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Sonoma Bicycle Tours: California Wine Country & Coast
Duration
6 days
Site savings
$44
From
$4,331 USD
Ride along country roads through lush vineyards and follow the Russian River as it winds through stands of ancient redwoods to the sea. Spin down the magnificent undeveloped coast. Welcome to your northern California wine country bike tour. Take in the sun shining upon ripened grapes of the vineyards. Cycle through the sprawling vineyards that line the region’s most famous wine valleys. The magnificent Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys are each distinguished by their unique terrain. Marvel at the majesty of towering, ancient redwood trees. Cycle below their cathedral-like canopy.
- CategoryLuxury
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration6 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainCoastal
- Distance117.4 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance19.6 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration6 days
- Main DestinationCalifornia
- Distance117.4 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance19.6 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainCoastal
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrival
Meet your tour leaders for the group transfer from the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa for the 30-minute drive to the north end of the Dry Creek Valley. Upon arrival, learn the story of Warm Springs Dam which created Lake Sonoma and gain insight into the natural and early history of Dry Creek Valley. A fish hatchery built to enhance local salmon and steelhead spawning grounds might provide you with an opportunity to see these beautiful fish “climb the ladder.” Following a bike fitting and overview of the route, head off on your bike on a beautiful valley road. Along the route, there are numerous opportunities to visit wineries of the Dry Creek Valley such as Ferrari-Carano, Quivera, and Lambert Bridge. The wine caves at Bella are well worth a side trip, and the lawn beneath their olive trees is the perfect place to relax while savouring the gorgeous view. Dry Creek Valley is one of the smallest appellations but is revered for its diverse selection of wines ranging from Zinfandel to Mediterranean and Bordeaux varietals. The French, and later the Italians, were the first to plant vineyards in the region and a strong Italian influence remains. Make your way through the valley to Madrona Manor, the region’s top-rated wine country inn. A beautiful swimming pool is nestled among the gardens of this lovely property. The Manor’s highly acclaimed dining room will host the group this evening for a private dinner featuring local wines paired with each course.
Cycling Option: 25km (16mi) or 33-43km (21-27mi)
- 15.5 miles
- Madrona Manor, Healdsburg
- Dinner
- Day 2Chalk Hill and the Southern Alexander Valley
Follow the east side of the Russian River as it winds south of Healdsburg and you’ll soon be gliding through the quiet farmland of tiny Chalk Hill, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA. Olive orchards, as well as vegetable and flower gardens, share the land with vineyards in this diverse agricultural region that thrives on the volcanic ash soil. Emerge on the other side of Chalk Hill in the Alexander Valley, famous for their outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. A variety of wineries such as Fieldstone, Hanna, and Alexander Valley Vineyards to name just a few, offer plentiful tasting options along the route. Strong cyclists might choose the stunning option to climb high into the Maycamas Mountains Audobon Sanctuary on a narrow one-lane road. Starlite Vineyards winery and estate offer the perfect setting for a gourmet picnic lunch served by your leaders. Sample their hand-crafted European-style wines while enjoying a private tour of the vineyards. Top off your afternoon relaxing by the beautiful pool at Madrona Manor or wandering through Healdsburg’s shops and tasting rooms. Dinner is on your own this evening at one of Healdsburg’s many fine restaurants.
Cycling Options: 38km (24mi), 64km (40mi) or 86km (54mi)
- 23.6 miles
- Madrona Manor, Healdsburg
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 3The Russian River Valley and Pacific Coast
Leave the Mediterranean climate behind and ride west through the lush Russian River Valley. Morning fog, fuelled by cooler temperatures and moisture from the ocean, will soon give way to warm sunshine as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Hillside vineyards gradually diminish and stands of redwood trees become prominent features of the landscape. Marvel at the majesty of the regions ancient grove of towering redwood trees during a picnic lunch in Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. Visit the eclectic towns of Guerneville and Duncans Mills as you wind your way west through the redwoods along the Russian River to the sea. For those visiting the northern Pacific coast, riding a bike along the Russian River to the sea is an indescribable experience. Pause for a short walk to a secluded viewpoint where the coastline extends to the north and south as far as the eye can see. Spin south along the coast to Bodega Bay relishing continuous views of the ocean and stunning coastline. Bodega Bay Lodge is situated overlooking the bay, and offers spacious and luxurious rooms, heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and their renowned restaurant—Drakes. Dine together overlooking the bay this evening in Drakes’ private dining room.
Cycling Options: 38km (24mi), 64km (40mi) or 86km (54mi)
- 23.6 miles
- Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 4Bodega Bay and the Coastal Highlands
Begin the morning with a ride to the opposite side of the bay for a stunning walk along the headland. Bodega Bay is a haven for coastal birds and wildlife, and a variety of shorebirds are often seen lining the shore of the bay along the morning route. Trade your bike shoes for walking shoes and follow the trail that follows the clifftop along the rugged and beautiful coastline. The headland’s expansive fields are home to deer,rabbitsand a variety of bird life. Watch seals and sea lions in the waters below and, during the spring and late fall, there is a good chance of spotting grey whales on their annual migration between Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and Alaska. This afternoon, relax at the lodge, enjoy a massage, walk along the beach, rent a surfboard, or challenge yourself on a ride over legendary Coleman Valley Road, often featured in the annual Tour of California professional cycling race. This incredible route climbs through eucalyptus and redwood trees, pitches and rolls along a ridgeline featuring spectacular views, and then plunges back to sea level. Lunch and dinner are on your own today in Bodega Bay.
Cycling Option: 17km (11mi) or 54km (34mi)
- 10.6 miles
- Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
- Breakfast
- Day 5The Sonoma Coast Region
The scenery changes yet again as you ride south through rolling farmland on lightly travelled country roads. You’ll be amazed by the miles of open farmland that sprawl in every direction. Despite its proximity to the coast and to the heart of some of the world’s most revered wine country, this is sheep and cattle country. Pause to watch dogs herding huge flocks of sheep over grassy hillsides. Ride through groves of fragrant eucalyptus in this quiet corner of the county that offers miles of excellent cycling routes through peaceful farmland. Stop for lunch in the tiny hamlet of Tomales—a favourite destination for local cyclists—before continuing to the town of Occidental where the main street is sprinkled with boutiques. Nestled in the midst of the redwoods, this little village is a pleasant mix of chic and bohemian culture. Enjoy gracious hospitality in an atmosphere of understated elegance during your final evening of the tour at the Inn at Occidental. Unwind in your Jacuzzi before toasting the week’s adventures during a wine reception at the inn. A short walk brings you to a favourite, local farm-to-table bistro to savour dinner al fresco as you toast the final evening together.
Cycling Options: 32km (20mi) or 56km (35mi).
- 19.9 miles
- The Inn at Occidental
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 6Occidental, Green Valley and the Russian River Valley