Day 1 – Welcome to San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! After you have checked-in at your hotel, why not head down Fisherman’s…
The Californian Rail Journey
9 day Rail Holiday – from £1899
With flights from £2499
California’s iconic cities, picturesque winelands and most famous National Park combine on this West Coast USA rail holiday, with activities included.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the bars, restaurants and atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf
- Travel on the Coast Starlight, with stunning ocean vistas
- Embark on days tour to Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley
- Ride the Pacific Surfliner between L.A. and San Diego
- Take a stroll down Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Your Itinerary
Expand AllThis itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.
Welcome to San Francisco! After you have checked-in at your hotel, why not head down Fisherman’s Wharf? A gorgeous waterfront community, it’s a great place to treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine, like sourdough bread, clam chowder and fresh seafood.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 2 – San Francisco
Today is yours to explore the city. To help you get around you’ll have a pass…
Today is yours to explore the city. To help you get around you’ll have a pass for the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus, which stops at all the city’s main landmarks and attractions, informative commentary en route. Visit Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, the Civic Centre and more. Dinner is included this evening.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Dinner
Day 3 – Yosemite National Park
Today, embark on a day tour to Yosemite National Park. You will travel out of…
Today, embark on a day tour to Yosemite National Park. You will travel out of the city along the Merced River and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. In Yosemite, gaze up at the towering redwoods, hike along the mountain trails, and snap photos of the rushing waterfalls.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 4 – Napa Valley
Today’s activity is a guided tour to Napa Valley. Enjoy a ride across the Golden Gate…
Today’s activity is a guided tour to Napa Valley. Enjoy a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the tranquil hills surrounding Sonoma Valley, past the countless family wineries along the old El Camino Real. Then, you’ll venture into the heart of Napa Valley, where you will visit up to three vineyards for tours and tastings.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 5 – San Francisco to Los Angeles
Make your way to Emeryville Railway Station to board the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles. One…
Make your way to Emeryville Railway Station to board the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles. One of America’s most iconic rail journeys, the Coast Starlight travels along the gorgeous California coastline, passing lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Upon arrival in L.A., make your way to your hotel, then start exploring this fascinating city that so many movie stars call home.
Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar
Day 6 – Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, so there is much to…
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, so there is much to see and do here. Using your L.A. Hop-on Hop-off Bus pass, you can visit Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre, Paramount Studios, Hollywood & Vine, the Santa Monica Pier, the fabulous Fashion District, and more.
Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar
Day 7 – Los Angeles to San Diego
Make your way to L.A.’s Union Station and board the Pacific Surfliner train…
Make your way to L.A.’s Union Station and board the Pacific Surfliner train to San Diego. Relax as you continue your journey south along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin to experience ‘America’s Finest City’ on your San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside or similar
Day 8 – San Diego
Today, you can continue to explore San Diego, enjoying the onboard narration; a fascinating mix…
Today, you can continue to explore San Diego, enjoying the onboard narration; a fascinating mix of trivia and humorous stories. Discover the historic Gaslamp District, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside or similar
Day 9 – Farewell from San Diego
Your Californian rail holidays ends today. Make your way to San Diego Airport for your flight…
Your Californian rail holidays ends today. Make your way to San Diego Airport for your flight home, or on to your next destination.
Your Itinerary
This itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.
Day 1
| Welcome to San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! After you have checked-in at your hotel, why not head down Fisherman’s Wharf? A gorgeous waterfront community, it’s a great place to treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine, like sourdough bread, clam chowder and fresh seafood.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 2
| San Francisco
Today is yours to explore the city. To help you get around you’ll have a pass for the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus, which stops at all the city’s main landmarks and attractions, informative commentary en route. Visit Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, the Civic Centre and more. Dinner is included this evening.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Dinner
Day 3
| Yosemite National Park
Today, embark on a day tour to Yosemite National Park. You will travel out of the city along the Merced River and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. In Yosemite, gaze up at the towering redwoods, hike along the mountain trails, and snap photos of the rushing waterfalls.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 4
| Napa Valley
Today’s activity is a guided tour to Napa Valley. Enjoy a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the tranquil hills surrounding Sonoma Valley, past the countless family wineries along the old El Camino Real. Then, you’ll venture into the heart of Napa Valley, where you will visit up to three vineyards for tours and tastings.
Holiday Inn Express Union Square or similar
Day 5
| San Francisco to Los Angeles
Make your way to Emeryville Railway Station to board the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles. One of America’s most iconic rail journeys, the Coast Starlight travels along the gorgeous California coastline, passing lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Upon arrival in L.A., make your way to your hotel, then start exploring this fascinating city that so many movie stars call home.
Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar
Day 6
| Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, so there is much to see and do here. Using your L.A. Hop-on Hop-off Bus pass, you can visit Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre, Paramount Studios, Hollywood & Vine, the Santa Monica Pier, the fabulous Fashion District, and more.
Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk Of Fame or similar
Day 7
| Los Angeles to San Diego
Make your way to L.A.’s Union Station and board the Pacific Surfliner train to San Diego. Relax as you continue your journey south along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin to experience ‘America’s Finest City’ on your San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside or similar
Day 8
| San Diego
Today, you can continue to explore San Diego, enjoying the onboard narration; a fascinating mix of trivia and humorous stories. Discover the historic Gaslamp District, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside or similar
Day 9
| Farewell from San Diego
Your Californian rail holidays ends today. Make your way to San Diego Airport for your flight home, or on to your next destination.
This Rail Holiday Includes
8 nights hotel accommodation
Comfortable travel by rail journey
1 dinner
Excursions and activities as detailed in the itinerary
Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book your The Californian Rail Journey rail holiday and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.
You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:
- An upgrade to a Roomette or a Bedroom
- Extra nights in San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego
- An Alcatraz Tour
Next Step
Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
The Californian Rail Journey
9 day Rail Holiday – from £1899
With flights from £2499
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and include meals where shown. Seasonal variations may apply. Hotel and room facilities vary and may be subject to additional fees. Some hotels require payment of local city taxes on arrival. Amtrak travel is for Coach Accommodations unless otherwise stated.
The Californian
Map
