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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008

April 7-12

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

2009
April 6-11

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

6 days/ 5 nights

Arrive/Depart:

St Helena / Healdsburg

Accommodations:

Vineyard Country Inn, St Helena

Mount View Hotel and Spa, Calistoga

Grape Leaf Inn, Healdsburg

Activity Level:

Avarage daily distance is 50 km/30 miles

Terrain:

Moderate cycling, encountering a few challenging hills most days

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2650
Includes 5B/2L/4D

Single Supplement:
US $370

Bike Rental:
US $120

Napa Valley, Biking

California's Wine Country

 

Like the bouquet of a spicy Zinfandel, the wine country of California, north of San Francisco, opens up to reveal many delights and pleasures. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are synonymous with great wine and fine food and dining. By bike, discover shady back lanes, towering redwood groves, a surprising Russian history and delightful pedaling – past vineyards and wine chateaus of every conceivable design

Itinerary

Getting there :
St. Helena: 128 km/80 miles north of San Francisco airport.
It is possible to reach San Francisco by air. There is scheduled air service to this airport from all major Canadian and US cities. A transfer from the airport to St. Helena, and back again can be arranged.It is also possible to reach St. Helena by car. Interstate Highways #5 and #80 head to San Francisco, and St. Helena is a short drive north.

DAY 1:
St. Helena - Arrive in St. Helena, a trendy and pleasant town in the heart of Napa wine country. Stroll the main streets with its lovely shops, but also venture into the side streets for a feel for California gardens and gracious homes. If you have time, visit the store at the Culinary Institute of America and stroll the adjacent gardens or the Silverado Museum to see the 8000 items relating to author Robert Louis Stevenson’s life. Meet your bike.

DAY 2:
St Helena 36 or 18 miles - Spend a full day in the St. Helena area, with many choices. Ride up into the hills above the valley, past forests of California redwoods to high altitude vineyards, which are gradually encroaching on old ranch lands. Then sweep back down the Pope Valley into St. Helena. Or meander through the Napa Valley, visiting Bale’s Grist Mill, which was a focal point for the valley’s settlement during the first half of the 19th century. Cross the Napa River, ride on the lower slope of Howell Mountain and into a rain forest. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery.

DAY 3:
Calistoga 11 miles, add on loop of 20 miles.- Today’s destination is Calistoga, known for its thermal spas and mud baths. You have many options to dial in the mileage of your choice. Take a shorter route in order to have more time to visit some of the historic vineyards in the region, including those that first put California on the oenological map. On the longer ride, you will have the opportunity to watch Old Faithful spout off, as well as to cycle to the historic Chateau Montelena winery, and simply enjoy more of the amazing diversity of this stunning California countryside.

DAY 4:
Healdsburg 39 miles, option to shorten it by 11 miles - Continue north into the Alexander Valley and then over the Mayacamas Ridge to leave Napa Valley and enter the Sonoma Valley. Pedal through the pretty valley of the Maacama Creek and onto the flat lands of the Russian River Valley. Explore extensive vineyards along the edge ofo the Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal field. Discovered in 1847, these amazing hot spots soon gave rise to the California Spa tradition. Is a massage that far off? Your day ends in the delightful town of Healdsburg

DAY 5:
Healdsburg 30 miles. Can add 5 miles or shorten it by 9 miles - A full day in the Healdsburg area lets you explore the unique Russian history of this American enclave. Uncover the wineries of the Russian River Valley, and the unexpected hops industry as well. If you are feeling adventurous, take a side trip into the wild country along Porter Creek. Be sure to leave time to visit Healdsburg, a town with the best qualities of turn-of-the century America, yet with the ambiance of a European countryside. Discover its Spanish-style plaza, numerous museums and excellent antique shops before settling down to a scrumptious final dinner.

DAY 6: Spend a few final moments enjoying your time in California’s wine country before bidding it a fond farewell.