With an economy that rivals most of the world’s countries, California has some impressive statistics. Outside of its cities however vast areas have been carefully preserved for the sheer enjoyment of nature and its impressive landscape. Inland from the Californian coast the mountains rise sharply, eventually becoming the western extremity of the Rockies.
We fly to San Francisco and spend three nights exploring the icons of the city. A stroll across the Golden Gate with Alcatraz Island below us in the bay. Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront restaurants. The steep streets offer visions of Steve McQueen racing up and down in ‘Bullitt’. We will walk the city and cross the Golden Gate to Sausalito, taking the ferry back across the bay.
We then move on to the big names of California’s National Parks: Kings Canyon Park, Sequoia, and finally Yosemite. In Kings we walk remote trails through canyons and up beside waterfalls. In Sequoia we encounter the General Sherman tree, the world’s biggest living thing, we'll reach stunning view points with views cross the mountains.
Yosemite is perhaps the crowning glory of California’s National Parks. Little prepares you for the first neck stretching views of El Capitan and The Half Dome. Our walking here takes in immense vistas. From the valley floor everything around seems to reach up to the heavens.
Finally Napa and wine country. The area is actually two valleys, Napa and Sonoma. Napa is where the serious production takes place, Sonoma is much quieter with more appealing countryside around. We'll explore and taste the best produce of both valleys.
Return flights from Heathrow to San Francisco (British Airways)
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