California Vines, Rails & Redwoods

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, San Luis Obispo

We set out from our departure points this morning aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel to downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station to board Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train for a memorable, five-hour rail journey along California’s spectacular coastline and through its fertile valleys to San Luis Obispo. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Space Force Base where you’ll see the launch complexes and beautiful undeveloped coastline which is only visible by train. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard along with a snack bar selling snacks and drinks. Enjoy the relaxing ride in your reclining seat or check out the view from the observation car featuring windows that stretch up to the ceiling offering unparalleled and expansive views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue the short distance to the charming Apple Farm Inn. Nestled by San Luis Obispo Creek, this Victorian-style “wine country inn” is situated amongst a lush, quiet garden setting. The inn blends rustic country charm of yesteryear with modern elegance and features large cozy rooms with a fireplace and seating nook. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening at a variety of restaurants in charming and historic downtown San Luis Obispo. (Lunch)

Day 2 – San Francisco, Sonoma Valley

Following an included breakfast at the Apple Farm Inn, we’ll continue north onboard our motorcoach to San Francisco. Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own at the ever-popular Pier 39, known for its historic waterfront, spectacular bay views, delicious seafood and two levels of unique specialty shops. This afternoon we’ll cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and continue into the picturesque Sonoma Valley. We’ll enjoy a relaxing, three-night stay at a sprawling, full-service resort featuring California Spanish architecture along with spacious and stylish guest rooms with an array of amenities. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Napa Valley

Following an included breakfast at the resort, we’ll travel through the rolling hills into the Napa Valley – one of the most picturesque and widely recognized wine regions in the world. Vineyards have been part of the landscape here for more than 150 years and today this valley is home to more than 500 wineries! In downtown Napa we’ll board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a three-hour experience you’ll never forget! The faithfully-restored, vintage, early 20th century Pullman cars that feature Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and plush armchairs evoke the elegant glory days of luxury train travel of the early 1900s. Sit back, relax, and savor the extraordinary scenery of the Napa Valley as we enjoy the 36-mile round-trip journey to St. Helena and back. As the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley landscape pass by, we’ll enjoy a three-course, waiter-served lunch with choice of entrée onboard the train. This afternoon we’ll enjoy included wine tasting at an award-winning Sonoma Valley winery. We’ll return to the resort late this afternoon with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Napa Valley Wine Train Lunch)

Day 4 – Santa Rosa, Russian River Valley

This morning we’ll travel to Santa Rosa and visit the Charles Schulz-owned and built Redwood Empire Ice Arena where we’ll enjoy an included breakfast in its charming coffee shop, The Warm Puppy Café. Although born in Minnesota, Schulz called this area home for over 40 years, financed the arena and enjoyed breakfast in the café each morning as he watched children skating on his ice rink. We’ll continue west into the Russian River Valley, a picturesque region filled with vineyards, rolling hills, redwood groves and a flowing river. At Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve we’ll enjoy an easy stroll along a flat trail through a large grove of magnificent towering coast redwoods that stand together as a testament to the wonders of the natural world. We’ll continue to the charming town of Healdsburg where you’ll enjoy time at leisure for lunch on own and browsing the galleries, shops and tasting rooms in the charming Healdsburg Plaza. This afternoon we’ll visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, dedicated to preserving and displaying the art and keepsakes of this legendary cartoonist. See a replica of Schulz’ studio, original comic strips, photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, and licensed Peanuts products from around the world. We return to the resort later this afternoon with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Sonoma Valley to Pismo Beach

Following an included breakfast at the resort, we’ll travel south along the historic El Camino Real making a stop for lunch on your own enroute. This afternoon we’ll arrive in Pismo Beach, the classic beach town that features incredible, expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy an overnight stay in an oceanview room with private balcony or patio at an upscale, oceanfront Pismo Beach hotel that features a contemporary and stylish design along with a bit of fun and nostalgia. This coastal hide- away that sits atop a bluff overlooking Pismo Beach features a heated pool with multiple spas, four terraces and stair access to the unspoiled sandy beach below. This evening, we’ll enjoy an included three-course, waiter-served dinner with choice of entrée at the world famous Madonna Inn. The timeless elegance and whimsical décor of this California landmark has intrigued visitors for almost 70 years! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Santa Ynez Valley, Journey Home

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel south to the Santa Ynez Valley – the heart of Santa Barbara “Wine Country.” Blanketed with fertile vineyards and fruitful farms due in part to the region’s temperate weather, the Santa Ynez Valley is about as picturesque as it gets – small, historic towns surrounded by rolling hills with vineyards and horse ranches. We’ll enjoy an included lunch and wine tasting at an award-winning winery that features an idyllic setting. We continue south this afternoon, returning to our departure points this evening with many fond memories of our time relaxing on the Coast Starlight, the Napa Valley Wine Train and amongst California’s vineyards and redwoods. (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.