2010 – 7 Days from $2,295
The charms of the City by the Bay and the delights of California's wine country make this sophisticated San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa Valley tour a memorable experience. Take a private San Francisco Bay catamaran cruise with lunch... an exclusive guided tour of the Embarcadero's Ferry Terminal Building with a culinary expert... a private tram tour with lunch in a wine cave and a tasting at the Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma... and a Napa Valley tour through lush vineyards by rail with dinner and tastings aboard the celebrated Wine Train. Savor the best that northern California has to offer with Tauck!
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before or After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable for the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
2010 Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to San Francisco
Your northern California adventure and Napa Valley tour begins at 5:30 PM at Le Méridien San Francisco. A transfer is included from San Francisco Int'l Airport to Le Méridien San Francisco in the heart of the city's vibrant Embarcadero Center. Please join us this evening to meet your fellow California dreamers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 2 - The beautiful City by the Bay
Get to know some of San Francisco's most famous landmarks and attractions during a morning sightseeing tour; from earthy Fisherman's Wharf to the beat generation's North Beach to the tortuously twisted Lombard Street, see the City by the Bay from literally top to bottom. Sail around San Francisco Bay on a private catamaran cruise for a 360° view of sights such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, with lunch featuring the famous sourdough bread from Boudin's Bakery - it's magic! Take a look at San Francisco's elegant Victorian, Italianate and Queen Anne-style architecture this afternoon, before exploring as you please for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 3 - San Francisco treats
Your taste buds are in for a treat today as we sample some of San Francisco's noted cuisine at its source. Join a local epicurean concierge to discover the swirling sights, sounds and scents at the bayfront Ferry Terminal Building in the Embarcadero and its famous Farmer's Market on a customized culinary experience - the perfect prelude to a Sonoma and Napa Valley tour focusing on those superb California wines! Spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure in this remarkable city.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien San Francisco, CA
Day 4 - An ancient forest and a peaceful valley in wine country
Heading out to wine country today, the towering, primordial Coast Redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument inspire awe as you gaze up at them in wonder. A guided visit to this forest of living national treasures, reputed to be among the oldest living things on earth, reveals their stories and their secrets. After some free time in charming Sausalito, continue on through the Sonoma Valley to the Viansa Winery - styled after the vineyards and villas of Tuscany - for a private tour and tasting. Today's final destination is The Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa, your luxurious home for the next three nights of your Sonoma and Napa Valley tour, where you can join the hotel's sommelier for a wine education class prior to dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 5 - All aboard the Wine Train for a Napa Valley tour
Travel to the town of Napa this morning, where you'll board the celebrated Napa Valley Wine Train. Dine aboard a faithfully restored 1917 Pullman Dining Car - and sample local wines, of course - during a delightful 36-mile excursion through the valley's verdant vineyards to quaint St. Helena. Later, you may choose to stroll around the charming mission town of Sonoma with your Tauck Director, or just relax and enjoy all the amenities offered by your resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 6 - Experience the vineyards from within or above
Pay a mid-morning visit to the Benziger Family Winery for a private tram tour of the winery, a tasting and lunch in a wine cave.... what a great opportunity to see firsthand how fine California wine is produced! Or, if you choose, float gently above the region's lush vineyards aboard an optional, early morning hot air balloon adventure (available for an additional $275 per person), complete with a champagne breakfast; guests choosing the balloon option will join the others at Benziger Family Winery for lunch. Back at your resort this evening, cap your Sonoma and Napa Valley tour with a wine and cheese reception followed by a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Lodge at Sonoma - A Renaissance Resort & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Day 7 - Journey Home
Your San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa Valley tour ends at San Francisco International Airport. A transfer is included from The Lodge at Sonoma to San Francisco Int'l Airport, approximately 45 miles. Please allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Indulge your senses on Tauck's northern California, Sonoma and Napa Valley tour. Our popular journey sells out quickly; make your reservations now.
Inclusive Prices
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, land transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions and the services of Tauck Directors and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at San Francisco International Airport and provide transportation to Le Méridien San Francisco, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to your departure date. On the last day of the tour, Tauck will also provide one group transfer from the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa to San Francisco International Airport at 8:30 AM on the last scheduled day of the tour. If you book additional nights with Tauck after the tour at Le Méridien San Francisco, you will first travel to the airport and then to the hotel.
Hotel Accommodations – Tauck's price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ from place-to-place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals
Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – San Francisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before or After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline or group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters, soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and driver are not included. We ask that any gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., beginning in 2010, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program will require that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith; not John Thomas Smith, not Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your photo ID.
If you make your air travel arrangements through Tauck, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site, www.tsa.gov, by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocket knife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Note: Although not expected, prices in this brochure may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of the booking. The tour begins at 5:30 PM at Le Méridien San Francisco. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs, if applicable, in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at 10:00 AM at San Francisco International Airport on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2 hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour ― Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Photography on Tour ― Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning –The hotels on this itinerary are air-conditioned.
ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing - The generally accepted dress in California is resort casual, with more formal attire suggested for San Francisco and fine dining restaurants. We suggest a wardrobe you can layer. Packing suggestions include: shorts and casual slacks, comfortable walking shoes, a light coat for fall, a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bathing suit. Some restaurants request that men wear a jacket at dinner.
Laundry/valet services are available at both properties. Hairdryers are available in the guest rooms.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience, in the event that your flight is delayed or the airline loses your luggage.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
Laundry/valet services are available at both properties. Hairdryers are available in the guest rooms.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience, in the event that your flight is delayed or the airline loses your luggage.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Bathing suit
- Sneakers
- Binoculars
- Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
- Backpack or belt-pack for short hikes
The hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this itinerary may be up to 300 feet.
Health - You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. In general, the amount of walking you do at the various sites is at your discretion. If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please advise us as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
Most decisions regarding your choice of sightseeing activities will be made at the beginning of your journey at an orientation meeting with your Tauck Director, who will explain procedures as well as provide guidance to make choices.
Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for wheelchairs, walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Luggage Restrictions ―
Health - You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. In general, the amount of walking you do at the various sites is at your discretion. If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please advise us as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
Most decisions regarding your choice of sightseeing activities will be made at the beginning of your journey at an orientation meeting with your Tauck Director, who will explain procedures as well as provide guidance to make choices.
Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for wheelchairs, walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Luggage Restrictions ―
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable for the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – San Francisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys begins and ends in the U.S.
In general, visitors to the U.S. must provide:
- A valid unexpired passport and visa
- Citizens of countries authorized to participate in the Visa Waiver Program are required to present an unexpired machine-readable passport
- Mexicans may provide a passport and valid DSP-150 (BCC) in lieu of a visa
- Canadians flying to or through the United States are required to have a valid passport or a NEXUS card, when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.
If you are frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, as mentioned above, which is joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at the airport, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here.
If you not a U.S. citizen, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department’s Internet site by clicking here.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
If you not a U.S. citizen, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department’s Internet site by clicking here.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children –
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones – We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to California.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to California.
Currency Exchange - The currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange is generally available at most airports and banks. For the best exchange rate, we suggest using major credit cards and/or ATM machines. Your Tauck Director can suggest convenient money exchange points. Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your credit card or ATM card in the United States.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are not a resident of the United States, you are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $100 USD on items that you bring into the U.S. To find out more information on what information must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) upon entry, please refer to the CBP internet website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used in other countries that would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are not a resident of the United States, you are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $100 USD on items that you bring into the U.S. To find out more information on what information must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) upon entry, please refer to the CBP internet website by clicking here. You should also refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) used in other countries that would permit non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Electrical Current - The United States operates on the 110 volts, 60 Hz, electrical system. If your country uses a different electrical system, you will need to bring a socket adapter that adapts to the two-pronged flat-blade attachment plug / two-pronged flat blades attachment plug with a round grounding pin. You will also need a voltage converter in order to convert electricity to 110 volts, 60 Hz. These items can be purchased in a store that specializes in travel products.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Le Méridien San Francisco – Wireless high-speed access in rooms for a fee
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa – High-speed access in rooms
Time Zones – San Francisco and the wine country are 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early March through early November, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 7 hours behind. To determine current time major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather - Weather in the Bay Area of California varies only moderately with the seasons, maintaining a temperate climate year-round. The usual daytime temperatures in San Francisco range from 60 to 80 degrees F, and approximately 70 to 90 degrees F in the Napa and Sonoma valleys. You may also encounter occasional fog in San Francisco, making it a bit colder at dawn and dusk. We suggest that prior to departure you check a newspaper or the weather forecast on the Internet for up-to-date information.
If You Have To Cancel
Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellations fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$350 per person
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person
$350 per person
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
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In Tauck's California travel to lush Sonoma Valley vineyards, the vast unspoiled beauty of Yosemite National Park, Monterey Bay and Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and the remarkable cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
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