Ship: Sea Bird & Sea Lion
Itinerary: San Francisco Bay and the Napa Valley
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Sea Lion
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | San Francisco / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Angel Island, Sausalito and Muir Woods |
| Day 3 : | Suisun Bay and the Napa River |
| Day 4 : | Napa Valley |
| Day 5 : | San Francisco / Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 1 Single | Cat 2 | Cat 2 Single | Cat 3 | ||
| 5 | Oct 16, 2010 Oct 20, 2010 Oct 24, 2010 |
$1,990 | $2,910 | $2,290 | $3,370 | $2,690 |
| Destinations : California, North America |
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Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Far from an average getaway, this 4-night voyage provides an active, inside look at the San Francisco Bay area with an exclusive look at Napa Valley wine country. It is the perfect blend of exploration - a look at the natural world, with the culinary delights that make this region so special. Using the 62-guest expedition ship National Geographic Sea Lion as our base, we'll also explore on foot, by kayak and Zodiac, going places even few locals ever experience. Lindblad Executive Chef, Gary Jenanyan has designed a special culinary program for the voyage that includes the exclusive opportunity to taste premium wines at two of the Valley's top boutique wineries and a cooking demonstration in the Olive Grove at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. You will also travel with Master Chef and cookbook author Joyce Goldstein who, joined by our onboard chefs, will produce a very special local menu. Her son, Master Sommelier and author, Evan Goldstein, will be pairing 5 wines from various California wine growing regions.
Day 1 : San Francisco / Embark
Embark National Geographic Sea Lion in the afternoon at Pier 40 on the San Francisco waterfront. Prior to getting under way, stroll down the Embarcadero to the Ferry Plaza Market at the old Ferry Building. Then, sail out into the Bay for a sunset cruise past Alcatraz Island towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Anchor for the night surrounded by the lights of the Bay. (D)
Day 2 : Angel Island, Sausalito and Muir Woods
Angel Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, was once the “Ellis Island of the West”, the point of entry for hopeful immigrants from China, Japan and other nations of the Pacific Rim. It’s now a State Park, accessible only by boat. We’ll land with our Zodiacs for hiking or biking, surrounded by the spectacular scene of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpias and the East Bay. In the afternoon, we’ll dock in Sausalito for a variety of options: travel a short distance inland for hikes among the redwoods of Muir Woods; take a bicycle ride to Fort Baker beneath the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge; paddle a kayak along the shoreline; or simply stroll the shops and galleries of Sausalito. (B, L, D)
Day 3 : Suisun Bay and the Napa River
This morning cruise through the Carquinez Straits to a very odd site – the “mothball fleet,” lying at anchor as it has for decades. Later in the morning kayak or take a Zodiac in one of the many marshlands of the islands in and around Suisun and Grizzly Bay. In the afternoon cruise up the Napa River. Food and wine are synonymous with this area, and this evening we will have a Master Chef and Master Sommelier join us on board to prepare a memorable dining experience paired with wines specially selected for us by the Master Sommelier. (B, L, D)
Day 4 : Napa Valley
You might want to start the day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley. After breakfast, we’ll visit the Oxbow Market for a special tour of the market and gardens, guided by the owner. Lunch will be outdoors in the “Olive Grove” at Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. A seasonal harvest menu will be accompanied by wines selected by some of our favorite local vintners. In the afternoon we will visit several Napa Valley boutique wineries, with exclusive tastings arranged just for us. Or, you might choose to explore some of the Valley by bicycle, which we can arrange for you. This evening we are back on board to cruise back down the Napa River into San Francisco Bay, for a final view of the lights of the city and its bridges before anchoring for the night near Angel Island. (B,L, D)
Day 5 : San Francisco / Disembark
This morning we are back at Pier 40 where you disembark after breakfast. (B)
Ship Description: Sea Bird & Sea Lion
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Sea Lion
These vessels can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet they comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.
Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.
Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.
Our ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Observation Deck; and partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.
Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.
All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
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Cat 1 Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. |
Cat 1 Single Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window. |
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Cat 2 Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. |
Cat 2 Single Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window. |
Cat 3Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out |
