From prehistoric redwood forests to the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley's world-famous wineries, experience the vast beauty of northern California

Your discovery of the Golden State begins as you arrive independently in San Francisco, a bohemian coastal city that exudes culture. As you arrive, make your own way to our hotel, conveniently located at Fisherman's Wharf. After check-in, there is time to relax at the hotel or begin exploring at your own pace.

San Francisco is a melting pot, with ten cultural districts that speak to its eclectic citizens and history. You might like to start by wandering Fisherman's Wharf, viewing the seals and sea lions that rest on its docks, or you could delve right into neighborhood explorations.

However you spend your day, return to the hotel early this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your travel group. A brief meeting introduces the tour to come, before we have dinner together this evening. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

Leaving San Francisco by motorcoach after breakfast, we head toward the Santa Cruz Mountains to uncover the region's logging history at Roaring Camp Railroads. Our time here sees us board the Redwood Forest Steam Train, a narrow-gauge railroad that provides an unforgettable look at towering redwoods.

The train departs from Felton and winds through the forest en route to the summit of Bear Mountain. In all, the journey lasts approximately one hour, and we have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery from closed or open-air train cars.

Continuing to coastal Monterey, there's free time to find lunch before we experience the famous 17-Mile Drive coastal route. Skirting around Cypress Point and Pebble Beach, we can bask in views of California's rugged shoreline, with the Pacific Ocean never far from our vision. After scenic stops, we arrive in Carmel for some free time, before we return to Monterey. After checking in to our hotel, the evening is at leisure to sample this popular town's many culinary offerings. Overnight Monterey, CA.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Monterey, perhaps savoring breakfast in one of town's many restaurants. Later, our journey continues inland as we board a motorcoach to Sequoia National Park, stopping en route in Hollister for time to find lunch independently.

Checking in to our accommodations at Wuksachi Lodge inside the park itself, the hotel is perfectly located in the heart of this jaw-dropping landscape of rugged mountains and towering trees.

After dinner, we head out for a star-gazing experience in Sequoia National Park, one of the best dark sky spots in the US. Met by an expert local guide, we walk out to a clearing to embark on a celestial journey under a starlit canopy. Combining ancient stories and modern science, we uncover the wonders of the cosmos while hearing the cultural significance of the constellations and distant planets twinkling overhead. Overnight Sequoia National Park, CA.

After breakfast at the lodge, we set out on a fully guided tour of Sequoia National Park, where huge redwoods tower above the ground.

Meeting our guide, we first drive deeper into Sequoia National Park and walk through the woodlands to visit one of the biggest trees in the world - General Sherman. With a height of around 275 feet, this giant sequoia has stood in this spot for more than 2,000 years. Our next destination is Giant Forest Museum, where we can learn about the history and ecology of the park. While you're here, you might like to take a short walk to view the trees up close before enjoying our picnic lunch surrounded by giant redwoods.

The rest of the day is at leisure and you might like to explore further on the Sequoia National Park shuttle bus*. The route passing our hotel runs along the Generals Highway from the Giant Forest Museum to the Lodgepole camping ground. You're free to dine independently this evening. Overnight Sequoia National Park, CA.

*Please note: the shuttle bus is unavailable for departures in May and September.

One final landmark of Sequoia National Park awaits as we leave Wuksachi Lodge after breakfast and stop at Grant Grove, where we see the General Grant tree.

Leaving the park, there's time in Fresno to find lunch before continuing north into the Sierra Nevada mountains, arriving amid the astounding beauty of Yosemite National Park. Majestic scenery surrounds our drive into the south entrance of the park, with views of forests and towering granite monoliths. En route, there's time at Mariposa Grove to take a short walk along the Big Trees Loop, viewing famed sequoias including the Fallen Monarch and the Grizzly giant - a towering tunnel tree and a great place for a photo opportunity!

Our accommodation at Tenaya Lodge is nestled deep within the forest. The rest of the day is free to either unwind at the hotel, perhaps taking in a dip in the outdoor and indoor pools, or enjoying a stroll along one of the nearby hiking trails. For dinner this evening, you can sample traditional American dishes at the on-site restaurant or head further afield. Overnight Fish Camp, CA.

This morning, we embark on a ride on the Sugar Pine Railroad, the only tour operator to include this scenic excursion. In open carriages behind a logger steam train, the tracks twist and wind through the forests of Mill Canyon, following a route once used by lumberjacks. Take in the fresh mountain air and the sounds of a nostalgic, steam-hauled journey through this charming landscape.

Next, we enjoy a guided tour of the Yosemite Valley awaits after breakfast as we begin soaking in nature's breathtaking offerings amid stunning vistas of waterfalls and the High Sierra Mountains. As our route unfolds, an expert guide provides invaluable insight into the history of the park, its wildlife and the indigenous people who once lived here.

