Cruise West Itinerary

"Culture of the Vine" Napa Valley Cruise

Indulge yourself in the wonderful world of California wine, on a leisurely cruise experience that takes you deep into the famed Napa and Sonoma wine valleys. You will also enjoy a day exploring Sausalito and beautiful San Francisco Bay. Both wine novices and connoisseurs will enjoy tastings and interactive discussions about the history, mystery and delicacies of wine.

Each afternoon, you'll return from your day's adventures in the Wine Country to experience delightful hours on board ship, cruising on the rivers and the bay. A Guest Wine Speaker joins you on board to offer special tastings and personal insights into the world of fine wine.undefined.

Recommended for:

• Wine novices and connoisseurs who want to see California's wine country from a unique perspective.
  
• Travelers with a limited amount of time who want an escape for the senses.
  

Cruise Highlights

• Scenic cruising past Alcatraz, and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
  
• Private luncheons, tours, or tastings at Auberge du Soleil, Mumm Napa, St. Francis, and Chateau St. Jean, as well as the Culinary Institute of America
  
• Special presentations by wine experts throughout the cruise
  
• Architectural masterpieces, fragrant gardens, and the private wine cellars of area states
  

The Ship

The decor is sleek, stylish, and quietly elegant with light wood accents and artistically etched glass. The Observation Lounge features expansive picture windows, a video and lending library, plus cozy banquettes and conversation circles for getting to know your fellow travelers.

Every stateroom features a wide picture window or porthole, private facilities, writing desk and ample storage. And when it's time to go outside, guests enjoy generous outside space on three decks.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be welcomed onboard with a flute of Champagne or Champagne punch and a toast as you cruise by the San Francisco skyline. Following a delicious dinner, gather in the lounge for a short presentation and casual conversation. Overnight, cruise up-bay to set the stage for a busy day in the Napa Valley.

Day 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NAPA VALLEY
You will be treated to a cooking demonstration, “Cooking With Wine,” by the chefs at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Greystone campus and have time to peruse their amazing cooking store.

Lunch will be served at the world-renowned Auberge du Soleil restaurant perched on the slope of Rutherford Hill, affording an impressive view of the entire Napa Valley. This exclusive Cruise West lunch will feature food and wine pairings explained by the sommelier.

Nestled along the historic Silverado Trail, Mumm Napa’s spectacular views can be seen while tasting from the glass-enclosed tasting salon or outside on the terrace.

Later, you will head back to CIA for an engaging wine program (may include wine blending) taught by the professionals at Greystone.

Back onboard ship enjoy a leisurely cocktail hour and a delicious dinner

Day 3 SAUSALITO
Enjoy the relaxing morning sail into Sausalito. Brunch will be served onboard as the Spirit of Yorktown ties up near the charming seaside town of Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. There will be time for you to walk and explore this artists’ town on your own. Additional optional activities include exploring the Bay Model, inflatable excursion craft tours of Richardson Bay, the Marin shipyard or shopping. Your day will end with a twilight bay cruise and onboard wine tasting.

Day 4 CHOICES

There will be time for shopping and exploring at the park-like Sonoma Plaza, the largest of its kind in California. The Plaza is an eight-acre square at the heart of Sonoma’s unique historical district.

Or... For those of you who would like the opportunity to personalize your cruise by exploring one of your individual passions there will be optional tours available:

The Cabernet Lovers Limo Tour will visit three amazing wineries known for their high-end Cabernet Sauvignons: Quintessa, Silver Oak, and Joseph Phelps. (Wineries subject to change.)
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Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the lovely Napa Valley.
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Tour the olive grove at Round Pond during the harvest / press season. You will have a chance to see olive oil pressed, and taste it, while enjoying the music that accompanies the harvest workers.

Return to the Spirit of Yorktown for lunch.

The afternoon will be filled visiting two wineries in Sonoma. At St. Francis you will be treated to food and wine pairings, touring, and tasting. St. Francis Winery is known for its Cabernets, Meritages, and Chardonnays.

The Chateau St. Jean visit will include tasting and time to appreciate its magnificent gardens. This winery is known for its Cabernets and Chardonnays.

Back onboard the ship you will experience a leisurely cocktail hour with featured wines followed by a delicious dinner.

Cost of This Trip