Cycle Sonoma & the Napa Valley
6 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: San Francisco - Napa to Sonoma Cycling, Sonoma to Santa Rosa Cycling, Santa Rosa - Napa Valley Cycling, Cycle Santa Rosa to Healdsburg, Healdsburg - Redwoods & Russian River Cycling, Wine Country Cycling - San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSXS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Combine wine, rugged coastline and the best Northern California has to offer as you cycle from stunning wine country to epic redwood forests and on to the rugged Pacific Ocean coast. With great weather, breathtaking scenery and over 500 vineyards, the valleys of Napa and Sonoma are a cyclist's paradise. Off the bike, you’ll find comfortable accommodation, wine tastings, amazing cuisine and a wealth of history to experience, and this cycling adventure takes in the best of it at a pace set to enjoy rather than race, making it a trip for every rider. If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation for all five of your senses, look no further.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco - Napa To Sonoma Cycling
Location: San Francisco - Napa to Sonoma Cycling
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Welcome to your California cycling adventure. Leave San Francisco and head north across the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge for the one-hour journey to the heart of the renowned Napa Valley winemaking region and the outskirts of Napa itself. Here you’ll be fitted to your bike and, after a short safety talk, start your first ride in Californian Wine Country, enjoying a gorgeous route through the pastoral beauty of the farms and vineyards. First stop of the day is the Artesa Vineyards & Winery in the foothills of Mt. Veeder – an iconic winery that blends perfectly into its environment – then continue riding this rolling vineyard-filled route towards the historic town of Sonoma, passing many stunning wineries along the way. Finish up your ride in Sonoma and drop into the tree-lined town plaza, visiting the historic Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barracks. This is where the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt took place in a bid to separate California from Mexico. Refuel from your first ride tonight by choosing from the range of top-quality restaurants that line the square.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Sonoma To Santa Rosa Cycling
Location: Sonoma to Santa Rosa Cycling
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, saddle up and leave sleepy Sonoma behind, ride out through the rolling green hills and countless vineyards, passing the Jack London State Historic Village and Park as you begin the long but manageable tree-lined climb. Once the climbing is done it’s an enjoyable freewheeling descent all the way down into the Bennett Valley and the historic city of Santa Rosa, your home for the next two nights. While the largest city in California's Wine Country Santa Rosa still retains a small town vibe. Sadly the 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed the entire downtown but rebuilt centre is still a great place to spend the evening exploring the many excellent bars, cafes and restaurants.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Santa Rosa - Napa Valley Cycling
Location: Santa Rosa - Napa Valley Cycling
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, you’ll avoid a long climb up the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains by transferring by vehicle (approximately 30 minutes) into the Napa Valley proper and the small town of Calistoga, home to world-famous geothermal hot spring pools and some of the finest Napa wineries including the Chateau Montelena which has its place in wine history with its 1976 win of the Judgement of Paris that put California on the world stage for wine quality. From here ride back into Sonoma County via the Franz Valley and over Chalk Hill to return to Santa Rosa for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Cycle Santa Rosa To Healdsburg
Location: Cycle Santa Rosa to Healdsburg
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today leave Santa Rosa and pedal west along the picturesque and traffic-free Santa Rosa Creek Trail, a raised path with great views of the waterway, farms, vineyards, and mountains, then continue along mostly flat and quiet roads to the town of Sebastopol, once a prime apple-growing region now turned over into vineyards. Here, lining Florence Ave, you’ll be treated to the whimsical and slightly surreal sculptures made from scrap metal by a local artist couple. Then continue north on undulating roads to the Russian River Valley, one of the cooler wine-growing regions in northern California, specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – you’re free to stop to taste along the way to Healdsburg. Tonight is free for you to explore the town of Healdsburg, and your leader will have a number of suggestions for you in a town that’s as much about food as wine.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Healdsburg - Redwoods & Russian River Cycling
Location: Healdsburg - Redwoods & Russian River Cycling
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is a true cycling highlight as you ride into the heart of Californian redwoods country at the Armstrong Redwoods State Park. It’s impossible not to marvel at the 1,400-year-old trees that tower over 300 feet high, so take some time to appreciate the majesty of nature. Then leave wine country behind and follow the Russian River through light forest all the way to the small coastal town of Jenner, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be able to take in the sight of harbor seals beached on the riverbank with the ocean waves crashing behind them. From here drive (approximately 1 hour) back to Healdsburg. This afternoon you’ll have some free time to simply relax. Or maybe consider enjoying the many tasting rooms in town or treating yourself to a massage at a nearby spa.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Wine Country Cycling - San Francisco
Location: Wine Country Cycling - San Francisco
Meals Included: breaksfast
The final ride of the week will include some truly classic wine country cycling as you spend the morning making your way from the Lake Sonoma Overlook (an amazing 360-degree hilltop view the across Lake Sonoma Bridge and the Russian River) downhill then along quiet back roads dotted with welcoming vineyards. At the end of the ride head back to the hotel, where you’ll have a chance to return to your room to freshen up and pack before departing Healdsburg. Take the drive back toward San Francisco, taking the leisurely route through the famed Napa Valley, visiting St Helena for lunch (and one last tasting) before arriving back at Fisherman’s Wharf around 3 pm.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Napa Winery visit
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Petrified Forest visit
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Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
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Armstrong Redwoods State Park
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Meals
5 breakfasts
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Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (5 nights)
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Sonoma Wine Country guided & vehicle supported cycling
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Sonoma to Santa Rosa guided & vehicle supported cycling
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Napa Valley guided & vehicle supported cycling
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Russian River guided & vehicle supported cycling
Accommodation
- The accommodation we use on this itinerary is a mixture of simple 2 star hotels and motels, chosen for their comfort, position, service, and facilities.
Transport
- While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others.
- Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle
- An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- OUR BIKES
- We use Cannondale Quick 6 ‘hybrid’ bikes on this trip. These bikes are a hybrid/fitness bike-style with an alloy frame, flat bars, rim brakes, a fixed front fork and 21 gears. For more specific information please see https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/active/fitness/quick/quick-6
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- For those arriving by their own car long term parking is available at Hyatt SOMA, at a cost of $71.82 per night. This parking can only be booked with the hotel directly.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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