San Francisco or Oakland or San Jose to Salinas, Paso Robles, 
Hearst Castle Tour, San Simeon and return
or continue to Los Angeles or Anaheim


2 Days / 1 night
Coast Starlight train through agricultural Salinas Valley to the revived
Wine Country of Central Coast at Paso Robles and Hearst Castle.

Tour includes: Round trip by AMTRAK Coast Starlight
1 night's hotel, 1 picnic lunch
Room and meal tax and tips.
Hearst Castle Tour

 

Day 1:  San Francisco to Paso Robles      215 MILES. 
Leave San Francisco at 7:55 a.m. on AMTRAK thruway bus to Jack London Square in Oakland to board The Coast Starlight train leaving at 8:50.  Riding on the eastern shores of the Bay past the marshlands and salt flats through Silicon Valley and San Jose garlic and grapes grow alongside in Gilroy.  Past San Andreas fault line through Salinas you see fields of lettuce, broccoli and acres of green-houses along the river with mountains on both sides.  See the vistas from the dome car and enjoy lunch in the dining car.  Past King City we go through small towns and miles of vineyards where just a few years ago there was only cattle pasture.
Around 1:38 the Wine Wrangler meets you at Paso Robles train station.  You can take go with a small group on an optional tour of the local wine country and tasting at two or three wineries. (Cost about $54). The area has 26,000 vineyard acres producing wine grapes that came from Spain, Italy, France and the heritage variety Zinfandel.  Or spend the afternoon in this delightful small town.                  Hotel check-in by 5:30 p.m.   Paso Robles Inn http://www.pasorobleschamber.com/      
Certain parts of this tour can be changed to fit your individual requirements or to avoid festivals, sold out rooms, etc.

                                           
Day 2:  Enjoy the scenic view as we make our journey over to the Enchanted Hill. You will visit the elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas Rookery before heading over to America’s castle. At the castle, you will be guided to the National Geographic Theater to view “Hearst Castle – Building the Dream” in large screen format before venturing up the hill to “Tour 1 -The Experience Tour”. This is a combination tour that makes the story of William Randolph Hearst a truly memorable experience! After the tour, you will enjoy a gourmet deli lunch at/near the Castle. Before heading back to your local lodging we will stop at a local winery or do some shopping in downtown Cambria.  This is an all inclusive and all day adventure. Please wear comfortable clothing in light layers. http://www.hearstcastle.org/               
                                                                                                  
AMTRAK to San Francisco. 253 miles. At 3:43PM all aboard on Coast Starlight Train # 14 that left Los Angeles this morning on its way to Seattle. At Camp Roberts we enter Monterey county. Through the pastures and vineyards the train follows Salinas River flowing north. From the Vista Dome car enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the sunset. You can have dinner as the train rolls past Salinas along the San Andreas fault line going northeast as the garlic country gives way to suburbs and industrial buildings of Silicon Valley and San Jose. On the eastern shores past marshlands of San Francisco Bay the train reaches Jack London Square in Oakland by 9:35. The thruway coach takes us across the Bay Bridge reaching San Francisco Ferry Building terminal by 10:10 p.m. Most down town hotels are about ten minutes by cab.  

- DINNING ON THE TRAIN - THE DINNING CAR & CAFE LOUNGE CAR ON COAST STARLIGHT
The Dinning Car offers a truly unique restaurant style dinning experience to both Sleeping Car and Coach passengers. Enjoy regional wines and regionally inspired dishes prepared by our talented chefs, all the while enjoying a level of service you'd expect of a fine restaurant. In addition to the Dinning Car, all passengers are invited to relax, socialize and dine in the Cafe Lounge Car. The Lounge Car offers extended hours and a more casual environment where you can satisfy your appetite with sandwiches, snacks, beer, cocktails, wine, and an assortment of sodas and juices.

To go Los Angeles or Anaheim (220 miles.) Board The Coast Starlight train at 3:20pm from San Luis Obispo station. Through Pismo Beach via Vandenberg Space station near Gaviota see some of the most scenic ocean views all the way through Santa Barbara to Oxnard. Turning inland around six the train goes past miles of orange groves then through Simi Valley to Glendale. At about 9:00 we arrive in the heart of the great metropolis of Los Angeles at the Union Station that you may recognize from many Hollywood films. Taxicabs to downtown locations cost about $20, twice as much to Hollywood, West Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills. To the Los Angeles International Airport Fly Away bus leaves every half hour, takes about 45 minutes cost only $7. Going further south Surfliner 596 reaches Anaheim at 10:51.

AMTRAK (Coast Starlight Train)

Comfortable reclining seats on Coast Starlight

Parlor Car (Vista Dome) and Dinning Car

    

Burger and chips on the train  &  Sun Luis Obispo train Station  

2 Day Excursion
Tour Code: SF1PH  
Available almost daily except on certain holidays and weekends

 Cost from April 1st, 2014 to March 31st, 2015

Tour price per person in U.S. Dollars. 
Child rate 5 to 17 years old with accompanying adult

Since 1924 California Parlor Car Tours has operated in this area, initially visiting the Missions along the Camino Real and then Yosemite starting 1937. Well timed meal stops, essential sightseeing, tours, admissions and rooms are prearranged. On this tour dinner and breakfast is on your own at the hotel. Enjoy the evening at the Paso Robles Inn. Play golf, walk, ride bikes, go to the spa, go swimming or just relax. After the Hearst Castle tour you return to Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo to board the AMTRAK Coast Starlight returning to San Francisco or going on to Los Angeles.

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This site updated on December 9th, 2014

California Parlor Car Tours   ...Since 1924
500 Sutter St #401, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
Tel 415.474.7500           Fax 415.673.1539
US Toll Free 800.227.4250