Northern California

San Francisco, Wine Country & Redwoods
June 8 – June 18, 2012

 Day 1:  After leaving the Kansas City area, we travel to Nebraska, stop for a lunch break and continue west to overnight in Sidney, Nebraska.  En route we enjoy a hosted, “get acquainted dinner”, at famous Ole’s Restaurant in Paxton.

Day 2: After enjoying a hot breakfast, we leave the plains of Nebraska and make our way to Wyoming and spend the night in Evanston.

Day 3:  Travel day to Fallon, Nevada.

Day 4: This morning we arrive in beautiful northern California.  We arrive this afternoon in one of the world’s premier wine producing regions and spend time in the beautiful, historic town of Sonoma.  Enjoy free time to explore the Mission, Spanish barracks, browse the shops and enjoy a dinner at a fine local restaurant.    We board the coach for a short ride to Rohnert Park and check into the Double Tree Hotel, our home for the next four nights.

Day 5:  It’s off to the Pacific coast this morning to visit the quaint fishing village of Bodega.  The town is best known for the site of the filming of Hitchcock’s early masterpiece “The Birds”.  Breath in the fresh, sea air, see the infamous school house, stroll along the dock to watch crab boats and enjoy your favorite morning beverage, overlooking the bay at the Tides Restaurant. We continue our drive on coastal Highway #1 to Jenner, then inland along the Russian River to Redwoods State Park for a walking tour of the ancient redwood trees.  A hosted lunch and wine tasting will be held at Korbels. We set off to Santa Rosa, the former residence of Charles Schultz.  A fascinating tour is scheduled at the Charles Schultz Museum and Research Center.  Leisure time this evening.

Day 6:  Today dedicated to the vibrant “City by the Bay”, San Francisco.  We cross the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, meet our local tour guide,  and take a city morning driving tour of the city’s famous landmarks, distinct neighborhoods and financial district.  We hop off for a walking tour and authentic Asian lunch in bustling China Town. Tour highlights also include Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building and Japanese Tea Garden.  We travel to Marin County to enjoy a dinner in the bayside town of Tiberon.  

Day 7:  Following a restful night we re group to take a short drive Santa Rosa to visit the Arthur Burbank Home & Gardens for an early morning tour. Next is a scenic, 3-hour leisurely ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.   Our relaxing round-trip journey, aboard meticulously restored vintage cars, also includes a freshly prepared gourmet lunch.  In the afternoon, additional stops include, Petaluma to visit an Olive Ranch and Cheese Store.  Leisure time this evening.                  

Day 8:  This morning it is time to leave Northern California and begin our return home.  Our schedule includes a visit to Old Sacramento to enjoy the Gold Rush-era ambiance and lunch.  Overnight in Elko, Nevada.  Evening dinner is at a local Basque restaurant.

Day 9:  Travel day through Nevada to Wyoming and overnight in Laramie.

Day 10:   Make our way home to the Midwest and overnight in Hays, Kansas.

Day 11:  Homeward bound to the Kansas City area with fond, new memories of our northern California adventure and travel time together.

$1766 double occupancy   $2382 single occupancy                                      

11 Days/10 Nights (14) Meals

Trip Cancellation Insurance: $162/$210