Day 1: Sunday, July 19, 2009
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 turns back the clock and affords countless awe-aspiring views of California’s beautiful and varied landscape. You begin in San Francisco, the beautiful “City by the Bay.”
Day 2: Monday, July 20, 2009
San Francisco
Board your coach and join a local expert for a guided tour of the city. Highlights include Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge and a panoramic view of the city from the imposing Twin Peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful city at your leisure. Hop on a cable car, take a ride to the trendy Haight Ashbury area 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. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3: Tuesday, July 21, 2009
San Francisco - Columbia - Sonora
Today you travel west through California’s central valley, better known around the world as California’s Gold Country. Board the Sierra Railroad, built in 1897 to connect the Gold Country – view unspoiled scenery, relax in luxurious cars and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Later today, travel to Sonora, your home for the next two nights. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was the cosmopolitan city of 1848, attracting people from all over the world. Today lunch will be included.
Day 4: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sonora - Jamestown - Sacramento
This morning travel to Jamestown to visit Railtown, an 1897 state historic park featuring turn-of-the-century locomotives and railcars. This has long been a popular spot for movie makers. “High Noon,” “The Virginian,” “Petticoat Junction” and “Back to the Future III” are among the many movies and television shows filmed here. Arrive in Sacramento and enjoy free time to browse the quaint shops. Later, a local guide introduces you to this beautiful city, beginning where Sacramento itself began – at Sutter’s Fort. Next, view the historic Governor’s Mansion where Ronald Reagan once resided and the State Capitol building where Arnold Schwarzenegger currently governs over the 5th largest economy in the world. Continue on to Old Sacramento, a preserved historical district featuring over 60 restored gold rush era buildings, wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets and antique gas lamps. Step back in time and experience what life was like when thousands of “49ers” flocked here to gather supplies before heading to gold country during the California Gold Rush. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Friday, July 24, 2009
Sacramento - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento
Travel east over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the resort gambling town of Lake Tahoe. Twenty-two miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe straddles the California and Nevada border with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as its backdrop. Upon arrival, enjoy a narrated cruise of Lake Tahoe aboard the M. S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore before returning to Sacramento this evening. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sacramento - Woodland - Sacramento
This morning, travel to Woodland and board the Sacramento River Train to experience a “Great Train Robbery” complete with a Cowboy BBQ. The Sacramento River Train boasts a sparkling gold interior reflecting the area’s Gold Rush heritage and follows the scenic route along the Sacramento River. Often referred to as “an amazing experience”, be on the lookout for robbers and gunfighters!! A delicious barbeque lunch is served picnic-style by the river. An early afternoon return to Sacramento will afford you time to revisit Old Sacramento to shop or to visit the renowned Railroad Museum on your own. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 8: Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sacramento - Napa Valley - Ft. Bragg
Arriving in Napa Valley, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, a splendidly restored 1915 Pullman train car, and travel through the picturesque Napa Valley at an unhurried pace. Blend this with innovative cuisine provided by a gracious staff, plus an education on wine tasting and train history, and it’s certain to be a highlight of your trip. Later, arrive in Ft. Bragg. Once a booming logging town, it now serves as the hub for state parks and reserves. Surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of Northern California’s redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll surely enjoy this unique blend of scenery. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 9: Monday, July 27, 2009
Ft. Bragg - Sausalito - San Francisco Airport Area
The 121 year old Skunk Train is the most popular attraction on California’s north coast and 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 afternoon you will arrive in Sausalito, a picturesque waterfront community just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Because of its breathtaking views, it is often compared to the French Riviera. This historic town dates back over 100 years and blends old world charm with new world amenities and the unique shops and artist studios will prove that. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful town. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
San Francisco Airport Area - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. However, the many wonderful memories you’ll have made are yours to take home and enjoy for many years to come.
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July 19 - 28, 2009
10 days • 14 meals
6 Breakfasts • 4 Lunches • 4 Dinners
Highlights…San Francisco
Sierra Railroad Sonora • Yosemite NP
Railtown State Historic Park • Sacramento
Lake Tahoe • Sacramento River Train
Napa Valley Wine Train • Ft. Bragg
Skunk Railroad • Sausalito
Per person rates*:
Double $2,899
Single $3,699 • Triple $2,869
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