California Rail Adventure: Tahoe, Napa & the Redwoods
July 12, 2027 thru July 18, 2027
Discover Northern California from the rails, roads, and water on a scenic adventure combining three distinctive train journeys with some of the state’s most celebrated destinations. Cruise the crystal-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, then climb aboard Amtrak’s legendary California Zephyr for a spectacular ride through the Sierra Nevada to Sacramento. Continue into Napa Valley, where vintage railcars, vineyard views, and a gourmet lunch await aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, followed by a tasting at beautiful Artesa Winery.
Then journey north into California’s magnificent redwood country for a ride aboard the historic Skunk Train, winding through forested canyons beneath towering trees. Your adventure concludes along the rugged Mendocino Coast, with visits to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, charming Mendocino village, and historic Point Cabrillo Light Station. With mountains, vineyards, redwoods, ocean scenery, three memorable trains, and plenty of California sunshine, this seven-day journey showcases Northern California at its scenic best.
Transportation
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
Transportation
Trains, trains, trains!
Transportation
Deluxe Motorcoach
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level 3
Moderate
Meals
11 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Gratuities
Tour Director, Driver & Local Guide tips included
Tour Highlights
- California Zephyr – Ride through the spectacular Sierra Nevada from Truckee to Sacramento.
- Napa Valley Wine Train – Enjoy vintage rail travel through wine country with a gourmet three-course lunch.
- Historic Skunk Train – Journey through towering redwoods and the scenic Noyo River Canyon.
- Lake Tahoe Cruise – Take in breathtaking mountain and lake views from the water.
- Napa Valley & Artesa Winery – Experience beautiful vineyards and an included wine tasting.
- Mendocino Coast – Discover dramatic Pacific Ocean scenery and the charming village of Mendocino.
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Stroll colorful gardens stretching toward the rugged coastline.
- Point Cabrillo Light Station – Visit this historic lighthouse in a spectacular setting above the Pacific.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
- Transportation by train and deluxe motorcoach
- 6 nights lodging at excellent hotels
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Admission to all listed attractions
- Your SUN TOURS Tour Director
- All taxes and tips for included items (except for hotel housekeeping)
Day 1 - Home to Reno & Lake Tahoe
Our California adventure begins with our flight from Albuquerque. Upon arrival, meet our motorcoach and travel into the Sierra Nevada to spectacular South Lake Tahoe, where brilliant blue water is framed by forested mountain peaks.
Settle into our Lake Tahoe accommodations and enjoy time to relax before gathering with fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. It’s a wonderful beginning to a week filled with trains, mountains, wine country, redwoods, and the Pacific Coast.
Overnight: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Lake Tahoe Cruise & Scenic Lake Tahoe
After breakfast, experience Lake Tahoe from its most impressive vantage point—the water. Board a scenic Lake Tahoe cruise and enjoy beautiful views across one of North America’s largest and most spectacular alpine lakes.
Later, continue our exploration by motorcoach, taking in more of the Tahoe region’s mountain scenery. Our sightseeing includes areas around Truckee, Olympic Valley, and picturesque Sand Harbor State Park, with opportunities to appreciate the forests, granite peaks, and famously clear waters that make Lake Tahoe such a treasured destination. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure today.
Overnight: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - California Zephyr through the Sierra Nevada to Sacramento
Following breakfast, we depart Lake Tahoe and make our way to the historic mountain town of Truckee, where we board Amtrak’s legendary California Zephyr—the first of our three memorable train journeys.
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as the train winds through the Sierra Nevada, following a historic rail route across rugged mountains, forests, and dramatic canyons before descending toward California’s Central Valley. Lunch is provided aboard the train.
Arriving in Sacramento this afternoon, we may have an opportunity to visit the renowned California State Railroad Museum, time permitting. Tonight, enjoy the hotel’s evening reception followed by dinner and an evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Napa Valley Wine Train & Wine Country
After breakfast, travel west into legendary Napa Valley, where rolling vineyards and picturesque wineries create one of California’s most celebrated landscapes.
Today brings our second rail experience—the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train. Step aboard vintage railcars for a leisurely journey through wine country while enjoying a gourmet three-course lunch and views of the vineyards passing outside your window.
Following our train journey, visit Artesa Winery, beautifully situated amid the hills of the Carneros region, for a wine tasting and introduction to the estate. We then check into our Napa accommodations. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy dinner independently in one of California’s great culinary destinations.
Overnight: Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Historic Skunk Train, Redwoods & Fort Bragg
After breakfast, leave Napa Valley behind as we travel north through the changing landscapes of Northern California to Willits, gateway to magnificent redwood country.
Here we board the historic Skunk Train for our third rail adventure. Traveling along the Wolf Tree Turn, the train winds through the beautiful Noyo River Canyon and forests filled with towering redwoods. Our VIP experience includes priority boarding and a box lunch.
After our rail journey, return to Fort Bragg for an independent dinner and a relaxing evening on California’s North Coast.
Hotel: Harbor Lite Lodge, Fort Bragg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Mendocino & Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Begin the morning with breakfast before visiting the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where landscaped gardens meet the wild Pacific shoreline. Enjoy time to stroll among colorful plantings, coastal vegetation, and peaceful pathways with wonderful ocean views.
Next, travel to the picturesque village of Mendocino, famous for its dramatic coastal setting, historic architecture, galleries, shops, and New England-style charm. Enjoy free time for an independent lunch and exploring this delightful seaside community.
This afternoon, visit Point Cabrillo Light Station, one of the Mendocino Coast’s most scenic historic landmarks. Its setting above the Pacific provides sweeping views of the rugged shoreline and a wonderful conclusion to our day of coastal exploration.
Continue to Fort Bragg before gathering for a special Farewell Dinner at The Wharf, overlooking the harbor.
Hotel: Harbor Lite Lodge, Fort Bragg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Fort Bragg to Sacramento & Home
Enjoy breakfast in Fort Bragg before beginning our scenic journey inland from the Pacific Coast. As we travel through Northern California, watch the landscape change from coastal forests and mountains to the agricultural valleys of the state’s interior.
We’ll stop along the way for an independent lunch in the Woodland area before continuing to Sacramento International Airport. From here, board our return flights home, bringing with us wonderful memories of Lake Tahoe, three distinctive train journeys, Napa Valley, ancient redwoods, and California’s beautiful Pacific Coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change.
Fun Facts
Lake Tahoe
The largest alpine lake in North America and reaches more than 1,600 feet deep.
The Skunk Train
Earned its unusual nickname from early railcars whose gasoline fumes passengers claimed they could smell before seeing the train.
California’s coast redwoods
The tallest trees on Earth, with some growing more than 350 feet high.
Hotel Information
Margaritaville Resort
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Sacramento, CA
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
Napa, CA
Harbor Lite Lodge, Fort Bragg
Ft. Bragg, CA
Package Pricing
$4,925 per person
Double Occupancy
Deposit: $200
$6,195 per person
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $200
Final Payment Due:
April 6, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
• Transportation by air, train and deluxe motorcoach
• 6 nights lodging at excellent hotels
• 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Your SUN TOURS Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except for hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None through April 6, 2027
- $200 – April 7 – May 5, 2027
- 60%* – May 6 – June 2, 2027
- 100%* – After June 2, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Travel protection starts at $615. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 - MODERATE
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers may be assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
July offers excellent touring weather, with warm, sunny days in Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley and refreshingly cool temperatures along the Mendocino Coast. Pack lightweight summer clothing along with a sweater or light jacket for cool mountain mornings, coastal breezes, and evenings.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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