California’s Napa Valley, Redwoods & Yosemite

Your discovery of the Golden State begins as you arrive independently in San Francisco, a bohemian coastal city that exudes culture. As you arrive, make your own way to our hotel, conveniently located at Fisherman's Wharf. After check-in, there is time to relax at the hotel or begin exploring at your own pace.

San Francisco is a melting pot, with ten cultural districts that speak to its eclectic citizens and history. You might like to start by wandering Fisherman's Wharf, viewing the seals and sea lions that rest on its docks, or you could delve right into neighborhood explorations.

However you spend your day, return to the hotel early this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your travel group. A brief meeting introduces the tour to come, before we have dinner together this evening. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

• Dinner

Leaving San Francisco by motorcoach after breakfast, we head toward the Santa Cruz Mountains to uncover the region's logging history at Roaring Camp Railroads. Our time here sees us board the Redwood Forest Steam Train, a narrow-gauge railroad that provides an unforgettable look at towering redwoods.

The train departs from Felton and winds through the forest en route to the summit of Bear Mountain. In all, the journey lasts approximately one hour, and we have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery from closed or open-air train cars.

Continuing to coastal Monterey, there's free time to find lunch before we experience the famous 17-Mile Drive coastal route. Skirting around Cypress Point and Pebble Beach, we can bask in views of California's rugged shoreline, with the Pacific Ocean never far from our vision. After scenic stops, we arrive in Carmel for some free time, before we return to Monterey. After checking in to our hotel, the evening is at leisure to sample this popular town's many culinary offerings. Overnight Monterey, CA.

• Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Monterey, perhaps savoring breakfast in one of town's many restaurants. Later, our journey continues inland as we board a motorcoach to Sequoia National Park, stopping en route in Hollister for time to find lunch independently.

Checking in to our accommodations at Wuksachi Lodge inside the park itself, the hotel is perfectly located in the heart of this jaw-dropping landscape of rugged mountains and towering trees.

After dinner, we head out for a star-gazing experience in Sequoia National Park, one of the best dark sky spots in the US. Met by an expert local guide, we walk out to a clearing to embark on a celestial journey under a starlit canopy. Combining ancient stories and modern science, we uncover the wonders of the cosmos while hearing the cultural significance of the constellations and distant planets twinkling overhead. Overnight Sequoia National Park, CA.

• Dinner

After breakfast at the lodge, we set out on a fully guided tour of Sequoia National Park, where huge redwoods tower above the ground.

Meeting our guide, we first drive deeper into Sequoia National Park and walk through the woodlands to visit one of the biggest trees in the world - General Sherman. With a height of around 275 feet, this giant sequoia has stood in this spot for more than 2,000 years. Our next destination is Giant Forest Museum, where we can learn about the history and ecology of the park. While you're here, you might like to take a short walk to view the trees up close before enjoying our picnic lunch surrounded by giant redwoods.

The rest of the day is at leisure and you might like to explore further on the Sequoia National Park shuttle bus*. The route passing our hotel runs along the Generals Highway from the Giant Forest Museum to the Lodgepole camping ground. You're free to dine independently this evening. Overnight Sequoia National Park, CA.

*Please note: the shuttle bus is unavailable for departures in May and September.

• Breakfast, Lunch

One final landmark of Sequoia National Park awaits as we leave Wuksachi Lodge after breakfast and stop at Grant Grove, where we see the General Grant tree.

Leaving the park, there's time in Fresno to find lunch before continuing north into the Sierra Nevada mountains, arriving amid the astounding beauty of Yosemite National Park. Majestic scenery surrounds our drive into the south entrance of the park, with views of forests and towering granite monoliths. En route, there's time at Mariposa Grove to take a short walk along the Big Trees Loop, viewing famed sequoias including the Fallen Monarch and the Grizzly giant - a towering tunnel tree and a great place for a photo opportunity!

Our accommodation at Tenaya Lodge is nestled deep within the forest. The rest of the day is free to either unwind at the hotel, perhaps taking in a dip in the outdoor and indoor pools, or enjoying a stroll along one of the nearby hiking trails. For dinner this evening, you can sample traditional American dishes at the on-site restaurant or head further afield. Overnight Fish Camp, CA.

• Breakfast

This morning, we embark on a ride on the Sugar Pine Railroad, the only tour operator to include this scenic excursion. In open carriages behind a logger steam train, the tracks twist and wind through the forests of Mill Canyon, following a route once used by lumberjacks. Take in the fresh mountain air and the sounds of a nostalgic, steam-hauled journey through this charming landscape.

Next, we enjoy a guided tour of the Yosemite Valley awaits after breakfast as we begin soaking in nature's breathtaking offerings amid stunning vistas of waterfalls and the High Sierra Mountains. As our route unfolds, an expert guide provides invaluable insight into the history of the park, its wildlife and the indigenous people who once lived here.

Returning to our hotel, you are free to dine independently this evening. Overnight Fish Camp, CA.

• Breakfast

Leaving Yosemite after breakfast, we travel by motorcoach to California's state capital and oldest city, Sacramento.

Now renowned as the farm-to-fork capital of the US, the city originally grew during the Gold Rush of the mid-19th century and became an important hub for traders and miners. Its connection to transportation stretches back to the age of the Pony Express and first transcontinental railroad. After checking in to our Sacramento hotel around lunchtime, we later visit the California State Railroad Museum for a private guided tour. Amongst the collection are restored steam locomotives and exhibits that tell the history of rail in the USA.

Gaining first-hand experience of rail travel from bygone days, we then hop aboard a 1940s steam locomotive for a round-trip journey through Old Sacramento and along the waterside. At our hotel this evening, we gather for a three-course dinner together. Overnight Sacramento, CA.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A vacation highlight awaits today as we enjoy a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel once more. Traveling by coach to downtown Napa, we board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a round-trip journey to St. Helena and back, passing through California's most famous wine country.

Onboard the gold and claret-colored cars, the mahogany-lined lounge is the perfect place to enjoy the sights, and there are four kitchens in which chefs prepare sumptuous meals paired with wines from several of the region's beloved wineries. Our unparalleled experience on this train includes lunch as we roll through the landscape and rolling vineyards and grand estates come into view.

After the train ride, we complete the circle by returning to our first hotel in San Francisco, where the rest of your day and evening is at leisure. You could sample even more of the region's fabulous gastronomic contributions or wander amongst the picturesque scenery. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

• Breakfast, Lunch

The Golden State's varied scenery and impressive destinations have set the stage for a vacation to remember. From the bustling streets of San Francisco, where we viewed sites steeped in culture and history, to awe-inspiring views of redwood forests, giant sequoias and the Yosemite Valley, each day has presented a new side of California. And, of course, there is no better place to toast to a route well-explored than wine country, where we rounded out our itinerary.

Your vacation comes to a close after breakfast this morning, and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

• Breakfast