A world beyond.
Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

 

Adventure is knocking.
Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

 

Cruising Elevated.
Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Back
  • Discover Tours
  • Ways to Travel
  • Deals
  • Trip Planning
  • The Globus Difference

Region

Countries

    Discover Tours

  • Europe and Britain
  • North America
  • South and Central America
  • Asia
  • Africa and Middle East
  • Australia and New Zealand

Ways to Travel

Tour Styles

Tour Themes

    Ways to Travel

  • Ways to Travel
  • Tour Styles
  • Tour Themes

Latest Deals

See all Deals

Before You Book

Before You Travel

    Trip Planning

  • Before You Book
  • Before You Travel

Meet Globus

Get Inspired

    The Globus Difference

  • Meet Globus
  • Get Inspired
Search Globus-Ph
Back

Golden State Of Mind: Northern California By Design

San FranciscoSan Francisco
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
  • Tour Director
Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
GOLDEN STATE OF MIND: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BY DESIGN
F8GSAN FRANCISCOSAN FRANCISCO
Leisurely On the go
Meals
Breakfast: 8 Lunch: 0 Dinner: 2
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Accommodation
First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
HighLights
  • Sacramento
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Yosemite National Park
  • San Francisco
  • DAY 1:   ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO
    Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
  • DAY 2:   SAN FRANCISCO
    Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: TASTE: "Carbe" Diem! Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and savour some of the best Italian food the city has to offer. DELVE: Rooted in Beauty. A self-guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium immerses you in the stunning ecosystems of the California Coast. TREK: Redwood ReTREEt! Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito. (B)
  • DAY 3:   SAN FRANCISCO-SONOMA-SACRAMENTO
    SONOMA Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery. SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California's state capitol building, Midtown, the famed Johnny Cash mural, and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
  • DAY 4:   SACRAMENTO-LAKE TAHOE
    Scenic ride along the 'Most Beautiful Drive in America' en route to Lake Tahoe. LAKE TAHOE Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area. Free time this evening. (B)
  • DAY 5:   LAKE TAHOE
    LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: SAIL: Yachts of Fun! Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and glacier-carved Emerald Bay. GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway. Soar to the 9,150-foot-high observation deck above Heavenly in a glass-cabin gondola for stunning views over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Free time this evening. (B)
  • DAY 6:   LAKE TAHOE-YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
    YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)
  • DAY 7:   YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
    YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: GAZE: Westward, Ho! Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of First Nations and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other. TREK: Yosemite, Naturally. Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir noted "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." Your Naturalist Guide will show you the breathtaking views of the Yosemite region, while encountering the fantastic flora and fauna of this magical wilderness. STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White. Join a private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery with instruction by expert photography guides. Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort. (B)
  • DAY 8:   YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
    YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Centre. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B,D)
  • DAY 9:   YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK-SAN FRANCISCO
    This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm. (B)
View Map
Map
FROM
USD
4,099.00 pp*
BookDates & Prices
Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush!

Why This Tour is El Capitan:
- A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite.
- The Wild West and the Pony Express … lake time and gold mines … granite cliffs and wine sniffs!
- Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
- Eureka!

Map

Leisurely On the go

9
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
8breakfasts;
0lunches;
2dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Accommodation
First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
Tour Code
F8G
Tour Theme
US National Parks
Tour Style
Choice Touring
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 05 September 2025 departure
CAT
Highlights
Sacramento
Lake Tahoe
Yosemite National Park
San Francisco

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS
Day 1

ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO

Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 2

SAN FRANCISCO

Enjoy morning sightseeing in one of the world's most beautiful cities. See Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: TASTE: "Carbe" Diem! Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Little Italy in San Francisco, and savour some of the best Italian food the city has to offer. DELVE: Rooted in Beauty. A self-guided tour through the California Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium immerses you in the stunning ecosystems of the California Coast. TREK: Redwood ReTREEt! Journey through the Redwood canopies of Muir Woods and take a scenic drive through the charming seaside town of Sausalito. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

SAN FRANCISCO-SONOMA-SACRAMENTO

SONOMA Orientation tour and free time for lunch on your own. Guided tour of the wine caves and a tasting at a historic family winery. SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California's state capitol building, Midtown, the famed Johnny Cash mural, and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

SACRAMENTO-LAKE TAHOE

Scenic ride along the 'Most Beautiful Drive in America' en route to Lake Tahoe. LAKE TAHOE Scenic drive continues and includes photo stops at famous viewpoints in the area. Free time this evening. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 5

LAKE TAHOE

LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: SAIL: Yachts of Fun! Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe and glacier-carved Emerald Bay. GLIDE: Heavenly Hideaway. Soar to the 9,150-foot-high observation deck above Heavenly in a glass-cabin gondola for stunning views over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Free time this evening. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

LAKE TAHOE-YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Explore Yosemite on a scenic drive through the park, including photo stops and free time to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: GAZE: Westward, Ho! Get up close to the wonders and wildlife of Yosemite on a guided 2-hour tram tour. Return to the park this morning and join a Park Ranger to discover the natural history and the stories of First Nations and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other. TREK: Yosemite, Naturally. Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir noted "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees." Your Naturalist Guide will show you the breathtaking views of the Yosemite region, while encountering the fantastic flora and fauna of this magical wilderness. STROLL: A Kaleidoscope in Black and White. Join a private guided photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery with instruction by expert photography guides. Free time late afternoon and evening to enjoy the resort. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Free time this morning and afternoon to enjoy Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Consider hiking, electric-assist mountain biking, or a visit to the Ascent Spa and Fitness Centre. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 9

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK-SAN FRANCISCO

This morning, return to San Francisco International Airport or Marriott Marquis hotel. Please schedule departing flights after 4pm. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (0)

Default
Start trip: San Francisco
End trip: San Francisco
Selected

Tour directors

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Hartford, Ken

The West has been my home since I was born, and its incredible diversity has kept me engaged since my earliest memories. It is a world of iconic places and undiscovered gems waiting to be explored. Experience the bustle of its cities and the serenity of its open spaces, hear the stories of its people, and embrace the wonder of its beauty. No matter who you are or where you come from, there is something about the West that will never leave you.

Head west for a 9-day adventure with the pioneer spirit of Northern California. How will you strike gold in the Golden State? Traipsing through coastal canopies of Redwood trees or touring foodie fun in Frisco? Trekking the trails in Yosemite or treading lightly on the timeless lanes of an old west town? Gliding to new heights or sailing scenic sights? With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you choose to climb to new heights or dig deeper to find your California dream. What a rush!

Why This Tour is El Capitan:
- A journey to uncover Northern California’s historic sites and scenic sights from San Francisco to Yosemite.
- The Wild West and the Pony Express … lake time and gold mines … granite cliffs and wine sniffs!
- Included YourChoice Excursions in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.
- Eureka!

Map

Leisurely On the go

9
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
8breakfasts;
0lunches;
2dinners;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Accommodation
First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
Tour Code
F8G
Tour Theme
US National Parks
Tour Style
Choice Touring
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 05 September 2025 departure
CAT

Next Section

Highlights