 / August 2026 / September 2026 / October 2026

  • from $5,949 per person twin share / $7,199 sole use *

Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre-/post-tour accommodation, and travel insurance. Call Us Now to get up-to-date pricing and secure your preferred stateroom.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Itinerary

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1 – Monterey, California – Tour Begins

From the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley, the scenery, history, and culture of northern California is unparalleled. Your tour opens in Monterey, a seaside city with a rich history and gorgeous scenery. As travelers’ arrival times vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day.

Day 2 – Monterey

The morning is yours to relax or explore this charming city independently. Perhaps you’ll visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium* or walk along Monterey’s Path of History – a self-guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks. This afternoon, the scenery of your dreams comes alive as you travel along the famed 17-Mile Drive to Carmel. See the Lone Cypress Tree, Seal Rock, and prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course before relaxing over dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 – Monterey – Modesto

Travel northeast towards California’s Central Valley to Modesto, your base for visiting Yosemite and home for two nights. Whilst Modesto is a city, it has a small-town atmosphere. Once you get there, visit a family-owned olive oil producer for an informative presentation, olive oil tasting, and lunch. Afterwards, meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Tonight, sit down with your fellow travellers for dinner and continue to savour those local flavours.

Day 4 – Modesto – Yosemite National Park – Modesto

Dramatic waterfalls to soaring granite peaks, Yosemite will leave you in awe. Enjoy a scenic drive to the gates of the national park, where you’ll travel by coach through Yosemite’s unrivalled landscapes with an expert guide. Natural wonders abound as you stand before El Capitan, and take in breathtaking vistas including Half Dome, Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls.

Day 5 – Modesto – Sacramento

Arrive in Sacramento, enjoying time on your own for lunch in Old Sacramento – a historic Gold Rush-era neighbourhood filled with over 60 restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, and antique gas lamps. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the California State Railroad Museum and explore the detailed exhibits with a guide -OR- peruse a collection of Californian art and European master drawings on a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.

Day 6 – Sacramento – Lake Tahoe – Sacramento

Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort town of Lake Tahoe. Board a classic yacht-style vessel for a narrated cruise of Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters. Discover the history of the area and explore the enclosed and open-air decks for ideal places to snap photos of the dynamic landscape and breathe in the fresh air.

Day 7 – Sacramento – Napa Valley – San Francisco

The iconic rolling vineyards of Napa Valley welcome you today. Tour the grounds of a vineyard whilst learning about the wine-making process before enjoying a private tasting and a delicious farewell lunch. Raise a glass of locally produced wine and toast to your California adventure. Tonight, enjoy an evening to explore San Francisco as you please.

Day 8 – San Francisco – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories.

Highlights

  • Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf 
  • Explore Yosemite National Park
  • S​ip wines in Napa Valley

This is the essence of Northern California, from fine wine and freshly caught seafood to vibrant cities and nature on an epic scale. Discover Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Sacramento and Pier 39 in San Francisco. Witness the stunning views along 17-Mile Drive. Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard. Enjoy an olive oil tasting and lunch during an informative presentation. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park. Glide on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe on a classic yacht. Sip local wines in Napa Valley and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Embrace the laid-back life of the Golden State.

Inclusions

Your tour includes:

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 12 Meals – 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • An expert Tour Manager
  • Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Must-See Inclusions:

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise to the green and blue waters of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe.
  • Take a coach tour through awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park.

Cultural Experiences:

  • Marvel at the views along scenic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel.
  • Meet a local farmer and visit an almond orchard in the Central Valley.

Culinary Inclusions:

  • Visit a family-owned olive oil producer for lunch and a tasting.
  • Sample local vintages during a winery tour and tasting in Napa Valley.

Exclusions

  • Visas
  • Any flight not mentioned in the inclusion
  • T​ravel Insurance
  • E​xpenses of a personal nature, souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc

FAQs

7 nights accommodation included on this tour

  • Hyatt Regency Monterey (2 Nights)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto (2 Nights)
  • Hyatt Regency Sacramento (2 Nights)
  • Hotel Zoe

Tour Fitness Level Recommendation – Level 1: At a very leisurely pace, this tour involves minimal physical activity, such as climbing some stairs, boarding a motorcoach, and walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas.

Masks – Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.

Motor Coach – All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.

Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Provided by: Collette

Fine Print

Ask about the tour operator’s cancel for any reason waiver. Cancellation Waiver financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $5,949pp
Days 8
Nights 7

Enquire Now