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California's Redwoods, Rails & Wineries

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8 days From $3,595 per person
4.7 stars(83 reviews)
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From Redwood Forests to renowned Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley Wineries - experience the beauty of Nothern California.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 3

2024 Tour code: CRW24

About the tour

California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour gives you 8 days to explore them all. Our journey begins in San Francisco, where we explore both the modern and historic sides of the city through guided tours and memorable excursions. From San Francisco it is on to Yosemite - but not before embarking on the first of three railway journeys this trip provides, the Roaring Camp Railroad's Redwood Forest Steam Train. In Yosemite, a guided tour of the park allows us to experience the grandeur of nature, and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad gives us yet another perspective. It is after Yosemite that we begin the culinary portion of our journey - one that kicks off with a visit to a winery that has been in operation for four generations. Napa, Sonoma and Healdsburg are all on the itinerary, and in each destination, we savor the spectacular food and wine. Our ride through the vineyards of Napa aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train makes this journey even more memorable. Whether you seek gastronomic delights or deep history, this California adventure is one not to miss.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and transfer on your own to your hotel, which is conveniently located at Fisherman's Wharf. After check-in, relax at the hotel or begin to explore the city. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers in the lobby for a briefing on the coming days. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the world-renowned dining scene or to begin your explorations. Overnight San Francisco. 

Day 2 - San Francisco Sightseeing

San Francisco's most famous sites are showcased on this morning's sightseeing tour. The Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street and Chinatown are just some of the landmarks we encounter as we drive through the city. The excursion concludes as we arrive at Fisherman's Wharf. Here you have time to explore the shops, restaurants and stalls; to take in the picture-perfect views of the city; to see the seals and sea lions; and to watch the boats pass. Do not leave without grabbing a bowl of world-famous clam chowder in a fresh sourdough bread bowl. After lunch, a ferry takes you across the bay to Alcatraz. History comes to life as you walk through the cell blocks and see artifacts that were left behind after the prison's closing. The ferry takes you back to San Francisco, where your evening is at leisure to continue your sightseeing independently or to check out the city's incredible dining scene. Overnight San Francisco.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Redwood Forest Steam Train

Leaving San Francisco, experience the logging history of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp Railroads. Enjoy a look at the towering redwoods while riding aboard the narrow-gauge Redwood Forest Steam Train. The train departs from Felton and winds through the forest en route to the summit of Bear Mountain. In all, the journey lasts approximately 1 hour, and passengers have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery from closed or open-air train cars. Lunch is on your own, then we re-board the motorcoach for our inland journey to Yosemite National Park. Join the group for dinner, then the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Fish Camp, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park

After breakfast, we head toward the South Gate of Yosemite to visit the site of the old Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company. Here we board the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for a 4-mile journey through the Sierra National Forest. This excursion is made aboard fully restored Shay engines and presents scenic highlights, such as Lewis Creek Canyon. Moving back into Yosemite, we embark on a guided tour through the park. An expert tour guide offers invaluable insight about the history of the park, the wildlife, the indigenous people who once lived here and more. The scenic vistas along the way are truly breathtaking and include waterfalls and the High Sierra Mountains. This evening is yours to explore the local dining scene or to pack a picnic and find a wonderful lookout point from which to watch the sun go down. Overnight Fish Camp, CA. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Step back in time this morning with a visit to a California Historical Landmark, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. This attraction is located in the heart of gold mining country and includes a still-operational Roundhouse and locomotive repair facility; the famous Jamestown Historic Shops, including the Depot Store; an interpretive center filled with informative exhibits and experiences that combine California's history with the film industry. There are even operational trains onsite. From Railtown, we continue by motorcoach on our westerly route through California. As the passing scenes turn from city to rolling hills and lush vineyards, we have arrived in the heart of wine country. Immerse yourself in one of the best wine and food destinations in the world by trying one of the many renowned restaurants, which range from pizza to haute cuisine in your free time this evening. Overnight Rohnert Park.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Napa Valley Wine Train

Experience the Golden Age of rail travel once more with today's excursion aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. The 36-mile route begins in downtown Napa and takes passengers to St. Helena and back. As the train rolls through the landscape, vistas of rolling vineyards and grand estates come into view. Onboard the train, the mahogany-lined lounge car is the perfect place to enjoy the sights, and there are four onboard kitchens in which chefs prepare some of the most luxurious food one could imagine paired with wines of several of the region's beloved wineries. The ambiance afforded by this antique train is truly unforgettable. Following the train ride, we return to the hotel where your evening is at leisure to sample even more of the region's fabulous offerings. Overnight Rohnert Park.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Wine Country Touring

We begin the day in the midst of green vines and juicy grapes as we visit two wineries for tastings. Back in Rohnert Park, spend the remainder of the afternoon soaking in the sights before freshening up at the hotel and joining the group for a farewell dinner. Overnight Rohnert Park.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

Your rail journey through the Golden State concludes after breakfast. A group transfer to San Francisco International Airport will accomodate planes departing after 1:00 PM.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, Rohnert Park

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Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

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Trains

Napa Valley Wine Train
Redwood Forest Steam Train
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

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Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 83 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (57)
  2. 4 stars
    (25)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

JAMES HEATH

4 stars

Submitted 08 Oct 2023

Very nice. The Amtrak portion was disappointing.

Collected by Trustpilot

PATRICIA CHANDLER

5 stars

Submitted 08 Oct 2023

The trip was awesome; great tour guide… very knowledgeable. The Amtrak train trip was horrible. Thankfully it didn’t mar the actual tour.

Collected by Trustpilot

STEVEN GRIMSHAW

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2023

Best way to visit the National Parks! Sean (tour guide) was awesome! Very informative and professional. Mauricio (bus driver) was also excellent! I would reccomend both for any future trips.

Collected by Trustpilot

DAVID OSENGA

5 stars

Submitted 02 Oct 2023

We enjoyed this tour very much. Our tour guide and bus driver were top notch. They were informative, prepared, helpful, enjoyable, and made us feel special as they took great care of us. We could have spent a lot more time in place, but that is for another time. Taking this tour allowed us to see and experience the sights and wonders of the parks. If we drove, we would have missed so much.

Collected by Trustpilot

BARBARA M SNYDER

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2023

So many beautiful and diverse national parks to see! Vacations By Rail provided a wonderful way to experience so many parks. We could both enjoy every second without driving or planning every detail and roadway.

Collected by Trustpilot

JAMES WILLIAM KEARNEY

5 stars

Submitted 25 Sep 2023

Trip was great. Tour guide Ed and bus driver Mike made it most enjoyable. All parks were awesome, each having a different perspective.

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