California by Rail

Days 1-3  San Diego  
Welcome to San Diego – a city blessed with a wonderful climate, beautiful beaches and copious attractions. Learn about Old Town’s Mexican heritage, unwind on Coronado Island and drink margaritas in the Gaslamp Quarter. Traverse the city on the fun Old Town Trolley.  

Day 4  San Diego to Los Angeles  
All aboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner! The train station is conveniently located in downtown and there’s multiple daily departures to LA. For much of the 3 hour journey the route hugs the coastline ensuring some spectacular views of the ocean. Arrive into Union Station in downtown LA and take a taxi to your hotel.    

Days 5-6  Los Angeles  
Explore the City of Angels – we’ve included a hop-on hop-off bus tour to make it easy to get around and see the top attractions. Visit Hollywood, shop in Beverly Hills and relax on Santa Monica Beach.  

Day 7  Los Angeles to Santa Barbara    
This morning, board Amtrak’s famed Coast Starlight train for a 2½ hour journey to Santa Barbara. Take in the stunning coastal views from the panoramic windows of the observation car. Arrive into the centrally located Amtrak station and head to your hotel.  

Day 8  Santa Barbara  
Known as the American Riviera for its Mediterranean climate, this charming city boasts sandy beaches and Spanish Colonial architecture. Wander vibrant State Street, full of boutique shops and restaurants.  

Day 9  Santa Barbara to San Jose    
Today rejoin the Coast Starlight train for a scenic 7½ hour journey through Central 1 California. The first section clings to the coastline and boasts astonishing ocean views. Then winding inland you’ll pass through the wine region of Paso Robles and continue north through the Salinas Valley and onwards past the Santa Cruz Mountains before arriving in San Jose in the evening.    

Day 10  San Jose  
Renowned as an innovative tech city, San Jose will surprise with its attractions and atmosphere. Enjoy the stylish Santana Row district and wander through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden. Tour the peculiar Winchester Mystery House to learn the story of this beautiful but bizarre mansion.    

Day 11  San Jose to San Francisco
Board Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train for a 1½ hour ride to Emeryville (located just across the bay from San Francisco), where you’ll transfer onto an Amtrak bus for a 30 min journey to the heart of downtown.    

Day 12  San Francisco  
Navigate the steep hills of this handsome city on a hop-on hop-off bus and take the ferry to Alcatraz for a tour of this ominous former prison.

Day 13  Yosemite Day Tour  
Rise early and join a small group tour for a day trip to Yosemite National Park! See the remarkable rock formations of Half Dome and El Capitan and marvel at Yosemite Falls.  

Day 14  San Francisco  
Enjoy a final day exploring the varied neighbourhoods that make up the City by the Bay before heading to the airport for your flight home.