Compare Sunsets & Southern Charms by Tours of Distinction vs Road Trip: San Fran, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe & Yosemite by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,579 | $ 1,278 |
| Price Per Day | $ 316 | $ 128 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | NA |
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| Meals Included |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners |
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| Description |
Experience the charms of the South by horse and carriage, tour the only tea plantation in North America, see pristine Antebellum Mansions up close, shop in markets that date to 1700s… and dine on unforgettable Low Country cuisine…these are all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! |
This unforgettable road trip through Northern California is so good, you won't want to waste a moment. Start your adventure in the City by the Bay - San Francisco! From the Golden Gate to Alcatraz Island to the hustle and bustle of the Castro, this historic city has something exciting around every corner. After your time in SF, you'll set your course for the Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Valley's scenic backroads and expansive array of excellent wines are every wine lover's dream. Be your own sommelier for a day and treat yourself to a winery tour or two before moving on to the crisp air of the Sierra Nevadas. Your next stop will be in South Lake Tahoe for all your favorite outdoor activities. Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to play all day and party all night. After an invigorating stay, you'll head for one of the world's most famous national parks: Yosemite. Two nights in Yosemite will stir up your hunger for outdoor adventure. Take on the excellent hiking and irresistible views of the area. Picturesque year-round, Yosemite is impossible not to love. Your road trip will come full-circle upon your return to San Francisco. Use your final night to dive into any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping that piques your interest. |
Day 1 - Arrive Charleston, SC
Today, depart on a journey south to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality. See the beautiful architecture and history that Charleston and Savannah are known for, and take in some beautiful southern sunsets! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival in Charleston, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. Tonight, dinner is included at Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Charleston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided tour of Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings and colorful houses throughout the city. The tour will conclude at the Charleston City Market to enjoy some free time and lunch on own. This afternoon, we will travel to Wadmalaw Island, where we enjoy a guided tour at the beautiful Charleston Tea Plantation, then we make a stop at the Deep Water Vineyard. While here, we enjoy a wine tasting of 9 different wines. After, it’s back to Charleston, where we will board The Spirit of Carolina for a dinner cruise! (B, D)
Day 3 - Savannah, GA
After breakfast, we’re off and out again, making our way to Beaufort, SC! Historic Beaufort, was founded in 1711, and stands strong as a living landmark, handcrafted from the storied history of the south. We will enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of Beaufort, have time for lunch and to do some shopping before resuming our journey south to Savannah, GA. We check into the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, before dinner at Belford’s Seafood & Steak. (B, D)
Day 4 - Savannah
This morning, we meet our guide following breakfast for a full day of touring. Our travels include a visit to the Andrew Low House, former home of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and Andrew Low himself. This afternoon, we stop at the Savannah City Market for lunch, on own, before our tour to the Atlantic Low Country and Tybee Island. This evening’s dinner is included at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island, followed by a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. What a way to complete this wonderful tour!
(B, D)
Day 5 - Depart Savannah
Breakfast is included this morning, before we start making our way home and say our farewells to Georgia & South Carolina. We will be dropped off by our motor-coach at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the flight home. (B)
Day 1 Welcome to San Francisco!
Congratulations! You've officially made it to the coolest place on Earth! Slide on your sunglasses and buckle up: this is going to be the road trip of a lifetime. The Bay Area has a legendary culinary scene, so show up hungry! Dig into your adventure with an obligatory visit to In-N-Out for an Animal Style burger (a hot tip from the locals - don't waste time on the rest of the "secret menu." Animal Style or nothin'). While you're here, don't miss any other emblematic San Franciscan favorites: clam chowder in a sourdough bowl on Fisherman's Wharf, a Ghiradelli hot fudge sundae from N. Point Street's Ghirardelli Square, Dungeness crab from Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street, or an IT'S-IT ice cream sandwich from just about anywhere equipped with a freezer! Be sure to make your way to Coit Tower in time to enjoy 360-degree views of the city while the sun sets!
