Monterey & Carmel Christmas by Rail

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride (Monday, December 14)

From our departure points this morning we’ll travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach to downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station. All aboard Amtrak’s renowned Coast Starlight train for a spectacular, five-hour rail journey along California’s dramatic coastline and through its fertile valleys. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Space Force Base, offering views of launch complexes and pristine, undeveloped coastline only visible by train. Enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard, with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase in the snack bar. Relax in your reclining seat or check out the view from the Observation Car (all group seats and observation car seats are located on the upper level of the train with stairs required), featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows providing unparalleled views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue north to the Monterey Peninsula. Settle in for a relaxing three-night stay at the Portola Hotel & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond hotel fully decked out for the holidays. Located in the heart of Old Monterey, this bayfront hotel is situated adjacent to Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure with dinner on your own at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. (Lunch)

Day 2 – 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea (Tuesday, December 15)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll join a local guide for an immersive exploration of the Monterey Peninsula. Wrapped by the Pacific Ocean on three sides, the Monterey Peninsula is often described as “the greatest meeting of land and sea.” For centuries, artists, poets, explorers and novelists have been drawn to the rugged beauty here – from the crashing surf to the towering redwoods to the unspoiled wildlife. On this in-depth driving tour, we’ll wind our way through the storied streets of historic Old Monterey and Cannery Row before heading into the coastal beauty of Pacific Grove. We’ll travel along world-famous 17-Mile Drive, an enchanting route that weaves through mystical forests and along dramatic cliffs, offering glimpses of snow-white beaches. Along the way, we’ll encounter spectacular sights like the iconic Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, celebrity homes and the legendary fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links. This afternoon we’ll arrive in the “fairytale” village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Enjoy time at leisure to wander its hidden courtyards, browse its high-end galleries and enjoy lunch on your own in one of its great eateries. The setting is even more magical at Christmastime, when the adorable shops, inns and cafés are delightfully decorated for the holidays. We return to the hotel with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – “Steinbeck Country,” Cannery Row (Wednesday, December 16)

This morning we’ll travel into the fertile Salinas Valley, famously known as “Steinbeck Country.” This vibrant, agricultural region served as the childhood backdrop and primary inspiration for Nobel laurate John Steinbeck’s classic novels including East of Eden. Upon arriving in his hometown of Salinas, we’ll explore the National Steinbeck Center, where interactive, multi-sensory exhibits and rare artifacts bring his literary world to life. We’ll then gather for an included high tea lunch at The Steinbeck House, Steinbeck’s birthplace and boyhood home. Built in 1897, this beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian will be dressed in festive holiday decor. Later, we’ll return to Monterey for an afternoon at your own pace along historic Cannery Row or a return to the hotel. Or, take advantage of an optional visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium for an additional $50 per person (inclusive of taxes, fees; payable at the time of booking). Situated right on the water’s edge, this former sardine cannery sets the global standard for marine conservation with its awe-inspiring, large-scale habitats. Enjoy approximately three hours at leisure to explore interactive exhibits and get up close with sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and a vast array of coastal wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Solvang, Journey Home (Thursday, December 17)

This morning we’ll travel south by motorcoach to the historic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo to admire its famous, delightfully whimsical holiday decorations. We’ll continue along the backroads of the Santa Ynez Valley to the charming Danish village of Solvang, celebrated as one of the most “Christmassy Small Towns in America.” Enjoy time at leisure with lunch on your own in this walkable village that features old-world architecture, windmills and gaslights. Explore more than 100 unique boutiques, European import shops, art galleries and bakeries serving up fresh Danish aebleskivers, kringles, and shortbread cookies. We’ll continue south returning to our drop-off points this evening with fond memories of our Monterey and Carmel holiday getaway. (Breakfast)

While a rare occurrence, should Amtrak cancel the Coast Starlight train, an Amtrak Surfliner train will be substituted, or a sit-down lunch at a Santa Barbara restaurant will be added in lieu of the boxed lunch.

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.