Classic California – Golden Shores, Redwood Groves & Rails

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, Welcome to Santa Cruz! (Monday, September 7)

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 to Santa Cruz, the vibrant coastal city known for its laid-back surf vibe and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy a four-night stay in the upscale, full-service Dream Inn, Santa Cruz’s premier beachfront hotel. This beloved local landmark, situated just steps from the legendary Cowell Beach features stylish, retro-chic rooms, each boasting a private balcony and dreamy ocean views! Enjoy your evenings here at leisure with dinner on your own at the inn’s Jack O’Neill Restaurant or walk to one of the eateries on the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf. (Lunch)

Day 2 – Redwood Forest Steam Train, Wine Tasting (Tuesday, September 8)

After an included breakfast at the inn, we’ll travel north into the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains home to the renowned Henry Cowell Redwood State Park. Prepare to be humbled as we take a leisurely stroll along the accessible .8-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail, a paved path that meanders amongst a grove of ancient old-growth redwood trees. Some of these colossal sentinels are over 1,500 years old and tower nearly 280 feet, creating an atmosphere of serene grandeur. Amongst these ancient giants is the famed Fremont Tree, which explorer John C. Frémont is said to have sheltered in. We’ll journey back in time at Roaring Camp, a meticulously recreated 1880s logging town that features a charming old-fashioned general store and vintage western structures, including an opera house, train depot and covered bridge. We’ll board the historic Redwood Forest Steam Train and listen as the conductor shares tales of the past while the authentic 1890s steam engine chugs over trestles, through dense redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge track to the summit of Bear Mountain. This afternoon we’ll arrive at a charming boutique winery located at 1,600-feet in elevation in the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. We’ll enjoy an included lunch, wine tasting and guided tour of this picturesque winery that is known for estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon. We return to the hotel late this afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – Monterey Peninsula (Wednesday, September 9)

Following an included breakfast at the inn, we’ll travel south along Highway 1 to the captivating Monterey Peninsula and join a local guide for a 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. We return to Santa Cruz late this afternoon. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Pacific Coast Highway, Goat Dairy Farm (Thursday, September 10)

After an included breakfast at the inn, we’ll travel north from Santa Cruz along picturesque California Highway 1. This quintessential California coastal drive unfolds like a masterpiece, revealing a stunning tapestry of rugged cliffs, fertile agricultural heartlands, and charming seaside towns, all set against expansive Pacific vistas. For some of the drive, the Pacific Coast Highway clings the coastline tightly, offering intimate views of dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, secluded coves and windswept beaches. We’ll take our time on this drive so we can properly appreciate the dramatic natural scenery, and the raw, invigorating power of the Pacific Ocean. Late this morning we’ll arrive at a charming, working goat dairy farm in Pescadero for an authentic “field-to-fork” journey that begins in the pastures and ends in a historic hayloft. Our experience begins with a guided walk through the paddocks to meet the herd of Alpine goats, followed by a visit to the milking parlor and the dairy, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how their award-winning cheese is crafted. We’ll make our way into the restored 1910 Victorian hayloft for a curated tasting of their signature goat cheeses along with wines from a local winery. A catered sandwich lunch with lavender lemonade tops off this memorable experience. We return to Santa Cruz later this afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Madonna Inn, Santa Barbara, Journey Home (Friday, September 11)

Following an included breakfast, we’ll begin our scenic motorcoach journey south, stopping in San Luis Obispo to explore the eclectic charm of the Madonna Inn. A California landmark since 1958, its whimsical décor and storied history offer a delightful glimpse into the Golden State’s colorful past. This afternoon we’ll enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own in downtown Santa Barbara, renowned for its sun-drenched, palm-lined thoroughfares and distinctive Mediterranean architecture. Explore Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean-style, outdoor shopping center as well as the State Street Promenade – a sprawling, 10-block pedestrian oasis where you can shop, sip, and dine in peace away from car traffic. We return to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our rhythmic rail journeys, the hallowed silence of the Redwoods and an enjoyable, four-night, beachfront stay in Santa Cruz, at a typically delightful time of year to explore California’s classic coast.(Breakfast)

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.