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Sample Custom Self-Drive Itinerary: Northern California

Tour Type: Self Drive

Duration: 10 Days

Itinerary:

  • Yosemite Valley

    Today, arrive in San Francisco and pick up your rental vehicle. Head to your lodging outside of Yosemite National Park (3.5 hours). 

    Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend the Wawona Dining Room located in your hotel. If interested in any of the recommended restaurants during the duration of your trip, we advise calling ahead to make any necessary reservations.

    Lodging: Wawona Hotel

    Location

    Located in Yosemite National Park, this hotel is ideal for those who appreciate charm and character.

    Facilities

    The hotel was built in 1879. 84 rooms are available to guests in a 2-story main building and 5 auxiliary buildings. This hotel has an elevator and a reception desk. Services and facilities include a baggage storage service, a safe, a laundry service and a conference room. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. Souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot.

  • El Capitan

    This morning, travel into Yosemite National Park and get your first glimpse of it's grandeur at Tunnel View. Once you reach the valley, head to Yosemite Falls. Take the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1.2 miles) to the base of the waterfall. 

    Afterward, enjoy exploring around Sentinel Meadow, the Yosemite Chapel, and Yosemite Valley Lodge. Stop at the Sentinel Bridge for views of Half Dome reflecting in the Merced River. El Capitan Meadow is another great stop where you can view straight up El Capitan and get a great view of Cathedral Rocks. 

    Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend Jackalopes Bar and Grill.

  • Lake Tahoe

    Today, check out of your lodging and head north to Lake Tahoe (5 hours). Along the way, enjoy views of the Stanislaus National Forest and Eldorado National Forest.

    Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail or into Desolation Wilderness, rent kayaks or bikes, or simply stroll around Heavenly Village and enjoy a waterfront restaurant. 

    In the late afternoon, head west back through the Eldorado National Forest to Sacramento (2.5 hours). Spend the evening exploring California's Capitol City. Head to the Old Sacramento Waterfront and check out this 28-acre National Historic Landmark full of shops, restaurants, and museums.

    Have a great evening. For dinner tonight we recommend the Waterboy. 

    Lodging: Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento

    Location

    This hotel welcomes guests in Sacramento.

    Facilities

    The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. A conference room is among the facilities and amenities available at the hotel. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided to guests. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities and an elevator. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot.

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park

    This morning, head north to Lassen Volcanic National Park (3 hours). Continue to Kings Creek and Bumpass Hell as you end the Hydrothermal Areas of the park. See the Sulphur Works, Devil's Kitchen and Terminal Geyser. 

    In the afternoon, exit the park and head north to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Once you arrive, you'll almost immediately get views of the over 120 foot waterfall. You can also take the 1.2-mile loop trail that will take you to the base of the falls and then up and around the backside before returning to the parking lot.

    Tonight, make your way to Redding (1.25 hours) and enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend Cattlemens.

    Lodging: Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn

    Location

    This urban hotel is located in the heart of Redding. Its setting is especially ideal for business travelers as well as families.

    Facilities

    The hotel has 114 rooms, including 39 single rooms and 68 double rooms, which are located on 2 stories and are reachable by elevator. Check-in and check-out are possible at any time at the 24-hour reception desk. Amenities include a coat check, a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. Everyday necessities can be purchased at the supermarket. Parking spaces are available to guests traveling by car. Further services include room service, a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry. Complimentary newspapers are available.

  • Mt. Shasta

    This morning, head to Rockin Maddy Ranch for a 2-hour horseback ride through beautiful Siskiyou County. You'll explore along a scenic trail full of unparalleled views. 

    Afterward, head south to Mount Shasta (1 hour). Spend the day exploring this incredible area of California. Hike to Heart Lake above Castle Lake. This 3-mile out-and-back hike offers incredible vistas of the park. If you're looking for something longer, check out the McCloud River Falls Trail. This 4-mile trail passes three waterfalls and ends at a lush meadow. 

    Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend Woody's Brewing Company.

  • Trinidad Pier

    Today, head west to the coast and spend the day exploring Eureka and Trinidad (3 hours). 

