California's Classic Railroads + Las Vegas
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.
Add a final flourish to your Californian adventure with three extra nights in exhilarating Las Vegas, known as 'Sin City'. Try your luck at its flashy casinos on the world-famous 'Strip', or take a trip to discover the Hoover Dam, one of engineering wonders of the world.
On day 10 transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas and your hotel for the next three nights.
Las Vegas: there's no place quite like it
The Skunk Train
Lombard Street, San Francisco
Las Vegas downtown
The Venetian, just one of many themed hotels
Sausalito
Napa Valley Wine Train
It's hard to believe you're in America!
The bright lights of Las Vegas at sunset
Old Sacramento waterfront
Sacramento RiverTrain
Las Vegas
The Strip by night, Las Vegas
Yosemite Valley
Beautiful Yosemite National Park
The Grand Canyon is an easy day trip away
Enjoy the hourly fountain display at the Bellagio
Stunning 17-Mile Drive
The Lone Cypress
Monterey
Journey to Bear Mountain from Roaring Camp Railroad
Cowell Train at Roaring Camp Railroad
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Your Itinerary
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 - Las Vegas.
Transfer to San Francisco airport for your flight to Las Vegas, and your Las Vegas hotel for the next three nights.
DAY 11 to 12: Las Vegas.
Try your luck at the flashy casinos on the world-famous 'Strip', take a trip to discover the Hoover Dam, one of engineering wonders of the world, Boulder City or beautiful Lake Mead - the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the United States.
DAY 13: Las Vegas - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.
Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Harrah's Hotel & Casino boasts a central location on the Las Vegas Strip, across the road from Planet Hollywood and the Volcano at Mirage; and a short walk from the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace and the famous Bellagio fountains.
Location: An excellent location on the world famous Las Vegas Strip.
Facilities: Swimming pool; casino; shops; seven restaurants; cafés; spa; health club; salon; entertainment.
Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; TV; hairdryer; iron/ironing board.
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Las Vegas: there's no place quite like it
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The Skunk Train
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Lombard Street, San Francisco
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Las Vegas downtown
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The Venetian, just one of many themed hotels
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Sausalito
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Napa Valley Wine Train
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It's hard to believe you're in America!
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The bright lights of Las Vegas at sunset
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Old Sacramento waterfront
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Sacramento RiverTrain
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Las Vegas
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The Strip by night, Las Vegas
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Yosemite Valley
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Beautiful Yosemite National Park
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The Grand Canyon is an easy day trip away
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Enjoy the hourly fountain display at the Bellagio
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Stunning 17-Mile Drive
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The Lone Cypress
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Monterey
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Journey to Bear Mountain from Roaring Camp Railroad
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Cowell Train at Roaring Camp Railroad
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Evening In Chinatown
Explore this vibrant historic section of San Francisco that houses the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Included in this evening's agenda is a lavish four-course dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant. This evening will include a short walking tour of Chinatown.
$42 (US Dollar)
San Francisco By Night with dinner at The Franciscan
The evening begins with dinner at a popular Fisherman's Wharf restaurant and spectacular views of the bay. Afterwards visit historic Ghirardelli Square. Set on the city's dynamic waterfront, the square offers a great view of the sea and elegant 19th-century factor and mill buildings that are worth exploring. During your visit, relax with an Irish coffee and some world famous chocolates. Before heading back to your hotel we will drive out to Treasure Island to view the city lights from across the bay.
$63 (US Dollar)
Rocket Boat
Get blown away on this 30-minute high-speed tour of the City's historic waterfront. Sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and breeze by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. This exciting ride pauses occasionally to allow passengers to catch their breath and capture unique sightseeing and photo opportunities unavailable on other tours. RocketBoat, it's an extreme adventure powered by biodiesel fuel. A blast on the Bay that is not to be missed.
$24 (US Dollar)
Bay Cruise
This fully narrated one-hour tour sails under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the thrilling history of San Francisco Bay with all the sound and glory it deserves. The tour also sails along San Francisco's historic waterfront where there's no better way to experience unobstructed views of sensational skylines in every direction. It's a great vantage point for snapping pictures or simply reflecting on the vast beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Sail past the PIER 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island. Onboard narration describes the City and its landmarks as you sail along in comfort; both indoor and outdoor seating are provided. (Cruise is 1 hour)
$25 (US Dollar)
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the wonders of our ocean planet in nearly 200 galleries and exhibits at one of the world's finest aquariums. Highlights include a million-gallon indoor ocean with giant bluefin tuna, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and barracuda; plus the largest jellyfish exhibits anywhere.
