Historic San Francisco-The City, the Peninsula, & Wine Country
October 1–6, 2013
From the resplendent Mark Hopkins Intercontinental high atop Nob Hill, navigate the bustling alleyways of Chinatown, stroll along the panoramic Embarcadero waterfront, delight in the shops and restaurants of park-like Union Square, and visit the Japanese Tea Garden and the restored 19th-century Conservatory of Flowers in beautiful Golden Gate Park.
Excursions beyond the city include Filoli, the elegant National Trust property on the peninsula south of San Francisco that features a handsome Willis Polk–designed Georgian revival manor house and 16 acres of formal gardens. To the north and across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is Sonoma County, where you will visit a historic winery during the seasonal crushing of grapes. If you wish to explore more of Northern California’s attractions, enjoy an optional two-night stay in the charming village of Carmel on the Monterey Peninsula.
Study Leader Information
Dwight Young’s career in historic preservation has spanned more than 30 years. He joined the National Trust as director of the Southern Regional Office in Charleston, S.C., then served briefly as interim director of the Western Regional Office in San Francisco, and eventually moved to Trust headquarters in Washington, D.C., where from 1992 to 2010 he served as senior communications associate. He is the author of Saving America’s Treasures (2001), Dear Mr. President (2005), and Dear First Lady (2008). His extensive knowledge of history and architecture, his experience in historic preservation, his skills as a lecturer, and his enthusiasm for travel have made him a popular study leader on many National Trust trips.
Tour Itinerary
October 1
Arrive in San Francisco and check in to your Historic Hotels of America hotel on Nob Hill, Mark Hopkins Intercontinental. Take an afternoon neighborhood walk to Grace Cathedral, the labyrinth, and Huntington Park. This evening enjoy a wine reception and dinner.
October 2
Ride San Francisco’s iconic, nationally registered cable cars to Chinatown for a morning walking tour, including a stop at the Chinese Historical Society of America. Sample the delicious variety of dishes that comprise a typical dim sum lunch. See the Willis Polk–designed Hallidie Building in the Financial District and walk along the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building, and Rincon Center, home to 27 watercolor murals depicting California’s history. Pause for refreshments and to admire the Maxfield Parrish mural at the Pied Piper Bar before continuing to Union Square. An original Frank Lloyd Wright building, can be seen on nearby Maiden Lane.
October 3
Drive one hour south to Woodside for a tour of Filoli, a National Trust Property that features a fine Georgian house set amid acres of manicured gardens. Continue to the Stanford University campus, where the glittering mosaics of Memorial Church and the rusticated stonework of the Main Quad evince the beauty and drama of Florence. The evening is free to dine on your own and perhaps attend the theater.
October 4
Travel 90 minutes north (passing the Frank Lloyd Wright -designed Marin County Civic Center on Highway 101) to the Sonoma wine region to visit a historic winery and enjoy a private wine tasting. Return to San Francisco for a coach tour that includes Ghirardelli Square, former home of San Francisco’s famous chocolatier; Aquatic Park, a National Historic Landmark; the former Del Monte Cannery, once the world’s largest fruit canning plant; and Little Italy, also known as North Beach, the historic center of the city’s Italian-American culture.
October 5
Drive past San Francisco Civic Center en route to the Haas Lilienthal House for a tour of this very fine Queen Anne–style Victorian home, complete with authentic period furnishings and artifacts. Continue to Golden Gate Park to visit the restored 19th-century, glass-sheathed Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest Japanese Tea Garden in the country, and the recently rebuilt de Young Museum, which showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries. The late afternoon is at leisure before a festive farewell reception dinner this evening.
October 6
Transfer to San Francisco International Airport for flights home.
Reservations
To reserve by credit card, please call 888-484-8785; to reserve online, please fill out our reservation form. View our terms and conditions.
Questions?
Please email National Trust Tours for questions about this program. Be sure to include your mailing address if you are requesting a paper copy of the brochure for this program.
