Day 1: San Francisco

Start your vacation in San Francisco, staying near famous Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful city strolling along the waterfront or riding on an historic cable car. Lodge in a luxury boutique hotel and you may choose to dine at a world class restaurant, recognized by both Michelin and Wine Spectator.

Hiking today: No planned hikes. If you are arriving early we will include the trail guide for a great walking tour of San Francisco, the Barbary Coast Trail.

Day 2: San Francisco to Sausalito

Walk along the San Francisco waterfront, across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and into the historic village of Sausalito. Along the way enjoy splendid views of the City and Bay of San Francisco, including Alcatraz and Angel Islands. Your boutique hotel and spa is on the waterfront in Sausalito, where you can enjoy the artists’ studios, cafes, and restaurants of this charming town.

Hiking today: 9 miles (14 km) with 250 feet (75m) elevation gain and loss.

Day 3: Sausalito to Muir Beach

Ascend up the hidden stairways of Sausalito admiring the California inspired architecture of the homes as you climb.  Hike through the Marin Headlands (known for an abundance of wildflowers in the spring) in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the village of Muir Beach.  Enjoy spectacular views of the rugged Pacific Ocean, Angel and Alcatraz Islands and the San Francisco skyline.  Take time to relax on the sandy beach when you arrive.  Tonight’s lodging is a classic English Tudor Inn with a salon “snug” for guests and a pub reminiscent of Stratford-on-Avon where you can enjoy classic pub fare along with excellent local wines and beers.

Hiking today: 9 miles (14 km) with 2300 feet (700 m) elevation gain and loss.

Day 4: Muir Beach to Mill Valley

Start your day with a climb out of the village of Muir Beach taking in the dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean as you hike onto Mount Tamalpais.  Descend into Muir Woods National Monument enjoying the ancient and magical redwood forest with it’s famous “Cathedral Grove” where you will walk among the giant old-growth redwoods.  Then hike part of the Dipsea Trail, where the famed Dipsea Race is run. Finish in the charming town of Mill Valley, and enjoy dinner at one of the excellent Mill Valley restaurants all within walking distance of your lovely inn.

Hiking today:  10 miles (16 km) with 2000 feet (610 m) of elevation gain and 1900 feet (580 m) of elevation loss.

Day 5: Mill Valley to Olema/Point Reyes

A transport will take you to Limantour Beach, in the Point Reyes National Seashore.  Hike a portion of this stunning 10 mile beach enjoying the mighty Pacific Ocean up close.  Leaving the beach behind you’ll enter the forest and descend to the Bear Valley Visitor Center which you can explore. Finish your hike in the small historic town of Olema. A rustic yet luxurious lodge welcomes you with expansive lawns and lazy Adirondack chairs to rest after a day of hiking.  Your hotel has a nice restaurant where you can dine on a seasonal menu specializing in the bounty of West Marin farms and fisheries.

Hiking today: 9 miles (14 km) with 1300 feet (400 m) elevation gain and 1100 feet (335 m) elevation loss.

Day 6: Olema/Point Reyes to Inverness

A short walk from the lodge takes you into the gorgeous Point Reyes National Seashore Park. Ascend Mt. Vision with its stunning views of Tomales Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the distant Farallone Islands, then descend into the coastal village of Inverness on Tomales Bay. Your lodging is on the water with astounding privacy and views. Dinner tonight is at an excellent local restuarant.

Hiking today: 12 miles (19 km) with 2100 feet (640 m) elevation gain and loss.

Day 7: Tomales Bay Free Day

Today you can relax in your inn by the water or rent kayaks to explore Tomales Bay. Dinner tonight is at an excellent local restaurant.

Hiking today: None.

Day 8: Inverness to Glen Ellen

Move from the seashore to the land of vineyards today. A transport will pick you up and take you to the the village of Glen Ellen where you will hike in Jack London State Historic Park and see the “Grandmother Tree”, an 1,800+ year old redwood tree. You can also visit the author’s home, as well as the museum established by his wife. After a hike through the park, finish your day with a special tour and tasting at a vineyard estate and winery. Tonight’s lodging has a world class reputation as one of the best luxury inns in the U.S.  You’ll relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment if you wish, and walk to one of several wine country restaurants.

Hiking today:  8 miles (13 km) with 900 feet (270 m) elevation gain and loss.

Day 9: Glen Ellen Winery Walk

The final day of your trip is an immersion into the wonderful world of Sonoma Valley wines.  Enjoy a morning walk from your inn to the first winery estate for a reserve tasting.  As the day progresses, you will enjoy delicious reserve wine tastings walking between wineries.  A short walk back to your inn lets you relax before another lovely wine country restaurant dinner.

Hiking today:  8 miles (13 km) walking between winery estates with 500 feet (150 m) elevation gain and loss.

Day 10: Trek Conclusion

Your Wine Country Trek comes to an end.