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California's Classic Railroads

Ride California's classic railroads through lush wine country, towering Redwoods and stunning mountains, with visits to San Francisco and the magnificent Yosemite National Park.

Other Holiday Choices

California's Classic Railroads + San Francisco - Staying at Best Western Americania
California's Classic Railroads + Hawaii - Staying at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
California's Classic Railroads + Las Vegas - Staying at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

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Itinerary

The Skunk Train
Lombard Street, San Francisco
Sausalito
Napa Valley Wine Train
Old Sacramento waterfront
Sacramento RiverTrain
Yosemite Valley
Beautiful Yosemite National Park
Stunning 17-Mile Drive
The Lone Cypress
Monterey
Journey to Bear Mountain from Roaring Camp Railroad
Cowell Train at Roaring Camp Railroad

DAY 1: UK - San Francisco.

Fly to San Francisco where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

DAY 2: San Francisco.

Regarded by many as the USA's most beautiful city, San Francisco is packed with famous landmarks and scenic attractions. This morning, during our city tour see the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, colourful China Town, pretty Fisherman's Wharf and elegant Nob Hill. Since the afternoon is at leisure why not ride the steep streets on a trundling tram or catch a cruise around the bay to wallow in the magnificent views over the sparkling coastline.

DAY 3: San Francisco - Sausalito - Santa Rosa. Napa Valley Wine Train.

This morning, your adventure continues in Sausalito, the jewel of San Francisco Bay. This picture-postcard artisan's village is known for its 'free spirits', winding streets and colourful houseboats. There's time to amble around its charming centre, enjoy the breathtaking views over the bay and browse the offbeat boutiques and galleries. Later, climb aboard the sleek Napa Valley Wine Train for a scenic ride through the sublime Napa Valley countryside, including an elegant 3-course lunch. Sit back and soak up the splendid passing vistas - sun-drenched valleys, wildflower meadows and the rolling vineyards and grand mansions of many of the region's most notable wineries. After taking your leave of this lovely train, your next stop is Santa Rosa, the largest city in California's wine country. (L)

DAY 4: Santa Rosa - Korbel Winery - Fort Bragg.

Today we make our way to Korbel Winery, where world-famous Korbel Champagne, the favourite of many US Presidents, is produced. Set in the historic Russian River Valley, our visit to this stately winery includes a fascinating tour of the barrel-filled antique vaults of its Champagne Cellar, together with a tasting session. Later we journey along the historic Highway 1 for your overnight stay in the coastal town of Fort Bragg.

DAY 5: Fort Bragg - Skunk Train excursion - Sacramento.

A treat awaits today, with an excursion on the historic Skunk Train to Willits, winding through California's mighty Redwood forests. Built in 1885 as a logging railroad, this historic line got its name from the smell of its steam engines, and winds through the spectacular Coastal Mountains before following the Noyo River Canyon. After stepping aboard the restored rail cars, you'll travel through towering Redwoods, gorgeous open meadows and across wooden 'trestle' bridges. Next it's on to Sacramento, the former gold rush town and now California's capital.

DAY 6: Sacramento ? California State Railroad Museum - Jamestown - Sonora.

Today begins with a sightseeing tour that includes Old Sacramento, the downtown area, the Governor's Mansion and State Capitol. Next, we visit the California State Railroad Museum to see its beautifully restored railcars and steam locomotives. Afterwards we travel to Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Its historic locomotives and cars have starred in many films and TV shows. This evening enjoy a delicious, sunset meal while travelling on the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train. (D)

DAY 7: Sonora - Yosemite National Park - Merced.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is one of the USA's first wilderness parks and an awe-inspiring 1,200 square-mile montage of deep valleys, soaring peaks, ancient giant sequoias and crashing waterfalls. Today, you'll have time to savour its jaw-dropping beauty, perhaps taking an open-air tram ride, renting a pedal bike, joining a trail ride or picnicking amidst what is one of the planet's greatest natural wonderlands. Make sure to visit the Ansel Adams Studio, homage to the legendary park images captured by its best-known photographer.

DAY 8: Merced - 17-Mile Drive - Monterey.

Today, we switch attention to California's picturesque coast, with a visit to the lovely town of Carmel, a popular haunt for celebrities, writers and artists. En route to Monterey, we take the legendary 17-Mile Drive, a scenic rollercoaster of a coastal road that passes stunning landmarks such as the famous Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill PGA golf courses, Cypress Point and the Lone Cypress - a single tree perched on wave-lashed rocks at Pebble Beach. On arrival in Monterey, enjoy a sightseeing tour around the town's historic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, made famous by novelist John Steinbeck. Afterwards, there's time to explore its colourful shops, observe the sea lions and otters in the Bay and watch the magical underwater life on show at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

DAY 9: Monterey - Roaring Camp Railroad - San Francisco.

A trip on a 100-year-old steam locomotive on the Roaring Camp Railroad beckons today. This narrow gauge railroad runs to the summit of Bear Mountain, clickety-clacking over 'trestle' bridges and through soaring Redwoods. Explore Roaring Camp, an atmospheric recreation of a 19th century logging town, complete with olde-worlde opera house, sawmill, general store and a tiny covered bridge. This afternoon, you'll travel back to San Francisco.

DAY 10: San Francisco - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in San Francisco or Las Vegas.

DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 8,000 ft.

Accommodation on Tour

San Francisco: Carlton; Santa Rosa: Best Western Garden Inn; Fort Bragg: Fort Bragg Travelodge; Sacramento: Hawthorne Suites; Sonora: Inns of California; Merced: Comfort Inn; Monterey: Days Inn.

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