Like the bouquet of a spicy Zinfandel, the wine country of California, north of San Francisco, opens up to reveal many delights and pleasures. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are synonymous with great wine and fine food and dining. By bike, discover shady back lanes, towering redwood groves, a surprising Russian history and delightful pedaling – past vineyards and wine chateaus of every conceivable design.
Location
Napa
Napa, CA, United States
Starting Location
St. Helena
St Helena, CA, United States
Day 1+2
Calistoga
Calistoga, CA, United States
Day 3
Healdsburg
Healdsburg, CA, United States
Day 4+5
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle
5 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Particulars
EVENT DATES
2023
Apr 29-May 4
May 12-17
May 19-24
May 26-31
Jun 10-15
Jun 16-21
Jun 25-30
Jul 2-7
Jul 16-21
Jul 23-28
Jul 30-Aug 4
Aug 6-11
Aug 13-18
Aug 20-25
Aug 27-Sep 1
Sep 3-8
Sep 10-15
Sep 17-22
Sep 24-29
Oct 1-6
Oct 8-13
2024
Apr 27-May 2
May 10-15
May 17-22
May 24-29
Jun 8-13
Jun 14-19
Jun 23-28
Jun 30-Jul 5
Jul 14-19
Jul 21-26
Jul 28-Aug 2
Aug 4-9
Aug 11-16
Aug 18-23
Aug 25-30
Sep 1-6
Sep 8-13
Sep 15-20
Sep 22-27
Sep 29-Oct 4
Oct 6-11
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TRIP SIZE
4-16 participants
TOTAL DAYS
6 days/ 5 nights
ARRIVE / DEPART
Napa / Healdsburg
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Avarage daily distance is 50 km/30 miles
TERRAIN
Moderate cycling, encountering a few challenging hills most days
COST
Land Cost:
US $3650*
Includes 5B/2L/4D
Single Supplement:
US $640
Bike Rental:
US $230
E-Bike Rental:
US $400
*certain departures may have sur-charges due to hotel dynamic rate pricing. We will notify you if this is the case.
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting there :
Napa: Our trip starts from Napa, located 128 km/80 miles north of San Francisco airport. There is regular coach service between SFO airport and Napa, through Evans Transporter. We recommend departing SFO at 8:30 and arriving at 9:45 to Napa.
1
Day 1
St. Helena
We meet in Napa, at the Napa River Inn, at 10:00 and begin cycling. Our ride will begin with a loop past the former wine estate of Rene di Rosa, which boasts more than 2000 works by more than 800 California emerging artists that Rene collected. After visiting, we will enjoy lunch at the Boon Fly Cafe. Then we ride north to St. Helena, a trendy and pleasant town in the heart of Napa wine country. We will have a wine reception at 7 pm and then dinner at a favourite bistro.
Distance: 38 km, elevation gain 195 m.*
2
Day 2
St Helena
Spend a full day in the St. Helena area, with many choices. Ride up into the hills above the valley, past forests of California redwoods to high altitude vineyards, which are gradually encroaching on old ranch lands. Then sweep back down the Pope Valley into St. Helena. Or meander through the Napa Valley, visiting Bale’s Grist Mill, which was a focal point for the valley’s settlement during the first half of the 19th century. Cross the Napa River, ride on the lower slope of Howell Mountain and into a rain forest. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery. (36 or 18 miles)
Distance: 32 km, elevation gain 548 m or 58 km, gain 835 m.*
3
Day 3
Calistoga
Today’s destination is Calistoga, known for its thermal spas and mud baths. You have many options to dial in the mileage of your choice. Take a shorter route in order to have more time to visit some of the historic vineyards in the region, including those that first put California on the oenological map. On the longer ride, you will have the opportunity to watch Old Faithful spout off, as well as to cycle to the historic Chateau Montelena winery, and simply enjoy more of the amazing diversity of this stunning California countryside.
Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 211 m or 31 km, gain 399 m.*
4
Day 4
Healdsburg
Continue north into the Alexander Valley and then over the Mayacamas Ridge to leave Napa Valley and enter the Sonoma Valley. Pedal through the pretty valley of the Maacama Creek and onto the flat lands of the Russian River Valley. Explore extensive vineyards along the edge ofo the Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field. Discovered in 1847, these amazing hot spots soon gave rise to the California Spa tradition. Is a massage that far off? Your day ends in the delightful town of Healdsburg at the luxurious Hotel Healdsburg.
Distance: 45 km, elevation gain 334 m or 63 km, gain 451 m.*
5
Day 5
Healdsburg
A full day in the Healdsburg area lets you explore the unique Russian history of this American enclave. Uncover the wineries of the Russian River Valley, and the unexpected hops industry as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take a side trip into the wild country along Porter Creek. Be sure to leave time to visit Healdsburg, a town with the best qualities of turn-of-the century America, yet with the ambiance of a European countryside. Discover its Spanish-style plaza, numerous museums and excellent antique shops before settling down to a scrumptious final dinner.
Distance: 34 up to 56 km, elevation gain 382 m.*
6
Day 6
Spend a few final moments enjoying your time in California’s wine country before bidding it a fond farewell.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Wydown Hotel, St. Helena
The Wydown Hotel is a small (12 rooms only) boutique hotel which opened in 2011 in downtown St. Helena. It is a chic, modern, and hip boutique hotel with large, comfortable rooms, friendly and attentive staff and a great location steps from great restaurants and cafes.
Mount View Hotel and Spa, Calistoga
Built in the Mission Revival style, the Mount View Hotel is among the premier historic hotels in the Napa Valley. Each of the 32 guest rooms is beautifully decorated with antiques and contemporary accents. The outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, garden patio and full-service spa make this gracious hotel a relaxing and peaceful getaway.
Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg
We love this hotel for its location, attentive staff, and amenities. It has everything we look for in a well-managed hotel property. The spa, lounges, lobby bar and swimming pool and jacuzzi are a treat. Note: The Madrona Manor Wine Country Inn is also an option, if you prefer (no additional charge). Just note on the registration form if you prefer this hotel.
Trip Reviews
“Our guides were fabulous, they had done some pre-planning and they were a joy to ride with. Fabulous bikes!”
“It was a great trip – well organized, well guided, timing was good. We went to some of the top restaurants and good on some wonderful quiet roads. The icebreaker wine tasting on the first night was alot of fun. Enjoy the champagne tour and the wine tour – just the right amount. The guides were very attentive and fun. Went out of their way to make sure we were getting the trip we wanted.”
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