$33 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon Raft Trip With Transportation
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Grand Celebration Helicopter Experience
Embark on an unforgettable, narrated flight from Boulder City to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Descend 4,000 feet toward your exclusive landing site and enjoy breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Touch down by the banks of the Colorado River. Compliment your journey with a delightful picnic meal and refreshments served under an authentic Indian "Ramada". You will have ample time to take photos and explore the canyon floor. Before taking back off toast your journey with a champagne toast. Your tour also includes majestic views of historic Boulder City, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, Guano and Eagle Points, the famous SkyWalk and the Grand Canyon itself. (Approximately 4 hours, hotel to hotel, weather dependent)
$429 (US Dollar)
Lake Mead Cruise And Hoover Dam Discovery Tour
Explore Lake Mead on a paddle-wheeler boat, viewing amazing sights such as Hoover Dam and the Arizona Paint Pots. Your tour begins with a stop at Hoover Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished. There you will take a guided tour starting at the visitor's center that will include an informative movie, a trip to the generator room on the Nevada side and time to explore a number of exhibits at the center. After a 90-minute stay at the dam you will move on to Lake Mead. Here enjoy the largest man-made lake in the United States with more than 550 miles of shoreline. Board the Desert Princess, a three-level Mississippi-style paddle wheeler with two enclosed climate-controlled decks and a third observation deck. Cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Mead and view the unparalleled sights of Hoover Dam and the steep canyon walls that surround it. View Boulder Island, Sentinel Island and see the Arizona Paint Pots. Your will enjoy lunch on board the Desert Princess. After your cruise, enjoy a visit to the historic Boulder Dam Museum, where you'll learn even more about Boulder City and its magnificent dam. (Approximately 7.5 hours)
$110 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Classic
Travel to Hoover Dam in style and comfort aboard our custom Tour Trekker. Your talented guide will share many points of interest along the way. You'll truly appreciate the extra care and comfort you receive from Pink Jeep Tours.
The Hoover Dam Discovery Tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. (4 hours)
$92 (US Dollar)
Hoover Dam Top to Bottom
From the Lake Mead Overlook, you're transported to the Colorado River by van on the Lower Portal Road, where construction crews traveled each day. You'll see the original gauging station used to measure water level and flow, and dynamite storage bunkers used during construction. Then, a guided Colorado River float tour by raft offers you close-up views few people have ever seen of Hoover Dam, mighty power plants, and Black Canyon.
You'll also learn historical facts and get an astounding view of the Hoover Dam Bypass project and construction of the nearly 2000-foot-long bridge spanning over 900 feet above the river. This is absolutely the best photo opportunity of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River! (5 hours)
$142 (US Dollar)
Dinner at the Carnival World Buffet and The Rat Pack Show
Before there was Elvis there was The Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin - who won over audiences with their cool musical styling's and playful stage demeanour during their run at the Sands in the original Copa Room. First you have dinner at the Rio's Carnival World Buffet recognized as the best buffet in Vegas year after year by guests and critics alike; the Carnival World Buffet has raised the bar in buffet dining once again, offering more variety in food choices (more than 300 dishes prepared fresh daily) and a new contemporary design that make the best buffet in Vegas even better. From pizza to omelets, sushi to teppan yaki, fresh carved meats to Asian barbecue, the Carnival World Buffet offers numerous distinct dining experiences from around the world featuring live-action cooking right before your eyes guaranteeing freshness and top quality. Enjoy more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes and pastries, and nine gelato flavours, all made from scratch. After dinner relive the glory days of Vegas with the Rat Pack in this international hit, now in its 11th smash year.
$100 (US Dollar)
West Rim & Hoover Dam Combo Tour
Travel in comfort to one of the Southwest's most exciting venues in our luxurious, custom vehicles with a professional tour guide. Experience the extraordinary desert scenery of the Mojave Desert as you travel to the West Rim. Brief stops along the way allow for close-up views and photo of the desert community of Dolan Springs, the rugged Joshua tree forest, and the magnificent Colorado River. Your journey culminates at the stunning West Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the Hualapai Nation. Your knowledgeable tour guide escorts you to points of interest, and shares fascinating facts on the history, culture, geology, flora, fauna, and all that surrounds you on this exceptional adventure. Next, explore the Hoover Dam. Spend some time exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam's construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators. You'll also encounter dramatic views of both the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the largest manmade body of water in the Western Hemisphere. Approximate time 10-11 hours, lunch is included at the West Rim. Tickets to the Skywalk can be purchased for $32.50 at the West Rim.
$304 (US Dollar)
Black Canyon River Rafting
This is a unique day trip aboard a motor-assisted raft which allows the visitor to leisurely enjoy and share in the history, desert wildlife and beauty in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures will provide round trip transportation. You will be transported on our tour buses to the launch area at the base of the Hoover Dam. This is an extremely rare view of the Hoover Dam that very few people have the opportunity to see. At this time, you will board our large comfortable rafts which have been carefully constructed with your party's safety in mind. During this excursion, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will share with you the history of this magnificent geological area. The high canyon walls will leave you breathless. Be prepared to see Desert Big Horn Sheep, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting. Bring your camera because it is seldom you will have an opportunity such as this to view the wonders of nature. Our rafts will stop along the shore to give you a chance to swim or play in the cool clear waters below Hoover Dam. You might take this opportunity to enjoy the box lunch provided while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of this magnificent desert. Your trip will end on the Arizona side of the river at Willow Beach. Here you will board our comfortable tour buses for the return trip over the crest of the Hoover Dam to your Las Vegas hotel. Fun for all ages, no paddling experience necessary. This is truly an experience to remember. (Approximately 8 hours round trip from hotel to hotel)
$132 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
California's Classic Railroads + Las Vegas 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
California's Classic Railroads + Las Vegas 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
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| 3 Sep 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 3 Sep 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 3 Sep 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 3 Sep 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 3 Sep 2012 | Manchester |
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| 17 Sep 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 17 Sep 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 17 Sep 2012 | Manchester |
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California's Classic Railroads + Las Vegas
Price from £2049.00
Holiday Highlights
- Napa Valley Wine Train with lunch
- Skunk Train
- Jamestown State Historic Park
- Sierra Railroad Dinner Train with sunset dinner
- Yosemite National Park
- 17-Mile Drive
- Roaring Camp Railroad Excursion to Bear Mountain
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
03 Sep 2012 to 01 Oct 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.