Dates:

September 5 - 12, 2008; September 26 - October 3, 2008; October 3 - October 10, 2008

Price: $2039 per person

To book this tour click here.

Itinerary
Day 1San Francisco
(Fri.) Welcome to the Golden State

San Francisco

! This evening, depart for dinner at the FRANCISCAN RESTAURANT on Fisherman’s Wharf for Dungeness crab, the symbol of the Golden Gate
Golden Gate Bridge

fishing industry, and a spectacular view of the bay. Take in the city lights from Treasure Island before returning to your hotel. (D)

Day 2San Francisco
(Sat.) This morning, head to BOUDIN BAKERY & CAFÉ to discover the art and science behind the original San Francisco Sourdough. Stroll through the collection of historic and interactive exhibits as you observe the bakery in action. Nibble on fresh, French, sourdough bread, enjoy a taste of authentic San Francisco, or shop for gourmet gifts in the marketplace. Afterward, depart for the FERRY MARKET BUILDING to browse through shops that celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Enjoy free time to walk through the farmers’ market and have lunch on your own while overlooking the bay. Depart this afternoon for sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, famous for its natural harbor, cable cars, and bustling docks. Your tour includes Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and much more. End your sightseeing with a stop at the BUENA VISTA CAFÉ for an unforgettable Irish coffee before returning to your hotel. This evening is at leisure to explore one of San Francisco’s great restaurants. (B)

Day 3San Francisco
(Sun.) Today, eat your way through Chinatown with the WOK WIZ as you put aside three hours for food decadence! This tour is dedicated to those who love to eat, want to learn about Chinese food history, and are “open minded” to try a variety of foods. Begin with a traditional Chinese breakfast. Share tea at one of the top tea shops in the heart of Chinatown, nibble on dim sum from a “holein- the-wall” along the street, and visit food markets. Finish the morning with a fabulous lunch that includes foods which you have just learned about. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the Italian neighborhood of North Beach, ride a cable car, or cruise across San Francisco Bay. (B,L)

Day 4San Francisco–Sonoma County
Sonoma County –Napa Valley

(Mon.) This morning, cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

and visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito. Free time to explore this quaint Mediterranean-style village’s shops, galleries, and breathtaking views. Continue to Sonoma County and visit family-owned ROCHE WINERY in the Carneros region to tour their vineyards and taste their award-winning wines. A short drive brings you to VIANSA WINERY & ITALIAN MARKETPLACE for a picnic-style lunch and time to enjoy their beautiful gardens and market. Check into your hotel with time to savor their daily wine reception. (B,L)

Day 5Napa. Excursion to Sonoma
(Tue.) Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a wine maker? Today is your chance to find out with a Zinfandel WINE BLENDING SEMINAR at RAVENSWOOD. Be creative and craft your own vintage. The bottle will be corked and ready for transport home to share with your friends. Visit the SOLANO DE SAN FRANCISCO MISSION and GENERAL VALLEJO’S HOME. Enjoy free time in the town square before visiting BUENA VISTA WINERY; dating back to 1857, it’s California’s oldest continually operating winery. An educational TWILIGHT TASTING awaits. Learn how different wines pair with various savory and sweet flavors. (B)

Day 6Napa. Excursion to Rutherford
(Wed.) Start your day with a visit to COPIA: THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR WINE, FOOD AND THE ARTS. Have you ever wondered how to pair wines—red with meat, white with fish? What about chicken? Through an interactive tasting with wine and food, learn how to make sense of it all. Before departing, be sure to visit the center’s gardens and see the display of copper cookware owned by Julia Child, an advisor in the creation of COPIA. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of ROUND POND OLIVE OIL ESTATE followed by a guided tasting of artisan olive oils and red-wine vinegars. Sit down to a relaxing family-style lunch featuring local artisan cheeses and meats topped off by a fragrant olive oil dessert cake. This may just be the ideal Napa Valley picnic! Afterward, see how famous champagne maker MUMM makes its California sparkling wine in the traditional French method at MUMM NAPA. Sample a glass of their bubbly to toast a great day! (B,L)

Day 7Napa. Excursion to Calistoga & St. Helena
(Thu.) This morning, depart for a full day in Calistoga and St. Helena. Begin with a visit to STERLING VINEYARDS with a one-of-a-kind aerial tram ride to the hilltop winery, where you will learn about wine making and have a private tasting. Time for lunch on your own in downtown Calistoga and to stroll the streets that retain their charm of yesteryear. Wine and cheese have forever been paired together. This afternoon, learn more about pairing artisan cheeses with wine at V. SATTUI WINERY. Your day ends with a 3-course farewell dinner at Wine Spectator’s GREYSTONE RESTAURANT at the Culinary Institute of America. (B,D)

Day 8Napa–San Francisco
(Fri.) Head to San Francisco International Airport this morning for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after Noon. The motorcoach then continues into downtown, where the vacation ends. (B)