California's Northern Coast - Walks, Wine and Water:
Sonoma Valley and Mendocino Coast (April,
October and November)
Scheduled trips:
Oct. 27-Nov 2, 2008
or please contact us to schedule a custom trip!
Trip Cost: $2,295 - (
7
Days & 6 Nights). There is a $300 single supplement charged.
Sonoma and Mendocino counties, just north of San Francisco, are a walker's
paradise. Pacific views, whale-backed hills of grasses and wildflowers,
redwood-fir forests tucked away in secluded valleys - all connected by a
superlative network of footpaths and old roads through state parklands.
Sonoma hiking trails go through grape vineyards in bloom in Spring, or being
harvested in Autumn, and on the Mendocino coastline, we can enjoy the beaches
and surf.
In Sonoma, we will have a vineyard tour and tasting at Ravenswood, first
started by the "zin master", Joel Peterson. Other good winery options include
Kenwood and Valley of the Moon. Our Beltane-based walks range from Jack London
and Sugarloaf State Parks to nice trails right on the ranch. On Tuesday
evening we can take in the Sonoma Plaza farmers market, which is really seeing
a slice of Wine Country life.
We go through redwoods and river valleys to the magnificent Pacific
coastline! We'll walk among stately redwoods as well as on trails with
oceanscapes-a-plenty. During our stay near Point Arena, we include the
low-tide classic walk at Schooner Gulch, hitting our stride on Bowling Ball
Beach.
Mendocino looks like a New England town, with gabled rooflines, picket
fences, and gingerbread trim- work, but here, dramatically poised on a
headland, overlooking the Pacific. We can happily sample footpaths in nearby
state parks and walk the headlands as well. You can even rent a bike and go up
the Big River path for miles!
We stay three days and nights at the quiet,
historic Beltane Ranch near Glen Ellen, in Sonoma Valley; then two
nights at the The Wharf Master's Inn on the coast near Point Arena; a
final two nights at The Joshua Grindle Inn in Mendocino, also near the
ocean.
We head inland along the Navarro River to Anderson Valley, with great scenery
and a final picnic lunch at a low-key winery. We'll have people back to their
cars (parked in Glen Ellen for a few days), or at Sonoma Plaza/bus stop by 5pm,
for post-trip lodging and airport shuttle busses.
We invite you to do a little "California Dreamin'" with us as we show you
the best of this coastline and wine country.
Also check out our friends at Wine Direct
Selections in Santa Rosa for assistance with choosing the right wine for
the right occasion.
Also see our
Point Reyes
National Seashore Hikes for any season!
Walking guide service for trails in West Marin and Point
Reyes National Seashore. Half-day, full-day, or overnight based at Ten Inverness Way B&B.
For individuals, couples, or small groups.