Now is the time to get your walking shoes on and book this fall's guided tour of northern California with the Moore County Historical Association.

This will be a leisurely nine-day trip, Oct. 7-15, through the wineries and other treasures of northern California.

"Booking now will save you $100 per person off the regular price," says a spokesman. "Learn more about this trip by attending a special travel presentation on Thursday, May 10, at 2 p.m. in the Shaw House, Southern Pines."

Collette Vacations is conducting the tour.

"It has done a fabulous job on other MCHA trips, which relieve travelers of the details of travel and leave you free to just have a good time," says the spokesman.

The highlights of this fall's trip include stops at San Francisco, Sonora, Yosemite National Park, Railtown State Historic Park, the state capital, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, a winery tour, Sonoma Wine Country and the Napa Valley Wine Train.

The fee includes round-trip air fare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, air taxes and fees of $50, and hotel transfers. The "book now" lower fare is good until June 7 on air inclusive packages only. The lower rates would be $2,849 for double; $3,699 for single; and $2,819 for triple. The fare includes 13 meals - that's eight breakfasts, a lunch and four dinners - during the nine days. Booking after June 7 will be at regular rates, at $100 more per person added to the above rates.

"You will get to stay two days at each location, no rushing or daily traveling from place to place," says the spokesman.

The first two days of the tour, Oct. 7 and 8, tour-goers will explore San Francisco. On Oct. 9, the tour leaves San Francisco and heads to Sonora, a gold rush city begun in 1848, and Oct. 10 will be spent in Yosemite National Park. On the fifth day, the group will travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park at which movies and TV shows were filmed.

A tour of the Governor's Mansion is on tap in Sacramento. Old Sacramento's historic district has more than 60 restored gold rush-era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and antique gas lamps. Fine dining and a riverboat dining experience cap off this day.

On Oct. 12, the tour travels over the Sierra Nevada mountains to Lake Tahoe, a resort gambling town, where everyone can cruise Lake Tahoe aboard a paddlewheeler, visit a casino or explore the shops before returning to Sacramento for the night.

The next day, the group visits Sacramento's California State Railroad Museum, then goes to Sonoma County wine country, to taste-tour a winery and an olive oil press. On Sunday, Oct. 14, travel through the wine vineyards to arrive in Napa, one of the world's premier destinations.

"Breathtaking views, and chances to sample several different wines, will be topped off by taking a ride on the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train," says the spokesman. "On this train, you can sit back and relax, seeing the incredible scenery, famous vineyards, and enjoy a delicious meal in luxury."

The afternoon will be free, followed by an excellent farewell dinner, complete with great local wine to cap off your trip."

The next day, you'll depart from Santa Rosa to fly out of the San Francisco Airport and home.

For details, call (910) 692-2051.