Day 2 San Francisco
Wake up early so you can fill your day with sightseeing! The City by the Bay is packed with things to enchant every traveler - the Painted Ladies on Steiner Street, the vintage clothing boutiques in Haight-Ashbury, the sea lions at Pier 39, cable cars, Alcatraz Island...the list goes on (and on and on and...). For a true Northern California experience, set off across the Golden Gate for a scenic drive to Muir Woods. This 560-acre park is home to ancient groves of redwoods that can grow as tall as 380 feet! On your way back, be sure to stop at the Muir Beach Overlook for gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast and, if you travel at the right time of year, whales!
Day 3 San Francisco - Sonoma
Only about 30 miles from San Francisco, Sonoma County never fails to impress. Boasting 50 miles of Pacific coastline, 40+ spas and wellness centers, and over 425 beautiful wineries, the Sonoma Valley abounds in relaxation and rejuvenation. For a scenic drive from SF, take the Pacific Coast Highway! Highway 1 (also known as CA State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most stunning road trip experiences in the country. You'll get breathtaking ocean views as you wind your way along the coast. The drive north will keep the sun at your back and the Pacific to your left as you take in the marvelous scenery.
Day 4 Sonoma
Welcome to wine country! If you're looking for gourmet farm-to-table dining, state parks, and wine tastings galore, you're in the right place. Sonoma County is speckled with farming towns and vineyards which belong to 5th generation growers. Here, 47 idyllic miles are packed with 16 wine regions, all growing a variety of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Zinfandel.
Day 5 Sonoma - South Lake Tahoe
The Sierra Nevadas are calling! The trip from Sonoma to Lake Tahoe is about 3 hours, so make the most of your drive with a stop at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. Treat yourself to a self-guided factory tour to see how the candy is made and snack on a few free samples. Once you arrive in Tahoe, get ready for some fun! Whether you travel in the summer, spring, winter, or fall, there's plenty to do. Skiing, hiking, water sports, and more are yours to enjoy in this alpine wonderland.
Day 6 South Lake Tahoe
This mountain town is the perfect place to unwind outside. Spend your day in the sun on the lake, biking mountain trails, or hopping from boutique to boutique. When the sun goes down, move the party inside! Tahoe has a great live music scene, world-class casinos, and restaurants that will blow you away.
Day 7 South Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park
What can be said about Yosemite (pronounced yoh-sem-it-ee) except "wow?" This UNESCO-listed national park sits in a glacier-carved valley in the Sierra Nevadas. You'll find soaring sequoia trees, America's tallest waterfall, and dreamy hiking trails through thick forests. Before you dash into the park, be sure you have a plan of attack. Hiking trails intersect and overlap, so be sure to bring a paper map. In the mountains, cell phone reception can be unreliable so make sure you know where you're going, how to get there, and most importantly, how to get back.
Day 8 Yosemite National Park
Start your day nice and early so you can pack adventure into every hour of daylight! There are five entrances to the park, so it's a great idea to plan your day before you arrive. There are trails for every hiker, so check out the features of each trail you're interested in and make sure it's the right one for you! The loop to Lower Yosemite Falls offers an easy, 30-minute hike from shuttle stop 6. Those looking for a more moderate hike may enjoy a 3-hour trek on the Mirror Lake loop. Advanced hikers may enjoy the challenge of the 5ish-hour hike on the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails via shuttle stop 16's Mist Trail. Remember to bring plenty of water along as some trails do not have drinking water available. Be sure to carry out all of your trash and food waste (including fruit peels and shells), stay on the trails, and leave the wildlife alone - they're trying to enjoy the park, too!
Day 9 Yosemite National Park - San Francisco
It's time to embark on the 3-hour trip back to San Francisco. If you want to do a little more SF sightseeing, Highway 120 is often the quickest route. Upon your return, consider treating yourself to an evening in the theatre district or a dinner cruise on the Bay!
Day 10 Depart San Francisco
It had to happen eventually: today, your Nothern California dreamin' comes to an end. Say "see ya next time!" to San Francisco and head home.
