iExplore Napa and Sonoma(Trip #65953)

Tour Overview

Welcome to Napa & Sonoma! Napa and Sonoma is epic wine country. As you cycle its tranquil back roads amidst endless blankets of more than 500 vineyards, you’re more likely to be passing by Cabernet Sauvignons grapes than any other. Of course, we wouldn’t let you actually pass them by. Dry Creek, Alexander, and Knights Valleys are yours to explore; and its glorious vintages of Cabs, Zins, and Chardonnays are yours to sample. But there’s more to sample in this wondrous region: a magnificent coast, cathedrals of towering redwoods, the serene Russian River and its resident seals. Take your pick – leisurely rides in the rolling valleys or challenging pushes into the surrounding mountains; you'll find terrain suitable for both recreational riders and super-fit pros. With great weather and breathtaking scenery, the wine valleys of Napa are a cyclist's paradise. It’s easy to see why Bicycling Magazine described Napa and Sonoma as "the perfect cycling vacation."

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco- Bodega Bay
After being picked up from the St. Regis 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.
Overnight: The Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Bodega Bay & Sonoma Coast
Distance cycled: 32.2 km / 20 miles

Day 2: 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.

Set high above the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, Madrona Manor is an exceptionally lovely Victorian estate surrounded by eight acres of wooded and landscaped grounds. Recently renovated, the 17 guestrooms and 5 suites are romantic, spacious and very comfortable; most have fireplaces, some have balconies with stunning views, all have private baths. Three suites have Jacuzzis for two. Conde Nast Traveler wrote "There is no better place to de-stress--or sample the excellent, eclectic wines of the Russian River Valley--than to stay at this opulent 1881 estate set on a private wooded mountaintop......"
Overnight: The Madrona Manor
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Armstrong Redwoods State Park & Healdsburg
Distance cycled: 32.2 km / 20 miles

Day 3: 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 Mayacamas 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."
Overnight: The Madrona Manor
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Dry Creek Valley
Distance cycled: 48.50 km / 30 miles

Day 4: 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 grounds are also the site 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 town 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 dining destinations.
Overnight: The Inn at Southbridge
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)

Day 5: The Silverado Trail
For early risers we suggest enjoying an optional hot air balloon excursion over the Napa Valley. 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 service 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.
Overnight: The Inn at Southbridge
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Silverado Trail & Pope Valley
Distance cycled: 56.5 km / 35 miles

Day 6: 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.

Departure Dates

2010 Departure Dates:
May 2 to 7
June 6 to 11
July 4 to 9 and 25-30
August 8 to 13
September 5 to 10 and 12 to 17
October 3 to 8

Prices

2010
$3,595 per person, double occupancy.

Inclusions:
· 5 Nights luxury accommodations: The Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa, Madrona Manor, and The Inn at Southbridge.
· Site visits: Bodega Bay, Armstrong Forest, Sonoma County, Calistoga, and Napa Valley.
· Meals: all breakfasts, two lunches and four gourmet dinners including wine.
· Wine tasting locations: Healdsburg, Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley.
· Biking: cycle in the vineyards, coastal towns, Redwood Forest, Napa Valley. Flat to rolling terrain, average 30 miles per day.
· Experience guides who will look after your every need.
· Support vehicle that sweeps the day’s route distributing refreshments, picking up your purchases and offering lifts back to the hotel.
· All wine cellar tastings.
· All entrance fees to historic sites, museums and parks, and all other exclusive events featuring guest experts.
· Choice of road bike or lightweight 27-speed aluminum hybrid bicycle, frame sizes, gel seat, handlebar bag, rear carrier pack, lock, patch kit with spare tube, pump, lock, water bottle, bell.
· Highlighted regional maps with background on each noteworthy sight and plenty of options to try along the way.
· All transportation from rendezvous to drop off.
· All gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service.
· All baggage transport.

Exclusions
· Airfare to and from San Francisco.
· Accommodations before and after the trip.
· Gratuities for guides
· Meals not specified in the itinerary.
· Beverages, unless specified.
· Airport taxes.
· Travel Insurance.

Trip Information

Where do we meet on day one of the Napa & Sonoma bicycle trip?
Your guides will meet you at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco and take you across the Golden Gate Bridge for the 90-minute transfer to Bodega Bay on the Pacific Coast.

Where does the Napa & Sonoma bicycle trip finish?
Our guides will transfer you from Napa back to San Francisco (1 hour drive).

What is not included on your bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way. Balloon rides and spa treatments are not included.

How should I tip my guides?
If you appreciate the service your Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from $150 to 200 USD per guide.

What is the weather going to be like in Napa & Sonoma?
May, June, September and October in Napa usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with fresh evenings. Rain is rare in Napa, but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.

What is the average daily mileage?
The average daily mileage is about 20-30 miles. There will be daily options for riding additional or fewer miles.

How should I get in shape?
The best way to prepare for your bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Napa Valley bicycle tour. We have different riding options everyday, and of course great van support.

How should I pack?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing!