Historic Trains of California

California boasts scenic beauty and diverse culture. There’s so much to enjoy: fascinating historic railroads, breathtaking sightseeing and destinations including San Francisco and Sacramento. Many meals are included plus a door-to-door transfer from your home to the departure airport (within 100 miles). From giant redwoods and rugged coastline to fertile valleys and gold rush towns, we turn back the clock and take you on an awe-inspiring tour.

We are pleased to offer this exhilarating holiday in conjunction with Collette Worldwide Holidays.

Day 1 This morning your door-to-door transfer will take you to your departure airport for your flight to San Francisco, the beautiful ‘City by the Bay’, arriving the same day. Transfer to your hotel. California welcomes you, eager to display its giant redwoods, rugged coastline, fertile valleys and gold rush towns. The awe-inspiring views and historic trains await you. Day 2 Board your coach and join a local expert for a guided tour of the city. Highlights include Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and a panoramic view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful city at your leisure. Hop on a cable car, take a ride to the trendy Haight Ashbury area or enjoy the sights at Fishermans Wharf…the opportunities are endless. Tonight, take in a fabulous view of San Francisco as you enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. (D) Day 3 Today you travel west through California’s central valley, better known around the world as California’s Gold Country. Board the Sierra Railroad, built in 1897 to connect the Gold Country – view unspoiled scenery, relax in luxurious cars and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Later today, travel to Sonora, your home for the next two nights. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was the cosmopolitan city of 1848, attracting people from all over the world. (L) Day 4 A scenic drive brings you into the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Your tour through Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and pristine wilderness will leave you absolutely awestruck. (B,D) Day 5 We travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park featuring turn-of-the-century locomotives and railcars and a popular spot for movie makers. “High Noon,” “The Virginian,” Petticoat Junction” and “Back to the Future III” are among the many movies and TV shows filmed here. Arrive in Sacramento and enjoy free time to browse the quaint shops. Later, a local guide introduces you to this beautiful city, beginning where Sacramento itself began – at Sutter’s Fort. Next, view the historic Governors Mansion where Ronald Reagan once resided and the State Capitol building where Arnold Schwarzenegger currently governs over the 5th largest economy in the world. Continue on to Old Sacramento, a preserved historical district featuring over 60 restored gold rush era buildings, wooden sidewalks, and cobblestone streets. Step back in time and experience what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here to gather supplies before heading to gold country during the California Gold Rush. (B,D) Day 6 Travel east over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort gambling town of Lake Tahoe. Twenty-two miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe straddles the California and Nevada border with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as its backdrop. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of Lake Tahoe aboard the M. S. Dixie II paddle wheeler. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore before returning to Sacramento this evening. (B) Day 7 This morning, travel to Woodland and board the Sacramento River Train to experience a “Great Train Robbery” complete with a Cowboy barbeque. The Sacramento River Train boasts a sparkling gold interior reflecting the areas Gold Rush heritage and follows the scenic route along the Sacramento River. Often referred to as “an amazing experience”, be on the lookout for robbers and gunfighters!! A delicious barbeque lunch is served picnic-style by the river. An early afternoon return to Sacramento will afford you time to revisit Old Sacramento to shop or to visit the renowned Railroad Museum on your own. (B,L) Day 8 Arriving in Napa Valley, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, a splendidly restored 1915 Pullman train car, and travel through the picturesque Napa Valley at an unhurried pace. Blend this with innovative cuisine provided by a gracious staff, plus an education on wine tasting and train history, and it’s certain to be a highlight of your trip. Later, arrive in Ft. Bragg, once a booming logging town, now the hub for state parks and reserves. Surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of Northern California’s redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll surely enjoy this unique blend of scenery. (B,L) Day 9 The 121 year old Skunk Train is the most popular attraction on California’s north coast and is considered one of the best scenic trains in North America. Enjoy the journey as the track winds along the Noyo River and through coastal mountains and towering redwoods. A picnic boxed lunch will be served on board. This afternoon you will arrive in Sausalito, a picturesque waterfront community just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Because of its breathtaking views, it is often compared to the French Riviera. This historic town dates back over 100 years and blends old world charm with new world amenities and the unique shops and artist studios will prove that. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful town. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D) Day 10 Transfer to the airport and fly to London arriving the next morning for your door-to-door transfer home. We hope that you have many wonderful memories to take home. Sheraton Fishermans Wharf, San Fancisco Experience a feeling of welcome unlike any other at the newly renovated Sheraton Fishermans Wharf Hotel in San Francisco. Centrally located in the Fishermans Wharf neighborhood San Francisco, close to all the major attractions such as Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and Alcatraz Island. Best Western Sonora Oaks, Sonora Nestled under a grove of ancient oaks in the Columbia Historic Park area of the Sierra Foothills is the comfortable and accommodating Best Western Sonora Oaks. Hyatt Regency, Sacramento Ideally situated directly across from the State Capitol and adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Sacramento is at the heart of this vibrant city. Emerald Dolphin Inn, Fort Bragg The Emerald Dolphin is one of the newest Inns on the Mendocino Coast. Elegantly adorned, immaculate guest rooms await you. Just a short walk, will lead you to the gorgeous ocean cliffs and a breathtaking new paved walking trail around the vista point. Crowne Plaza Intl Airport, San Francisco Embracing style and luxury, Crowne Plaza San Francisco International is a casually elegant hotel that delivers a unique mix of friendly California hospitality and modern lifestyle amenities to travelers in the San Francisco Bay Area.