California Travelers Recommend - page 3

Experience the finest wine in northern California on a tour to both the Napa and Sonoma regions. Once you reach the historic wine regions, you'll visit famous grape-growing centers such as Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Yountville, Stags Leap, Los Carneros, Sonoma Valley, Kenwood, and Glen Ellen. Tours include visits to Nicholson Ranch Winery, Madonna Estate, Mount St. John and Sutter Home, with lunch in Yountville at V Marketplace. Take a day tour from San Francisco to wineries including Domaine Chandon, Andretti Winery, V. Sattui and Rutherford Ranch. Or take a two-day tour to these wineries combined, on the second day, with a visit to the famous prison island of Alcatraz. Combine your wineries visit with a stop at Muir Woods, home to some of northern California's famous redwood sequoia trees. This national monument is the site of a virgin forest of California Coast redwood trees, among the oldest and tallest on Earth.

The Napa Valley Wine Country is the premiere destination for wine enthusiasts in the United States with an unrivaled history of quality wine making. Napa and Sonoma make up California's most famous wine region, home to hundreds of wineries and acres upon acres of beautiful vineyard country. Enjoy the views of rolling vineyard hills while tasting wines from world-renowned wine makers including V. Sattui, Madonna Estate, and Chandon on the Wine Country Tour. If you have more time, check out the Wine Country Day Trip and learn the best wine tasting techniques while enjoying a picnic lunch. The Wine Country Explorer Pass gives you great deals on wine tastings and discounts at associated retailers. Tour the cutting-edge facilities of the new ""biodynamic vineyards"" on an Eco Wine Experience. Combine your visit to the various wineries with a stop at Muir Woods, home to some of northern California's famous redwood sequoia trees.

If movies, stars and Hollywood are your first thoughts when you think of LA, you’re probably missing out on some unique experiences that the city has to offer. Swarming with tourists and wannabe starlets, LA is also home to some top-notch music, food, architecture, theme parks and museums. To do it justice, you must experience at least three different sides to this city extraordinaire. Day 1: More Than Movies Start your day in LA with breakfast at the legendary Original Pantry Cafe in downtown LA before embarking on some sightseeing! Take the trolley tour to get a basic orientation of LA and take pictures of famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame. Take a walking tour behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most televised locations. Alternatively drown yourself in the world of art at the Getty Museum before heading downtown to enjoy dinner at one of many cafes and restaurants reminiscent of 1930s and 40s.

Depart the urban jungle for a day trip to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Yosemite National Park. Your adventure begins with an early departure from San Francisco so you can make the most of your day at the park. Just sit back and relax on the drive to the park. You’ll pass through the Central Valley and ascend into the Sierra foothills before being greeted at Yosemite by jaw-dropping views of the valley. Magnificent granite cliffs slope into the deep verdant valley, which was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. You’ll have several hours to explore the treasure of the valley, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Listen to your guide as he explains the natural forces that have formed and changed Yosemite over the years. Stroll the pedestrian paths or rent a bike for a refreshing way to see the base of the valley. Gaze up at Yosemite’s most iconic monument, Half Dome, and pose for postcard-perfect photos in front of multiple waterfalls.