arthisto August 30th, 2011
Chinatown, San Francisco
April 19 – 26, 2012 ~ 8 Days ~ Group Size: 6
Price: $2,700.00 - OR -
Sierra, April 19 – 23, 2012 ~ 5 Days (day 1 through day 5 below)
Price: $2,100.00
San Francisco, Yosemite, and Carmel, a Strong Dose of Beautiful CA
Some history, some pampering, and regaining of perspective in magnificent Yosemite. Enrichment, exercise, fresh air, shopping, that is what this trip is designed to do. I guided this trip in 2011 and loved it so much, that I couldn’t wait to offer it again. Of course, it certainly helped that my guests were awesome and so we had nothing but fun. This is a great itinerary!
Day 1 – Following your arrival into San Francisco, we will spend the day exploring this beautiful “City by the Bay”. The Chinese, arriving into San Francisco by the thousands at the onset of the Gold Rush, have made a tremendous impact on this state and especially San Fransisco and the Gold Rush towns. Fascinating! Following Chinatown, a fortune cookie factory and extraordinary views in all directions, we will have a delicious dinner and enjoy the lights of this pretty city before collapsing for the night.
Day 2 – We will leave the bustling Bay Area and drive to the slower paced heart of the California Gold Rush, Sonora. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will spend two days between relaxing professional spa treatments, and tasting some of the best wines produced in California. After checking into the Historic Gunn House, we will drive to the adorable town of Murphy’s , CA. Here the main street is about four blocks long, lined on both sides with fun shops and oodles of tasting rooms. We know these well and are wine club members of a few, so we will introduce you to some of the winemakers and let you choose your favorites. The last time I took this trip, my east coast guests became wine club members as well, and now receive regular shipments from Murphy’s, a nice reminder of their time there. Early dinner in Murphy’s.
Living History in Sonora, CA
Day 3: Leave it to AHA to discover relaxing spa treatments in an historical building built in 1895. Built after the gold rush, this classic western boomtown style building with its wooden sidewalks, was the very necessary Mundorf Hardware store with the Mundorf family living above. They would probably be shocked to know that within the rooms where they raised their children, today, soft music and candle light beckon clients into the quiet, warm and relaxing treatment rooms. Our spa treatments will be divided between a one hour body massage that is designed by you, and another glorious hour-long European facial. Whether you prefer a Swedish, sports, or lighter aromatherapy massage, it will be tailored to your achieving an all over “wet noodle” experience. I have spoken at length with, and experienced first hand these professionals, and they understand completely what my goal is for each of you traveling with me on this trip. Pampered excellence and a long lingering memory of travel with Art History Alive.
We will sneak in a very private picnic lunch, at the Gunn House, so you need not feel rushed, but can linger in your newly relaxed state of mind. The balance of this day can be spent shopping in Sonora, napping, whatever you feel like.
Day 4: After breakfast we will drive into Yosemite National Park, stopping along the way at scenic views that will take your breath away. After our picnic lunch, and a walk around Yosemite Village so that you can get your bearings, we will check into our beautiful rooms at the unique Ahwahnee Hotel. This historic hotel, built in 1926, and like no other in its massive grandeur, still cannot compete with the drama and majesty of Yosemite Valley. You will feel your life slip into perspective as we quietly walk the pathways of Yosemite with its enormous granite cliffs surrounding us and as its magnificent waterfalls crash; all outside troubles and pressures seem to morph back into perspective where they should be. Now we are on Yosemite time. All my life I have been visiting this natural cathedral and always have the same response to it. It makes me quiet, thoughtful and enormously thankful. If you have been before, maybe it is time to go again, if this will be your first time, brace yourself for a powerful experience.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” John Muir
Storybook Architecture, Carmel
Day 5: After breakfast in the Ahwahnee dining room, we will enjoy the park for the better part of the day before driving back to the coast. This evening will be spent in Santa Cruz overlooking Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf. Breakfast surrounded by enormous mountains to dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is California.
Day 6 and 7: This morning we will make the short drive down the coast highway to Carmel, where we will spend the next two days. This quaint village is so picturesque in every way, you will never want to leave. Art galleries, shops, jewelery, a style of architecture that can only be described as “Snow Whitesque”. Those of you who have been there, know exactly what I am talking about. One of the prettiest California missions is in Carmel too, with its beautiful old mission garden.
Day 8: From Carmel we will drive to San Fransisco and flights home.
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Physical Level: Moderate
Art History Alive will offer these seven destinations in 2012! Great places to visit, more interesting things to learn, and very small groups. Over the next few weeks I will post on each tour individually to include a more detailed description, and a list of recommended reading and movies that will allow you to front load your travel experience.
California Wildflowers
You will notice that we have included one itinerary that includes my absolute favorite places in California. If Europe is not on your radar screen for this year, consider touring the best that California has to offer. I am a fifth generation Californian and would love to show you around. I think that you will agree, this is wonderful line up and I sincerely hope that you will share it with your friends and family.
We are very happy to announce:
The NEW money saving opportunities are on the Specials and Discounts Page. These trips can fill up fast so early booking is important and saves you money.
All trips include: Hotels, all meals and house wines, (well, you don’t have to have wine with breakfast) ground transportation, museum admissions, and travel insurance.
- A New Itinerary , Art and History , California Itinerary , dat to day itineraries , dates , descriptions , Destination Updates , destinations , Food, Wine, and Friends , price , Trip Advice , Trip Update , Upcoming Trip
