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United States | Epicurean Delights in Napa Valley, California

Sample Itinerary

Destinations

United States, California, Napa, Sonoma

Trip Duration

4 nights / 5 days

Set in the heart of California's wine region, immerse in the quintessential Napa Valley experience. Ideal for nature and art lovers, gourmands and wine connoisseurs, revel in everything from notable wineries and tasting bars to Michelin star restaurants and a vibrant downtown for a getaway unlike any other.

Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create. Click on the experiences links in the itinerary to see other curated excursion choices offered by Journese. Our Destination Specialists are happy to book our hotels and excursions highlighted in the itinerary below or let them know if you would like something customized. And, feel free to offer our non-hyperlinked suggestions to your clients to further explore the destination.

Itinerary

Day 1: You Home City / California |

Board your flight from your departure city to San Francisco or the Bay Area in Northern California. After landing, pick up your Hertz full-size car for your short hour and a half journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley's Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa where you will stay for four nights in a deluxe fireplace guestroom. Located in the celebrated Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Region, revel in timeless elegance and wine country sophistication, and enjoy a complimentary welcome bottle of wine, evening wine tastings with local vintners and guided hikes. Delight in the legendary Willow Stream Spa, championship golf and a variety of upscale dining options. After a replenishing soak in the resort's natural mineral springs, indulge in a tantalizing dinner at Sante Restaurant, renowned for its exceptional menu and Michelin designations, savoring California-French cuisine paired with one of 600 excellent wines for a harmonious evening.

Day 2: Napa |

Tempt your taste buds with the famous lemon pancakes or eggs benedict for breakfast this morning in The Big 3. Then, travel back in time on an elegant Pullman rail car as you board the Napa Valley Wine Train Excursion. Dine on a sumptuous gourmet lunch while watching the chefs in action and appreciating the passing views of picturesque wine country. You'll satisfy your palate with a choice of mouthwatering dishes made from environmentally friendly ingredients, such as hormone-free meats and line-caught fish, plus a decadent dessert with coffee or tea.

Following your celebrated rail journey, taste the signature dining style of Morimoto Napa. A fusion of Western and traditional Japanese culture, experience the essence of world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto with offerings such as toro tartare, sashimi Caesar salad and oyster foie gras; delectable options including sea urchin carnonara and Sonoma pasture braised lamb, and sweet endings from tofu cheesecake to a fiery salty caramel chocolate tart, topped off with a luscious lychee fruit martini for an inspiring culinary experience.

Day 3: Napa |

After a savory breakfast, head out for a day of exploration of the many shops, art galleries, food venues and wineries in downtown Napa. See the creative works of local artisans, including musicians with a live performance at Artist of the Valley. Discover delightful shops, boutiques, emporiums, and great food and wine outlets at Oxbow Public Market. Experience some of the world's finest wines in prime wine cellars, distilleries and tasting rooms. Learn how wine is cultivated and produced and meet family wine producers. Sample world-class cuisine including everything from Michelin star celebrity chefs and unique menu items to delectable international fare and organic offerings, fulfilling every craving imaginable.

For Italian foodies this evening, try Uva Trattoria Italiana near the riverfront, offering regional cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients, including housemade pappardelle with ragu Napoletano and ricotta cheese, linguini and fresh clams with Calabrian chilies, garlic and white wine or Piccata di Vitello, a pan seared veal served with linguini and lemon caper sauce.

Day 4: Napa |

With more than 400 wineries on the fertile soils of Napa Valley, a tasting is never too far away. Visit Robert Mondavi, renowned for producing one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world, as well as for its Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and learn everything from reading wine labels and how to smell the wine, to a variety of tasting options including chocolate to cheese to charcuterie, paired with local artisan foods. For movie buffs, check out Francis Ford Coppola Winery, filled with a vast selection of movie memorabilia amid a state-of-the-art wine-making facility and sustainable vineyards. Or, stroll the pathways and scenic gardens of Rombauer Vineyards, known for their classic Chardonnay, cozy tasting room and dramatic views of Mayacamas Mountains.

For a casual gourmet and wine finale, head to Mustards Grill, a wine country roadhouse brimming with culinary innovation and a never-ending wine list. Try their Pour-Off Pair-Off Dinner Series, offering diners the opportunity to pair cuisine with wines that are almost never offered by the taste or glass. Enjoy signature dishes from Niman Ranch barbequed baby back ribs to grilled Ahi with basil aioli and everything in-between as you toast to an unforgettable dining experience.

Day 5:  Napa / Your Home City |

Depart from this incredible wine country to the San Francisco airport where you will board your homebound flight and plan your next gastronomical getaway.

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