Excursion Schedule

Monday, August 15 — Northern California Pacific Coast

We will be crossing the Sonoma Mountains over to the Pacific Coast, to the stunningly beautiful Bodega Bay, renowned as the site of the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s infamous thriller “The Birds”. This serene setting, where ocean waves meets the calm waters of the bay, is one of the most beautiful vistas on the Pacific Coast. From there, we will travel south to Point Reyes National Seashore, a natural wonder of 360 species of wildlife spread across a picturesque peninsula jutting out into the Pacific. We will then cross over to Muir Woods National Monument, a unique remnant of an old-growth Redwood Forest, one of the few remaining on the West Coast. 1,000 year old trees carpet this forest that lies at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, a 3,000 ft. high mountain with breathtaking views of the ocean and San Francisco Bay. Finally, we will stop at the charming seaside village of Sausalito and Tiburon, where unusual ark-like homes hug the hillside to create a rare fairy-tale like setting.

Tuesday, August 16 — Wine Country Tour/Hagefen Kosher Winery/Hot Air Balloon Ride

Perhaps the highlight of the week will be a driving tour of California’s famed Wine Country, that is reminiscent of Italy’s Tuscany wine region. Lushly carpeted emerald mountains surround the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, where countless wineries dot the rolling landscape. We will visit one of the area’s largest wineries to take a tour, and then travel to Hagefen Winery, where we will spend time with the affable owner, Ernie, and sample the wide varieties of kosher wines that can only be purchased here. From there, an we will go on an optional, breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride, where we will take in the mountain and valley vistas, as well as the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Wednesday, August 17 — Sierra Nevada Mountains and California’s Gold Country

A wild adventure into the dramatic Sierra Nevadas will take us into Nevada City, the center of Gold Country, where we will experience a real Wild West adventure into a genuine, restored Gold Rush town. Gold panning, a visit to Empire Mine State park, and a stroll through the famed historic downtown area will be featured. Just beyond Nevada City, in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will hike in the beautiful mountain country, and explore the beautiful sights there. Upon our return, we will make a stop in Sacramento, where we will see the famed gold-leaf state capitol dome, and visit the restored Old Sacramento district.

Thursday, August 18 — Guided Tour of San Francisco

Long regarded as one of the world’s favorite cities, San Francisco is a delight to behold. Famed for its many hills and streetcars, Victorian architecture, and grand hotels, the city is a compact treasure chest of fabulous attractions. We will sample some of the most famous attractions that the city has to offer, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and Ghiradelli Square.

Friday, August 19 — Jewish San Francisco & Alcatraz

Our tour of San Francisco continues as We will visit the Jewish Museum, as well as one of the shuls of San Francisco to get a feel of Jewish life there, as well as a boat tour to Alcatraz, the famous prison that sits on an island just offshore.

Pricing (Per Person)