San Francisco, Sonoma, Yosemite, and Monterey Bay
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory:
Region: Pacific Northwest
Trip Price: $5,325
Duration: 10 days/9 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: San Francisco, California / San Francisco, California
National Parklands: Yosemite NP
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive into San Francisco International Airport and drive the 65 miles to Sonoma. Spend two nights in Sonoma, steps from the historic Sonoma Plaza. Take advantage of delicious eateries and tasting rooms, plus you’ll set out on a wine tasting tour to experience some of the area’s 17 appellations and over 400 wineries. After a delicious day, get some rest because tomorrow you drive to Yosemite!
Today, you’ll head inland to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and photographer Ansel Adams’ favorite, Yosemite National Park. Get off on the right foot with a privately guided hike. Your naturalist guide will bring the surrounding landscape alive as they teach you about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.
Now it’s time to migrate from the western part of the park down to your lodge for the next two nights, near Yosemite’s southern entrance. On the drive through the park, spend time exploring the waterfalls, meadows, forests, granite cliffs, and iconic vistas in Yosemite. You’ll cap off your Yosemite visit with another immersive guided hike walking among ancient giant sequoias.
Your next stop is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque town overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean. This charming town on the beach has it all: scenery, trails, historic sites, galleries, and restaurants. After your first night in your charming boutique hotel, it’s time for a unique adventure. Spend the morning tide-pooling with a marine biologist followed by a behind-the-scenes aquarium visit.
It’s time to return to where we started – the City by the Bay. We recommend taking the iconic California Highway 1 for a scenic and unforgettable drive. Once there, you’ll head out on a half-day guided bike tour to hit some of the city’s beautiful highlights. After a comfortable night’s rest, make your way to San Francisco International for departures home.
Experience the quintessential feel of Sonoma at this private, luxurious property just steps off the historical Sonoma Plaza with unparalleled access to the town’s most dynamic restaurants, tasting rooms, shops and historical sights. Sonoma Bungalows is unique and intimate with 8 Luxury Bungalows & Suites, each thoughtfully appointed with gourmet kitchens, large open living spaces and grand master bedrooms that effortlessly blend sophistication and an understated elegance.
Opened during the summer of 2016, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is the first newly opened hotel near Yosemite in over 25 years. Boasting a number of great rooming options that accommodate most any group and full-service amenities, Rush Creek immediately established itself as a client favorite.
The Tenaya Lodge is a lovely full service resort, located just a half mile south of Yosemite's southern entrance. This is a great base as it is a full service resort with several dining options, outdoor pool and lounge area, on-resort activities, a spa and also provides close and easy access to all the parks highlights. You're just a 30 minute drive to the main valley floor.
The Hotel Carmel is conveniently located in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea, California. This charming boutique hotel is within walking distance of all the best eating, tasting and shopping that Carmel has to offer, not to mention that it is only blocks away from the ocean! Chock-full of amenities - from the thoughtful decor to a free happy hour, to firepits and a lovely continental breakfast - this property is the ideal place to stay in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Located in the gorgeous neighborhood along the crest of Pacific Heights, this wonderful hotel is a real treat for our clients who want to be well-located while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the run-of-the-mill tourist locations in the city. The Drisco has been around for years and offers wonderful rooms and the quiet tranquility of a local neighborhood. Everyone loves wondering the amazing hills of Pacific Heights and this hotel keeps you right in the middle of it all.
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