Different Ways To Explore Napa Valley

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Many people think that they only way to really explore Napa Valley is to go to a winery. While this is a great way to experience the area, there are so many other opportunities available that will allow you to really get a feel of this beautiful part of the US.

Here are some different ways to explore Napa Valley:

Napa River Gondola Ride

You can see some of Napa by gondola. Gondola Servizio started gondola tours back in August of this year. Participants will depart from the Main Street Public Dock, that is located in downtown Napa. Tours last about 50 minutes and while wine isn’t provided, glassware is, so you are more than welcome to bring your own bottle of wine. Gondoliers will even dress in Venetian attire and serenade you if you desire. The cost is $95 per couple. Each additional person is $10.

Tuk-Tuk Trek

If you’ve ever been to Thailand before you know just how common tuk-tuks are. This popular form of transportation has know come to Napa thanks to the company, Laces and Limos. Participants can go on a half day or full day excursion in this three-wheeled, electric vehicle. They will get to stop at various tasting rooms and go on a tour of Coombsville. Tours cost $65 to $90 per person, plus tasting fees.

Food Tour

One of the best parts about Napa (besides the wine!), is all of the food. It is a great destination for food and those that want to try some of the best food in the area can go on a Rooted Fork Foodie Tour. Currently, there are two different tours to choose from: an 8 restaurant tour or a tour that consists of 7 brunch experiences. No matter which tour you choose, you can ensure that you will eat a lot of good food along the way. It’s important to note that these are walking tours and participants will walk around 1 to 1 ½ miles during the three-hour tour. Tours are around $90-$95 per person.

Active Tours

Walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, private yoga classes, kayaking and even fly fishing tours are all available in wine country region.  You can go just for the scenery, or some tours will include wine tasting as well.

Marshland Boat Tour

Not many people realize that there is marshland in Napa. For those that want to see some of it and get an intimate glimpse of the area, Wombat Charters offers a tour of the region. On this three hour tour, participants will get to explore some of the 15,000-acre marshland and see wildlife like seals, birds and otters. Food and drinks aren’t provided, but riders are more than welcome to bring them onboard. This tour ranges from $95 to $150 per person and boats can accommodate 4-6 passengers.

Hot Air Balloon
Get a great view of the region on a hot air balloon ride.  Enjoy the sunrise, while the breeze ushers you above lush vineyards and between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on Earth. End your adventure with a champagne toast or brunch.

Classic Convertible
Ride around in a luxurious classic 197 Packard convertible limo while enjoying wine tasting throughout some of Napa’s most popular vineyards.

A popular trip that sells out each year is Trafalgar Tours Northern California Summer 2021 8 day trip.  If you have more time, Globus tours offers a 10 day California Classics tour 2021 that starts in San Fransisco and ends in Los Angeles.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.