Page 22 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – November/December 2021

Stroll through San Francisco
There’s no better place to kickstart your Northern California adventure than in San Francisco. This vibrant city is brimming with incredible things to do, with all kinds of diverse cultures, cuisines and
architecture. Start with the city’s most iconic attraction – the Golden Gate Bridge. Then explore the buzzing Union Square, the beautiful temples of the oldest Chinatown in North America or take a historic cable car past the colorful Victorian houses.
Wander through the gorgeous gardens of Golden Gate Park, spot sea lions and eat crab rolls at Fisherman’s Wharf or sail across the bay to the infamous Alcatraz prison. See the world’s most crooked street, sip cocktails in retro bars, dine in the Italian trattorias of North Beach, ride the San Francisco Carousel or simply kick back and watch the mystic Bay Area fog roll in. There are endless things to do in this amazing city.
Marvel at Lake Tahoe
Once you have had your fill of fantastic San Francisco, trade cityscape for natural beauty and explore Lake Tahoe in the scenic Sacramento River Valley. This spectacular alpine lake
is famed for its crystal blue waters. With evergreen pines and rocky outcrops surrounding the lake, you will have plenty of chances to get that postcard-perfect photo. When you travel Northern California with Trafalgar, you will even be taken on a tranquil cruise across the lake, so you can soak up Tahoe’s beauty from every angle.
Sip Away in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is undoubtedly one
of the best wine regions in the world. It’s a place where the views are just
as amazing as the wine itself, and you won’t want to blink
as you drive through the gorgeous hillside vineyards and countryside. When you travel Northern California with Trafalgar, you will venture to a local winery in Napa Valley where you can explore its lush vineyards, learn about the process of winemaking and, of course, enjoy a wine tasting of their finest vino over lunch.
Are you still in Sonoma or have you been transported
to the Tuscan countryside? It’s hard to tell but we assure you you’re still in Northern California when you visit Viansa Vineyard. But if you’re still feeling those Italian vibes, that’s exactly what founders and husband and wife duo Sam and Vicki Sebastiani were going for, a perfect blend of Italian hospitality with California’s unique flavors.
You’ll ascend to Viansa’s hilltop villa for an unforgettable wine tasting and unmatched views of the valley. There’s a reason their villa is often referred to as the “Summit of Sonoma.” Here the Sebastiani family will introduce you to some of its award-winning wines, from crisp whites like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to full-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. And of course, we can’t forget to sample a little Rosé as well. All this while enjoying a fresh, regional lunch in its unique tasting room which was designed to make you feel like amici di famiglia, friends of the family.
If you just can’t get enough of Napa Valley, one of the most memorable things to do in Northern California is
a hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the Upper Napa Valley. Glide peacefully over the stunning fields, vineyards and orchards in the most scenic parts of the valley including Rutherford, Oakville, Calistoga, St. Helena and Capay Valley. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
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Breathtaking Sights of Tioga Pass
Ever dreamed of touching the sky? There’s no better place to do it than on the Tioga Pass, the highest mountain highway pass in California. Drive high into the Sierra Nevada with breathtaking views of glittering lakes, lush forests and mountain peaks at every turn. It’s one of the most magical things to do in Northern California. Even better, it takes you to the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park.
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