    Start you day in Trinidad at Moonstone Beach County Park and Sue-Meg State Park. Check out the Trinidad Head Lighthouse and the Seascape Pier & Harbor.

    In the afternoon, head to Eureka and stop at the 1885 Carson Mansion and Pink Lady Mansion to see these incredible Victorian houses. Next, be sure to check out Sequoia Park and take a stroll through some of the world's biggest trees. Finish the day at the waterfront overlooking Humboldt Bay.

    Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend the Brick and Fire. 

    Lodging: Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn

    Location

    This hotel is located in Eureka. The nearest airport is Eureka - Arcata Airport (ACV).

    Facilities

    111 rooms are located on 2 stories and can be reached by elevator. Check-in and check-out are possible at any time at the 24-hour reception desk. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. There are a number of shops as well. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional facilities include a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Complimentary newspapers are available.

  • Redwood National and State Park

    Today, head to Redwood National Park and spend the afternoon taking in the world’s largest trees. One of the most popular trails in the area is Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National and State Park (1.3-mile loop).

    In the afternoon, drive the 10-mile Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway through the heart of the redwood trees. Explore this park at your leisure as you take in the world’s largest trees.

    Afterward, if interested, check out the Trillium Falls Trail. This trail is an easy 2.6-mile hike to a waterfall or head to Fern Canyon Loop for a 1.1-mile trail through the woods. Also be sure to hit Tall Trees Grove, and the Rim Trail Loop.

    Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend the Sea Grill.

  • Glass Beach

    Today, head south to Fort Bragg and Mendocino (3 hours). Make a stop at the Glass Beach and see the stunning sea glass covering the shore. Afterward, head to Point Arena-Stornetta Lands which is the only land-based portion of the California Coastal National Monument. Roam along the coastline and spend the day exploring the incredible California beaches.

    In the late afternoon, hop on the scenic highway 128 wine road on your way to Napa (3 hours). This magnificent 75-mile drive is studded with family-run wineries, picturesque vineyards, quaint towns, and towering redwood trees. On the serpentine two-lane highway, take your time to appreciate the Yorkville Highlands and a stop in Boonville, the “bahlest” town in the county. Gaze across the valley floor to spy unique wineries, plenty of sheep and endless verdant vistas. Ride through the old growth redwoods that tower hundreds of feet above you and emerge into bright sunshine or cool grey-blue fog two miles south of Navarro Beach where the river empties into the sea. 

    Check into your lodging and enjoy your evening in downtown Napa. For dinner tonight we recommend Coles Chop House. 

    Lodging: Napa River Inn

    Location

    This hotel is located in Napa. The nearest airport is San Francisco - International (SFO).

    Facilities

    The hotel has 66 rooms and includes an elevator and a reception desk. Amenities available at the hotel include a baggage storage service, safe, ATM and drinks machine. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. A fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere. There are a number of shops, including a supermarket. Guests of the hotel can enjoy various recreational facilities, including the garden, during their stay. Additional amenities include a newspaper stand and a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot (no extra charge). Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, medical assistance, room service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests who wish to explore the surrounding area by bike will appreciate the bicycle rental service. Bicycle storage is also available. Complimentary newspapers are available. The business center is on hand for guests' business requirements and provides a fax machine.

  • Point Reyes

    This morning, head to Point Reyes National Seashore (2 hours). Head to Bear Valley Visitor Center for a map and to get your bearings. Be sure as you're exploring to check out the Cypress Tree Tunnel, Chimney Rock, and the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse. Also, make a stop at the Tomales Point Elk Reserve. Finish your morning at Alamere Falls before heading back east.

    In the afternoon, make your way back to Napa via Sonoma (2 hours). Spend the rest of the day exploring this famous wine region. Rent ebikes to explore, stroll downtown, or enjoy one of it's many wineries. 

    Finish the day back in Napa with dinner downtown. Enjoy your evening. For dinner tonight we recommend Bistro Don Giovanni. 

  • Today, make your way to San Francisco Airport (1.5 hours). Drop off your rental vehicle and begin your journey home.

Sample Pricing for 2 People

  • $5,698

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