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California's Historic Trains2012 Season
Departs From: San Francisco |
From 1,154EUR |
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Length: 10 days from San Francisco to San Francisco
Overview
Experience Californias major attractions and hidden treasures by road and by rail on this unique vacation. Start your trip in San Francisco, the "City by the Bay," where your sightseeing tour includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fishermans Wharf, and Nob Hill. Stroll the charming streets of Sausalito, then view Napa Valley in style aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Sit back and relax as you pass many of the region’s notable vineyards and wineries. In Santa Rosa, the largest city in California’s wine country, enjoy some leisure time and a visit to the Korbel Winery for a champagne cellar tour and tasting. From Fort Bragg, travel on the 1885-era Skunk Train into the Coastal Mountain Range, home of the towering redwood trees. At sunset, enjoy a sumptuous meal while traveling on the third-oldest railroad in North America, the Sierra Railroad. The fun continues with a trip to Yosemite National Park and a sightseeing tour of Californias picturesque coast. Visit Carmel, a quaint town popular with writers, artists, and celebrities, and travel the spectacular 17-Mile Drive to Monterey—with views of Lone Cypress, Cypress Point, and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course. Enjoy free time and a sightseeing tour in Monterey; then travel back in time on Roaring Camp Railroads 100-year-old narrow-gauge steam train. Finally, return to San Francisco for the perfect conclusion to your California train vacation.
Duration: 10 Days
Schedule:
| Start Date |
End Date |
| 28 May, 2012 |
06 June, 2012 |
| 11 June, 2012 |
20 June, 2012 |
| 03 September, 2012 |
12 September, 2012 |
| 17 September, 2012 |
26 September, 2012 |
| 01 October, 2012 |
10 October, 2012 |
City Highlights
Sightseeing in San Francisco and Sacramento; Napa Valley Wine Train, Korbel Winery, Skunk Train, California State Railroad Museum, Railtown State Historic Park, Sierra Railroad, Monterey, Roaring Camp Railroad. Note:- Maximum elevation on tour: 8,000 ft.
Scenic Highlights
Sausalito, Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive.
Day 1 San Francisco. Welcome to San Francisco! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2 San Francisco. This morning, explore the famous “City by the Bay” on our included sightseeing tour. See the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill. This afternoon is at leisure to discover more of this vibrant city on your own. Shop the stores of Union Square, ride one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars, or enjoy a bay cruise. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best places to shop and dine.
Day 3 San Francisco–Sausalito–Napa Valley Wine Train–Santa Rosa. Today our first stop is Sausalito, the jewel of San Francisco Bay. There’s time to stroll the charming streets, take in the breathtaking views, browse through the unique boutiques, or enjoy the plaza area. Later, view the scenic Napa Valley in style aboard the NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN. On board you’ll enjoy an elegant 3-course lunch. Sit back and relax as you pass many of the region’s notable vineyards and wineries. We overnight in Santa Rosa, the largest city in California’s wine country. (L)
Day 4 Santa Rosa–Fort Bragg. This morning is at leisure in Santa Rosa. Why not visit historic Railroad Square, containing the old Northwestern Pacific Railroad depot and the former Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad depot? Walk among these notable buildings that are now home to a bustling shopping and dining district. This afternoon we’ll visit the Korbel Winery and enjoy a CHAMPAGNE CELLAR TOUR. You’ll see where the world-famous Korbel Champagnes were first made more than 100 years ago, visit the antique vaults, and learn the history of the Korbel legacy. Your tour ends with a tasting of this bubbly libation. We then travel along historic Highway 1 and overnight in the coastal town of Fort Bragg.
Day 5 Fort Bragg–Skunk Train–Sacramento. This morning we take a leisurely journey into the Redwoods, criss-crossing the Noyo River and into the Coastal Mountain Range on the historic SKUNK TRAIN. Built in 1885 as a logging railroad, the Skunk line began as a means of moving massive redwood logs to the sawmills of the coast. Steam passenger service started in 1904 but was discontinued 20 years later when the self-powered, yellow “Skunk” rail cars were inaugurated. The little trains were quickly nicknamed for their original gas engines, which prompted folks to say, “You can smell ‘em before you can see ‘em.” Moving at a leisurely pace you’ll have plenty of time for taking photos of the exhilarating journey. Afterward, we continue to Sacramento, a former Gold Rush town and now capital city of California. (CB)
Day 6 Sacramento–Jamestown–Sonora. The day begins with a sightseeing tour that includes Old Sacramento, the downtown area, the Governor’s Mansion, and State Capitol. Afterward, we visit the CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM, widely regarded as one of North America’s finest railroad museums. Throughout the museum, 21 meticulously restored locomotives, cars, and numerous exhibits illustrate how railroads have shaped people’s lives, the economy, and the unique culture of California and the West. Next, visit RAILTOWN 1897. This State Historic Park is home to one of America’s last intact, still-operating railroad roundhouses. Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Railtown 1897 and its historic locomotives and cars have starred in hundreds of film and TV productions. Our guided walking tour highlights the park’s authentic working railroad roundhouse, historic locomotives, and the opportunity to view movie props and other artifacts used in the production of feature films. This evening, enjoy a delicious meal while traveling on the third-oldest railroad in North America, the SIERRA RAILROAD, at sunset. (B,D)
Day 7 Sonora–Yosemite National Park–Merced. The highlight of today is a visit to YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, one of America’s first wilderness areas. Located in Central California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park encompasses an incredible 1,170 square miles of breathtaking natural splendor. (CB)
Day 8 Merced–Carmel–17-Mile Drive–Monterey. Today, travel to California’s picturesque coast. Enjoy a visit to the lovely town of Carmel, a popular retreat for writers, artists, and celebrities. A highlight of today’s journey is the spectacular 17-MILE DRIVE to Monterey, with views of Cypress Point, famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, and the tenacious Lone Cypress. Upon arrival in Monterey, enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. During your free time, explore the unique shops and galleries, watch the sea lions and otters, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. (CB)
Day 9 Monterey–Roaring Camp Railroad–San Francisco. This morning’s journey is on the ROARING CAMP RAILROAD and the 100-year-old steam train. Travel over trestles, through redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Once at the summit it is your choice to return down Bear Mountain by train or by walking trail with a trained guide. Upon arrival at Roaring Camp, there’s time to explore the old-fashioned general store, the opera house, depot, and covered bridge. This afternoon we return to San Francisco. Tonight, join us for an optional farewell dinner, a perfect ending to your California holiday. (CB)
Day 10 San Francisco. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to San Francisco International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “City by the Bay” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.
Meals: 1 breakfast (B), 4 continental breakfasts (CB), 1 lunch (L), 1 dinner (D)
Hotel Information: SAN FRANCISCO Hotel Carlton (MF), SANTA ROSA Best Western Garden Inn (MF), FORT BRAGG Fort Bragg Travelodge (ST), SACRAMENTO Hawthorne Suites (ST), SONORA Inns of California (T), MERCED Comfort Inn (ST), MONTEREY Days Inn (ST)
Guides
Services of a professional Tour Director.
Transportation
Four scenic train journeys; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring. |
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