Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure

Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime with the Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure! This 16-day journey takes in the wild west of California, Nevada, and Utah. Visit and ride on many of the historic and famous railroads of the Western United States.

• Visit Alcatraz, board the Napa Valley Wine Train, spend a day at the California State Railroad Museum, and have dinner in Old Sacramento.
• Visit the heart of the Mother Lode Gold Country, home of the Sierra Railroad, ride the California Zephyr, and try your luck at the Reno Casino Hotel and Spa.
• Ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to the heart of the Comstock Lode, experience a real Western BBQ at the Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad, and visit Nevada State Railroad Museum and ride their historic trains.
• Enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Tahoe, journey across the loneliest highway in America, visit ancient Native American carvings and an operating gold mine.
• Ride the Nevada Northern Railway and visit Wendover Airfield.
  
• Visit Promontory Point, where the Golden Spike was driven to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.

Sunday 14th September
Welcome to the City by the Bay
After your flight, you will arrive at San Francisco International Airport. Welcome to California and the USA! Your local hosts will greet you at the airport; look for the MacLean Adventures flag. You transfer to your hotel for check in, the rest of the day and evening are yours to settle in and relax.

Monday 15th September
Free day
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day and night to explore the city at your leisure. (B)

Tuesday 16th September
Lunch in Chinatown; Alcatraz; North Beach dinner
San Francisco is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. The Chinese immigrants who settled here played a crucial role in building the Transcontinental Railroad through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch. After lunch, explore the infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. On this tour, you’ll learn about the island’s fascinating history, discovering stories of daring escapes, infamous inmates, and the daily life of those who lived and worked on The Rock. The tour also offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay. After returning from Alcatraz Island, you will take a short walk to North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian district, and enjoy dinner at Fior D’Italia, America’s oldest Italian restaurant. This iconic restaurant offers a rich culinary tradition and a warm, inviting atmosphere, providing the perfect end to an exciting day of exploration. (B L D)

Wednesday 17th September
Peju Winery; Napa Valley Wine Train
After breakfast, you transfer by coach to Napa Valley, travelling north to the picturesque Peju Winery. Established in 1983, Peju Winery is at the heart of this renowned wine region.
Here, you’ll experience a family-style lunch paired with a selection of their award-winning wines. Peju Winery offers a perfect blend of exquisite wine, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, you take the coach to your hotel in Napa Valley. After checking in, you have time to relax and unwind. You’ll regroup for a short walk to the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you will embark on a unique dining experience.
As you travel through the heart of Napa Valley’s vineyards, you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner, providing a perfect blend of fine dining and stunning views.(B L D)

Thursday 18th September
Old Sacramento; California State Railroad Museum
After breakfast, you’ll have a short transfer to Sacramento, the capital of California.
Established in 1850, Sacramento is best known for its role during the California Gold Rush.
Your visit includes exploring historic Old Sacramento, a district filled with preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, and shops. You will check in at Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, where you will find several shops and other amenities. In Old Sacramento, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from for lunch. The beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings will give you a taste of California’s rich heritage.
After lunch, you will visit the California State Railroad Museum, one of the finest rail museums in the world, where you will receive a guided tour that highlights the pivotal role railroads played in California’s history and development. You will get to see one of the original Golden Spikes!
After the tour, you’ll ride on the California Southern Railroad in one of their historic cars, offering a nostalgic journey along the Sacramento River, and providing a glimpse into the golden era of rail travel.
To finish the day, you will enjoy dinner at the elegant Firehouse Restaurant, a historic gem located just a short stroll from the hotel. Savour the charming ambiance and expertly-crafted cocktails while soaking in the rich history and sophisticated atmosphere of this iconic establishment. (B D)

Friday 19th September
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
This morning you depart for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, in the Mother Lode region of the California Gold Rush, home to the Sierra Railroad. This historic lumber railroad features several vintage trains, a fully operational roundhouse, and well-maintained shops, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. You’ll spend the day exploring the rich history of the region, learning about the pivotal role railroads played during the Gold Rush. After a day of discovery, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Old Sacramento. (B L D)

