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California Highlights by Rail
California Highlights by Rail
From £1,839 pp
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9 nights
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Economy Flights
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Available January - December
Experience the breathtaking coastal landscapes and iconic cities on America’s west coast on this leisurely rail tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. With interesting sightseeing including wine and city tours throughout, this tour is the perfect choice for those who want to sit back and relax and soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of the Pacific coastline.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Amtrak coach service from San Francisco to Emeryville
- Amtrak from Emeryville to Santa Barbara in Coach class
- Amtrak from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles in Coach class
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-3
Arrive in San Francisco
Upon arrival in the much-loved city of San Francisco make your way to your hotel where you will spend three nights. Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has beautiful bay views, famous parks and museums and the notorious prison Alcatraz. Travel by cable car to Union Square, elegant Nob Hill of find your fortune in Chinatown. Included in your stay on day three is a full day sightseeing tour visiting Monterey and Carmel which travels down California’s rugged coast travelling along Highway. In Monterey stroll around Cannery Row, perhaps visiting Monterey’s famous aquarium. The tour continues along 17 Mile Drive, past famous Pebble Beach Golf Course to the quaint and artistic town of Carmel which sits on a beautiful white sand beach, before returning to San Francisco via Silicon Valley.
Day 4-6
San Francisco to Santa Barbara
Make your way to Emeryville Station early this morning to board Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train as it travels south from Oakland to Los Angeles following the same tracks as the old Spanish mission road ‘El Camino Real’. Sit back and relax as you travel through San Jose, known as the capital of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Valley, Pismo State Beach and Dunes where you will get a glimpse of the massive sand dunes through tall eucalyptus trees. Get your camera at the ready as you will get full views of the Pacific Ocean coastline for the next 100 miles. The train then passes the Santa Ynez Mountains on the left, and arrives in Santa Barbara, often referred to as ‘The American Riviera’ due to its Mediterranean climate, spectacular beaches, culinary delights and over 100 nearby wineries. Enjoy three nights stay here, soaking up the ocean views and Spanish architecture and an included wine country tour visiting three wineries and a visit to the Danish community of Solvang.
Day 7-9
Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Join the Pacific Surfliner train for the three-hour journey to Los Angeles, climbing the Simi Valley and passing the Santa Monica and Gabriel Mountains just before arriving at Los Angeles. Make your way from Union Station to your hotel where you will spend the next three nights. To help explore the city we have included a 48 hour hop on/off sightseeing bus ticket which takes you to Los Angeles’ iconic landmarks including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica’s famous pier amongst many others.
Day 10
Homeward Bound
After a relaxing final day, it is time to return to the airport for your homebound flight. Or choose to extend your stay in the relaxing city of San Diego or the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 2nd March and take advantage of our exclusive savings
Book your next American adventure by 2nd March 2026 and you can save up to £500 per booking. You’ll save:
• £500 on bookings over £10,000
• £350 on bookings between £7,500-£9,999
• £300 on bookings between £5,000-£7,499
• £250 on bookings between £2,500-£4,999
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Low Deposit Offer
Book by 2nd March and secure your booking with a deposit of just £150pp
Low deposit offer of £150pp on holidays departing between 2nd February 2026 and 31st October 2027. Book by 2nd March 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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10GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 10GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 10GB data on us. Book by 2nd March 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Included Rail Upgrade
Enjoy an included service upgrade on two and three day rail holidays.
Book a two and three day rail holiday in the American West and get an included service upgrade. Rail tours sell out quickly so book now to avoid disappointment. Book by 2nd March 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Canyon Spirit Journey in 2026
Save up to £375 per person on any 2026 Canyon Spirit package
Applicable for selected 2027 two or three-day Rail Only journeys on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian routes. Book by 28th February 2026.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
