arthisto November 5th, 2009
Inspiration Point, Yosemite National Park
CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH WINES, AND YOSEMITE
October 15 – 18, 2010 ~ 4 DAYS
GROUP SIZE: 4-6
PRICE PER PERSON $1,300.00
This tour’s focus is pampering first and then regaining perspective. Designed with working professionals in mind, and yet not exclusive, 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 this area. Leave it to AHA to discover relaxing spa treatments in an historical building built in 1895. Now, that is cultural immersion! 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.
Day 2: After a nice breakfast in Sonora 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 guests became wine club members as well, and now receive regular shipments from Murphy’s, a nice reminder of their time there.
The Ahwahnee Hotel Dwarfed by the Royal Arches in Background
Day 3: After breakfast we will drive into Yosemite National Park and 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
From Yosemite we will drive back to the Bay Area and life, but uplifted, I promise.
Physical Level: Moderately Strenuous.
Art History Alive will offer these five destinations in 2010! 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.
You will notice that we have added two itineraries that include my absolute favorite places in California. If Europe is not on
California wild flowers
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.
