december 12-16 2019

Day One   We are off to the best ever US Christmas trip imaginable,  in one of America's great cities-- San Francisco . We tour upon arrival; including views of Telegraph Hill, the Transamerica pyramid, Lombardi Street--the most crooked in America, Victorian homes that even Dickens would recognize and a ride on the famous cable cars. This evening we have a very special Christmas lights tour that you will not forget.

Day Two Two of San Francisco's biggest attractions are i- or just on the other side of- the Bay.  The first is one of Bill’s favorites and one Ebenezer types would be familiar with, Alcatraz .  The rock, as it is known, was the home to the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone and, of course, the Birdman. This afternoon we will visit the tallest Christmas trees in the world at Muir Woods . Here the giant redwoods flourish in one of nature's most magnificent displays. This evening we will dine at Pier 39, home to a huge number of California sealions.  After dinner, the famous Christmas Lights Boat Parade will entertain us.
 

Day Three A free morning to shop, explore museums or to people watch.  Before lunch, we will head to one of the greatest Christmas traditions in the world--The Dickens Christmas Village.  Here over 600 actors re-create a true Dickens town (all indoors) with 7 stages of entertainment, shops, and restaurants all following the Victorian England theme. This is a one of a kind experience that will blow you away.
 

Day Four  We venture out to San Francisco's big new attraction The Presidio National Park.  Created out of the former military base, it now houses wildlife areas, museums (including a Disney museum) , Fort Point created to protect the harbor during the Gold Rush, the Presidio Visitor Center and magnificent artwork. We will also visit the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center and stop at the perfect place to take a picture of the architectural icon. This evening we will enjoy the performance of the musical version of A Christmas Carol that has been a tradition here for 40 years.

Day Five Bill has one last surprise for you before you have to pack up your sleigh, reindeer and jingle bells and head back to Chicago with enough Christmas spirit to spread throughout the land.