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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

California's Napa Valley, Redwoods & Yosemite

Nine-day California rail loop through redwoods, Yosemite, and wine country

Illustration of California's Napa Valley, Redwoods & Yosemite

Vacations By Rail's 9-day California tour pairs scenic rail rides with visits to three of the state's premier natural attractions. The journey begins in San Francisco and moves south to the coast and Monterey's 17-Mile Drive, then inland to Sequoia National Park, where you'll walk among giant redwoods and enjoy a stargazing experience. From there, the group travels north to Yosemite National Park and fish Camp, stopping in Sacramento for a ride aboard a 1940s steam locomotive through Old Sacramento before returning to the Bay Area. The final day is spent aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, a round-trip journey to St. Helena through wine country with lunch served onboard. A Tour Manager accompanies the entire group, and local guides lead excursions at the parks and stargazing session. Most days include moderate walking and time to explore. The package suits repeat rail travellers and those seeking guided comfort with a balance of structured activities and downtime.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; arrange your own arrival in San Francisco on Day 1
  • The tour ends in San Francisco on Day 9 after breakfast; the route starts and ends in the same city rather than a true linear journey
  • Day 1 is unguided: you must make your own way to Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf before meeting the Tour Manager for dinner
  • Park shuttle bus at Sequoia is unavailable during May and September departures

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: San Francisco, CA

    Arriving in the "City by the Bay," San Francisco

    Arrive independently in San Francisco and make your own way to the hotel at Fisherman's Wharf. Meet the Tour Manager and travel group for a welcome dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Monterey, CA

    Redwood Forest Steam Train & 17-Mile Drive

    Motorcoach to the Santa Cruz Mountains to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train at Roaring Camp Railroads, then on to Monterey via the famous 17-Mile Drive with a stop in Carmel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Sequoia National Park, CA

    Sequoia National Park & stargazing experience

    A relaxed morning in Monterey, then a motorcoach journey inland to Sequoia National Park, checking into Wuksachi Lodge, followed by an evening stargazing experience with an expert local guide.

    Meals: Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Sequoia National Park, CA

    Guided tour of Sequoia National Park

    A fully guided tour to the General Sherman tree and the Giant Forest Museum, with a picnic lunch among the giant redwoods and free time to use the park shuttle bus (unavailable May and September departures).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Fish Camp, CA

    Driving north to Yosemite National Park

    A stop at Grant Grove to see the General Grant tree, then via Fresno into the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park, checking into Tenaya Lodge.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Fish Camp, CA

    Mariposa Grove & Sugar Pine Railroad

    A guided tour of Yosemite Valley, a walk through Mariposa Grove's Big Trees Loop, and a ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad through the forests of Mill Canyon.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sacramento, CA

    Sacramento & California State Railroad

    Motorcoach to Sacramento, a private guided tour of the California State Railroad Museum, and a round-trip ride aboard a 1940s steam locomotive through Old Sacramento.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: San Francisco, CA

    A day aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train

    A round-trip journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train to St. Helena and back through California's wine country, with lunch served onboard, before returning to San Francisco.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    The vacation concludes after breakfast; travel home or continue exploring independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train at Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz Mountains, then drive the famous 17-Mile Drive through Monterey and Carmel
  • Day 3Evening stargazing experience with an expert local guide at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park
  • Day 4Guided tour to the General Sherman tree and Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia, with a picnic lunch among the giant redwoods
  • Day 6Walk the Mariposa Grove's Big Trees Loop and ride the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad through Mill Canyon forests
  • Day 8Round-trip journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train to St. Helena with lunch served onboard through wine country

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of USD 4,499 includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour: the Redwood Forest Steam Train, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Napa Valley Wine Train, and a 1940s steam locomotive ride in Sacramento. Flights to San Francisco are not included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. A Vacations By Rail Tour Manager travels with the group from Day 1 through Day 9. Local guides accompany key excursions such as the Sequoia stargazing experience, Sequoia National Park tour, and Yosemite Valley guided tour.
What is included in the USD 4,499 price?
Eight nights' 3 and 4-star hotel accommodation, seven breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, all rail and coach transport, a Tour Manager, and all guided tours and excursions. Cancellation insurance, flights, and airport transfers are not included.
What hotels are used?
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (2 nights), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (1 night), Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park (2 nights), Tenaya Lodge at Fish Camp near Yosemite (2 nights), and Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (1 night).
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 3 applies. You will walk through Mariposa Grove's Big Trees Loop, the Giant Forest, and participate in a stargazing experience. The park shuttle bus at Sequoia is available (except May and September departures) to reduce walking if needed.
What is the itinerary route?
The 9-day tour begins in San Francisco, travels to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey, then inland to Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park, continues to Sacramento, and concludes with a day on the Napa Valley Wine Train before returning to San Francisco.

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