Gems of Northern California – Self Drive

$2529

Gems of Northern California

The Gems of Northern California is a perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Ranging from the cosmopolitan to coastal and country chic, the destinations are an encapsulation of California's unparalleled diversity. Enjoy iconic scenery amidst unforgettable bike rides as well as the region's world-renowned wines and local cuisine - this is where farm-to-table became a thing.

Deal Includes
✔ 10 days rental car
✔ 9 nights accommodation

Gems of Northern California
From $2529 per person share twin
Based on Select Departures between: 14 Oct-06 Dec 24

From $2815 per person share twin
Based on Select Departures between: 16 Jan-30 Mar 25
Ask us about other departure dates.

Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco arrival
Consider discovering the city of San Francisco without a car and pick up your rental car on day 4. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel located in the heart of the city where you will be able to explore most of San Francisco on foot. A short walk from downtown icons like The Ferry Building and the cable cars, not to mention the luxury retail and fine dining all throughout the neighborhood of Union Square.

Day 2: San Francisco
Explore the beautiful, bike-friendly streets and waterfront paths of San Francisco all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge with an all-day bike rental and ferry ticket. It's a popular activity to ride your bike across the Golden Gate Bridge down to Sausalito and take the ferry back to San Francisco. The charming town of Sausalito is just four miles (6.4 km) from San Francisco, offering gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay. The waterfront town, nestled in the steep Marin Headlands, is home to fabulous restaurants. Back in the city visit one of San Francisco's largest outdoor spaces, Golden Gate Park, which is home to multiple museums, a towering Ferris wheel, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Covering 55 acres of land, the Botanical Garden contains more than 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world. Golden Gate Park is a perfect spot for a picnic.

Day 3: San Francisco
After all the biking enjoy a day shopping or hop aboard on one of the famous historic cable cars at Union Square and ride to the top of Nob Hill. From there, it's a short walk to neighboring Russian Hill, and enjoy incredible views of the Financial District from Coolbrith Park. Also close by is Lombard Street known as the "Crookedest Street in the World," one of San Francisco's most popular landmarks. Take a spectacular photo at the bottom looking up or enjoy the breathtaking view from the top looking out onto the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower. From there, enjoy the downhill walk to Fisherman's Wharf, where fresh seafood, the cutest locals (the sea lions), and popular attractions like PIER 39, the Aquarium of the Bay, and ferries to Alcatraz, the world-famous prison and national park, await. You can also head west along the waterfront and arrive at Ghirardelli Square, where the famous chocolate is still being served. Walking further west will take you past Fort Mason and into San Francisco's scenic Marina neighborhood. From locations like Marina Green and Crissy Field, you can see clear across the bay to Sausalito and get breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4: San Francisco - Monterey
Today, pick up your rental car and head South on a breathtaking coastal journey from San Francisco to Monterey. Heading south on Highway 1, you'll encounter the charming coastal town of Pacifica. Continuing along the coast, you'll soon reach Half Moon Bay, known for its picturesque beaches, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. As you continue southward, you'll enter the region of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The drive then takes you through picturesque landscapes as you pass through the Santa Cruz Mountains and the lush redwood forests of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The final stretch of your journey leads to Monterey. Once you've checked into your hotel, Stretch your legs with a stroll down the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail to Cannery Row. As you walk along the coast, you'll see colossal sand dunes standing across the bay along the coastline of Marina, Seaside and Sand City. You'll also catch glimpses of marine life such as seals and sea otters. As you come toward the Coast Guard Pier, the Rec Trail will pull away from the coast, taking you through the heart of Cannery Row. Once upon a time, this neighborhood was filled with sardine canneries. Now it features restaurants, hotels, specialty shops, galleries and wine tasting rooms. You've got enough time for some browsing before dinner at the Cannery Row landmark.

Day 5: Monterey
Explore the area of Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the top shopping destinations in the United States, but one with deep bohemian roots. Spend your morning exploring chic boutiques along Ocean Avenue, anchored by the shopping center Carmel Plaza. Visit the close by Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, hiking trails, and the opportunity to spot sea lions and other wildlife. It has been called "the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world." Hikers regularly spend entire days here. Catch a glimpse of what has captivated so many photographers, artists, and writers by taking the short, easy Sea Lion Point trail down around Sea Lion Cove. If you have time and the inclination, continue your tour with a walk on the Cypress Grove trail. This afternoon embark on a whale watching tour from Monterey Fisherman's Wharf. During the summer/fall season (Mid-March through early December) the tour focuses on feeding whales that come to the bay to feast on small fish and krill. During the winter season (December-Mid March) the tour's focus is on migrating whales. One of the largest movements of mammals on earth happens just off the coast of Pacific Grove, CA - the south end of Monterey Bay.

