Food and drink are an instrumental part of many cultures, and a great way to experience a destination is through its cuisine.
Australia and California are world-renowned for their wine and perfectly paired cuisine, and a brilliant way to explore both is by car so that you can venture to little known havens with fantastic wineries and breath-taking scenery. South Africa is also famous for its wineries, and the Winelands are just an hour's drive from Cape Town making a perfect day trip.
Japanese food has also taken the world by storm and where better to learn about their increasingly popular sushi and sashimi than in Japan with a master chef. Not only will you learn about their complex and tantalising ingredients, but also gain a true insight into the history, flavours and methods of Japan's cuisine, as well as into the country's intriguing culture.
From farm-to-fork produce and exciting ethnic flavours to world-class wines, northern California is a tasty destination. Spend ten days sampling the best of the San Francisco region.
Arrival location:
San Francisco, California
Departure Location:
San Francisco, California
Included in your experience:
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale, based on two sharing, including international flights.
Ground Transportation, Airport transfers, English Speaking Guide, Internet, Pool
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Day1 - 2
San Francisco
Welcome to sublime San Francisco, one of the world's most striking cities, and one of its most delicious –there's a well-established, thriving and diverse foodie scene here. From the luxurious St Regis, you're perfectly placed to taste it.
Meals: Breakfast
St Regis
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Day2 - 4
Delve straight in with an edible excursion along the Mission's Valencia corridor, a rapidly changing food landscape that's home to some of the trendiest new ventures. There'll be no queues, of course, and you'll meet the chefs and storeowners to gain the ultimate insider access. Take a tour of the city's many neighbourhoods too, from Lombard Street to Lincoln Park, Ocean Beach to Golden Gate Park, China Town to Fisherman's Wharf –it can be customised to suit your preferences and your palate.
Meals: Breakfast
St Regis
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Day4 - 7
Sonoma
Historic Sonoma, centered around a plaza built when this area was still part of Mexico, is at the heart of wine country. Head off from San Francisco –stopping for lunch at a lovely bistro en route –for a two-night stay at MacArthur Place, nestled amid the vines and vintners. Enjoy a private wine tour, visiting the vineyards of Repris and Kamen and the Donum Estate for exclusive tours and tastings. Then explore the leafy surrounds on a guided bike trip, learning some of Sonoma's history –and perhaps sampling more wines along the way.
Meals: Breakfast and wine tasting
MacArthur Place
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Day7 - 10
Yountville
Squeeze in private tours and tastings at two of the areas renowned estates, McKenzie Mueller Winery and Caldwell Vineyards, before continuing on to the foodie hub of Yountville. Your home here is the Bardessono Hotel, the self-proclaimed 'greenest luxury hotel in America', with an exciting restaurant and oodles of incredible design features. It's the perfect launchpad for a truly once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon flight –lift off at dawn to drift peacefully over the Napa Valley as the rising sun hits the vines below. After a revitalising brunch, explore Yountville on two wheels, cycling between the small inns and out into the fertile countryside beyond.
Bardessono | Meals: Breakfast
Bardessono
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Day10
San Francisco
Head back to San Francisco for your flight home –or extend your stay in the city.