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Historic Trains of California

A 10-Day Collette Tours tour starting from $2,249

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Starting Price:	$2,249
Tour Length:	10 Days
Countries Visited:	United States

More Information About This Tour:

Tour Type:

Escorted Tour

Tour Category:

Escorted Tour

Tour Operator:

Collette Tours

Tour Code:

353

Cities Visited:
See Description

br />Return to a bygone era as you ride four of California’s most historic trains. Your tour begins in San Francisco, the beautiful “City by the Bay.” Take in Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge or perhaps hop a cable car. Board the Sierra Railroad as the trip moves towards awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Ride the Sacramento River Train with its gold rush inspired interior. See the Napa Valley from a restored Pullman car. Climb through coastal mountains to towering redwoods on the Skunk Train. All aboard!

Day 1: San Francisco, California - Tour Begins
Join Collette Vacations riding the rails on four of California’s historic trains. From the giant redwoods and the rugged coastline, to the fertile valleys and historic gold rush towns, your tour begins in San Francisco, the beautiful “City by the Bay.”

Day 2: San Francisco
Join a local expert for a guided tour of the city which highlights Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. A stop will be made in Sausalito where you will see this historic town’s unique blend of old world charm. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful city at your leisure. Hop on a cable car or enjoy the sights at Fisherman’s Wharf…the opportunities are endless. Tonight, take in a fabulous view of San Francisco as you enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 3: San Francisco - Oakdale - Sonora
Travel east through California’s central valley to ride the first of the four historic trains. Board the Sierra Railroad, built in 1897, and view unspoiled scenery, relax in luxurious cars and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Later today, travel to Sonora. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was the cosmopolitan city of 1848, attracting people from all over the world.

Day 4: Sonora - Yosemite - Sonora
A scenic drive brings you into the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Your tour through Yosemite’s amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and pristine wilderness will leave you absolutely awestruck.

Day 5: Sonora - Jamestown - Sacramento
Travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park featuring turn-of-the-century locomotives and railcars. A popular spot for movie makers, “High Noon,” “The Virginian,” and Petticoat Junction” were filmed here. Arrive in Sacramento where a local guide introduces you to this beautiful city, including a view of Sutter’s Fort, the historic Governor’s Mansion where Ronald Reagan once resided, and the State Capitol building. Then continue through Old Sacramento’s historical district with over 60 restored gold rush era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets and antique gas lamps for a glimpse at what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here during the California Gold Rush. This evening you will enjoy a fine dining experience on the Delta King. This stationary restaurant on the Sacramento River is an authentic 285 foot riverboat, christened in 1927.

Day 6: Sacramento - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento
Travel over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort gambling town of Lake Tahoe. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of spectacular Lake Tahoe aboard the M. S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. You will have a quick visit to a nearby casino to try your luck or enjoy some shopping before returning to Sacramento.

Day 7: Sacramento - Woodland - Sacramento
Travel to Woodland and board the Sacramento River Train to experience a “Great Train Robbery” complete with a Cowboy BBQ picnic-style lunch by the river. The Sacramento River Train boasts a sparkling gold interior reflecting the area’s Gold Rush heritage and follows a scenic route along the Sacramento River. En route, be on the lookout for robbers and gunfighters!! Return to Sacramento for leisure time to relax, revisit Old Sacramento or visit the renowned Railroad Museum on your own.

Day 8: Sacramento - Napa Valley - Ft. Bragg
Arriving in Napa Valley, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, a splendidly restored 1915 Pullman car, and travel through the picturesque Napa Valley. Blend this with innovative cuisine, an education on wine tasting and beautiful scenery. Later, arrive in Ft. Bragg, an old logging town surrounded by spectacular redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 9: Ft. Bragg - San Francisco Airport Area
The 121 year old Skunk Train is considered one of the best scenic trains in North America. Enjoy the journey as the track winds along the Noyo River and through coastal mountains and towering redwoods. A picnic boxed lunch will be served on board. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

Day 10: San Francisco Airport Area - Tour Ends

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you *FREE or reduced companion air* on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience


Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/5/2010 - 9/15/2010	$2,249
10/3/2010 - 10/13/2010	$2,249
10/17/2010 - 10/27/2010	$2,249
11/7/2010 - 11/17/2010	$2,249
5/15/2011 - 5/25/2011	$2,249
6/19/2011 - 6/29/2011	$2,249
7/10/2011 - 7/20/2011	$2,249
7/17/2011 - 7/27/2011	$2,249
7/24/2011 - 8/3/2011	$2,249
8/14/2011 - 8/24/2011	$2,249
8/21/2011 - 8/31/2011	$2,249
8/28/2011 - 9/7/2011	$2,249
9/4/2011 - 9/14/2011	$2,249
9/11/2011 - 9/21/2011	$2,249
9/18/2011 - 9/28/2011	$2,249
10/9/2011 - 10/19/2011	$2,249
10/16/2011 - 10/26/2011	$2,249
10/23/2011 - 11/2/2011	$2,249
10/30/2011 - 11/9/2011	$2,249
11/6/2011 - 11/16/2011	$2,249
11/13/2011 - 11/23/2011	$2,249
3/18/2012 - 3/28/2012	$2,249
4/15/2012 - 4/25/2012	$2,249

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

San Francisco, Sausalito, Sierra Railroad, Sonora, Yosemite National Park, Railtown State Historic Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento River Train, Napa Valley Wine Train, Ft. Bragg, Skunk Trai
Experience rail travel at its finest aboard the Sierra Railroad with delicious food and unspoiled scenery.
Journey on a splendidly restored Pullman car as you travel through picturesque Napa Valley at an unhurried pace.
Enjoy the Sacramento River Train as it meanders its way along the Sacramento River over the longest wooden trestle in the West.
Crisscross over the Noyo River and cut through the coastal mountains to towering redwood forests aboard the Skunk Train.

Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe

Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details.

Italian Vistas

This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands.

Reflections of Italy

Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano.

Spain's Classics

Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada

Canada's Winter Wonderland

Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries

FREE Door to Door Service

Now Vacations Start at HOME!

Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours.

On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations

Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.