Returning to our hotel, you are free to dine independently this evening. Overnight Fish Camp, CA.

Leaving Yosemite after breakfast, we travel by motorcoach to California's state capital and oldest city, Sacramento.

Now renowned as the farm-to-fork capital of the US, the city originally grew during the Gold Rush of the mid-19th century and became an important hub for traders and miners. Its connection to transportation stretches back to the age of the Pony Express and first transcontinental railroad. After checking in to our Sacramento hotel around lunchtime, we later visit the California State Railroad Museum for a private guided tour. Amongst the collection are restored steam locomotives and exhibits that tell the history of rail in the USA.

Gaining first-hand experience of rail travel from bygone days, we then hop aboard a 1940s steam locomotive for a round-trip journey through Old Sacramento and along the waterside. At our hotel this evening, we gather for a three-course dinner together. Overnight Sacramento, CA.

A vacation highlight awaits today as we enjoy a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel once more. Traveling by coach to downtown Napa, we board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a round-trip journey to St. Helena and back, passing through California's most famous wine country.

Onboard the gold and claret-colored cars, the mahogany-lined lounge is the perfect place to enjoy the sights, and there are four kitchens in which chefs prepare sumptuous meals paired with wines from several of the region's beloved wineries. Our unparalleled experience on this train includes lunch as we roll through the landscape and rolling vineyards and grand estates come into view.

After the train ride, we complete the circle by returning to our first hotel in San Francisco, where the rest of your day and evening is at leisure. You could sample even more of the region's fabulous gastronomic contributions or wander amongst the picturesque scenery. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

The Golden State's varied scenery and impressive destinations have set the stage for a vacation to remember. From the bustling streets of San Francisco, where we viewed sites steeped in culture and history, to awe-inspiring views of redwood forests, giant sequoias and the Yosemite Valley, each day has presented a new side of California. And, of course, there is no better place to toast to a route well-explored than wine country, where we rounded out our itinerary.

Your vacation comes to a close after breakfast this morning, and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

This tour includes an excursion at high altitude, which may be unsuitable for people with some medical conditions.

Exuding pure elegance and the romance of train travel long ago, the Napa Valley Wine Train is the best way to experience the lush landscapes and charming rural towns of California's wine country. The full length of the route covers 36 miles roundtrip and offers views of over 100 wineries and vineyards along the way. 

Relive California's logging past aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train. Following a round-trip narrow-gauge route from Roaring Camp in Felton, California, this railway is unique. It was built from scratch to provide an immersive rail experience to sightseers. The line itself may hail from the early 1960s; however, its engines date back much further. Vintage Shay, Heisler, and Climax engines lead most of the journeys. Instead of pulling the logging cars of their heyday, the locomotives haul open-air carriages that provide incredible views of 1,500-year-old redwood trees and the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

A scenic eight-mile round trip in open carriages takes you through the Mill Canyon forests, following a route once used by lumberjacks until 1931. Originally opened in 1874 by the California Lumber Company, the tracks wind through the Sierra National Forest in Yosemite National Park. The logger steam trains used on the route date from 1913 and 1928, adding an authentic touch of nostalgia to this popular journey.

Called the gateway to Yosemite National Park, this elegant 4-Star resort is located near the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. This all-season basecamp is nestled among pine trees, providing excellent scenery, and includes amenities such as a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a game room, and a range of complimentary classes and experiences - including nightly smores by the fire. There are also several dining options onsite. Each guestroom includes free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, fridge, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Overlooking the Sacramento River, this 3-Star hotel is perfectly placed for exploring California's state capital, located within walking distance of the Old Sacramento Waterfront District. Guests can make use of an indoor pool and fitness centre, while the on-site bistro serves New California cuisine, using local ingredients paired with wines from Napa Valley and local regions. Guestrooms are inviting and modern, equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, refrigerator and complimentary toiletries.

This 4-Star hotel enjoys a prime location on San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf, placing guests within easy reach of the waterfront, historic piers, and the city's famous seafood restaurants. On-site, there are welcoming communal areas and an Italian restaurant, serving authentic dishes served with farm-fresh ingredients. The stylish, air-conditioned guestrooms are fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing equipment, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Overlooking the northern Californian coast in Monterey Harbor, this 4-Star hotel has been consistently rated as one of the best hotels in the area. Carefully crafted tasting menus can be enjoyed in the sea-view Coastal Kitchen, while guests also have access to a lobby lounge and a coffee shop. Massages and treatments (payable locally) are available from the on-site spa, while there's also a rooftop fitness center. Air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, laptop safe, ironing facilities, minibar, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Nestled in the heart of Sequoia National Park, this charming lodge complex provides 3-Star accommodation in stunning surroundings. Cozy and classic mountain-style rooms are spacious and come equipped with flatscreen TV, mini-fridge and microwave.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.