Welcome to the Golden State! On this magnificent eight-day trip blend the sights of sophisticated San Francisco with California’s renowned wine country. Start in San Francisco, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with a sightseeing tour and cruise across San Francisco Bay. Spend a day at leisure experiencing the city on your own or take an optional excursion up the rugged coast through the Salinas Valley to Monterey and onto spectacular 17-Mile drive, ending in the posh resort town of Carmel. Next, spend four nights getting to know Napa and Sonoma. Wineries visited include Roche, Viansa, Ravenswood, Buena Vista, MUMM, and Calistoga Cellars. A highlight of this trip is the relaxing train journey aboard the infamous Napa Valley Wine Train, featuring beautiful scenery and spectacular food. On your last evening, indulge in a special Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner hosted by your Tour Director.

Itinerary:

Day 1 San Francisco. Welcome to the Golden State! This evening mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the welcome reception where your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

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. Afterwards 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. (B)

Day 3 San Francisco
Today is at leisure to explore San Francisco on your own. Alternatively, you may opt to join an optional excursion that takes you to one of the natural wonders of the world, Yosemite National Park.

Day 4 San Francisco–Sonoma County–Napa California
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 and visit family owned ROCHE WINERY in the Carneros region to tour their vineyards and taste their award-winning wines. A short drive brings you to VIANSA WINERY & ITALIAN MARKETPLACE for a picnic style lunch and time to enjoy their beautiful gardens and market. Check into your hotel with time to savor their daily wine reception. (B,L)

Day 5 Napa and Sonoma County
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a wine maker? Today is your chance with 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. Visit the SOLANO DE SAN FRANCISCO MISSION and GENERAL VALLEJO'S HOME. Enjoy free time in the town square before visiting BUENA ViSTA WINERY; dating back to 1857, it’s the oldest winery still in operation. A special educational TWILIGHT TASTING awaits. Learn how different wines pair with various savory and sweet flavors. (B)

Day 6 Napa Valley. 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 three-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! (B,L)

Day 7 Napa Valley
Start your day with a visit to COPIA: THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR WINE, FOOD AND THE ARTS. Enjoy free time to stroll through this fun, interactive center. Be sure to visit the center’s gardens and see the display of copper cookware owned by Julia Child, an advisor in the creation of COPIA. Next, a drive through the Napa Valley, past the Culinary Institute of America, 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 the splendid CALISTOGA CELLARS for a guided tour of their barrel aging cellar topped off with a special tasting straight from the barrel. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 8 Napa–San Francisco
Head to San Francisco International Airport this morning for tour guests with homebound flights. (Please schedule flights after noon.) The coach then continues into downtown where the tour ends. (B)