The Great California Getaway - 11 Day Tour
Experience the best of the Golden State on this 11-day California rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's California Zephyr for the trip across the Colorado Rockies and Sierra-Nevada Mountains to Emeryville. Once in California, your travels take you south on the famed Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner. Highlights include visits to picturesque Santa Barbara, the Danish community of Solvang, Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and Palm Springs before returning aboard the Southwest Chief to Chicago.
Day 1 - California Zephyr Across America's Western Frontier
Your Great California Getaway begins today when you meet your tour manager and fellow travelers in the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago's Union Station and prepare to board the iconic California Zephyr for an early afternoon departure. As the train departs Chicago, relax in your private Roomette accommodations or get acquainted with the train's unique features including the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car. Overnight train (D)
Day 2 - En Route to California
When you awake this morning, you'll be met with the stunning sight of the majestic Colorado Rockies looming in the distance. After a hot breakfast in the dining car, take time to enjoy the sights and chat with your fellow travelers in the Sightseer Lounge or take advantage of some quiet time to read, listen to music, or just sit back and relax. Once the Zephyr leaves Denver this morning, it begins the climb over the Front Range toward the Continental Divide. Throughout the day the train will wind around sharp mountain curves and through numerous tunnels as you make your way towards California. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Arrive in Emeryville
Today the California Zephyr climbs over the high Sierra Nevada Mountains through the famous Donner Pass. Rugged terrain and pine trees give way to lush greenery and palm trees, as you arrive in your final destination of Emeryville late this afternoon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Hilton Garden Inn. (B, L)
Day 4 - Coast Starlight to Santa Barbara
This morning transfer by motorcoach to the Emeryville Station, where you will board the Coast Starlight for your 8:20 am departure. Settle into your private Roomette compartment for the scenic 366-mile daytime journey to Santa Barbara, traveling past mountain peaks and 100 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean coastline. Enjoy exclusive access to the Pacific Parlour Car, with its overstuffed furniture, library, games and afternoon wine tasting. Arrive in Santa Barbara early this evening. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (L, D)
Day 5 - Santa Barbara / Solvang
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a two-hour sightseeing tour of what many consider to be America's most beautiful city, Santa Barbara. Witness many examples of its Spanish past, including the Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historical Park. The Court House, with its massive murals and tile floors and walls, is not to be missed. After your city tour, you'll be transported 33 miles to one of California's most popular attractions: Solvang, the next best thing to being in Denmark. Solvang's distinctly Danish flavorófrom its architecture, gas lights, cobblestone walks, and 300 shopsóprovide a variety of things to see and do. There will be time for lunch on your own before returning to Santa Barbara with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (CB)
Day 6 - Train to Los Angeles
After breakfast transfer to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station for the morning departure of the Pacific Surfliner for the 103-mile run along the coast to Los Angeles. At certain points along the way, the train parallels the spectacular Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival in Los Angeles Union Station, transfer to suburban San Pedro. Dinner this evening will be at a nearby local restaurant. Overnight Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor. (CB, D)
Day 7 - Catalina Island
After breakfast, board a modern express boat for the one-hour trip by water from Long Beach to Avalon on Catalina Island. Enjoy a two-hour sightseeing tour ten miles into the scenic interior of the island, where you'll see spectacular vistas, deep canyons, quiet coves and the deep blue ocean. There will be time to explore the city of Avalon before returning to the mainland this afternoon. Overnight Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor. (B)
Day 8 - Los Angeles Sightseeing / Palm Springs
This morning's comprehensive tour of Los Angeles includes Chinatown, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Exposition Park, and Mann's Chinese Theater. Enjoy lunch on your own at the city's world-famous Farmer's Market. This afternoon, depart Los Angeles by deluxe motorcoach and head east through lush countryside and desert landscapes to the fashionable resort city of Palm Springs. This idyllic setting has been the backdrop of many Hollywood productions! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening before visiting one of the area's most famous attractions, the Palm Springs Follies, a Las Vegas-style review featuring music, comedy, and dance numbers reminiscent of the 1920's-40's. Overnight Hyatt Regency Suites. (B)
Day 9 - Palm Springs
This morning embark on a sightseeing expedition of Palm Springs. The narrated tour will take you past the homes of Palm Springs' rich and famous including movie stars and other celebrities, as well the tony country clubs of Rancho Mirage. A highlight of the day will be the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which carries visitors from an elevation of over 2,000 feet to a mountain station located at the 8516-foot level of Mt. San Jacinto State Park from the floor of the Coachella Valley. Late this afternoon, depart the Palm Springs area and travel 90 miles to Fullerton where you'll board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the return trip to Chicago. Settle into your Roomette accommodations and prepare for your night aboard the train. Overnight train. (D)
Day 10 - En Route to Chicago
Enjoy the colorful scenery of the southwest as the Southwest Chief travels through Arizona and New Mexico. Take time to chat with your fellow travelers, share tales from your trip, and enjoy time relaxing aboard the train. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Arrive in Chicago
The Southwest Chief rolls across northern Missouri, parts of Iowa and all of Illinois before arriving at Chicago's Union Station late this afternoon where your Great California Getaway comes to an end. (B, L)
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Single prices are available upon request. Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live; however are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Single rate is available upon request.
