California: Wine Country & the Pacific Coast - VBT Bicycling & Walking Vacations
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VBT Itinerary
by VBT
www.vbt.com
California: Wine Country & the Pacific Coast
Bike Vacation Only
Big. Bold. Beautiful. This is where the Gods go to drink. We bike, feast and imbibe in a cinematic
landscape so stunning it brings tears to the eyes, stopping at legendary vineyards to savor such heavenly
moments. Along the Pacific Coast, through golden valleys and in the refreshing shade of the redwood
forest, our route unfolds before grapes ripening in the California sun. Your wildest dreams are answered
at lodgings overlooking Bodega Bay, to a chic boutique on Healdsburg plaza, and a luxury lodge in the
heart of Sonoma wine country. This land was made for you and me…
Cultural Highlights
Cycle through carefree beach culture along the Pacific Coast
Taste big California reds at Madonna Estate Winery in Carneros
Experience West Coast hospitality at leading edge inns with cinematic views
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by VBT
www.vbt.com
Learn why Alfred Hitchcock chose Bodega Bay as his film setting for The Birds
Enjoy plenty of leisure time to pursue more wineries and other activities
Pedal through a patchwork of pinot noir vineyards in Alexander Valley
Follow in the footsteps of Jack London through the “Valley of the Moon “
Enjoy a farm-to-table picnic under a canopy of giant redwoods
Trace the history of Gold Rush pioneers & red Zins cycling through Dry Creek Valley
Browse the contemporary arts-and-crafts scene in dog-friendly Healdsburg
What to Expect
This tour offers mostly easy terrain with the occasional rolling hill and the opportunity for longer rides.
The VBT van support shuttle is always available.
Tour Duration: 6 Days
Average Daily Mileage: 18 - 44
Average Cycling Time: 00:30 - 04:45
Group size: 20 max
Climate Information
Average High/Low Temperature (°F)
Apr 72º/43º, May 78º/46º, Jun 86º/50º, Jul 90º/52º, Aug 89º/52º, Sep 87º/50º, Oct 80º/46º, Nov
65º/44º
Average Rainfall (in.)
Apr 1.5, May 1.0, Jun 0, Jul 0, Aug 0, Sep 0, Oct 1.5, Nov 2.6
DAY 1: Arrive in Sonoma / VBT Bicycle Vacation begins
VBT-Bicycle-Vacation-only guests: VBT provides a shuttle from San Francisco International Airport to The
Lodge at Sonoma in Sonoma, departing at 1:10 p.m. If you arrive later or if your flight is delayed, please
make your own arrangements to The Lodge at Sonoma.
Meet the shuttle at San Francisco International Airport outside Terminal #3, Level 1, Courtyard 4. There
are signs in the baggage claim area that read “CHARTER BUSES.” Follow them and look for the “Pure
Luxury” shuttle. The driver will be holding a VBT sign. The driver and vehicle arrive in the courtyard at 1:00
p.m.
2/6VBT Itinerary
by VBT
www.vbt.com
2nd Option: Join a shuttle from The Omni San Francisco hotel at 1:40 p.m. Wait for the shuttle outside
the hotel entrance as the shuttle driver may not leave the vehicle. Please allow for traffic delays. The
shuttle bus says “Pure Luxury.” If you miss this shuttle, please make your own arrangements to The
Lodge at Sonoma.
If you are driving to the tour, parking is available at The Lodge at Sonoma during your stay for a charge of
$17/day plus tax. Your trip leaders can assist you with finding parking for the remainder of the tour
duration.
VBT Pre-Trip Extension guests: You have another morning to enjoy San Francisco. At 1:40 p.m., the
shuttle company will transfer you to The Lodge at Sonoma. Please be outside the hotel watching for your
shuttle as the driver may not leave the vehicle. Please allow for traffic delays.
Meet at The Lodge at Sonoma in Sonoma, California located in beautiful farm country amidst the nation’s
oldest and most respected vineyards. Ask the reception desk for your welcome package at check-in.
Meet your Trip Leaders at 3:30 p.m. for a safety talk and bike-fitting, followed by a short warm-up ride.
Tonight, you’ll dine at the Lodge’s restaurant, getting a taste of some of the regions farm-fresh cuisine.
Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma
Alternate Hotel: MacArthur Place
Meals: Dinner
Daily Options: 6 miles
DAY 2: Madonna Estate Winery / Sonoma and Napa Counties
The morning ride leads to the Carneros region, a viticultural district known for cooler climate varietals and
sparkling wines. The grapes benefit from ocean breezes, allowing for cool-climate grapes and slower
ripening. Before they were laced with vineyards, these Carneros (sheep) hills were once pasture for
grazing. Pause here for a picnic lunch and wine tasting at Madonna Estate Winery before returning to
Sonoma. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore more wineries, browse Sonoma's shops and
galleries, or relax in the wellness spa at The Lodge at Sonoma.
Dinner is on your own at one of Sonoma's many restaurants.
Hotel: The Lodge at Sonoma
Alternate Hotel: MacArthur Place
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by VBT
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Daily Options: 19, 25, 35 or 42 miles
DAY 3: Valley of the Moon / Glen Ellen / Kenwood / Bodega Bay
After a hearty breakfast, you ride from Sonoma through the Valley of the Moon. This region got its name
from Native Americans who noticed that as the moon rose, it appeared to rise again and again over the
peaks and glens of the Mayacamas mountain range. It’s also home to great American writer, Jack
London who owned a ranch here.
Arriving by bike to the picturesque town of Kenwood, enjoy lunch on your own with the option to dine at
VJB Cellar’s restaurant. A tasting of VJB’s Italian varietals is included in your visit. Afterwards, board a
shuttle for the 90-minute transfer to Bodega Bay.
The Inn at the Tides is your comfortable home for the night, offering stunning Bodega Bay views. There is
time to swim in the inn's pool or relax in the hot tub before dinner at the inn.
Hotel: Inn at the Tides
Meals: B, D
Daily Options: 15 or 18 miles
DAY 4: Armstrong Redwoods / Healdsburg
This morning, you'll have breakfast on the wharf at The Tides Restaurant, made famous by Alfred
Hitchcock's film The Birds. The Tides Wharf Restaurant and parking area were used for the movie's gas
station, café, and boat dock scenes.
This morning's ride offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, following the coastline for ten miles
before turning inland to Guerneville and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Here, gather for a
picnic lunch under the magnificent canopy of the Sequoia sempervirens or coastal redwood. The world’s
tallest trees live 500-2,000 years, reaching heights of 350 feet.
After lunch, continue by bike or shuttle toward your hotel in downtown Healdsburg. Along the way you
may choose to visit family-owned Gracianna Winery for an optional tasting. Once in Healdsburg, you’ll
have time to settle in and explore town. This vibrant destination is known for its historic Spanish Colonial
plaza. Visit the museum, stroll along the river though Railroad Park or perhaps explore one of the galleries
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by VBT
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showcasing art, photography, glassware, and jewelry. Dinner is on your own with many choices in the
neighborhood.
Hotel: The Harmon Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Daily Options: 26 or 47 miles
DAY 5: Alexander Valley / Healdsburg
Today takes you on a ride through the kingdom of pinot noir in Alexander Valley. The valley is sheltered
from the Pacific Ocean by low lying hills. Because of this, it is one of the warmest areas in Northern
California during the day, but at night the temperatures lower significantly, offering cool climate
conditions for the grapes. The valley’s closeness to the Russian River allows for an early morning fog that
covers the lower vineyard areas until it is burned off by the sun. This natural air-conditioning allows the
grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season—often 15 to 20 percent longer
than neighboring areas.
You’ll also ride the Geyserville and Lytton Springs roads within Alexander Valley offering optional stops at
tasting rooms, including the Coppola Winery, a one-of-a-kind experience.
All cycling finishes before lunch, which is on your own in Healdsburg. Take advantage of free time to
swim or paddle in the river at Veterans Memorial Beach, or at your inn's pool.
Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at the inn.
Hotel: The Harmon Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Daily Options: 23 miles
DAY 6: Cycle Dry Creek Valley / Depart for home / VBT Bicycle
Vacation ends
Today’s route takes you through the Dry Creek Valley, a beautiful, winding landscape with a unique
microclimate filled with an unusual mix of plant life, from redwood groves to live oak forests—even palm
trees and cactus dot the landscape. Along the way, a couple notable wineries may interest you: Everett
Ridge or Quivira Biodynamic Winery.
5/6VBT Itinerary
by VBT
www.vbt.com
Return to your inn for a shower and lunch before your shuttle to San Francisco International Airport at
2:00 p.m. We recommend a flight out of San Francisco no earlier than 6:00 p.m.
If you parked your car at the start of the tour, the VBT van will transfer you back to Sonoma.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Daily Options: 19 miles
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