Saturday 20th September
California Zephyr; Reno Casino and Spa
Today, you’ll embark on an epic rail journey along the historic Transcontinental Railroad over Donner Pass, riding on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of the most scenic train routes in the United States. Enjoy lunch in the dining car as your train ascends the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains. This route, completed in 1869, was a monumental feat that connected the East and West Coasts, transforming the nation. This rail adventure, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, will be an unforgettable experience. Later, check into your hotel in the heart of Reno, Nevada. Enjoy slots, table games and poker, as well as swimming pools, a full-service salon, and designer boutique shopping. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of many award-winning restaurants the resort has to offer. (B)

Sunday 21st September
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Today you travel to the Eastgate Depot of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, a historic line established in 1869 to transport silver and gold from the Comstock Lode. Your journey will take you by train to the historic Virginia City, a well-preserved relic of the Wild West. Visit Boot Hill Cemetery, the final resting place of many pioneers and miners, and stroll along the wooden boardwalks that line the streets, where you can find numerous shops, saloons, and eateries. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Carson City, Nevada’s capital. After arriving in Carson City, you will be the guests of your tour hosts, Hawley and Jill, for an authentic Western home-cooked BBQ. Their home is also the site of the Alpine & Western Pacific Railroad, one of Nevada’s largest garden railroads, featuring meticulously crafted miniature trains and landscapes. As you enjoy the delicious BBQ, you’ll be treated to music and entertainment, capturing the spirit of the Wild West. To top off this memorable day, you’ll have the chance to watch a breathtaking Nevada sunset, creating a picture-perfect end to your day of exploration and adventure. (D)

Monday 22nd September
Franktown Meadows; Nevada State Railroad Museum; Lake Tahoe dinner cruise
Depart for Franktown Meadows, sitting on the historic right-of-way of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Although there are no remaining traces of the old railroad today, Franktown Meadows has been transformed into a world-class equestrian centre. You will be treated to a short equestrian demonstration, highlighting the excellence for which the centre is known. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by serene pastures and the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.
Your next destination is the Nevada State Railroad Museum, a short drive away. You will have the opportunity to explore a fascinating collection of historic trains. You will not only be able to view these magnificent machines up close, but also experience the thrill of riding on some of them. The museum showcases a rich history of Nevada’s railroads, offering a glimpse into the past with meticulously preserved locomotives and carriages.
Your journey continues with a scenic drive over Spooner Summit, leading you to the breathtaking Lake Tahoe, home of the Ponderosa Ranch of TV’s Bonanza! At Lake Tahoe, you’ll board the M.S. Dixie II, an iconic paddle-wheeler renowned for its charm and elegance, for an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise. The cruise will take you to Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the United States. Emerald Bay is famous for its emerald-green waters and the historic Vikingsholm Castle. While on the M.S. Dixie II, you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner. This part of your trip promises to be both visually stunning and deeply memorable. (L D)

Tuesday 23rd September
The Loneliest Highway in America
Today’s journey will be an epic adventure like no other. You will be traversing the entire state of Nevada on the legendary Highway 50, famously dubbed “The Loneliest Highway in America.” Highway 50 earned its nickname due to its remote and sparsely populated stretches.
The isolation offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast, unspoiled landscapes of Nevada, with its rolling deserts, mountain ranges, and expansive skies. Your first stop will be at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area. Here, you explore ancient petroglyphs, which are carvings etched into rock surfaces by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago.
As you continue your journey, you’ll pass through small, historic towns that echo the days of the Old West. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of Nevada’s rich mining history, with abandoned mines and ghost towns dotting the landscape. Highway 50 also offers unparalleled natural beauty. The stark, stunning desert scenery creates a sense of endless adventure. By the end of the day, you will have experienced the heart and soul of Nevada in a way few others ever do.
Nevada hosts the largest gold and silver deposits in the world, and your journey will include an extraordinary visit to an operational open-pit gold mine at Ruby Hill. The site provides a real insight into the modern mining process, from ore extraction to processing. During your visit, it’s possible you might witness a blast, which is sure to be a dramatic and educational experience, showcasing the sheer scale and power involved in modern mining operations.
After your long journey across the Silver State, you will check into the local Prospector Hotel and Casino in Ely, Nevada, a beloved establishment that blends the charm of the Old West with modern comforts. As you explore the hotel, you might notice historical photographs and artifacts that tell the story of Ely’s past. The hotel’s small casino offers a range of gaming options and, for those interested in a bit of relaxation, the hotel also features an indoor pool and hot tub. In the evening, you will have dinner at the hotel’s Margareta’s restaurant, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. (L D)

