Following helloworld’s 2014 Owner and Manager Conference earlier last month, Trafalgar hosted 32 senior helloworld members on a famil of North California.
Over five days the group, who was made up of many first time Trafalgar travellers, saw North California from the inside gaining several authentic cultural insights that they would otherwise not of had nor experienced on their own.
Travelling in the capable hands of expert Travel Director Todd and Trafalgar Australia’s Managing Director, Matthew Cameron-Smith, the group left LA behind and journeyed to Santa Barbara stopping at the town’s mission which dates back to 1786 with TD Todd guiding them to the roof top to take in the amazing view of the coastline and surrounding hills. Dinner that evening was an exclusive Be My Guest dining experience at a local restaurant named Stella Mares with host and passionate foodie, Laurence. Guests were treated to a farm-to-table feast of fresh produce complete with a cooking demonstration by the restaurant’s Head Chef on how to make the perfect regional salad dressing.
Leaving Santa Barbara behind, the group headed north towards Monterey calling into the quirky property of The Madonna for coffee and novelty sized cakes, before exploring Hearst Castle which was built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Once in Monterey, agent partners had time at their leisure to walk along Fisherman’s Wharf and sample the local delicacy of clam chowder, ahead of joining the group for a sightseeing tour of the town’s local attractions.
In the salad bowl of the USA, agents were treated to another special Be My Guest dining experience at “Happy Girl” kitchen. By day, it is a working café and deli but at night, the owners open their doors exclusively for Trafalgar guests cooking up an array of organic, vegetarian dishes which the agents feasted on. Deep within California’s popular wine country, agents discovered a Hidden Treasure during an interactive cooking class and wine tasting in the small township of Healdsburg, then tried their hand at wine blending in Ravenswood, Sonoma.
As the famil drew to an end in San Francisco, the group embarked on a private walking tour of the famed Ferry Plaza Farmers Market tasting everything from organic coffee, chocolate cheese, sourdough baguettes and fresh made spring rolls. Adding to this successful trip was a private walking tour of the famed Haight Ashbury district with a vivaciousLocal Specialist and 1960s expert followed by a sumptuous farewell dinner at Boudins, the home of sourdough.
