California | Sep 8 - Sep 14, 2027

California Rail Discovery

Ride the rails through the Sierra Nevada Mountains on this scenic journey featuring San Francisco, Napa Valley, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe.

Experience the beauty of Northern California and Nevada on a trip combining iconic cities, rail travel, mountain landscapes, and historic towns. Begin in San Francisco, where you’ll cruise the bay, visit Muir Woods, and explore Fisherman’s Wharf. Travel through Napa Valley for a winery tour and tasting before continuing to Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada Mountains aboard an Amtrak train. Then spend three nights in Lake Tahoe, enjoying a paddle wheeler cruise, visits to Reno and Virginia City, and spectacular views.

September 8–14, 2027

 

Itinerary Highlights:

  • San Francisco city tour
  • San Francisco Bay cruise
  • Muir Woods National Monument
  • Napa Valley winery tour and tasting
  • Sierra Nevada rail journey aboard Amtrak
  • Old Sacramento Waterfront
  • Nevada State Railroad Museum
  • Reno, Nevada, and the National Automobile Museum
  • Virginia City, Nevada
  • Lake Tahoe paddle wheeler cruise

 

Package Includes:

  • Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
  • Six nights’ hotel accommodations
  • Eight meals: six breakfasts and two dinners
  • All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Deluxe motor coach transportation
  • Professional tour director
  • Our State host
  • Wine and beer reception
  • Hotel transfers
  • Baggage handling at hotels

 

Accommodations:

  • Two nights in San Francisco: Hotel Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square
  • One night in Sacramento: Hyatt Regency or Embassy Suites
  • Three nights in South Lake Tahoe/Stateline: Margaritaville Resort, Bally’s, or Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Note: Hotels are subject to change.

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco
Wednesday, September 8, 2027

Meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay in San Francisco, “The City by the Bay.” This evening, enjoy a wine and beer reception followed by dinner with your fellow Our State travelers at a popular restaurant in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square in San Francisco

 

Day 2: San Francisco • Muir Woods
Thursday, September 9, 2027

Tour San Francisco, including the Civic Center area, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Seal Rocks, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Later, cruise San Francisco Bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. This afternoon, cross the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of the oldest and tallest redwood trees in the world. The evening is at leisure to wander Fisherman’s Wharf, ride a cable car, or taste local cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square in San Francisco

 

Day 3: Napa Valley • Sacramento
Friday, September 10, 2027

Journey into California’s famous Napa Valley, where hundreds of wineries prosper. Learn about the winemaking process during a winery tour and tasting. This afternoon, head to Sacramento, California’s capital city and a hub during the Gold Rush era. Stroll along the Old Sacramento Waterfront, known for its historic storefronts, wooden sidewalks, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Later, check into your hotel in the “River City.”

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hyatt Regency or Embassy Suites in Sacramento

 

Day 4: Sierra Nevada Rail Journey
Saturday, September 11, 2027

Board an Amtrak train for a scenic rail journey through the Sierra Nevada Mountains en route to the Lake Tahoe area. Disembark in Truckee and continue by motor coach to South Lake Tahoe/Stateline for a three-night stay in this popular mountain resort destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Margaritaville Resort, Bally’s, or Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe/Stateline

 

Day 5: Nevada State Railroad Museum • National Automobile Museum • Virginia City
Sunday, September 12, 2027

Head to Carson City, Nevada’s capital, and explore the exhibits, locomotives, and memorabilia of the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Continue to Reno and visit the National Automobile Museum, home to the famous Harrah automobile collection. Later, visit historic Virginia City, one of the richest mining towns in the world during the Comstock Lode era and home to notable residents including Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Return to Lake Tahoe for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Margaritaville Resort, Bally’s, or Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe/Stateline

 

Day 6: Lake Tahoe Cruise
Monday, September 13, 2027

Cruise Lake Tahoe on a paddle wheeler and admire sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Emerald Bay, home to the 1929 Nordic-style mansion Vikingsholm. The afternoon is at your leisure for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at the resort. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Margaritaville Resort, Bally’s, or Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe/Stateline

 

Day 7: Departure
Tuesday, September 14, 2027

Transfer to the Sacramento airport for your flight home. Want to share your memories with other travelers? Post your favorite pictures in the Our State Travel Club Facebook group!

Meals: Breakfast

 

Tour Rates:

Discounted rate*: $4,349 per person (based on double occupancy)
Regular rate: $4,449 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $5,674 ($5,574 with booking discount*)

*Make your final payment by check and receive a booking discount of $100 per person.

 

For Reservations & More Information:

Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com

Online booking option: Click here and use booking number 219044 to make your deposit online.

Trip brochure: Click here for information on payment schedule, cancellation policy, and trip insurance.

This tour is rated Activity Level 2 of 4 — Moderate. For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.