Get the Best Discounts on Globus Tours with Pavlus Travel

Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design 2025 - 9 days from San Francisco to San Francisco

Call Us 800.528.9300

Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design 2025

9 days from San Francisco to San Francisco



Tour Description:

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 for Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design 2025 - 9 days from San Francisco to San Francisco
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner

Request an INSTANT Quote







Pavlus Newsletter

Friday 22 Aug 25 — Saturday 30 Aug 25Starting at $4,259Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 05 Sep 25 — Saturday 13 Sep 25Starting at $4,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

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!
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.

Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.

MEALS

ITINERARY

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 savor 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)
Meal Icon Breakfast

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)
Meal Icon BreakfastMeal Icon Dinner

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)
Meal Icon Breakfast

Day 5 LAKE TAHOE
LAKE TAHOE YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: DELVE: Historic Haunts Explore the American Wild West in Virginia City, Nevada, and follow the Pony Express route to the mining motherlode site at Comstock Lode. 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
Meal Icon Breakfast

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)
Meal Icon Breakfast

Day 7 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice: TREK: Yosemite, Naturally Feel your senses awaken with a nature walk in the place where John Muir discovered "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. 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 Native Peoples and new settlers who moved west to a wilderness like no other. 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
Meal Icon Breakfast

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)
Meal Icon BreakfastMeal Icon Dinner

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)

Accommodations

San FranciscoSacramentoLake TahoeYosemite National Park
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Superior First-Class



780 Mission Street San Francisco CA United States

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.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.