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 chateaux of every conceivable design.
Location
St. Helena
St Helena, CA, United States
Day 1+2
Calistoga
Calistoga, CA, United States
Day 3+4
Healdsburg
Healdsburg, CA, United States
Day 5+6+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
5 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
All baggage transportation
Detailed GPS instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
Specifics
TRIP DATES
You can start any day except Thursdays.
Best months to go: April, May, September & October.
Best months to go: April, May, September & October.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
6 days / 5 nights, with 4 days of biking
ARRIVE / DEPART
St Helena / Healdsburg
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate.
Daily average: 50 km (30 miles).
There are extra miles for those wanting more of a challenge or more exploration time.
TERRAIN
Biking will be a mix of hills, gentle rolling to flat terrain.
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: From US$2250
Single Supplement: US$550
Classic Accommodation: From US$2550
Single Supplement: US$650
Luxe Accommodation: From US$2950
Single Supplement: US$750
Premium Luxe Accommodation: From US$3450
Single Supplement: US$850
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$240
E-Bikes: US$400
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting there
Your tour starts in St. Helena, about 128 km/80 miles north of San Francisco airport.
This is a charming town in the centre of California’s wine growing region.
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.
1
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.
2
Day 2
St Helena
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..
Ride Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 836 m or 32 km, gain 548 m.*
3
Day 3
Calistoga
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.
Ride Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 211 m or 31 km, gain 399 m.*
4
Day 4
Healdsburg
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.
Ride Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 211 m or 31 km, gain 399 m.*
5
Day 5
Healdsburg
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.
Ride Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 382 m.*
6
Day 6
Spend a few final moments enjoying your time in California’s wine country before bidding it a fond farewell, to head off on your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
The Wydown Hotel (Classic), St. Helena
This hotel is a small (12 rooms only) boutique hotel which opened in 2011. It is a chic, modern, and hip boutique hotel with large, comfortable rooms, friendly and attentive staff and a great location steps from great restaurants and cafes.
Calistoga Inn, Calistoga
Calistoga Inn is a charming, European-style inn with fir floors in all of the rooms and a unique charm. We love this hotel, but due to the historic building, note the bathrooms are communal.
h2hotel, Healdsburg
h2hotel is described as an ‘eco-chic’ hotel, built with reclaimed wood and concrete that combine with airiness and eco-inspired art to create a light-flooded space. This property was built to LEED Gold Green building certification and it shows!
Classic
The Wydown Hotel, St. Helena
The Wydown Hotel is a small (12 rooms only) boutique hotel which opened in 2011 in downtown St. Helena. It is a chic yet hip boutique hotel with large, comfortable rooms, friendly and attentive staff and a great location steps from great restaurants and cafes.
Mount View Hotel, Calistoga
We love this hotel for its location, attentive staff, and amenities. It has everything we look for in a well-managed hotel property. The spa, lounges, lobby bar and swimming pool and jacuzzi are a treat.
Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg
This is one of our favourite hotels in the Napa Valley with a smart contemporary décor, beautiful pool and spa and the popular Dry Creek Kitchen Restaurant. Awards - Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and Travel & Leisure World’s Best Hotels.
Luxe
Southbridge, St. Helena
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this 4-star hotel in the heart of St. Helena is short stroll to over 13 restaurants, 10 wineries, a brewery tap room and a variety of galleries and boutiques.
Solage Resort, Calistoga
Solage Resort boasts sophisticated private accommodations, beautiful large swimming pool, award-winning spa Solage and Michelin Star-rated Solbar (we can vouch for it- this was our favourite meal on a recent trip to Napa).
Hotel Les Mars, Healdsburg
Les Mars is a boutique hotel with just 16 rooms. A member of Relais & Chateau, this hotel is located downtown St. Helena. “The place oozes luxury, from the 17th-century Flemish tapestry to the hand-carved walnut panels and leather-bound books that line the library.” Michelin Guide
Premium Luxe
Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena
Auberge du Soleil offers the epitome of luxury and boasts sumptuous guest rooms, decadent spa and upscale dining in its renowned restaurant. Rated by Travel & Leisure as one of the top 500 hotels in the world, the hotel is also a member of Relais & Chateaux. You won’t want to leave!
Solage Resort (Luxe), Calistoga
Solage Resort boasts sophisticated private accommodations, beautiful large swimming pool, award-winning spa Solage and Michelin Star-rated Solbar (we can vouch for it- this was our favourite meal on a recent trip to Napa).
Hotel Les Mars (Luxe), Healdsburg
Les Mars is a boutique hotel with just 16 rooms. A member of Relais & Chateau, this hotel is located downtown St. Helena. “The place oozes luxury, from the 17th-century Flemish tapestry to the hand-carved walnut panels and leather-bound books that line the library.” Michelin Guide
Trip Reviews
“The Napa area was beautiful and the weather was great. So many great wineries to visit, excellent places to stay and eat. All the accommodations were fantastic, the service was exceptional, locations were great.”
“The pretour material was excellent. The difficulty of the tour was exactly what we were looking for. The help by your office and the area manager was excellent, everything worked like clock-work. The area manager gave us good advice and the accommodations + breakfast were top notch. We will definitely consider other trips with you.”
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