The Russian River plain and its tributaries have softened the Geysers geothermal district, turning volcanic ash into prime grape growing fields between and up the slopes of rolling hills--the perfect environment for romantic sweeping vistas and flavorful wines. We accentuate this union of nature and palate with a visit to the mighty redwoods and untamed wilds of California's north coast.
Day 1: San Francisco to Alexander Valley: From San Francisco we drive to Healdsburg and check into our romantic B & B where we spend the first two nights. You have some time to relax and then after lunch we embark on our first ride. This loop explores pastoral Alexander Valley and includes stops for a taste the fine wines made at Murphy-Goode as well as White Oak Wineries. A short journey back to the B&B allows for enough time to relax before we go to dinner.
Day 2: Northern Napa and Southern Alexander Valleys: This is our big bicycling day, but the pleasantness of the route creates the illusion of shorter distances covered. We start by driving over to Calistoga and sightseeing: options include the Bothe-Napa Redwood grove, Kornell sparkling wines, and Old Faithful Geyser. Our 23-mile ride then brings us back into the Alexander Valley, at the south end of which we stop at Hanna Winery for a panoramic lunch and optional wine tasting. We then ride pastoral Chalk Hill Rd. to a private tour and savor the winery's superb varietals. You then have the option of riding on into the Sonoma Valley, and taking the Old Redwood Hwy back into Healdsburg and our B&B.
Day 3: Dry Creek to Bodega Bay: Ride around the charming, rustic Dry Creek Valley and visit one or two of the truly outstanding wineries. This gently undulating rural road looks over vast tracts of vineyards and their accompanying vivid floral arrangements. Amble into the Russian River flood plain, where the sea of grapevines continues to stretch down the valley. This leads us to the river itself, and we follow it as it flows to the sea, which provides a great opportunity to visit a local brewery should one wish (after all, as the vintners in the area say: "It takes a lot of beer to make fine wine. The giant Redwoods are visited before we continue through the Evergreen-laden valley and out to the chiseled coastline. The Inn we stay commands superb views, pleasant gardens, and a hot tub and pool where we soak the delicious aches away.
Day 4: Bodega to Point Reyes: We have the option of riding out to Bodega Head to view the Pacific crashing against the rocky coast, and observe a colony of Seals on an offshore rock. We then ride back to Hwy 1 south towards Pt. Reyes. It is a short ride into Pt. Reyes and if you're still energetic, we drive up to the Mount Vision Overlook with its view of the entire peninsula.
Day 5: Point Reyes to San Francisco: We take advantage of the morning, before the afternoon coastal wind kicks up, to further explore the wildlife, history, and amazing geology (the park visitor center is built on the epicenter of the 1906 quake) of this spectacular plot of land. For those interested in kayaking the Tomales Bay inlet, we will arrange a private expedition featuring: basic instruction, a visit to a replicated Miwok Indian village, and the probability of close viewing of such sea life as Harbor Seals, Leopard Sharks, and Bat Rays (the $45 fee is not covered in the tour costs). They who wish to remain on land will enjoy a ride and hike through the varied ecosystems out to Arch Rock, or hike on Tomales Point where the Tule Elk peacefully preside over the ocean's clash with the land, or we can drive out to wild and historic Drake's Bay and an optional return bike ride, or a walking examination of the San Andreas Fault Zone and the Miwok village, or hike a bit of the Bolinas Ridge, or
After that, we enjoy our final midday meal together and make our way back to the Golden Gate, and on into San Francisco for drop off at your hotel.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
All lodging in 3 & 4-star B&B's
4 dinners and 1 lunch
All tour transfers, including meeting and departure at your hotel
Daily private van support, including luggage transfer
Bike Rental, route notes, maps and accessories
Knowledgeable guide(s)
Private Winery Tour & Tastings
Northern Napa Valley/Calistoga & Alexander Valley Wine Region
Sonoma Valleys Dry Creek Wine Region
Option ballooning if you so desire (not included in itinerary)
Armstrong Redwoods State Park, Bodega Bay, Pt. Reyes National Park
Also see tour packages in:
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Bicycle Touring
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