N APA VAL LEY
NAPA VALLEY 3 DAYS/3 NIGHTS SUGGESTED SELF-DRIVE The Napa has been endowed with the perfect environment to cultivate some amazing wines, but that is just the beginning. With more than 1200 square kilometres of breath-taking views, an array of accommodation options and lovely spas and some of the USA’s best food, it’s a fantastic destination to explore. Day 1: Napa Valley Start the day with breakfast at the Oxbow Public Market, a bustling food hall with everything from bakeries to restaurants. Then drive to di Rosa, an art preserve on the Carneros Highway that houses the most significant holding of Bay Area contemporary art.
Calistoga Saint Helena
CALIFORNIA
Yountville Napa
PACIFIC OCEAN San Francisco
Driving back toward Napa, you’ll see the brightly coloured Carneros Inn, a perfect spot to stop for lunch at their Boonfly Café or FARM Restaurant. Day 2: Napa Valley – Yountville – St. Helena (20km) You’re going to need to rise early, but it’ll be well worth it. Get yourself to Napa Valley Aloft for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley, followed by a sparkling wine breakfast. It’s one of those lifetime experiences you’ll never forget. By now you’re probably eager to do a little walking, after all that eating, drinking, and being merry. Spend the afternoon wandering around the charming town of St. Helena, stopping for a coffee in one of the many cafés.
Highlights worth seeing along the way Domaine Carneros – Sample the sparkling wine at this French château founded by the noble French family behind the Champagne Taittinger. Napa Valley Wine Train – Take a tour of the wineries in the area by train or for something special enjoy a three hour dining excursion. The Hess Collection – This beautiful vineyard has a little something for everyone. You can enjoy beautifully crafted wine and food pairing, learn to blend wine, stroll through the Hess Family's awe-inspiring private art collection or take a vineyard tour in an ATV.
Day 3: St. Helena – Calistoga (15km) Calistoga is the northernmost town in the valley but before you arrive make sure you stop at Castello di Amorosa, an authentic recreation of a Tuscan medieval castle.
The Culinary Institute of America – If you have a passion for food and wine and a craving to learn, you can’t miss a stop at the Culinary Institute of America. They have cooking and wine classes, demonstrations, tastings, an award-winning restaurant and tours.
For lunch why not treat yourself at Solbar, the Michelin star restaurant at Solage Resort and Spa. Head to Indian Springs, a historic hotsprings resort for a spa treatment then enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants on Lincoln Avenue.
Napa Premium Outlets – Take advantage of massive savings on branded clothing like Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.
Our favourite places to stay: • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley, American Canyon • Best Western Plus Stevenson Manor, Calistoga • The Westin Verasa Napa
Oakville – Try wine tasting at one of the most iconic wine estates in the valley – Opus One. Round Pond Olive Mill – For a change of pace from wine-tasting, try olive tasting instead, then stay and enjoy a lunch of cheese, bread and fresh produce.
© Andrew Zarivny
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