California by Rail

Day 1  San Diego  
Fly to San Diego – a city blessed with a wonderful climate, beautiful beaches and copious attractions.

Days 2-3  San Diego  
Over the next couple of days, 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 on a hop-on hop-off bus tour which makes it easier to get around and explore all of the 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 California. The first section clings to the coastline and boasts astonishing ocean views. Winding inland, 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 this evening.  

Day 10  San Jose  
Renowned as an innovative tech city, San Jose will surprise you with its attractions and atmosphere. Enjoy the stylish Santana Row district and wander through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden. Perhaps opt to head out on a tour of 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, which is located just across the bay from San Francisco. From here you will transfer onto an Amtrak bus for a short journey to the heart of downtown, so you can start exploring this cosmopolitan city.  

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 NP  
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.  

Days 14-15  Fly home