MUIR WOODS AND SONOMA + ALCATRAZ NIGHT TOUR AND AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

ABOUT YOUR ALCATRAZ TOUR

Alcatraz is a must-see for any traveler visiting San Francisco.

You’ll take the ferry out to the island, with amazing views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island.

Upon arrival, you’ll learn a brief history of “The Rock” and then head up to the prison. You’ll be equipped with an audio tour titled “Doing Time”, in which you’ll hear interviews from former inmates and learn more history about Alcatraz. You may explore for as long as you want (the ferry departs for the mainland approximately every 30-40 minutes).

The tour generally takes people about two and a half hours. Don’t forget your jacket – it can get chilly out on the bay!

Alcatraz Info:

• For security purposes, a government-issued photo ID is required for all guests to board the Alcatraz ferry
• Alcatraz audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese and Korean
• You may leave Alcatraz Island at any time; ferries depart every 30 to 40 minutes; the last departing ferry is usually 6:30pm

Alcatraz tickets are subject to limited availability, so book your tickets today!

ABOUT THE AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

You’ve crossed the bay, now see what’s swimming below!

On the first day of your tour, you’ll visit the 20,000 animals living in the Aquarium, from 8-foot native seven gill sharks, to eels, rays, and jellies – all of which can be found in the San Francisco Bay.

The Aquarium of the Bay is the ONLY aquarium dedicated to the diverse marine life of the the San Francisco Bay and its watershed. Like us, Aquarium of the Bay is a certified San Francisco Green Business, doing its part by educating guests about endangered animals and habitats, participating in ongoing research, distributing information about sustainable seafood sourcing, and partnering with America Cup’s “Healthy Ocean Project” to educate about marine protected areas and the effects of marine debris and plastics.

It is just as fun and entertaining for the whole family as it is educational, and you’ll definitely walk away learning something new about our Bay and its ecosystems!

DAY 1 – ALCATRAZ AND AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

Make your way to Pier 33 in Fisherman’s Wharf to pick up your Alcatraz tickets from the Group Services Window and meet the ferry. You may pick up your tickets any time the day of your tour, but they MUST be claimed no later than 30 minutes prior to the tour departure. You will need a valid ID and your paid voucher to pick up the tickets.

Walk over to Pier 39 to the Aquarium. You may visit the Aquarium of the Bay any time on day 1 of your tour before your Alcatraz Island night tour begins. Get to know the underwater residents of our sea and bay!

Departing for Alcatraz

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. Board your ferry and ride across the San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. See the San Francisco Skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island from the ferry! Take a loop around the island for exclusive views. Depart the ferry at Alcatraz and follow your guide up into the prison.

On Alcatraz Island

Enjoy the audio tour “Doing Time” with commentary from inmates and guards that experienced the prison when it was operational. You’ll have access to areas of the island that are not open to the public on the day tours.

Day 2 – Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country

8:15 – 9:00am: Pick up from San Francisco hotels

9:00 – 10:15am: After pickup, head north across the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. We wind through the coastal mountains of the Marin Headlands, past Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region) on our way to Muir Woods National Monument.

10:30 – 11:45am: Arrive at Muir Woods National Monument. The coastal redwood is the tallest tree species in the world. These trees only thrive in Northern California and Oregon, due to the thick fog that blankets the west coast in the summer months. In 1908, Senator William Kent and his wife donated their land to the state, and President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a federally protected area. Muir Woods National Monument is the only surviving stand of old-growth redwood forest in the Bay Area. You will have 1 – 1 1/2 hours to wander amongst these towering giants. The sights, sounds, and smells of this living museum are sure to reconnect you with a natural world that was almost lost.

12:00 – 1:30pm: Reconnect with the guide and group, and begin your journey to the Sonoma Wine Country. Traveling north, you will see the beautiful valleys where fantastic wines have been produced since before California was a part of the Union. The landscape of rolling hills laced with rows of grapevines is impressive and provides a romantic backdrop for memorable photographs.

1:30pm: Stop for a picnic lunch at a winery (not included), or grab a bite in the historic Sonoma town square. In the town square (time permitting), you will have a chance to see the Mission San Francisco de Solano, the northernmost California mission, sample cheeses at Sonoma Jack’s Cheese Factory, and peruse the boutique shops of this quaint downtown.

2:30 – 5:00pm: Spend the afternoon wine tasting around the Sonoma Wine Country. Sample a variety of white, red, and dessert wines (some tasting fees may apply).

5:00pm: A stop at the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-do if you’ve never witnessed the awe-inspiring view of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands.

**Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to conditions (special events, traffic) in Muir Woods and Wine Country and the small size of our vehicles/groups, we can allow our guides the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order. **

About Your Muir Woods and Wine Country + Alcatraz Island Night Tour

Your Alcatraz tour will be on DAY 1 of your package.

Departure: Alcatraz Island Night Tour night departures from 3:50 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. depending on the day. Check the ferry times before you go!
Aquarium of the Bay hours are from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wine Tour Day 2: 8-9 am pickup from most SF hotels

Duration: Alcatraz: ~3 hours round-trip
Wine Tour: 1 full day (10 hours)

Transportation: Comfortable, eco-friendly biofuel mini-coach to Yosemite. Hybrid Ferry to Alcatraz Island.

Includes:

• Alcatraz Island Night Tour Tickets ($45 USD)
• Aquarium of the Bay entrance
• Complimentary hotel pickup/dropoff (day 2 only)
• Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide
• Transportation to/from Wine Country in biofueled mini-coach
• 2 full flights of wine tastings
• Narrated guided tour

Not included:

• Transportation to/from Alcatraz on day 1
• Meals (stops will be made to purchase food)
• Muir Woods entrance fee
• Some additional tasting fees may apply
• Guide gratuity (optional)

PLEASE READ: Our terms/conditions and cancellation policy