Your tour will commence at the Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building), home to Francis Ford Coppola's and George Lucas's "Zoetrope Film Studio." Outside Zoetrope Café, our tour guide will warmly welcome the guests and provide an overview of the day's itinerary.
As the tour progresses towards the second stop, our guide will share both historical and current events that have played a part in shaping San Francisco's North Beach District. You'll have the opportunity to admire the exquisite murals created by Italian fin-de-siècle painter and illustrator Luigi Brusatori at the Saint Francis of Assisi Church.
Strolling along Columbus Avenue, you'll pass by a variety of fantastic restaurants with patrons dining outside. Your tour will continue with a delectable stop at Mona Lisa Restaurant, where you'll have the chance to savor a selection of Antipasti. Our guide will take the opportunity to explain the diverse origins of the food you'll be tasting.
Upon arriving at Stella Pastry, you'll be treated to a delightful house-made treat, whether it's biscotti, plain or dipped in chocolate, cannoli, café mocha, or other delectable options. Stella Pastry has been a fixture in North Beach for over 70 years and is an integral part of this close-knit community.
The leisurely stroll will lead you to Washington Square for further exploration of San Francisco's "Little Italy." As the group assembles in the park, our guide will take a moment to go over the pizza choices and beverage options for the next culinary segment of the tour. They will also share the fascinating stories of the Peter and Paul Church.
Next, we'll head toward "City Lights Book Publishing Company" and "Jack Kerouac Alley." The group will have the opportunity to spend time in this iconic bookstore and explore the alley known as "Jack Kerouac Alley" just around the corner. Murals adorn the walls of this one-block alleyway, connecting the tail end of Chinatown with North Beach.
Before the conclusion of the tour, we'll spend time at one of the numerous local watering holes in the area for a beer or cocktail. You can savor your drink while our guide summarizes the day's activities and addresses any questions our guests may have.
- Pass By: Colombus Tower (Sentinel Building)
Our first stop will be at the distinctive copper green Flatiron style building that was completed in 1907, currently home to Zoetrope film studio since 1972, co-founded by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.
- Stop At: City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Enjoy the inside of this store and learn about rich "beat generation", Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg.
- Pass By: Jack Kerouac Alley
Have your camera ready to take pictures of the Jack Kerouac Alley, with its well-known murals and gratifies.
Your tour continues with a delicious stop at Mona Lisa Restaurant, where you will get the chance to taste a sort of Antipasti. Our guide will take the opportunity to explain to you all the different origins of the food you will taste.
- Stop At: The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
Our second stop will be in the heart of San Francisco's historic North Beach district at Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Your guide will explain the story of the exquisite murals executed by the Italian fin-de-siècle painter and illustrator Luigi Brusatori vividly portrays the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
- Stop At: Washington Square
While you are degusting the pasties and coffee of Stella Caffe, we will visit the surroundings of Washington Square where will talk about the history of the statues in the park our why there are time capsules buried in the park!
- Stop At: Golden Boy Pizza or Giovanni's (depending on availability)
Our next stop will be at Golden Boy Pizza, where we will have the chance to grab a bite of one of the best pizzas in town or you will be able to enjoy the best Focaccia in San Francisco.
- Stop At: Sts. Peter & Paul's Cathedral
Learn about the history of the "Italian Cathedral" of San Francisco
Be ready for our last stop at the Victoria Bakery, a north beach institution for great Italian cookies.
