California Vines, Rails & Redwoods

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, San Luis Obispo (Sunday, May 31)

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, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unparalleled views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue the short distance to the charming Apple Farm Inn. Nestled along the San Luis Obispo Creek, this full-service “wine country inn” is situated amongst a lush, quiet garden setting. The Victorian-style retreat blends rustic country charm of yesteryear with modern elegance and features large cozy guest rooms complete with fireplaces and seating nooks. After an included wine tasting at the inn, we’ll enjoy time at leisure to discover the local flavors at a variety of restaurants in the charming and historic downtown San Luis Obispo. (Lunch)

Day 2 – San Francisco, Sonoma Valley (Monday, June 1)

After an included breakfast at the Apple Farm Inn, we’ll travel north by motorcoach to San Francisco. Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own at the vibrant Pier 39, known for its historic waterfront, spectacular San Francisco Bay views, delicious seafood and two levels of unique specialty shops. This afternoon we’ll cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and make our way to the serene Sonoma Valley. We’ll settle in for a relaxing, three-night stay at a recently renovated, upscale, full-service hotel that features spacious and stylish guest rooms with an array of amenities. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Napa Valley (Tuesday, June 2)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll wind our way through rolling hills into the world-renowned Napa Valley. This iconic landscape, home to over 500 wineries, has been the heart of American viticulture for over 150 years. In downtown Napa, we’ll step back in time aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Relax in faithfully restored, early 20th century Pullman cars – complete with Honduran mahogany, polished brass, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs – that evoke the golden age of rail travel of the early 1900s. As we savor the spectacular scenery along our 36-mile round-trip journey to St. Helena, you’ll be served an elegant, three-course, waiter-served lunch featuring your choice of gourmet entrée and dessert. Our afternoon continues with an exclusive tasting at an award-winning Sonoma Valley winery before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure. (Breakfast, Napa Valley Wine Train Lunch)

Day 4 – Santa Rosa, Russian River Valley (Wednesday, June 3)

Our morning begins as we travel to the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa, a local landmark built and owned by Charles Schulz. We’ll enjoy an included breakfast at The Warm Puppy Café, the charming coffee shop where the legendary cartoonist ate breakfast every morning for over 40 years while watching skaters on the ice. We’ll continue west into the Russian River Valley, a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, ancient redwood groves, lush vineyards and river views. At Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve we’ll take 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 we’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 to explore the life and art of the man behind Peanuts. From a re-creation of his private studio to original comic strips, photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, and licensed Peanuts products from around the world, it is a heartwarming tribute to a global icon. We return to the hotel later this afternoon with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Sonoma Valley to Pismo Beach (Thursday, June 4)

After an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel south along the historic El Camino Real, making a stop for lunch on your own en route. This afternoon we’ll arrive in Pismo Beach, a quintessential California beach town famous for its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ll enjoy an overnight stay in an oceanview room with private balcony or patio at an upscale, full-service beachfront hotel that features a contemporary and stylish design along with a bit of fun and nostalgia. This coastal hideaway that sits atop a bluff overlooking Pismo Beach features a heated pool with multiple spas, four terraces – including a rooftop terrace with fire pits 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. For nearly 70 years, this legendary California landmark has captivated guests with its timeless charm and delightfully whimsical décor. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Santa Ynez Valley, Journey Home (Friday, June 5)

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel south into the Santa Ynez Valley – the stunning heart of Santa Barbara “Wine Country.” Renowned for its temperate climate, the valley is a patchwork of fertile vineyards, fruitful farms, and historic towns framed by rolling hills and horse ranches. We’ll enjoy an included lunch and wine tasting at an award-winning winery in a truly idyllic setting. We’ll continue south this afternoon, returning to our departure points this evening with many fond memories of our coastal voyage on the Coast Starlight, the elegance of the Napa Valley Wine Train, and the timeless beauty of California’s majestic redwoods and sun-drenched vineyards. (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.