Overview
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
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! (P)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!
Highlights of Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Product Group
Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design
Notes
We encourage all guests to prebook their YourChoice Excursions to ensure your preference is available. YourChoice Excursions booked on-tour are subject to availability and vendor terms.
City Highlights
UNESCO Sites
Yosemite National Park
Price Details US
Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.
Transportation
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Related Tours
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.SAN-FRANCISCO-ALAMO-SQUARE.jpg
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:
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 of the historic Kunde Family Winery.SACRAMENTO Sightseeing tour includes California’s State Capitol building, Midtown with its boutique shops and restaurants, the famed Johnny Cash mural and more. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)SONOMA.jpg
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)LAKE-TAHOE.jpg
Day 5
LAKE TAHOE LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
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 Center. Free time this evening for the first of three nights at the luxury Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite resort. (B)YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-VIEW.jpg
Day 7
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
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 Center. A farewell dinner this evening followed by a private stargazing excursion with a local expert. (B,D)YOSEMITE-NATIONAL-PARK-WATERFALLS.jpg
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)SAN-FRANCISCO-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2025-06-20 | 2025-06-20 | 2025-06-28 | $4259 | $100 | $4159 | F8G50620 | Available |
| 2 | 2025-07-11 | 2025-07-11 | 2025-07-19 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | F8G50711 | Not Available |
| 3 | 2025-07-25 | 2025-07-25 | 2025-08-02 | $4299 | $100 | $4199 | F8G50725 | Available |
| 4 | 2025-08-08 | 2025-08-08 | 2025-08-16 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | F8G50808 | Not Available |
| 5 | 2025-08-22 | 2025-08-22 | 2025-08-30 | $4259 | $250 | $4009 | F8G50822 | Available |
| 6 | 2025-09-05 | 2025-09-05 | 2025-09-13 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | F8G50905 | Available |
| 7 | 2026-06-26 | 2026-06-26 | 2026-07-04 | $4649 | $0 | $4649 | F8G60626 | Available |
| 8 | 2026-07-17 | 2026-07-17 | 2026-07-25 | $4689 | $0 | $4689 | F8G60717 | Available |
| 9 | 2026-08-07 | 2026-08-07 | 2026-08-15 | $4689 | $0 | $4689 | F8G60807 | Available |
| 10 | 2026-08-21 | 2026-08-21 | 2026-08-29 | $4689 | $0 | $4689 | F8G60821 | Available |
| 11 | 2026-09-11 | 2026-09-11 | 2026-09-19 | $4649 | $0 | $4649 | F8G60911 | Available |
| 12 | 2026-09-18 | 2026-09-18 | 2026-09-26 | $4469 | $0 | $4469 | F8G60918 | Available |
| 13 | 2026-10-02 | 2026-10-02 | 2026-10-10 | $4469 | $0 | $4469 | F8G61002 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | San Francisco Marriott Marquis | San Francisco Marriott Marquis welcomes travelers to Northern California with exceptional service, spacious guestrooms, and a prime downtown location. The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guestrooms offer plush bedding, Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and Wi-Fi access. | San Francisco | 780 Mission Street | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade | Overlooking the Sacramento River next to the Tower Bridge, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is within a 10-minute walk of the Old Sacramento Waterfront District. The hotel features local art throughout depicting Sacramento history and life along the river and offers amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness center, and room service. | Sacramento | 100, Capitol Mall | First-Class |
| 3 | Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe | Nine story Bavarian Tudor style resort hotel in California on Nevada state line - Walk to casinos and Heavenly Ski Resort. | South Lake Tahoe | 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite | An elegant resort in the California High Sierra, Tenaya Lodge is the perfect gateway to four seasons of Yosemite adventure. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness room, indoor pool, three outdoor pool, and five hot tubs. | Yosemite National Park | 1122 Highway 41 | First-Class |
