Tour northern California
Waterfalls and history in the golden state
Experience the best of northern California in a short time, beginning in San Francisco, famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, a lively nightlife and, of course, Alcatraz island. Explore by bike, segway or on foot before continuing your journey to Yosemite National Park, where you can spend days hiking, cycling, nature watching or even climbing. Continue on to the snowy Sierra Nevada to enjoy spectacular mountain views and historic Gold Rush towns before stopping at Lake Tahoe for a few days of hiking or relaxation. Finally, your journey comes to an end back in San Francisco.
Key information
| Destinations | Western USA |
|---|---|
| Activity | Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Mild |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Explore San Francisco and Alcatraz island
Day 1–3 in San Francisco
Crammed into less than 50 square miles and with a population of less than a million, small San Francisco packs a mighty punch. Its patchwork of different neighbourhoods -- Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown and many more -- all offer a different side to the city, while the big attractions -- Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf -- are all worth the visit.
This is also a city of culture. There are Michelin-starred restaurants. There are pop-up diners and incredible food trucks. There is a world-class music scene and plenty of outdoor adventures, from whale-watching at Land's End to hiking in Mount Diablo. Just watch out for the earth tremors -- San Francisco's proximity to the San Andreas faultline means it experiences several hundred tremors a year.
Don't miss
Enjoy the coastline of San Fran
Take a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the Marina District before experiencing the lively city at night. Stop at the spectacular Golden Gate bridge that connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean to enjoy a classic view of the skyline. Perhaps even take a boat to the infamous Alcatraz.
Admire the wildlife and waterfalls of Yosemite
Day 4–6 in Yosemite National Park
The most popular national park in California, Yosemite includes the world-renowned Yosemite Valley, which is beneath notable granite peaks including Half Dome and El Capitan – famous among rock climbers for their stunning views and difficult climbs.
Head to the 7,214ft Glacier Point for views over Yosemite Valley, or head inside the granite Geology Hut for vistas of Half Dome. Come at sunrise or sunset, when the giant granite peaks turn a rosy pink. There’s more than just towering peaks in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove showcases giant sequoia trees, while Yosemite Falls is North America’s highest waterfall at 2,425 feet (739 metres). It is possible to hike up to the upper fall’s crest, but be aware that the water’s spray can be very cold.
Kayak, cycle and cruise at Lake Tahoe
Day 7–9 in Lake Tahoe
Explore the surroundings of this clear mountain lake by bike, kayak or cruise, or relax on one of its beaches to enjoy the unique views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Carson Range. Secret Cove is the ideal secluded spot to relax in.
Learn about the gold rush at Sacramento
Day 10 in Sacramento
You can easily spend a few hours at the 28-acre Old Sacramento State Historic Park learning about The California Gold Rush, which took place in 1848–1855. Perhaps even try panning for gold in the river! You can even step back to those historic days by taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Other itineraries you might like
Denali Unexplored
Basecamp hiking in Denali National Park
4 daysFrom $2,199| Anchorage, Denali National Park, Great Kobuk Sand Dunes | |
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Small group tour |
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Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
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Denali Unexplored
Basecamp hiking in Denali National Park
4 days From $2,199 per person By Alaska Alpine Adventures| Destinations | Anchorage, Denali National Park, Great Kobuk Sand Dunes |
|---|---|
| Activity | Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Small group tour |
| Physical Level | Strenuous |
| Season |
June - September |
Denali is America’s quintessential National Park. While most visitors experience the park via its main northern corridor, the Denali Park Road, the south side of the park sees little annual visitation and remains completely road-less and virtually unexplored. Accessing the park by bush plane from Talkeetna, Alaska, your first treat will be a phenomenal floatplane flight up the Ruth glacier near Denali. You’ll then spend 3-days and 3-nights camping and hiking Denali’s wild side from the comfort of a wilderness basecamp situated on the edge of the mighty Ruth Glacier, and only 17 miles from the summit of North America's highest peak. Your wilderness camp, near the shore of a small glacial lake, puts you right in the epicenter of the Alaska Range and in a place where you will feel humbled by the scale and majesty of Denali National Park.
With a light daypack, you’ll spend your days hiking miles of vast tundra and exploring the seemingly endless glaciers; returning to camp each evening for a delicious feast under the midnight sun. See Denali in a way that few ever have, and experience Denali Unexplored!
