Northern California - SF/Monterey
Dates: April 6-12, 2008
Itineraries are subject to change
Day 1
Arrival on own / meet trip leader
Transportation to hotel
Hotel check in
Dinner & Group orientation/introductions
Day 2
After breakfast, we will take a driving tour of the "City by the Bay," getting a look at some of the notable and fashionable neighborhoods, like the Mission and Financial Districts, Little Italy, Pacific Heights and Haight-Ashbury, and stopping atop Twin Peaks to get a spectacular view of the cityscape and ocean. At Fisherman's Wharf, we will enjoy the active harbor life, with its shops and street entertainers, before taking the ferry to Alcatraz Island and touring the infamous prison. You will have time to explore the shops and watch the sea lions at Pier 39 and get lunch at one of the many cafes. We'll ride one of the city's famous cable cars up the steep hills and see Lombard Street, the "crookedest street." After dinner at the local restaurant, we return to the hotel..
Day 3
Today we cross over the famous Golden Gate Bridge and explore the quaint artists' town of Sausalito. Back in San Francisco, we can stroll along the marina and learn about the area's environmental issues at Crissy Field Center, part of the Golden Gate National Parks conservancy. You may want to get a bite to eat in their café or look at the bookstore. No tour of the city is complete without a visit to fascinating Chintatown, where we'll take a walking tour, visit a fortune cookie factory, and enjoy a typical Chinese dinner. You will have time to explore intriguing markets and shop for unique souvenirs before returning to the hotel.
Day 4
We visit spectacular Golden Gate Park this morning, and tour the newly remodeled De Young Art Museum with its striking architecture and new observation tower. Weather permitting, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before departing for Monterey. Discover the interesting shops lining the harbor in Monterey, and later have dinner on the wharf at Bubba Gump's restaurant. We check into our hotel for the evening.
Day 5
We will spend the early part of the day at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and walk through the historic buildings of the old Mexican pueblo that made up old town Monterey. Enjoy some free time to explore Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck, and now a lively shopping district and have lunch on your own. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.
Day 6
The stylish beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is our destination for today. This charming town has many artists' galleries and trendy shops as well as picturesque architecture and ocean views. You will have time for lunch in town on your own. We will stop at Point Lobos for a short hike down to the historic Whalers Cabin and see local flora and fauna and stunning views. Before heading back to San Francisco, we will also see Carmel Mission, one of the best known and beautiful of the old Spanish missions dotting the California coast. In San Francisco, we will have a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, and then check into our hotel.
Day 7
Breakfast at hotel
Individual departures facilitated by EDT staff.
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