Itinerary:
Day #1 San Francisco, California - Tour Begins - Join us riding the rails on four of California’s historic trains. From the giant redwoods and the rugged coastline, to the fertile valleys and historic gold rush towns, your tour begins in San Francisco, the beautiful “City by the Bay.”
Day #2 San Francisco - Join a local expert for a guided tour of the city which highlights Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. A stop will be made in Sausalito where you will see this historic town’s unique blend of old world charm. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful city at your leisure. Hop on a cable car or enjoy the sights at Fisherman’s Wharf…the opportunities are endless. Tonight, take in a fabulous view of San Francisco as you enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day #3 San Francisco - Oakdale - Sonora - Travel east through California’s central valley to ride the first of the four historic trains. Board the Sierra Railroad, built in 1897, and view unspoiled scenery, relax in luxurious cars and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Later today, travel to Sonora. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was the cosmopolitan city of 1848, attracting people from all over the world.
Day #4 Sonora - Yosemite - Sonora - A scenic drive brings you into the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Your tour through Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and pristine wilderness will leave you absolutely awestruck.
Day #5 Sonora - Jamestown - Sacramento - Travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park featuring turn-of-the-century locomotives and railcars. A popular spot for movie makers, “High Noon,” “The Virginian,” and Petticoat Junction” were filmed here. Arrive in Sacramento where a local guide introduces you to this beautiful city, including Sutter’s Fort, the historic Governor’s Mansion where Ronald Reagan once resided, and the State Capitol building. Then continue through Old Sacramento’s historical district with over 60 restored gold rush era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets and antique gas lamps for a glimpse at what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here during the California Gold Rush. This evening you will enjoy a fine dining experience on the Delta King. This stationary restaurant on the Sacramento River is an authentic 285 foot riverboat, christened in 1927.
Day #6 Sacramento - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento - Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort gambling town of Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of spectacular Lake Tahoe aboard the M. S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. You will have a quick visit to a nearby casino to try your luck or enjoy some shopping before returning to Sacramento.
Day #7 Sacramento - Woodland - Sacramento - Travel to Woodland and board the Sacramento River Train to experience a “Great Train Robbery” complete with a Cowboy BBQ picnic-style lunch by the river. The Sacramento River Train boasts a sparkling gold interior reflecting the area’s Gold Rush heritage and follows a scenic route along the Sacramento River. En route, be on the lookout for robbers and gunfighters!! Return to Sacramento for leisure time to relax, revisit Old Sacramento or visit the renowned Railroad Museum on your own.
Day #8 Sacramento - Napa Valley - Ft. Bragg - Arriving in Napa Valley, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, a splendidly restored 1915 Pullman car, and travel through the picturesque Napa Valley. Blend this with innovative cuisine, an education on wine tasting and beautiful scenery. Later, arrive in Ft. Bragg, an old logging town surrounded by spectacular redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean.
Day #9 Ft. Bragg - San Francisco Airport Area - The 121 year old Skunk Train is considered one of the best scenic trains in North America. Enjoy the journey as the track winds along the Noyo River and through coastal mountains and towering redwoods. A picnic boxed lunch will be served on board. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Day #10 San Francisco Airport Area - Tour Ends -