This magnificent trip blends the sights of sophisticated San Francisco with California’s renowned wine country. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a dabbler in wine tasting, this tour is sure to delight. Spend time in San Francisco and enjoy guided sightseeing as well as four nights getting to know the celebrated wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Wineries visited include Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace, Cline Cellars, Ravenswood, Mumm Napa, V. Sattui Winery, and Rubicon Estate Winery & Chateau. A highlight of this vacation is the relaxing train journey aboard the famous Napa Valley Wine Train, featuring beautiful scenery and spectacular food. On your last evening, indulge in a special dinner at the Wine Spectator’s Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America.

You’ve heard about California’s wine region—now’s your chance to explore it and visit many of the wineries that call this region home. Just imagine the stories and photos you’ll be able to share when you return home from this wonderful vacation experience.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 Arrive in San Francisco
Welcome to the Golden State! This evening, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure

DAY 2 San Francisco
Morning sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, famous for its natural harbor, lush parks, cable cars, and bustling docks. Your tour includes Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. Afterward, sit back and relax as you enjoy a CRUISE across San Francisco Bay. Tonight, you may want to venture back to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner at one of the area’s famous restaurants. (Breakfast)

DAY 3 San Francisco–Sonoma County
This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views. Continue to Sonoma County to VIANSA WINERY & ITALIAN MARKETPLACE for a picnic-style lunch and time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and market. Next, visit CLINE CELLARS in the Carneros region to tour their vineyards and taste their acclaimed wines. A short drive brings you to THE OLIVE PRESS to learn how some of the best extra-virgin olive oil is produced from the first cold-crushing of the freshest olives. No visit is complete without sampling several olive oils and a vinegar, too. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 4 Napa & Sonoma Counties
Enjoy some time this morning at leisure. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a wine vintner? Today is your chance as you attend a Zinfandel WINE-BLENDING SEMINAR at Ravenswood. Be creative and craft your own vintage! The bottle will be corked and ready for transport home to share with your friends. Enjoy free time in Sonoma square this afternoon. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 5 Napa & Sonoma Counties. The Wine Train
Late this morning, board a luxurious Pullman lounge car and enjoy a relaxing TRAIN JOURNEY through the lush Napa Valley. Relive the days of elegant rail travel while enjoying a sumptuous 3-course lunch on board. This afternoon, learn how famous champagne maker MUMM makes its California sparkling wine in the traditional French method at MUMM NAPA. Sample a glass of their bubbly to toast a great day! (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 6 Napa & Sonoma Counties
Start your day with a visit to V. SATTUI WINERY for a guided tour of the vineyards, production facilities, barrel room, and cellar followed by a tasting. Next, a drive through Napa Valley to the town of Calistoga, famous for its hot-water geysers. Time for lunch on your own in downtown Calistoga and to stroll the streets that retain their charm of yesteryear. Finally this afternoon, stop at RUBICON ESTATE WINERY & CHATEAU for a guided historical tour of one of the oldest properties in Napa Valley followed by a tasting of their estate wines. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at Wine Spectator’s GREYSTONE RESTAURANT, located at the Culinary Institute of America. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7 Sonoma–San Francisco
Head to San Francisco International Airport this morning for guests with homebound flights. Your motorcoach then continues downtown, where the vacation ends. (Breakfast)