California: The Best of Napa & Sonoma
Day One: San Francisco – Bodega Bay
After being picked up from your hotel in San Francisco, we will head north across the Golden Gate Bridge for the 90 minute transfer to Bodega Bay on the Pacific Coast. Our first ride along the headlands of the rugged Sonoma Coast will stun you. Protected under the California State Park System, it is a completely undeveloped stretch popular among surfers, seals and whales. Nestled on a hillside surrounded by the dunes of Doran Beach, tonight’s resort is a perfect place to take in the area’s natural beauty. From your balcony, enjoy views of Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The award-winning restaurant and full-service spa are only steps away, as is the beach.
Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Bodega Bay & Sonoma Coast
Distance cycled: 32.2 km / 20 miles
Napa Sonoma Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 ride along Bodega Bay with seals.
Day Two: Bodega Bay – Healdsburg
As the morning sun burns off the nightly blanket of fog, you may choose to take a stroll along the tranquil bay before indulging in a hearty breakfast. Today we’ll head into the coastal range for a cruise into the heart of the redwoods. At the Armstrong Redwoods State Park, we’ll picnic among 1,400-year-old trees that tower over 300 feet high and create a unique microclimate. Shafts of light filtering through the canopy make for an enchanting experience. The optional cycle after lunch is along the Russian River – a popular spot for basking seals. Tonight will be spent in Healdsburg, a relaxed and prosperous town built around a plaza with a Spanish-style bandstand and several restaurants, bookstores, and antique shops.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Armstrong Redwoods State Park & Healdsburg
Distance cycled: 32.2 km / 20 miles
Napa Sonoma Bike Tour Photo: Day 2 ride from Redwoods to Sonoma vineyards.
Day Three: The Dry Creek Valley
Today you may choose to spend time exploring Healdsburg. For those who would like to cycle, we’ll ride into the Dry Creek Valley and look out across acres of vines with the Mayacmas Mountains in the distance. This will be some truly classic wine country riding on quiet back roads dotted with welcoming vineyards. Lunch is your choice, and then take time to relax in one of the vineyards or gardens, or in a quiet spot overlooking Lake Sonoma. If you buy a bottle or two while touring the vineyards, let us know and we'll gladly collect them for you. Today's itinerary includes a private wine tasting at one of the area’s more famous organic wineries. Tonight we’ll dine at one of our local favorites. The town will be bustling as locals and visitors crowd into the main plaza for the weekly "Tuesdays in The Plaza: Market, Music and Town Picnic."
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Dry Creek Valley
Distance cycled: 48.50 km / 30 miles
Napa Sonoma Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 ride thru Dry Creek to Ferrari Carona cellars
Day Four: Healdsburg – St. Helena
We’ll start the day riding out along the back roads of Healdsburg to explore the wine growing regions of Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Northern Napa. Our wine tasting today is at a vineyard that has been in the same family for five generations. You will enjoy a private wine tasting as well as a visit to the cellars, these lovely groups are also the sight for our classic picnic. Here we'll enjoy sweeping views across the wide Alexander Valley. After lunch, we’ll focus on the red wines for which the Alexander Valley is famous. Return to St. Helena by van or choose to cycle the remaining 15 miles. We stay overnight in the spa town of St Helena, a small Napa locale that is laid-back and well preserved, with quaint shops and excellent restaurants. Tonight, guests are free to arrange their own dining plans, though we'll be happy to recommend one of the many great eating destinations.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic
Destinations visited: Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Northern Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena
Distance cycled: 48.50 km / 30 miles (24km/ 15 miles optional extra ride)
Napa Sonoma Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 ride from Sonoma to Napa Valley
Day Five: The Silverado Trail
Today's cycling is along the Silverado Trail, a raised road to the east of the Napa Valley. The stunning views across the valley are very familiar to some of the best wineries in the area, including the world-renowned domain of Opus One. For a more extensive day's riding, we guide guests into the Pope Valley: a world of small, family farms and flower-filled meadows. If you don’t feel too spoiled already, the hotel has a full serivce spa on site. Guests can choose from massage, hydrotherapy, facials or one of the famous mud baths. Tonight we'll dine at one of the town’s top restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Silverado Trail & Pope Valley
Distance cycled: 56.5 km / 35 miles
For early risers we suggest joining a hot air balloon excursion over the Napa Valley. Ask for details
Napa Sonoma Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 gourmet meal in St Helena
Day Six: St. Helena – San Francisco
Today's ride is a pre-breakfast loop around Crystal Springs. St. Helena is also a great place to wander around the quaint shops and shaded boardwalks along the main street. There are coffee shops and restaurants, many of which have pleasant outdoor spaces. After breakfast, we’ll transfer guests back across the Golden Gate Bridge to downtown San Francisco.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations visited: Northern Napa
Distance cycled: 24 km / 15 miles
TRIP TOTAL: 241 KM/ 150 MILES, averaging 40.3 km/ 25 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.
