17 - 24 September 2008 View Image Gallery | View Itinerary Map | Read Feedback

California Mountains

Day 1Flew to San Francisco International and transferred to the host hotel, Handlery Hotel Union Square, for check in. Walked down the road to Campton Place, which is a Taj Hotel for a special canapé reception including complimentary beverages. Fought the jet lag in the evening and went to the nearest Irish pub for a few drinks while everyone got to know their new travel companions for the week.

Day 2SuperSightseeing picked up the group at the hotel in the early morning for a private sight seeing tour of San Francisco. The weather was perfect and sunny, enjoyed some fabulous views and keepsake pictures at the top of Nob Hill while checking out the traditional sights as well such as China Town, Presidio and North Beach. The bus dropped off the group at Pier 39 for a fantastic fresh lunch at the Fog Harbor Fish House and then there was a couple of hours of free time to check out the famous barking seals, shops and attractions. Next was the new California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park – all were allowed a sneak preview to the attraction as it wasn’t yet open to the public. Dinner was held on the Hornblower Dinner Cruise, departing from Pier 3 for fantastic food, drinking and dancing on the boat which took in gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

Day 3Said goodbye to San Francisco for a transfer to Yosemite National Park. Toured the park in an open top tram enjoying amazing views of the valley floor and majestic towering trees. Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a Four-Diamond National Historic Landmark.

Day 4Spent the day in nearby Mammoth Lakes, just over the Tioga Pass from Yosemite. Full itinerary of hiking, geocaching, a trip up the gondola at Mammoth Mountain, swimming in Rainbow Falls for those who dared, a picnic lunch by the lake, and golfing at the beautiful Sierra Star Golf Resort. Dinner and local brews in the evening.

Day 5Enjoyed breakfast at the Westin Mammoth before heading off for the two hour journey north to South Lake Tahoe. A massive American buffet lunch was enjoyed at the Harrahs Hotel and Casino with amazing views at the top of the hotel. Went up the Heavenly Resort Gondola for sweeping views of the big blue lake, a great photo opportunity. Enjoyed complimentary happy hour at the host hotel Embassy Suites before heading off to Zephyr Cove for a trip on the M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler boat for a Sunset dinner cruise with a live band.

Day 6Enjoyed majestic views of Lake Tahoe while driving up the north side of the lake. Kayaking in the lake followed by a picnic lunch. Transferred to the host hotel Village at Squaw Creek where all enjoyed time in the pool and hot tub, followed by dinner at the Resort at Squaw Creek.

Day 7Breakfast at Plumpjack in the Village at Squaw, then transferred to Sacramento Airport for the flight to San Diego where all met up with the other three groups for a final night of fun at the Wavehouse on Mission Beach.

Day 8Morning at SeaWorld to see the amazing Shamu ‘Believe’ Show before heading back to LAX Airport for the flight with British Airways back to London.

What did you think?

Lauren Walker, Colletts Travel, speaks about her Superfam experiences... I would recommend these mountain areas of California to couples and families looking for an active holiday. These resorts have so many activities to offer and when the going gets tough you can relax in one of the hotel spas or enjoy an excellent meal out.

What we did: We started off in San Francisco, and visited the soon-to-open California Academy of Sciences – the only place to hold a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all under one roof! Outside the city, we were in Yosemite in just a couple of hours, which was amazing, and then moved on to the mountains and arrived at Mammoth lakes – 9,000 ft above sea level with amazing views. We also checked out Rainbow Falls and The Sierra Star golf course, the highest golf course in California, before heading to Lake Tahoe.

What I discovered: I would recommend these mountain areas of California to couples and families looking for an active holiday. These resorts have so many activities to offer and when the going gets tough you can relax in one of the hotel spas or enjoy an excellent meal out. Also, its ski resorts can even rival some in Canada. I would recommend clients spend at least 10 days, either in spring or during the ski season, to take in this part of California.

Top tips:

• Pick up the tourist passport at the airport in San Francisco as it includes offers and discounts.
• In Yosemite, visit early in the day so you see the park at its most peaceful.