Northern California Summer Adventure
Discover the countless wonders of Northern California’s Bay Area. Let the topaz-blue of Lake Tahoe send you into a state of relaxed bliss while you view the granite slopes and waterfalls at one of America’s purest lakes. Drive along winding rivers and through beautiful forests on the Bigfoot Scenic Byway. Immerse yourself in the Gold Rush-era history of the state capital Sacramento. Explore preserved railroad heritage at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Join us for this exhilarating adventure!
Dates and Pricing
Dates: June 23-30, 2025
Pricing per person:
- Single- $6,799.00
- Double- $5,909.00
- Triple- $5,489.00
- Quad- $5,229.00
- Roundtrip Economy Group Air from Minneapolis to San Francisco, CA/Reno, CA.
- 7-night hotel accommodations
- 13 meals (7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Motorcoach transportation
- Services of a AAA Tour manager
- Full time local tour director
- All taxes and gratuities
- Three Scenic Train Excursions**
- Santa Cruz & Big Trees Railroad
- Sacramento River Fox Train (2025 schedule pending)
- Virginia & Truckee Railroad
- Guided San Francisco City Tour
- San Francisco Bay Narrated Cruise
- Free afternoon in San Francisco
- Napa Valley Region Tour
- Bigfoot Discovery Center
- Sacramento City Tour
- Old Sacramento
- Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Lake Tahoe Cruise
- Guided Virginia City Tour
Deposit: $650 per person
Final Payment Due: February 13, 2025
Cancellation: Deposit is nonrefundable. Final payment is nonrefundable.
Begin your Northern California adventure by flying to San Francisco. Your motorcoach will pick up your group at the San Francisco International Airport and bring you to your hotel for the next 2 nights. You’ll gather with your group for a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant along the water on Pier 39.
Meal(s): Dinner
Hotel(s): 2 nights, near city center/Fisherman’s Wharf
This morning, meet your expert local guide for a San Francisco city tour to include Chinatown, Union Square, Twin Peaks, the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. Sea breezes accompany you at a group lunch overlooking Ocean Beach and the mighty Pacific Ocean. This afternoon, have an adventure on San Francisco Bay with Bay Discovery Cruise! This 90-minute sightseeing cruise is full of San Francisco icons, such as: the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, San Francisco Skyline, and a view of the famous Alcatraz Island. This evening you will have free time to explore San Francisco. You can take a ride on a Cable Car, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or visit the historic ships of the Maritime Museum of San Francisco, and more. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Departing San Francisco this morning, you will travel south to the town of Felton where mountain men built some of California’s earliest distilleries. Nestled amongst the Coastal Redwoods of California’s North Central Coast, Felton is where you’ll board the Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway for a ride through a forest filled with these enormous trees. You’ll have a delightful barbeque lunch in historic Roaring Camp, a recreation of a logging community of the late 1800’s. Next up is a visit to the nearby Bigfoot Discovery Museum to learn why the myth may be reality. After visiting the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, you’ll arrive in Santa Cruz for one night. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel(s): Dream Inn Santa Cruise (or similar)
Today you will travel north to Napa Valley to learn about the area’s winemaking history and production. Your guide will take you on a riding tour of the Napa Valley region, known for its hundreds of hillside vineyards. In the city of Napa, Oxbow Public Market features regional gourmet food. Northwest of Napa is Yountville, a town known for high-end restaurants and sparkling wine. Continue this afternoon to Old Sacramento, a historic district of shops and a variety of dining options. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Hotel(s): 2 nights, Embassy Suites Sacramento (or similar)
Following breakfast at the hotel, meet your local guide for a tour introducing you to California’s Capitol City of Sacramento. Visit the State Capitol and explore Sutter’s Fort, a recreation of the original settlement built by Captain John Sutter in 1841. Enjoy some free time & lunch on your own in Old Sacramento, a unique 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park that lives in homage to California's beginning with the Gold Rush of 1849. This evening you’ll have a unique experience: a Murder Mystery theater train that is full of fun and intrigue. You’ll meet an interesting cast of characters who will draw you into their drama as they squabble, scheme, and, ultimately, murder each other. You will use your detective skills to try and solve the case while you dine. Costumes are optional but encouraged for all keen to join in on mystery and adventure.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Sacramento this morning, you’ll follow the Pony Express Trail east along Highway 50 and discover the crystal blue waters and towering peaks of stunning Lake Tahoe. Embark on a Lake Tahoe Scenic Cruise to Emerald Bay, learn some of its fascinating history and hear how it was formed. You will be able to purchase food & beverages onboard the cruise if you’re craving a bite. Continue travel this afternoon to Nevada, the Silver State. On arrival, stop at the historic Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. The Museum preserves the railroad heritage of Nevada, including locomotives and cars of the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Much of the museum’s equipment was obtained from Hollywood studios, where they were often featured in movies and television. Tonight, you’ll arrive in Reno, where your hotel is situated in the heart of Victorian Square, a hotspot for live music, timeless restaurants, and a good time. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Hotel(s): 2 nights, Nugget Casino & Resort Reno, NV (or similar)
Today you’ll travel to historic Virginia City for a guided tour. This was the boomtown home of Mark Twain when he reported for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise from 1862-64. You’ll be able to tour the historic Opera House, cemetery, and Fourth Ward Schoolhouse - and don’t forget to have a drink at the Bucket of Blood Saloon! Next, you board one of the historic trains of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Carson City. This fully narrated ride features the scenery of the Virginia Range with possible sightings of wild mustangs. Enjoy an included group dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast you will be transferred to Reno International Airport for your return to Minneapolis and the end of the tour.
Meal(s): Breakfast
| Start date | End date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/23/25 | 06/30/25 | 8 Days | $5,229.00 | Reserve |