Day 6: Monterey
Today, discover the famous the Aquarium has enough extraordinary exhibits to fill an entire day. For a quick tour, start with the million-gallon Open Sea Exhibit and other special exhibitions. Then cross over the bridge to the Ocean's Edge Galleries and swing by the Kelp Forest exhibit and (if little ones are in tow) the Splash Zone. Head downstairs for the Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit and interactive Touch Pool. Another idea for your day is a drive to Big Sur, consider taking a detour along the famous 17-Mile Drive, which offers stunning coastal views, iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress, and picturesque golf courses. As you leave 17-Mile Drive, you'll pass through the charming town of Pacific Grove, known for its Victorian architecture and scenic coastline. A quick detour to Point Pinos Lighthouse is worthwhile. It's the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast and offers lovely views of the coast. As you proceed, you'll enter Garrapata State Park. It's known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful coastal scenery. One of the most iconic stops on the route is Bixby Creek Bridge, which spans a deep canyon and offers breathtaking vistas of the coastline. Further south, McWay Falls is another highlight. It's a stunning waterfall that drops onto a pristine beach, and you can view it from an overlook just off the highway. At Ragged Point, you'll find a dramatic viewpoint with steep cliffs and panoramic ocean views. Finally, you'll reach Big Sur proper. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great place to explore the redwoods, go for a hike, or have a picnic.

Day 7: Monterey - Sonoma
Today leave beautiful Monterey northbound and you'll enter the Salinas Valley, passing by farms and vineyards. As you approach the area around Soledad and Greenfield, you'll enter Monterey County's wine country. Consider stopping at wineries in the region to taste some local wines. Santa Lucia Highlands is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards. It's an excellent place for wine enthusiasts to explore. Continue north through Salinas and Gilroy, famous for its garlic production. As you approach the Santa Clara Valley, you'll notice a shift from agricultural areas to suburban communities. Visit Petaluma on your way, it has recently become the epitome of country chic, with a boutique-laden downtown district and a cluster of hip restaurants, but this town is still in touch with the agricultural roots. The seamless marriage of farms and frills means that today, Petaluma's the perfect place for a unique food adventure. Finally, you'll arrive in Sonoma, a town known for its historic plaza, wineries, and vibrant food scene. Explore the Sonoma Plaza, visit local wineries, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this wine country destination.

Day 8:  Sonoma 
Drive the scenic Highway 12 between Sonoma and Santa Rosa to experience the gorgeous vineyards throughout Sonoma Valley. All that's delightful about the Sonoma Valley - fine wine, farm-to-table cuisine, beautiful vineyards and hills, California history, and intriguing shops - comes together in its central section, home to the town of Sonoma. Here you can taste some of the best Chardonnays (and, of course, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, & Zinfandels) from California. After a wine tasting or two, find yourself at the center of the town of Sonoma, at the park-like Sonoma Plaza - covering eight acres and is one of California's largest town squares. (It was here in June 1846 that American settlers rebelled against Mexican rule and raised the bear flag, declaring an independent republic.) Festivals, farmers markets, fun runs, and other community activities are frequently held in Sonoma Plaza. Take your time strolling around town, visiting the cafes, boutiques, cheese shops, and tasting rooms. Grab dinner at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in Sonoma before heading back to your hotel.

Day 9: Sonoma
While known for its premium wines, Sonoma County also boasts a thriving artisan beverage community, with more than two dozen craft breweries, close to a dozen cider works, and more than a dozen distilleries. Visit a brewery, cider works, or distillery to learn about the traditions and techniques of these emerging boutique industries. The California Coast is one of the most iconic and scenic coasts in the country. The coastal stretch north of San Francisco in Sonoma County is home to the picturesque sea villages Bodega, Bodega Bay, Jenner, Timber Cove, The Sea Ranch, and Gualala. So, grab breakfast at one of the quaint, waterfront cafes before heading out for your coastal adventure. The ocean overlook at Bodega Head is prime for watching gray and blue whales traveling south from the Chukchi Sea near Alaska and down to Baja California for winter, then back north for the summer feeding season.

Day 10: Sonoma - San Francisco departure
Today, your drive takes you back south. Enjoy the beauty of California's wine country before transitioning into the urban landscapes of San Francisco and return your rental car at San Francisco Airport.


Customise this itinerary to travel at your own pace.



Note: Road tolls, one way rental car fees, fuel, meals, hotel parking charges, admission fees and surcharges are paid direct.

Our packages are based on dynamic pricing which means you get the best available rates of the day at the time of booking. Pricing is subject to current availability and pricing may change without notice.

Visit your local House of Travel store for more information on travel dates, pricing & inclusions.

Highlights worth seeing along the way
Golden Gate Bridge - Walk along the railings of San Francisco's world famous Golden Gate Bridge
Carmel-by-the-Sea - Visit one of the top shopping destinations in the United States at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Santa Lucia Highlands -  Stop at one of the many Pinot Nior and Chardonnay vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Sonoma - Stop in Sonoma to visit a brewery, cider works or distillery to learn about the traditions and techniques of these emerging boutique industries.


> More USA deals
> More about the USA