Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Reno and transfer to the Nugget Casino & Resort. Evening welcome cocktail reception.

Day 2

The Old West comes alive today as we travel by motor coach to Carson City, NV, with a stop at the Nevada Railroad Museum. We'll experience the riches of 19th Century Nevada in Virginia City and enjoy 100-mile views across the mountains and high desert, then ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad along the same routes travelers took more than 100 years ago. During free time, be sure to have a bite to eat or a drink in one of the area's Old West-style saloons. Our return takes us around picturesque Lake Tahoe, the largest and deepest Alpine lake in North America. Its glistening emerald waters highlight our captivating drive as we return to Reno for our second night at the Nugget Casino & Resort.

Day 3

Today we transfer to the train station, where the 'RENO ROYALE' awaits for our private railcar journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes and vistas found anywhere in the world. This spectacular ride through the Sierra Nevada Mountains will carry us over the original route of the storied transcontinental railroad. Traveling beside the cascading Truckee River, through national forests and massive tunnels carved out of solid rock by the Central Pacific, past historic Donner Lake and then on Sacramento, this is considered one of the most popular and scenic routes in America.

Upon arrival in Sacramento we transfer to the Delta King for our overnight stay. This historic riverboat, moored on the Sacramento River, is a sister to the famous 'Delta Queen' now churning her way famously along the Mississippi River. Conveniently located in Old Sacramento, within walking distance of numerous shops, museums and restaurants, the Delta King is truly a preserved moment in time.

Day 4

This morning we make an early visit to the California Railroad Museum located within Old Sacramento, a fascinating complex of historic facilities and unique attractions. Widely regarded as one of North America's finest and most visited railroad museums, there is something here for everyone! Guests are invited to enjoy this visit at their own leisure or can join a guided tour of the site.

Afterwards, we travel by motorcoach through scenic California Gold Country to our next accommodations, the National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel at Yosemite National Park. The tranquility of this Victorian-style lodge makes it a favourite of those who prefer a relaxed environment and the gracious charm of a bygone era.

Day 5

After breakfast we continue our journey to the valley floor of Yosemite National Park. Be sure to keep your camera handy on this stunning drive into the heart of what is often called, “the world's most spectacular valley”. Our destination is Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, where there will be time to enjoy lunch (on your own), browse the gift and specialty shops, or take a short walk to the base of the lower falls before embarking on our valley tram tour. It's the best way to enjoy the incredible scenery and hidden secrets, with a professional guide to introduce you to the resplendent wonders of the great Yosemite. Upon return, we'll have a few moments to grab those last minute souvenirs and postcards before departing for our next special train, the 'YOSEMITE LIMITED'. Bound for wine country now, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner aboard our private railcar as it travels through the rich farmlands of California's 'Big Valley', over the former route of the fabled Santa Fe Railroad. Upon arrival in Martinez, official birthplace of the late 'Joltin-Joe' DiMaggio and unofficial birthplace of the martini, we will transfer by motorcoach to the River Terrace Inn in Napa to begin our two-night visit.

Day 6

Today we awake in what is considered one of the most lovely and picturesque towns in California's famous wine county, Napa. Our hotel is conveniently located and sits overlooking the Napa River. All day is free for exploring on your own - a winery tour perhaps, or a visit to Copia (the American Center for Wine, Food & Arts) or you may want to just relax and indulge in a spa treatment. This evening we will come together again for dinner aboard the highly-acclaimed Napa Valley Wine Train.

Day 7

Enjoy this morning as you wish - sleep in, shop for those special gifts, or just stroll through this lovely town. After lunch we'll travel by coach to San Francisco, everyone's favourite 'City By The Bay', stopping en route at beautiful Muir Woods. "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared famed conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods now protected within this tranquil park named in his honour. Our next stop is the Golden Gate Bridge, where we will take time to snap some pictures and appreciate the imposing beauty of this iconic landmark known around the world. This afternoon we arrive and check in at the Hilton San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf for a two-night stay.

Day 8

San Francisco, one of the world's most vibrant and appealing cities! We have intentionally left the entire day free to allow everyone to choose on their own what they most want to see and do while visiting this wonderful city. Our hotel location provides excellent access to many popular attractions. Within just a few blocks are the city's famous cable cars, the newly restored 'F' Line Trolley Cars that trundle all the way down the Embarcadero and Market St. and back, sightseeing, bay cruises, waterfront restaurants for enjoying fresh seafood . . . and so much more! Tonight we gather together one last time for our Farewell Dinner at a wonderful San Francisco restaurant.

Day 9

Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight home, our bags overloaded with souvenirs, our minds overflowing with fond memories and our hearts . . . left in San Francisco. Flight departure varies. An extra days sightseeing in San Francisco can be organised.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

8 breakfasts, 4 dinners, flights and ground tours as listed.

Extras -

Features:

Ride the 'RENO ROYALE' private vintage railcar across the High Sierra's from Reno to Sacramento, as we retrace the most scenic portions of the original transcontinental railroad route. Complete with meals, wines & spirits, large windows, comfortable club seating and spectacular views.

Experience the 'YOSEMITE LIMITED' private vintage railcar enroute to California Wine Country along former Santa Fe Railroad tracks. Complete with dinner, wine, spirits and the ambiance of railroading's Golden Era.

Dine aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, highly acclaimed as one of the '20 Best Rail Experiences in the World.'

Discover the Old West in Virginia City and Nevada State Railroad Museum, then ride aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad's restored steam train.

Explore the California State Railroad Museum, heralded as one of North America's finest and most visited museums.

Marvel at breathtaking scenic wonders during our Lake Tahoe sightseeing drive and Yosemite National Park ranger-guided tour.

Stroll through majestic century-old coastal redwoods in Muir Woods.

Create your own golden memories during leisure time in two of California's most treasured cities Napa and San Francisco.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations and daily breakfast at:

Nugget Hotel & Casino Reno NV
The Delta King Sacramento CA
Wawona Hotel Yosemite National Park CA
River Terrace Inn Napa, CA
Hilton Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco CA

A professional tour host, special amenities, transfers and much, much more.