Discover San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods, ancient redwood forests, and the sun-drenched vineyards of Sonoma Valley. From sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf to wine tastings among rolling hills, this journey blends city charm, natural wonder, and culinary indulgence. Stay in luxury atop Nob Hill at the Fairmont San Francisco, where panoramic views and timeless elegance frame an unforgettable California escape.
Special Note:
•This program involves walking distances at times over uneven natural ground in the Muir Woods. San Francisco is also very hilly – guests must be able to walk up and down steep inclines. It is not recommended for guests who require use of wheelchair, walker or cane.
•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.
DAY 1
After disembarking in San Francsico, meet your guide and begin the day with a scenic drive along The Embarcadero, where waterfront views and iconic piers set the tone for a vibrant city experience. The first stop is Fisherman’s Wharf, where playful sea lions lounge on the docks and the salty breeze carries the spirit of the bay.
From there, delve into the cultural tapestry of Chinatown, entering through the famed Dragon Gate and continuing into North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, brimming with cafés and historic charm. The drive winds through the elegant neighborhoods of Pacific Heights and Russian Hill, offering glimpses of stately homes and steep, winding streets.
Next, explore the lush expanse of Golden Gate Park, passing architectural and botanical treasures like the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, and the Conservatory of Flowers. The journey continues through the counterculture haven of Haight-Ashbury, where vibrant murals and Victorian homes echo the city’s bohemian past.
A photo stop at Alamo Square reveals the iconic Painted Ladies, framed by the city skyline, a quintessential San Francisco moment. Then, cruise past the grandeur of the Civic Center, home to City Hall, the Opera House, and the Asian Art Museum, before a final historic overview of Nob Hill and the majestic Grace Cathedral.
Arrive at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perfect for exploring more of the city or simply relaxing in the comfort of the Fairmont San Francisco.
Perched atop the legendary Nob Hill, this iconic hotel has been a beacon of sophistication since 1907, hosting royalty, presidents, and discerning travelers from around the globe.
Inside, guests will find interiors featuring crystal chandeliers, marble columns, and refined furnishings that combine classic elegance with modern amenities. The exterior offers views of the city skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether enjoying a cocktail in the Tonga Room, walking through the impressive lobby, or observing cable cars from the window, the Fairmont provides a distinguished San Francisco experience with elevated standards.
An RSSC hospitality desk will be available on this day at the hotel to assist with any independent sightseeing or dining recommendations.
DAY 2
Begin the morning with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day of exploration.
Meet your guide in the lobby and then start your journey with a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the rugged coastal mountains of Marin County and on to Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient groves of Giant Redwoods tower over Redwood Creek. The trees' ages range from 400 to 800 years, their height up to 250 feet. The forest floor is covered in redwood sorrel, ferns, fungi, duff, and debris. Several bridges cross Redwood Creek, which flows through the park year-round. Wildlife residents include the endangered coho salmon fingerlings, Pacific wren, woodpeckers, owls, deer, chipmunks, skunks, river otters, and squirrels to name a few. Wander beneath towering redwoods as sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a serene, almost sacred atmosphere.
Next, venture to the charming waterfront town of Sausalito. Known for its Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves built by artist squatters following WWII, today, Sausalito is a gorgeous Mediterranean-style village. It’s a small town of only 7,500 residents, whose homes cling to a steep, wooded hillside above the shoreline of tidal flats. The waterfront is decorated with quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants, offering views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, the San Francisco skyline. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace and savor a leisurely lunch with views of the San Francisco skyline shimmering across the water.
On the return, pause at Vista Point, a perfect perch for capturing postcard-worthy photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and bay.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Unwind at the hotel, stroll through nearby neighborhoods, or discover a local restaurant for dinner.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and embark on a scenic journey north to the heart of California’s wine country, the Sonoma Valley, where rolling vineyards and sun-drenched landscapes await. The first stop is a boutique winery, to enjoy a curated tasting of locally crafted wines, each sip telling the story of the region’s rich terroir.
Continue to Sonoma Plaza, a charming historic square lined with artisan shops, galleries, and cafés. Stroll at your leisure, soaking in the relaxed ambiance and small-town charm.
