San Francisco and Sonoma County, a Luxury Escape
Depart the UK from London (regional connections available) and fly to San Francisco. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen hotel for a three night stay.
Surrounded by San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the ‘City by the Bay’ is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America. Perhaps begin by taking a cruise around the Golden Gate Bridge or explore the city on foot and visit Fisherman’s Wharf – home to the city’s playful resident sea-lions or Union Square for world-class shopping and dining. Be sure not to miss Alcatraz – the famous island prison a short boat ride across the bay. If you fancy getting out of the city for a few hours, visit Muir Woods and the great sequoias and relax in bohemian Sausalito.
We recommend a stay at the Palace hotel. This San Francisco institution blends modern luxuries with ‘timeless elegance’ to offer its guests an unforgettable stay.
Collect your hire car from downtown San Francisco and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, as you head for historic Sonoma for a three night stay.
Once the site of a short lived revolution, Sonoma was briefly the capital of California, after a band of settlers declared independence from its then Mexican rulers. The rebellion, which lasted all of 28 days, was quickly snuffed out, as the ‘republic’ was claimed by the USA.
These days the town blends historic architecture, with a modern Californian outlook, making it the perfect base to explore the nearby wineries.
Home to a pretty plaza, that is fine restaurants, boutique galleries and tasting rooms, you won’t find many reasons to leave Sonoma, but if you do it will be to explore one of the hundred of wineries that can be found throughout the beautiful Sonoma valley.
We can recommend several luxury properties in Sonoma, but our favourite has to be the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Set amongst gorgeous landscaped gardens, this delightful resort features a spa which boasts 5 naturally heated geothermal mineral pools.
Another short drive takes you to picturesque Healdsburg for a 2 night stay.
This delightful village is centred round a town square packed with gourmet cafes, wine shops, bookstores and a wonderful farmers market. It’s the perfect place to begin or end a day of wine tasting.
You’ll find more than 20 vineyards in Healdsburg, from the ever-popular Simi Winery to the family-run Sausal Winery, which produces “simple, everyday wine for simple, everyday folks.” Visit Hop Kiln Winery, located in a former brewery, Ferrari-Carano, with its grand gardens and majestic tasting rooms, Field Stone Winery, built into the hillside, and many more.
When it comes to resting your head in Healdsburg, our top pick for a luxury stay is the Madrona. Originally built as a private residence, this stunning property is now one of the most desirable boutique hotels in Sonoma. Its 24 rooms have been designed by the celebrated interior designer Jay Jeffers, and are spread across 6 unique buildings, in eight acres of manicured grounds. Although it is just one mile from the heart of downtown, the hotel enjoys sumptuous views over Sonoma’s wine country. Combined with a michelin starred restaurant by Jesse Mallgren, you may be tempted to stay an extra night!
Sandwiched between colossal redwood forests and the rugged Pacific coastline, Timber Cove will not only take your breath away, but will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Sophisticated, yet casual – you’ll enjoy a 2 night stay at this one of a kind hotel that will allow them to appreciate the majesty of the Sonoma coastline and the beauty of California. The hotel has long been a magnet for artists, who draw inspiration from its wild environment and ‘modern hippie’ ambience.
Timber Cove curates daily activities for guests, including guided hikes and wine tastings, but there is plenty to explore in the surrounding areas.
Salt Point State Park is just up the road and offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, an underwater scuba diving/snorkelling trail and scenic areas to picnic. The historic village of Duncan’s Mills is a short drive inland and offers wine tasting, galleries and kayaking on the Russian River.
Travel south along the dramatic Sonoma coast line to beautiful Bodega Bay for a 2 night stay.
Protected by a bay from the wild whims of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay is a picturesque fishing village on the Sonoma Coast that harbours sights, sounds, and activities — by land or by sea — that are sure to appeal to the adventurer in you.
Find secret coves and beaches by paddling on a kayak during a guided tour or try your hand at surfing. Catch your own dinner on one of the local fishing cruises or let someone else do the hard work, and enjoy the fruits of the sea at Tides Wharf Restaurant where the view is special as the food.
To truly appreciate your stay in Bodega Bay we recommend The Lodge at Bodega Bay. Just a stone’s throw from magnificent beaches, towering redwoods, and fresh seasonal produce of Sonoma’s farms, there’s no better spot in Bodega – if not California.
Depart Bodega Bay and drive south down Highway 1 to San Francisco.
There will be some incredible viewpoints along the way as you take in the last of this beautiful coastline.
Return your car to San Francisco airport before flying home to the UK. We offer a choice of upgrades to make your journey home even more comfortable.
If you wish to extend your San Francisco and Sonoma County holiday, we can combine this with one of our other California self-drive itineraries, or as part of a round the world adventure.
Although we can offer daily departures year round, we would recommend that you travel between April-October to fully appreciate Northern California.
Please contact one of our team with your preferred departure date and departure airport and we will provide you with a detailed itinerary and quote.
