Silversea Expedition Cruises Nach SAN FRANCISCO (California)

Enjoy a fascinating insight into the lives of those imprisoned on Alcatraz, and visit the free-spirited town of Sausalito.

Alcatraz

This tour begins with a ferry ride from Pier 33 to the notorious former federal prison - Alcatraz. Home to Al Capone and Robert 'The Birdman' Stroud, this austere island fortress retains its mystique even today. An award-winning audio tour allows you to explore at your own pace, while hearing actual interviews of former guards and inmates and the fabled escape attempts of those criminals who made their home on 'The Rock'.

Sausalito

Returning by ferry to the city, board the coach for a picturesque drive crossing the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge. Arrive at the artists' colony of Sausalito, a stark contrast to the prison island. The winding roads, cliff-side homes and houseboat havens make this one of the most unique areas in the region. Enjoy some free time to stroll at leisure and explore the many art galleries, boutiques and quaint shops in this bayside village.

The tour concludes back at the pier

Please note: This tour is for guests in transit continuing onto the next cruise. It requires an extensive amount of walking approximately 2 hours with frequent stops. The ground may be uneven with gravel surfaces and steps at Alcatraz. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. We suggest you dress in seasonal attire and wear comfortable walking shoes. Guide does not go to Alcatraz as it is self-guided tour however park rangers can assist. The order of sites visited may vary.

In-transit guests can explore the splendid beauty of Muir Woods and Sausalito during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Muir Woods

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Muir Woods National Monument. En route, cross over the Golden Gate Bridge, and take in splendid panoramic vistas in all directions. Upon arrival at Muir Woods, some free time is made available to explore one of the few remaining groves of virgin coastal redwoods. They are among the tallest and oldest of their kind in existence, and can reach heights exceeding 250 feet (about 76 metres). The nature trail at Muir Woods leads into the heart of the cathedral-like grove of trees. Embrace the serenity of this majestic setting whilst learning the fascinating history of the giant redwoods.

Sausalito

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the artist colony of Sausalito. The winding roads, cliff-side homes and houseboat havens make this one of the most interesting parts of the San Francisco region. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the many art galleries, boutiques and quaint shops of this charming bay-side village, and take in lovely views of the spectacular San Francisco skyline across the bay. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 150 yards (about 137 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking in Muir Woods and Sausalito is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light jacket from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

This tour is for guests with domestic flights departing after 3:15 pm and international flights after 4:15 pm

From the pier, travel along the embarcadero to Golden Gate Pavilion. The bridge is possibly the most beautiful, and certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world. Often half-veiled by the city's trademark rolling fog, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, named for the strait leading from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, spans tidal currents, ocean waves, and battering winds to connect the City by the Bay with the Redwood Empire to the north. Spend some free time here for photos before departing for Twin Peaks. En route to the viewpoint, glide through lush Golden Gate Park, San Francisco's enormous arboreal front yard. Conceived in the 1860s and 1870s, this great 1,017-acre landmark, which stretches inland from the Pacific coast, took shape in the 1880s and 1890s thanks to the skill and effort of John McLaren, a Scot who arrived in 1887 and began landscaping the park. From the park, a short drive through the city streets brings you to Twin Peaks. Of the 43 hills in San Francisco, Twin Peaks offers the city's most spectacular views. The almost identical summits, Noe and Eureka, rise approximately 922 feet above the city. On a clear day, you are treated to a 360-degree view spanning the Golden Gate to Alcatraz, to Berkeley, to the peninsula. Transfer to San Francisco International airport.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking and most areas visited. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests with limited mobility must be able to embark and disembark the coach via the coach steps. Operation is subject to minimum participation. The tour sequence may vary. The fabulous views of the city are weather permitting.

From the pier, travel along the embarcadero to Golden Gate Pavilion. The bridge is possibly the most beautiful, and certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world. Often half-veiled by the city's trademark rolling fog, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, named for the strait leading from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, spans tidal currents, ocean waves, and battering winds to connect the City by the Bay with the Redwood Empire to the north. Spend some free time here for photos before departing for Twin Peaks. En route to the viewpoint, glide through lush Golden Gate Park, San Francisco's enormous arboreal front yard. Conceived in the 1860s and 1870s, this great 1,017-acre landmark, which stretches inland from the Pacific coast, took shape in the 1880s and 1890s thanks to the skill and effort of John McLaren, a Scot who arrived in 1887 and began landscaping the park. From the park, a short drive through the city streets brings you to Twin Peaks. Of the 43 hills in San Francisco, Twin Peaks offers the city's most spectacular views. The almost identical summits, Noe and Eureka, rise approximately 922 feet above the city. On a clear day, you are treated to a 360-degree view spanning the Golden Gate to Alcatraz, to Berkeley, to the peninsula.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking and most areas visited. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests with limited mobility must be able to embark and disembark the coach via the coach steps. Operation is subject to minimum participation. The tour sequence may vary. The fabulous views of the city are weather permitting.