Your California adventure starts today in beautiful Lake Tahoe, a natural paradise, situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and at the California and Nevada border. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous scenery comprised of alpine lakes and snowcapped peaks. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at our Welcome Cocktail Party, Orientation and Icebreaker, followed by a group dinner. (D)
Day 2 – Monday, August 27 – Lake Tahoe
This morning, we’ll head up to the Heavenly Valley Gondola. Take in the amazing views as we ride up to the top of this ski resort. From here, there are many hiking trails available, or just relax as you take in the breathtaking views. This afternoon, set sail on the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe. Our cruise offers non-stop photo opportunities as well as a visit to the most photographed area of Emerald Bay. Tonight, join us as we cross Stateline and visit the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe with its casinos, shows, nightlife and many dining opportunities.(B,L)
Day 3 – Tuesday, August 28 – Lake Tahoe – Virginia City – Lake Tahoe
Today, it’s off to Virginia City – a famous old west town which captures the heritage of the days of gold and silver mining. This National Historic site sits atop the Comstock Lode where, in 1859, the discovery of gold made the city “the richest place on earth.” Enjoy a trolley tour of its historic streets and architectural buildings in the downtown district. After returning back to Lake Tahoe, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to take a walk along the sandy shores of the lake or visit Heavenly Village. Tonight, we’ll enjoy some time to relax with friends over a drink or two, before our included group dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 29 – Lake Tahoe – Mono Lake – Yosemite National Park
Today, leaving beautiful Lake Tahoe behind, we head to Yosemite. En route, enjoy a visit to amazing Mono Lake. Formed nearly 760,000 years ago, this stop will make for great photo opportunities. Later this afternoon, we arrive in Yosemite National Park, which President Theodore Roosevelt called “the most beautiful place in the world” while camping there in 1903. Take in Yosemite’s waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, alpine meadows and groves of beautiful trees that inspired Ansel Adams, who lived in the park crafting his famous portfolio of striking photographs. Settle into Yosemite Lodge, located right on the Yosemite Valley floor, and our home for the next two nights. (B)
Day 5 – Thursday, August 30 – Yosemite National Park
This morning is yours to explore Yosemite National Park at leisure. You may opt to join an optional horseback ride, bike ride or even try your hand at rock climbing. Hiking abounds in the area as well. There is also an Ansel Adams Gallery. After lunch, join your fellow travelers as a Park Ranger leads a walk to learn about the park’s history, geology and wildlife. Later this evening enjoy a group dinner, followed by a special event in Yosemite – the Full Moon Tour. This tour only operates a few days a month, and a few months a year. We tour the Yosemite valley in an open-air tram, seeing landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls as they look magical in the glow of a silvery moonlight. (B, D)
Day 6 – Friday, August 31 – Yosemite National Park – San Francisco
Explore Yosemite one last time this morning before heading to the bustling city of San Francisco. Our 4½-hour drive will have us in the “City by the Bay” this evening. This evening, join us for a Shabbat Service, followed by a group dinner. Later, you may choose to walk around nearby Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Or, do like the locals do and enjoy a ride up and down the city’s thrilling hills on a famed cable car! (B, D)
Day 7 – Saturday, September 1 – San Francisco – Sonoma – Napa Valley – San Francisco
This morning , we wanted to give you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast on your own so that you can discover the neighborhood diners and coffee houses. Next, we set off for Sonoma County to get a true taste of Northern California. With over 40 premium wineries, this gorgeous area is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the country. Experience its rich flavor when you visit two local wineries for a tour and wine tasting. We’ll make a stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Napa Valley, where we’ll enjoy another winery and tasting, before we head back to San Francisco. Tonight is free to enjoy this cosmopolitan city.
Day 8 – Sunday, September 2 – San Francisco
This morning, enjoy breakfast on Pier 39, San Francisco’s number one attraction. After breakfast, we join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city that starts with a walk across the 1.7 mile Golden Gate Bridge! This tour highlights the Twin Peaks, Union Square, Chinatown and much more. Later in the afternoon, experience one of California’s most beautiful treasures, Muir Woods. Our journey begins as we cross the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County en route to Muir Woods, declared by conservationist John Muir as “the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.” Upon arrival, enjoy time for a leisurely stroll through this beautiful 550-acre national monument which takes you beneath 1,000-year-old coast redwood trees. This evening, we’ll come together for a Farewell Dinner overlooking San Francisco’s Bay, as we reminisce about highlights of our journey together. (B, D)
Day 9 – Monday, September 3 – San Francisco
Our tour ends today in San Francisco. Return home with memories to last a lifetime.
Our hotels:
Day 1 – 3 Embassy Suites, Lake Tahoe, CA
Day 4, 5 Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite National Park, CA
Day 6 – 8 Renaissance Stanford Court Hotel, San Francisco, CA
Hotels subject to change
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