Tour Of California, Biking (trip)
Tour Of California, Biking
- Napa/ San Francisco
- Active & Adventure
| from $2,950* per person | 7 Days | February |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Great Explorations | 12 people max | |
The Tour of California is recognized as the largest cycling event in the United States and Great Explorations will again be offering the opportunity to cycle the beautiful California routes and watch world-class cyclists including three-time winner Levi Leipheimer & Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong from Team Radioshack; Christian Vande Velde, Dave Zabriskie and Svein Tuft from Garmin Slipstream and an international field that will put this race in the ranks of the Grand Tours.
In 2010 we are offering two ‘back to back’ seven day, six night trips; Napa, Sonoma & San Francisco from May 12-18 and San Bernerdino Mountains, L.A. & Santa Monica from May 19-25. You will have ample chance to mix with professional racers and be up close to the action. In Great Explorations style, we’ll take care of the logistics and ensure that you will enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Our Napa, Sonoma and San Francisco trip begins in Napa on May 12 and finishes in San Francisco seven days later. On this trip, you will have the opportunity to ride part of the spectacular Davis to Santa Rosa stage through the lush vineyards of Napa and Sonoma counties. Ride ahead of the pros and watch from a privileged position as the peleton races by. You’ll also be able to watch the start of Stage 3 that departs from San Francisco; you’ll cycle some of the most beautiful roads in California, taste wine from renowned wine makers and stay in luxurious inns and lodges at each day’s end.
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Locations visited/nearby
California, United States
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Great Explorations:
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Reviewer: Larry Sams
located in
Raleigh NC
“The trip was one of the more awesome vacations I have ever taken. It met my expectations in every way. The hotels were very nice and charming, the cycling routes gorgeous, the meals incredible. The guides did an outstanding job. We chose you over some other companies largely on the recommen-dations of friends who had done a trip with Great Explorations. I certainly was not disappointed. On a scale of 1-10, this trip get a 12 in my book! I hope I have a chance to do another trip with you in the future. Many thanks for an incredible week of bicycling in France."
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Reviewer: Kathryn C., Sault Ste Marie,
located in
ON- Dordogne,
France
“Even better than I expected. Thank you for all the fabulous memories! The region was absolutely gorgeous – everywhere I looked was a picture postcard. The hotels were the very best in each area we stayed. Loved our place in Rocamadour, Les Eyzies was great too. Every meal was better than the one before. You chose the very best places for us. Thank heavens we were cycling to wear off all the fabulous food!”
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Reviewer: Sabina S., Sechelt, BC
located in
Morocco
"...fantastic food and culture. The experience of riding camels and overnighting in the Bedoin camp was a highlight. The hotels were fantastic and the rides very scenic."
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Tour of California Napa, Sonoma & SF- Getting there:This trip starts in Napa and your hotel is included on arrival day. Our Trip Planner will provide information on shuttles between San Francisco and Napa and hotel recommendations for SF for those staying there prior to the trip.
DAY 1:
Napa – Our guides will be at the River Terrace Inn, Napa between 4-6 to fit bikes; there will be time for a warm-up ride out to the Hess Collection, a winery and contemporary art gallery north of town or partake in a yoga class at the sleek new studio, Ubuntu to loosen up from your travels. We will meet for a wine reception at 7:00 pm, followed by dinner at Angele, a charming restaurant in a converted boathouse on the Napa River. The Terrace River Inn is a boutique hotel located in the center of Napa.
DAY 2:
St. Helena (22 miles) –From Napa, we’ll cycle along the Silverado Trail historic route stopping to visit and taste at Frog’s Leap and Quintessa, two of the most impressive of the Napa Valley wineries. In St. Helena, visit the fascinating shops in this trendy town or pedal more miles in the nearby hills. We will dine at a local bistrot and enjoy the comforts of the Harvest Inn.
DAY 3:
St Helena (18 or 36 miles) - Spend a full day in the St. Helena area, with many choices. Ride up into the hills above the valley, past forests of California redwoods to high altitude vineyards, which are gradually encroaching on old ranch lands. Then sweep back down the Pope Valley into St. Helena. Or meander through the Napa Valley, visiting Bale’s Grist Mill, which was a focal point for the valley’s settlement during the first half of the 19th century. Cross the Napa River, ride on the lower slope of Howell Mountain and into a rain forest. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery.
DAY 4:
Calistoga (11 or 31 miles) - Today’s destination is Calistoga, known for its thermal spas and mud baths. You have many options to dial in the mileage of your choice. Take a shorter route in order to have more time to visit some of the historic vineyards in the region, including those that first put California on the oenological map. On the longer ride, you will have the opportunity to watch Old Faithful spout off, as well as to cycle to the historic Chateau Montelena winery, and simply enjoy more of the amazing diversity of this stunning California countryside.
DAY 5:
Healdsburg (28 or 39 miles) - Continue north into the Alexander Valley and then over the Mayacamas Ridge to leave Napa Valley and enter the Sonoma Valley. Pedal through the pretty valley of the Maacama Creek and onto the flat lands of the Russian River Valley. Explore extensive vineyards along the edge of the Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field. Discovered in 1847, these amazing hot spots soon gave rise to the California Spa tradition. Your day ends in the delightful town of Healdsburg, a town with the best qualities of turn-of-the century America, yet with the ambiance of a European countryside. Discover its Spanish-style plaza, numerous museums and excellent antique shops before settling down to a scrumptious dinner.
DAY 6:
Healdsburg (21, 30 or 35 miles) – On this day, the Tour of California will come racing across from Davis to Santa Rosa and we are in the perfect position to watch. In addition to taking in the race, our ride will explore the unique Russian history of this American enclave. Uncover the wineries of the Russian River Valley, and the unexpected hops industry as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take a side trip into the wild country along Porter Creek.
DAY 7:
(30 miles) We will transfer south as we ride part of the 2009 route, from Sausalito to San Francisco. We will arrive in time to watch the start of Stage 3 before a celebratory lunch on the waterfront. We bid goodbye after lunch.
More information from Great Explorations:
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