California & Nevada Rail N' Sail

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, Monterey (Sunday, October 18)

From our departure points this morning we’ll travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach to downtown Los Angeles’ historic 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 upper level with stairs required), featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unparalleled views. In San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue to our all-suites hotel in Monterey. (Lunch)

Day 2 – Redwood Forest Steam Train, Sacramento (Monday, October 19)

This morning we’ll take a step back in time as we journey into the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Welcome to Roaring Camp, a meticulously recreated 1880s logging town complete with an old-fashioned general store, opera house, and covered bridge. The highlight of our morning is a journey aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train. As we climb the winding narrow-gauge grade toward the summit of Bear Mountain, we’ll travel behind authentic 19th century engines – some of the oldest and best-preserved in America – while soaring Redwoods and historic trestles frame our view. After a stop for lunch on own, we’ll continue east by motorcoach to Sacramento and begin a two-night stay at an all-suites hotel adjacent to Old Sacramento. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Sacramento (Tuesday, October 20)

While touring Sacramento this morning, we’ll uncover the legendary saga of California’s capital, tracing its evolution from a frantic Gold Rush outpost to a thriving modern metropolis. We’ll spotlight the bold figures who put Sacramento on the map while driving past iconic landmarks like Sutter’s Fort, the Stanford Mansion, and the historic Governor’s Mansion. We’ll visit the California State Capitol, a masterpiece of Neo-Classical and Victorian design, painstakingly restored to reflect its late 19th-century grandeur. At Old Sacramento State Historic Park, we’ll step into a 28-acre waterfront district that ignited during the height of “gold fever.” As a National Historic Landmark, it boasts over 50 original structures – the highest concentration of historic buildings in the West. Enjoy time at leisure to wander the wooden boardwalks, browse the local shops, and soak in the riverfront atmosphere. Next, we’ll delve into how the “iron horse” transformed the American West at the California State Railroad Museum, widely considered the finest institution of its kind in North America. Experience the enduring romance of the rails as you admire 1930s dining cars set with fine china and sparkling crystal. Step aboard a 1929 sleeping car to feel the gentle motion of the tracks or witness the frantic pace of a vintage postal car. Stand in the shadow of Locomotive No. 4294 – a staggering one-million-pound behemoth of polished steel! (Breakfast)

Day 4 – California Zephyr to Reno (Wednesday, October 21)

All aboard the legendary California Zephyr this morning for an unforgettable five-hour rail journey. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular rail routes in North America, this route between Sacramento and Reno climbs deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. The scenery turns dramatic as we traverse Donner Pass, offering stunning views of the alpine waters of Donner Lake. This historic crossing serves as a somber reminder of the 1846–47 winter, where the ill-fated Donner Party became famously stranded by mountain snows. After descending the eastern slopes of the Sierra, we’ll arrive in Reno, Nevada – the “Biggest Little City in the World.” After an included, traditional family-style Basque dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll begin a two-night stay at a AAA Four Diamond casino resort. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Carson City, Virginia City, Reno (Thursday, October 22)

This morning, we’re joined by a local guide for a journey through the storied landscapes of Reno, Carson City, and Virginia City. In Carson City, we’ll visit the Nevada State Capitol – built from native sandstone, it stands as the second oldest capitol building west of the Mississippi. We’ll continue to Virginia City, once a boisterous frontier town where fortune seekers flocked to stake their claims on the legendary Comstock Lode. During its peak in the 1860s and 1870s, the surrounding mountains were alive with 24-hour gold and silver mining operations. Enjoy time at leisure to wander the Virginia City Historic District, which boasts over 400 original 19th century buildings now housing charming saloons, shops, and museums. This afternoon, we’ll board the Virginia & Truckee Railroad – America’s most famous short line – to experience a true Old West excursion. As we roll past the ruins of the Comstock Bonanza mines, you’ll be treated to spectacular mountain vistas. We’ll tour Reno before we return to our resort with the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes (Friday, October 23)

This morning, we’ll travel by motorcoach to the shimmering shores of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake. At Zephyr Cove, we board the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler for a memorable lunch cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy a two-hour narrated cruise featuring endless photo opportunities of the surrounding granite peaks. As we glide into Emerald Bay, you’ll catch sight of the tiny Fannette Island and the majestic Vikingsholm Castle, a stunning stone mansion tucked along the shoreline. This afternoon, we’ll travel south along the iconic Highway 395, paralleling the rugged Eastern Sierra, where rushing streams have carved deep, dramatic canyons framed by an azure sky. Typically, this time of year provides the best opportunity to see the magnificent fall foliage in the High Sierra – known for glowing golden-orange-crimson fall colors. This evening we’ll arrive in Mammoth Lakes (elevation 7,881 feet) for an overnight stay at The Village Lodge, where each villa of this upscale lodge features a separate living area, fireplace and balcony. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure with a variety of eateries just steps away in the Village at Mammoth. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7 – Eastern Sierra, Journey Home (Saturday, October 24)

This morning we’ll travel south in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada’s most towering peaks. We’ll stop at the legendary Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ in Bishop, world-famous for their original sheepherder’s bread. At Manzanar National Historic Site we’ll walk through reconstructed barracks and a mess hall to gain a deeper understanding of the lives lived here. On a driving tour of the grounds we’ll see the original sentry posts, the poignant cemetery monument, and the resilient remnants of rock gardens and orchards. This afternoon we’ll continue south, returning to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our time exploring California and Nevada! (Breakfast, 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.