California’s Coastal Redwoods and Rails

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO!

This evening, meet your Tour Director and friendly travel companions for a welcome dinner in San Francisco. D

DAY 2: CA STATE RR MUSEUM/SACRAMENTO SOUTHERN

Begin your journey in Sacramento, California’s capital city, with a visit to the California State Railroad Museum. Tour the Smithsonian-affiliated museum, ride aboard the historic Sacramento Southern Railroad, and enjoy time along the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Then travel through the rolling farmland of Capay Valley to Seka Hills Olive Oil Mill for a guided tour and tasting. You’ll also learn about the agricultural traditions of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Later, settle into your hotel in Ukiah and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers. B, D

DAY 3: SKUNK TRAIN/MENDOCINO COAST

Step back in time aboard the historic Skunk Train, traveling through the redwood forests of Mendocino County on a route that has operated since 1885. Stop at Glen Blair Junction, tucked among the towering trees, where you can take a short hike or simply relax beneath the shade of the ancient redwoods. Later, enjoy free time in the coastal town of Fort Bragg before taking in the rugged beauty of the Mendocino Coast. This afternoon, visit Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where colorful blooms and ocean views create a peaceful coastal setting. B, D

DAY 4: CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM/SONOMA WINE COUNTRY

Depart Mendocino and travel south to Santa Rosa for a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Discover the life and work of the artist behind the beloved Peanuts comic strip. Then continue into Sonoma wine country for a visit to Benziger Winery, where you’ll learn about Biodynamic farming during a private tram tour of the scenic property. Enjoy lunch and a tasting before traveling to San Francisco. Tonight, arrive at Hotel Zephyr in Fisherman’s Wharf, your home for the next three nights. B, L

DAY 5: SAN FRANCISCO/MUIR WOODS

This morning, explore San Francisco’s most famous sites and hidden gems with a local guide. Enjoy lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the playful sea lions along the waterfront before heading to Muir Woods National Monument. Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods and experience the quiet beauty of Cathedral Grove, home to some of the forest’s oldest and tallest trees. B, L

DAY 6: ROARING CAMP

All aboard the Roaring Camp Railroad for a scenic ride through soaring redwood groves aboard a vintage Shay narrow-gauge steam locomotive. Travel over trestles and through towering forests before enjoying a barbecue lunch on site. Later, visit the historic Filoli estate, known for its Georgian Revival mansion and beautifully maintained formal gardens. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating your time together in Northern California. B, L, D

DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO BAY CRUISE/FAREWELL

Your final day begins with a relaxing sightseeing cruise on San Francisco Bay. Take in views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline from the water. You may even spot whales swimming nearby before saying farewell to California with fond memories and new friendships. B

QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS

Night 1: Embassy Suites, San Francisco Waterfront, CA
Night 2: Hampton Inn, Ukiah, CA
Night 3: Holiday Inn Express, Fort Bragg, CA
Nights 4-6: Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco, CA

Dates:

Jun 4-10, 2027
Jul 9-15, 2027

Price Per Person:

Double: $3,297
Single: $4,025

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

$208 per night

Depart/Return:

San Francisco, CA

Inclusions:

Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the San Francisco Airport any time after 2:30 p.m. on Day 7.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the San Francisco Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.

This tour also features multiple train rides, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the trains.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps
June and July – high of 70° F, low of 50° F

Time Zone
Pacific

Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

We are featuring four trains on this tour. You can find the duration of those train rides below:

Sacramento Southern Railroad: 45 minutes

Skunk Train: 1.5 hours

Roaring Camp Railroad: 1.5 hours

Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.

Travel Protection Available?
Yes, view Travel Protection Information.