CALIFORNIA’S GOLD COAST STORIES BY Ken Burns
Tauck On-tour Exclusive! Filmed narratives by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan share personal stories of artists and writers, politicians and naturalists, entrepreneurs and journalists, all working together to preserve Yosemite’s “Empire of Grandeur” for all future generations. Tauck takes you behind-the-scenes with commentary by the creators of “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
1. ARRIVE SAN FRANCISCO Tour begins: 5:30 PM at The Westin St. Francis. A transfer is included from San Francisco International Airport to The Westin St. Francis for a two-night stay. California dreams become reality at our welcome reception and dinner at your hotel. Meals D
Enjoy inside-the-park accommodations at The Ahwahnee in Yosemite and spend two nights in seaside Monterey
Get your feet wet There’s a reason why California’s shoreline is called the “Gold Coast.” There are miles of golden sand playgrounds buffeting the ocean views from scenic Pacific Coast Highway #1 – expect to be wowed by the heights and the sights. Beaches give way to an epicurean-inspired waterfront harbor in San Francisco, the lifeline for fishermen, boaters and restaurateurs who make their living from the sea. Water virtually defines Monterey, permeating every experience in this seaside town from the 17-Mile Drive to the Bay. Part of a huge national marine sanctuary, the Bay boasts an underwater canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! 345 species of fish frolic here, while up above kayakers paddle among seals, otters and seabirds. So come on in, the water’s fine!
2. LEAVE YOUR HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO Today’s city sightseeing reveals why so many visitors fall in love with the “City by the Bay.” Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and head north to Sonoma Valley for a tasting at a Sonoma winery, reflecting the essence of local wine making. Dinner is on your own tonight back in San Francisco. Bon appetit! Meals BL
3. GOLDEN LANDSCAPES & YOSEMITE GEMS Speculators from around the world rushed to California in the 1800s to find their fortune in gold country. You won’t be rushed today as we step back in time to the days of the Forty-niners in Jamestown at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas – see remnants of the town’s boom and bust periods as you stop for lunch at the historic National Hotel. Next up are the scenic treasures that so inspired conservationist John Muir... and led to the creation of Yosemite National Park. Ken Burns’s on-tour filmed vignettes will shed more light on the treasures found within this “Empire of Grandeur” as you prepare to spend two nights at The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of the park. Meals BLD
4. YOSEMITE’S EMPIRE OF GRANDEUR The entire day is yours to do as you wish in Yosemite. You can begin your explorations with Tauck’s private two-hour walking tour. Led by a local naturalist, this is a great way to learn about the stories behind natural wonders like Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Spires and Rocks. Optional activities, including a tram tour, are available at an additional charge. Meals B
5. ACROSS LUSH VALLEYS TO SEASIDE MONTEREY Leave Yosemite after breakfast today for an exclusive visit and demonstration of early mining equipment at the Mariposa
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