Experience the Wine Country of California on foot in the European style, walking from inn to inn with your own travel partners. At the end of each day enjoy the luxury of a delicious meal, fine wine, and comfortable room. We make it simple by making all the arrangements, transporting your luggage, and providing a detailed itinerary, custom maps and excellent trail notes. Our treks are self-guided so that you can enjoy your own flexible schedule without tour groups or buses.
Enjoy our signature trek, San Francisco to the Wine Country, where you will see and experience the best of the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the course of 10 days you will walk from San Francisco to Glen Ellen in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Along the way you will go over the Golden Gate Bridge, and through Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes.
Trek Summary:
* 10 days/9 nights
* Hiking 4 to 12 miles (6 to 19 km) daily
* Elevation gain up to 2300 feet (700 m)
* 6 days hiking
* 1 day kayaking with a naturalist guide
* 1 day walking between private estate wineries for wine tastings
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: San Francisco. Start your vacation in San Francisco, staying near famous Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful city strolling along the waterfront or riding on an historic cable car. Lodge in a luxury boutique hotel and dine at a world class restaurant, recognized by both Michelin and Wine Spectator. Hiking today: No planned hikes. Your personal Trail Guide will suggest local walks and sights to see.
Day 2: San Francisco to Sausalito. Walk along the San Francisco waterfront, across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and into the historic village of Sausalito. Along the way enjoy splendid views of the City and Bay of San Francisco, including Alcatraz and Angel Islands. Your boutique hotel is on the waterfront in Sausalito, where you can enjoy the artists’ studios, cafes, spas and restaurants of this charming town. Dinner this evening is at another Michelin recognized Wine Spectator restaurant. Hiking today: 9 miles (14 km) with 250 feet (75 m) elevation gain and loss.
Day 3: Sausalito to Muir Beach. Hike across the beautiful coastal hills in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the village of Muir Beach. Enjoy spectacular views of the rugged Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco skyline. Take time to relax on the sandy beach when you arrive in town. Tonight’s lodging is a classic English Tudor Inn with an elegant salon for guests and a Pub reminiscent of Stratford-on-Avon where you’ll enjoy classic pub fare paired with excellent local and international wines. Hiking today: 10 miles (16 km) with 2300 feet (700 m) of elevation gain and loss.
Day 4: Muir Beach to Mount Tamalpais. Hike onto Mount Tamalpais taking in the dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. Descend into Muir Woods National Monument enjoying the ancient and magical redwood forest. Ascend through fern and redwood canyons to your destination: a romantic inn with beautiful views from every room! Relax on the expansive deck with other hikers comparing hiking and nature notes. You’ll enjoy a delicious three course California cuisine dinner right at your mountaintop inn. Hiking today: 9 miles (14 km) with 2100 feet (640 m) of elevation gain and 1100 feet (335 m) of elevation loss.
Day 5: Mount Tamalpais to Olema/Point Reyes. A short transport will leave you at the trailhead of a long, gradual ridge. You’ll experience different vistas from the undulating trail which eventually opens onto an expansive view of Tomales Bay – all 20 miles of it! There is a perfect resting stop for a picnic lunch to soak in the view. You’ll descend towards the Bay ending in the small historic town of Olema. A rustic yet luxurious lodge welcomes you with expansive lawns and lazy Adirondack chairs to rest after a day of hiking. Tonight’s dinner is a real treat – fresh organic and artisan foods from famous West Marin dairies and farms prepared in an award winning local restaurant. Hiking today: 12 miles (19 km) with 200 feet (60 m) of elevation gain and 1500 feet (460 m) of elevation loss.
Day 6: Olema/Point Reyes to Inverness. A short walk from the lodge takes you into the gorgeous Point Reyes National Seashore Park. Ascend Mt. Vision with its stunning views of Tomales Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the distant Farallone Islands, then descend into the coastal village of Inverness on Tomales Bay. Your lodging is on the water with astounding privacy and views. Dinner tonight is at a quaint local restaurant with the founder and proprietor seeing to your every need. Hiking today: 12 miles (19 km) with 2100 feet (640 m) elevation gain and loss.
Day 7: Tomales Bay Kayak Trip. Today you will enjoy a guided kayak trip on Tomales Bay. A naturalist will explain the scenic beauty of the area and the guides will fix a lunch with local artisan cheeses that you’ll enjoy on a secluded beach. Dinner tonight is privately catered, including local wines, at your lodging. Hiking today: 1 mile (1.6 km) each way walking to and from the kayak launch.
Day 8: Inverness to Glen Ellen. Move from the seashore to the land of vineyards today. A transport will pick you up and take you to the famous Jack London State Historic Park where you can visit the author's home and grave, as well as a museum established by his wife. You’ll hike up into the Park enjoying the redwoods, creeks, wildlife, and vistas of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon vineyards. Finish your day with a private tasting at a family owned vineyard estate and winery. Tonight’s lodging has a world class reputation as one of the best luxury inns in the U.S. You’ll relax by the pool, enjoy the Zen spa and walk to one of several wine country restaurants with fabulous food and a wine list to match. Hiking today: 4 miles (6 km) with 250 feet (75 m) elevation gain and 450 feet (140 m) elevation loss.
Day 9: Glen Ellen Winery Walk. The final day of your trip is an immersion into the wonderful world of Sonoma Valley wines. A short walk will bring you to the first of four wineries you will visit today. The winemaker/owner will greet and escort you into his private estate where you’ll enjoy his cult status Pinot Noirs. As the day progresses, you will enjoy delicious reserve wine tastings walking from winery to winery. You will even have the opportunity for an olive oil tasting. A short transport back to your inn lets you relax before another lovely wine country restaurant dinner. Hiking today: 4 miles (6 km) walking between wineries and private wine country estates with 300 feet (90 m) elevation gain and 350 feet (100 m) loss.
Day 10: Trek Conclusion. Your Wine Country Trek comes to an end. Let us help you arrange airport transfer or plans to continue your holiday.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
* Premier lodging included
* All breakfasts and lunches included
* 1 dinner included
* Luggage transfers included
* Transfers during the trek included
* Detailed maps and trail notes included
* Kayaking with a naturalist guide included
* Wine tastings included
$2850 per person double occupancy, March–October
$2450 per person double occupancy, November-February
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