PACIFIC COAST EXPLORER

8 days, 7 nights

Included Features: 
Overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa – Welcome cocktail reception and private dinner – 6 dinners with complimentary wine – 6 lunches – 7 full American breakfasts and optional continental breakfasts – Non-alcoholic beverages – Napa Valley wine tastings – Professionally guided tours of Hearst Castle, Muir Woods, Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge – Comprehensive lecture series – Live piano music nightly – Deluxe rail accommodations for 5 nights – Personal service by rail car attendant – Farewell cocktail reception.

OPTIONAL TOUR – Columbia River Gorge Hike

DAY 1 – Los Angeles, California
After independent arrivals at the hotel, we meet for our private welcome reception and dinner. We take this opportunity to introduce the train staff and other guests who will be joining us on our journey. This evening we overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa. (D)

DAY 2 – Los Angeles /Board The American Orient Express
After breakfast in the hotel, we take a guided tour of the nationally renowned Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens before continuing on to the station. After boarding the train, we begin our journey along the California coastline. This evening, dinner is served in our dining cars and our first overnight on board is spent en route to our Oceanside parking at Gaviota. (B,L,D)

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DAY 3 – Paso Robles/Hearst Castle
We enjoy breakfast this morning while traversing the beautiful California coastline through Gaviota State Park, where the marine life is often seen from the train.  We journey along one of Southern California’s largest stretches of protected coastline – over trestles and through tunnels – en route to Paso Robles.  Upon arrival, we travel by motorcoach to Hearst Castle.  Atop a mountain that overlooks the Pacific, this 165-room, 127 acre estate was built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.  An extensive collection of art and antiques fills the estate.  After our tour, we transfer back to the train for dinner and overnight en route to our next destination – San Francisco.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – San Francisco
Enjoy the amenities of the train this morning before arriving in San Francisco. After breakfast on board, we depart with our overnight bags for a spectacular morning tour of the city. Our tours include Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Overlook. This afternoon, we travel by motorcoach to Muir Woods for a guided tour, where we view the great redwoods towering overhead. Dinner will be on our own this evening – choose from excellent possibilities at Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and other cultural areas. After a full evening of exploring the city, shopping and dining, we overnight at the Huntington Hotel.  (B,L)

DAY 5 – Napa Valley
After breakfast in the hotel, we transfer by motorcoach to Napa Valley. The endless rows of grape arbors passing by our windows leave no doubt – we’re in wine country.  The day is spent exploring the rolling countryside, stopping along the way for wine tastings at local wineries. This afternoon, we make a special stop at the Merryvale Winery for a private cellar lunch by candlelight. This evening, return to the train for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

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DAY 6 – Through The Feather River Canyon
Awake this morning to the breathtaking views of northern California. A leisurely day is spent on board the train as we traverse one of America’s most scenic rail routes – the Feather River Canyon. The stunning landscape around us – cascading waterfalls, deep canyons and mountains – began with earth-shaking geologic activity. Our day is spent enjoying the amenities of the train with breakfast, lunch and our lecture series. An afternoon tea is presented as the train continues through the Feather River Canyon toward our next destination. This evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight as we travel through the rugged countryside toward Oregon. (B,L,D) 

DAY 7 – Portland, Oregon
Sit back and relax as we travel along the Columbia River Gorge past Multnomah Falls on our way to Portland. The Columbia and Willamette rivers converge at Portland, a well-planned community known for cultural richness, microbreweries and gardens. This afternoon, we explore the city on a guided tour.  We meet back on board for a farewell cocktail reception, dinner and overnight en route to Seattle.  (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Seattle, Washington
The train rolls toward Puget Sound and continues to Seattle, our final destinations on this American Orient Express journey. After a leisurely breakfast on board, we are free to explore this great city or make individual arrangements for flights home. (B)