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Accommodation |
Three nights camping. All equipment provided: expedition quality tents, group tarps, all cooking equipment & eating utensils, basecamp privy with toilet supplies. |
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Guided excursions |
Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 guest to guide ratio. |
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All meals |
All meals from lunch on day one through lunch on the final day of the itinerary. Breakfasts include steel cut oats, scrambles, homemade granola and cereal, locally roasted coffee, assorted tea and cocoa. Lunches could include an Italian club torta sandwich, asiago bagels and Alaska lox, a curried tuna pita, crackers with genoa salami with a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread. Snack mixes and energy bars available throughout the day. Dinners could include pasta carbonara, Alaska reindeer rotini, chicken and chipotle enchiladas, and more. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements catered for on request. |
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Ground transfers |
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Alaska Multisport Adventure
Prince William Sound, Chugach and Denali National Park
9 daysFrom $4,395| Anchorage, Chugach National Forest, Denali National Park, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park | |
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Small group tour |
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Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
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Alaska Multisport Adventure
Prince William Sound, Chugach and Denali National Park
9 days From $4,395 per person By Alaska Alpine Adventures| Destinations | Anchorage, Chugach National Forest, Denali National Park, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Activity | Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Small group tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
June - September |
This amazing multisport adventure will allow you to experience the best of Alaska by hiking, kayaking, climbing, cruising, and flying through its vast wilderness, all while enjoying the comfort of nightly accommodations in some of Alaska’s most famous lodges and B&Bs, and tent camping at a comfortable Denali basecamp, located in the heart of Denali National Park. If you’re looking to actively experience in the “real” Alaska and want to mix up amazing lodges with a remote camping experience, then this nine-day itinerary is your quintessential adventure.
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Accommodation |
Three nights camping. All equipment provided: expedition quality tents, group tarps, all cooking equipment & eating utensils, basecamp privy with toilet supplies. Five nights of lodging. |
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Guided excursions |
Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 guest to guide ratio. |
|
All meals |
Most meals included - see itinerary for more details. Breakfasts include steel cut oats, scrambles, homemade granola and cereal, locally roasted coffee, assorted tea and cocoa. Lunches could include an Italian club torta sandwich, asiago bagels and Alaska lox, a curried tuna pita, crackers with genoa salami with a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread. Snack mixes and energy bars available throughout the day. Dinners could include pasta carbonara, Alaska reindeer rotini, chicken and chipotle enchiladas, and more. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements catered for on request. |
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Ground transfers |
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Noatak River & Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
Epic Gates of the Arctic & Kobuk Valley combined tour
12 daysFrom $6,295| Anchorage, Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, Great Kobuk Sand Dunes | |
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Small group tour |
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Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Noatak River & Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
Epic Gates of the Arctic & Kobuk Valley combined tour
12 days From $6,295 per person By Alaska Alpine Adventures| Destinations | Anchorage, Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, Great Kobuk Sand Dunes |
|---|---|
| Activity | Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Small group tour |
| Physical Level | Strenuous |
| Season |
June - August |
Spanning from the heart of the Brooks Range to the Chukchi Sea on the western coast of state, the Noatak River is home to abundant wildlife including the 500,000-strong Western Arctic Caribou Herd. The Noatak is also one of the largest wilderness river basins and also one of the longest untouched rivers on earth. With class I & II whitewater, the river is fun for both novice and experienced boaters, and the hiking along the river is simply astounding.
After six days of river life in both Gates of the Arctic and the Noatak National Preserve, you’ll make the bush flight to Kobuk Valley National Park and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes for two full days exploring this oddity of the north. Spend the days traveling this obscure landscape with light daypacks, marveling at the stark contrast from the Noatak River to the barren landscape that makes the sand dunes as marvelous as they are unique.
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Accommodation |
10 nights camping. All equipment provided: expedition quality tents, group tarps, all cooking equipment & eating utensils, basecamp privy with toilet supplies. Lodging on the night one at the Pikes Waterfront Lodge. |
|
Guided excursions |
Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 guest to guide ratio. |
|
All meals |
All meals from dinner on day one through lunch on the final day of the itinerary. Breakfasts include steel cut oats, scrambles, homemade granola and cereal, locally roasted coffee, assorted tea and cocoa. Lunches could include an Italian club torta sandwich, asiago bagels and Alaska lox, a curried tuna pita, crackers with genoa salami with a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread. Snack mixes and energy bars available throughout the day. Dinners could include pasta carbonara, Alaska reindeer rotini, chicken and chipotle enchiladas, and more. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements catered for on request. |
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Ground transfers |
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Internal flights |
One way commercial flight from Kotzebue to Anchorage. |
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