Next, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a picturesque wine estate, where gourmet cuisine is paired perfectly with estate-grown vintages and vineyard views. The afternoon continues with a second wine tasting experience that showcases Sonoma’s diverse varietals and winemaking styles.
Return to San Francisco in the early evening, with the rest of the night yours to enjoy. Whether you choose to dine out in the city or unwind at the hotel, the memories of wine country will linger long after the last glass.
DAY 4
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, savoring the last moments in San Francisco. After check-out, a comfortable and private transfer to San Francisco International Airport awaits. Wind through the city one last time and reflect on the memories made, from towering redwoods to coastal charm and vibrant cityscapes. Though the journey has come to an end, the spirit of San Francisco will remain.
Your transfer to the San Francisco International Airport will be arranged in accordance with your flight time. Check out time at the hotel is 11:00am. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at Reception until your transfer.
Note: Couples or cruise bookings with two guests will transfer by private van and solo travelers will transfer by private sedan. Vans hold a maximum of 4 pieces or large luggage and 2 carry on pieces per person and sedans hold a maximum of 2 large suitcases and a carry-on. Transfers are with driver only.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing.
•Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark the ship in San Francisco and meet your guide
9:00am Depart the Cruise Terminal, drive along The Embarcadero
9:15am Stop at Fisherman's Wharf to see sea lions
9:45am Drive through Chinatown's Dragon Gate and into North Beach
10:15am Drive through Pacific Heights and Russian Hill
10:30am Drive through Golden Gate Park
11:00am Narrated drive through Haight-Ashbury
11:15am Stop at Alamo Square / Painted Ladies and city skyline
11:30am Drive by the Civic Center
11:45am Brief overview of Nob Hill and Grace Cathedral
12:00pm Arrive at your hotel, remainder of day on own
Lunch and dinner under own arrangements
TBA RSSC Hospitality Desk – location TBA
Overnight at the Fairmont San Francisco or similar hotel
DAY 2
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
7:50am Meet your guide
8:00am Depart for Muir Woods
8:50am Tour Muir Woods
10:50am Depart for Sausalito
11:20am Free time in Sausalito for lunch on own and exploration
1:30pm Depart Sausalito with scenic stop at Vista Point for photos
2:00pm Drive to hotel
2:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure; dinner under own arrangements
Overnight at Fairmont San Francisco or similar hotel
DAY 3
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for Sonoma
10:15am Visit Winery 1 with tasting
11:15am Depart for Sonoma Plaza
11:30am Visit Sonoma Plaza
12:30pm Depart for lunch
12:45pm Lunch at wine estate
2:30pm Tour Winery 2 and tasting
4:30pm Return to your hotel
5:45pm Arrive at the hotel, remainder of evening at leisure
Under own arrangements for dinner
Overnight at Fairmont San Francisco or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7am Breakfast at the hotel
11:00am Hotel check out time
TBA Private transfer to the San Francisco International Airport in accordance with your flight details.
Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change).
•Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Note:
•This program involves extensive leisurely walking on days two and three. Guests who do not wish to walk may remain on the bus.
•Muir woods involves hilly, rough, unpaved terrain, not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. Sausalito involves leisurely walking on paved, with slight inclines. Additionally, certain areas of the city will require walking on paved hilly surfaces.
•Wheelchairs and scooter are not recommended for this program due to the unpaved natural terrain at Muir Woods.
What to bring:
Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing that can be layered, umbrella or rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, camera, charger
*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.
Local Currency:
US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
Electricity
120v
We recommend you bring a universal travel adapter for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodation:
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: +1 (415) 772-5000
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at the Fairmont San Francisco or similar hotel - Signature Bay View King
•All entrances and tours per the above itinerary
•English speaking guide
•Private airport transfer (van for couples, sedan for solo travelers)
•Hospitality Desk on day one of program
•Breakfast daily, including coffee, tea, juice or water
•Lunch on Day 3, including two glasses of wine, soft drinks, water, tea or coffee
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service
•Any other meals not specified above
Please note:
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $3,099 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
