California
Golden Gate Adventure -
San Francisco and the Marin Headlands (April,
June, November)
Scheduled trips: Please contact us to set up a custom trip!
Trip Cost: $1,500 - (
7
Days & 6 Nights). There is a $250 single supplement charged.
Come join us on our newest California walking itinerary as we take in some of
the wonderful parklands on both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge - in San
Francisco and the Marin Headlands. We start with three nights at a
Presidio-edge motel followed by three nights in a southern Marin lodging.
At the time of the summer solstice and a waxing near-full moon, we'll
find no shortage of light to amble and ramble about in historic, cultural parks
like the sprawling Presidio, on the city's western flank, as well as Marin's
Golden Gate Rec Area, with its whale-backed ridges overlooking Rodeo Valley and
the shimmering Pacific.
An important aspect will be to get away from the heavily-touristed areas
(except the must-do, half-hour Golden Gate Bridge stroll) and enjoy the
lesser-known paths and places that beckon walkers without watches. Given ample
fog-free periods - and June mornings especially can be some of the clearest -
we should enjoy dazzling views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, the city itself, Mt
Tamalpais (Marin's highest point at 2600'), and even the distant Farallones
Islands.
Finally, we will delve into the intriguing aspects of city history, from
the cable car legacy to the historic pier and ships at the Maritime Historic
Park; from the 1906 earthquake (and resulting, disastrous firestorm) to two
centuries of military defenses under Spanish, Mexican and US governments; from
Coit Tower to the Palace of Fine Arts. (Museum options abound, of course, but
those will cut into your walking time - so best done before or after our trip
on your own time.)
Plan on 5-8 miles/day walking with some hills guaranteed. Remember that
hills equal views and exercise, so are a good thing, believe it or not! We
will also offer an optional moonlight stroll on traffic-free lane overlooking
Point Bonita and the Gate because that is almost as irresistible as the hills
themselves.
Tour cost includes lodging; four of six dinners; four of six lunches; all
breakfasts; ground transport (except between airport and city motel at start)
and guide services.
