Summary
Muir Woods and Wine Country
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Prices From
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USD$ $85.00
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1st Departure
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02.13.2012
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Provider
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Incredible Adventures
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Destination
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San Francisco Bay Area
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Duration
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9.75 hours
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Challenge
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Beginner
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Avg Rating
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Not Rated
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The day begins at 8:00am heading North across the Golden Gate Bridge which offers great views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island and the skyline of the city. In the Marin Headlands we wind our way through the coastal mountains and along the base of Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region) on our way to Muir Woods National Monument. The Coastal Redwood is the tallest tree species in the world. These trees only thrive in Northern California and Oregon, due to the thick fog that blankets the west coast in the summer months. In 1908 Senator William Kent and his wife donated their land to the state and President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a federally protected area. Muir Woods is the only surviving stand of Old Growth forest in the Bay Area today. In Muir Woods you will have 1 1/2 hours to wander amongst these towering giants. The sights, sounds, and smells of this living museum are sure to reconnect you with a natural world that was almost lost. The group will reunite before noon and travel to the wine country where we will spend the afternoon sampling fine Sonoma County wines. Taste a variety of white, red, and dessert wines at wineries such as Homewood, Cline Cellars, and Benziger Family among others (tasting fees may apply). A stop for lunch will be incorporated into the itinerary, either at a winery or in the Historic Sonoma Town Square. In the town square you will have the chance to visit the Mission San Francisco de Solano, the northernmost California Mission, taste cheese samples at the Sonoma Jack Cheese Factory and peruse the boutique shops that surround this center of commerce. Traveling through the Northern California wine country you will see the beautiful valleys that have supplied the world with some fantastic wines for over 60 years. The landscape of rolling hills laced with rows of wine grapes is impressive and provides a romantic backdrop for memorable photographs. A stop at the Golden Gate Bridge will be necessary if you haven't already witnessed the awe-inspiring view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands. The tour will end with a hotel drop-off at around 6pm.
Itinerary
Day 1
<B>8:00 - 9:00 am</B> Hotel Pick up in Downtown San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf
<B>9:00 - 9:30 am</B> Head across the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at lookout point for views of the bridge, San Francisco Bay, the City, Alcatraz and Marin Headlands (depending on the fog)
<B>Approx 1 ½ hours</B> Once in Muir Woods, you will have time to do what you like, hike the trails that are in and around the Monument, sit and reflect, and check out the Visitors Center.
<B>12:00 – 4:30 pm</B> We head to the Wine Country, generally stopping at one of the wineries or the historic town square of Sonoma for lunch and a tasting at the Sonoma Jack Cheese Factory. From there, depending on the group, we visit 3-4 wineries, trying to stop at ones that will provide a good variety of what is happening in the Valley. From the small, one-man winery, to a winery that has a much higher production and food-making, to a medium-sized family winery. Here you will get to taste their wines, learn about the region and the process, and possibly meet the winemakers.
<B>Approx 4:30</B> We start to head back towards San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. If the fog has lifted, we will stop for views.
<B>5:30-6:30 pm</B> Return to your lodging in time for dinner.
Gear List
<P>May through October</P>
<UL type=Circle <LI>Comfortable walking shoes
<LI>Warm layers as San Francisco and Muir Woods tend to be much cooler than the Wine Country
<LI>Water bottle
<LI>Sun protection </LI></UL>
<P>November through April</P>
<UL type=Circle <LI>Comfortable walking shoes
<LI>Warm layers as it can be quite cool, especially at Muir Woods
<LI>Water bottle
<LI>Sun protection
<LI>Umbrella or rain gear as rainy conditions can exist </LI></UL>
Travel Information