California
California Ski, City and Wine
Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley & San Francisco
based on 13 nights
Price Guide:
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* Pricing is a guideline only and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
based on 2 sharing, including accommodation and car hire.
At a Glance
Romantic adventure in the Golden State of California
Self drive through some of California's most stunning scenery
Ski some of North America's finest slopes at beautiful Lake Tahoe
Explore the wineries of Napa Valley and taste some of its finest produce
Cycle round San Francisco and walk with giants
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Best time to Visit
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California is a year round destination and has a temperate climate. This itinerary is best enjoyed in March and April, where you'll enjoy the best of the Spring snow, the vineyards in Napa will be coming into bud, and Spring has arrived in San Francisco.
Insider's View
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 4743 to start planning your holiday.
Itinerary
This classic self-drive itinerary experiences the amazing contrasts of the Golden State, California. Combining skiing in Lake Tahoe, wine tasting in Napa Valley and ending in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This romantic adventure combines wonderful food, delicious local wine and some unbelievable scenery on the way.
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Fly to San Francisco
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Days 1-9: Lake Tahoe Ski
You will start your Californian adventure on the cosmopolitan ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, after driving up from San Francisco or Reno Airports you will be staying in the luxurious village of Northstar. Northstar features fantastic mid-mountain skiing through the trees as well as stunning views across the cobalt blue north side of the lake. If you like cruising the groomed pistes and tree runs then Northstar is perfect for those leisurely or intermediate skiers. If you are looking for more challenging terrain then the Lake is home to 14 ski resorts, all within driving distance. This is skiing American style, where you can drive to different resorts, seeking out the best conditions each day and enjoying the varied après at night.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe Ski (8 nights)
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Days 9-12: Napa Valley
After 7 days of skiing you will hit the road to continue your California adventure in the stunning region of Napa Valley. Think of Napa and the first thing that comes to mind is wine. However, not only is this little part of California producing wines to rival that of the old world, it also has a lot of surprises up its sleeve. The scenery is spectacular; the towns are quaint and eclectic; the standard of restaurants is phenomenal, and it oozes Californian sophistication. Wine tasting will be at top of your check list, and we can organise tours to the most notable wine makers or smaller, off-the-beaten track wineries in the valley and Sonoma. Why not leave your car behind and cycle between each one? Or see the entire valley from a hot air balloon?
Accommodation: Auberge du Soleil (3 nights)
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Days 12-14: San Francisco
The next and final part of your trip takes you to the vibrant city of San Francisco. The California gold rush of 1849 turned San Francisco from a small Spanish colony into the largest city on the West coast. And after being nearly completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1906, it became the city it is today. Famous for being the birth place of free love, it retains its liberal air and is one of the world’s most famous cities, instantly recognisable in any picture. San Francisco is a city made for exploring with an array of must do experiences, including great restaurants, historic sites and buzzing markets. Be sure to take a ferry ride out to the island of Alcatraz to the see the notorious prison. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and have lunch in Sausalito whilst taking in the extraordinary views of the San Francisco skyline. With two nights in the city you will have time to see the best spots of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Vitale (2 nights)
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Fly home from San Francisco
Location
Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley & San Francisco
Pick up your hire care in either San Francisco or Reno and venture towards Lake Tahoe, spending 8 nights in North Lake Tahoe for some memorable skiing. From here, drive to Napa Valley and enjoy sipping on some of California's finest wines, spending 3 nights here, before ending your journey in San Francisco to explore the city's key sights or simply relax along the waterfront.How to get there
International flight to San Francisco, followed by either a 3.5 hour drive to Lake Tahoe or a short flight to Reno where you would pick up a hire car.- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator