Muir Woods and Wine Country 2 Day Tour plus Alcatraz-Small Groups is Biodiesel Vans

* Golden Gate Bridge

* Muir Woods Redwoods

* Healdsburg Area

* Sonoma Wine Country

* Hotel pick-up/drop-off

* Accommodations

* Select wine tastings

* Transport in Biodiesel Van

*20-Minute Scenic San Francisco Bay Ferry Ride to Island

*Multi-Language Audio Tour of Alcatraz Prison Complex

*San Francisco Skyline, Golden Gate Bridge & Marin Views

Click HERE for More Alcatraz Details

During check-out, be sure to ADD ALCATRAZ TOURS. Include your desired Alcatraz Ferry time in the Notes/Comments section and we will try and accommodate you.

Day 1

This wine lover's tour begins with a hotel pickup between 8 and 9 am. A quick stop in the Presidio provides a view of Golden Gate Bridge and a chance to learn about the history of this iconic landmark (fog permiting). After crossing the Golden Gate we head into the Marin Headlands to the Muir Woods National Monument. Muir Woods is one of the last old growth

Coastal Redwood forest in the San Francisco Bay area. The Marine Layer fog provides the cool, moist environment that supports an amazing abundance of plant and animal life, from the Coastal Redwood to the slimy Banana Slug. After an hour and a half in this tranquil preserve, we will make a quick detour for an impressive view of the rugged California Coastline with San Francisco in the background (once again, fog permitting).

Next we head north into the wine country. We will stop for lunch in the quaint town square of Healdsburg where you will have the chance to sample everything from olive oil and fine cheeses to gourmet chocolates. The lush valleys that surround Healdsburg are home to some of the oldest names in California winemaking.

Wine appellations such as Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley abound with delicious varietals. The Alexander Valley alone boasts over 30 grape varieties, 28 local wineries and over 200 independent farmers. The Healdsburg area includes over 90 world class wineries and tasting rooms, from palatial European-style villas to rustic family-run operations where you are made to feel like a member of the family.

In the afternoon we will visit at least three wineries. At these wineries you will be able to sample flights of 3-4 wines (some tasting fees may apply), browse the small gift shops, and learn about the local varietals and the winemaking process. After a full day we will check in at our hotel. This elegant, Tuscan-styled hotel surrounds a luxurious courtyard pool with jacuzzi and sundeck, the perfect locale to enjoy a bottle of California wine. The casually elegant guest rooms are spacious yet cozy and provide all the comforts of home, including high-speed Internet access and a fitness center. For dinner you can indulge in some fine cuisine at the hotel restaurant (not included).

Day 2

The second day begins after breakfast (not included) at around 8 am. We will visit at least 4 wineries on this day starting in the Northern Sonoma Valley regions of Kenwood and Glen Ellen. Our journey south through the “Valley of the Moon” will include lunch in the Historic Sonoma Town Square. In the town square you will have the chance to

taste cheese samples at the Sonoma Jack Cheese Factory, visit the Mission San Francisco de Solano, the northern-most mission in California, or peruse the boutique shops that surround this center of commerce. On our way out of the Sonoma Valley we will make a final wine tasting stop in

the Carneros appellation is ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals and as such is home to no less than three champagne houses. If time permits a stop for a glass of sparkling wine can easily be integrated into this tour (optional). On the way back we will stop for a late afternoon view of the Golden Gate Bridge, with the city illuminated in the background. The tour will conclude with hotel drop-off at approximately 6pm.

Alcatraz Day

Alcatraz Island is a scenic 10 minute ferry ride from San Francisco's Embarcadero. The ferry departs from Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf. You can choose any time to visit the You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your desired departure time to ensure boarding.

The tour of Alcatraz includes the 45 minute audio tour "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour" which features interviews and stories of prisoners and correctional officers who either worked or were incarcerated in the United States Penitentiary-Alcatraz. An orientation video, ranger-led tours and docent tours are also available.

Plan to spend 2-2.5 hours touring Alcatraz though you can spend as much as you want. Unfortunately there is no overnight option on the island (not any more).

Accessiblity NOTE: The approach to the main cellblock from the ferry landing is a steep incline. The path is 1/4 mile long with a 12% grade. Assistance is availabe through the park service.