Wednesday 24th September
Nevada Northern Railway
Today promises to be one of the most memorable days and nights of your adventure! You will step back in time over a hundred years as you explore a historic railroad and its shops, preserved exactly as they were a century ago. This visit will transport you to an era when railroads were the lifeblood of America’s westward expansion. Your day will be filled with a variety of activities designed to immerse you in the rich history and operations of the railroad. You’ll explore the meticulously preserved shops where skilled craftsmen still work. These shops are a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Next, you will ride on historic trains. The restored locomotives and carriages offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing us to imagine what it was like to journey across the rugged landscapes of Nevada over a century ago. There will also be opportunities to operate handcars, giving you a taste of the physical effort required to maintain and use these early transportation methods. The day will be filled with interactive experiences that bring the history of the railroad to life. Guides and historians will be on hand to share fascinating stories and insights about this pivotal period in American history. You will dine aboard one of the historic trains as it takes you on a journey into the high desert. After dinner, you will venture further into the desert to view the night skies. This part of Nevada is known for its clear, dark skies, free from the light pollution that obscures the stars in many other places. Local astronomers will join you, bringing their telescopes and expertise, and guide you through the celestial wonders above. This stargazing session will be a magical end to your day. (B L D)

Thursday 25th September
Wendover Airfield; Great Salt Flats
Travel to the historically significant and ultra top-secret Wendover Airfield. This airfield played a pivotal role as the training grounds for the crews who brought an end to World War II in the Pacific by dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As you leave the Silver State, you will stop for lunch at one of the local casinos. Following lunch, you will drive across the vast expanse of the Great Salt Flats, a unique and otherworldly landscape that has been the site of numerous land speed records. This scenic leg of your journey will bring you to Salt Lake City. Known for its beautiful architecture, historic Temple Square, and stunning mountain backdrop, Salt Lake City offers a variety of attractions and activities. You will check in at the Grand America Hotel, which features handcrafted Richelieu furniture, original works of art, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. You will enjoy dinner at Tuscany, a beautiful restaurant offering a fine Italian dining experience.
(B L D)

Friday 26th September
The Heber Valley Railroad
You will ride on the historic Heber Valley Railroad. Established in 1899, this railroad once served as a vital transportation route for goods and passengers in the region. Today, it offers a relaxing and nostalgic journey through some of Utah’s most stunning landscapes, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful natural scenery. As the train winds through the Valley, you might spot a variety of native wildlife such as mule deer, bald eagles, elk, and coyotes. Enjoy the leisurely pace and take in the natural beauty that defines this remarkable area. Enjoy dinner at one of the many great places within walking distance of your hotel. (B L)

Saturday 27th September
Golden Spike National Park; Farewell dinner
Continuing your historical exploration, you travel northwest to Promontory Point, home to the Golden Spike National Historical Park. This site marks the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, with the ceremonial driving of the Golden Spike. This monumental event linked the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, transforming transportation and commerce across the United States.
At Golden Spike National Historical Park, you’ll have the opportunity to see the two replica steam engines, the Jupiter and No.119, positioned as they were on that historic day for perfect photo opportunities. These locomotives are faithful reproductions of the originals that met nose-to-nose to mark the joining of the rails.
Our Wild, Wild West Rail Adventure comes to an end, but before we say goodbye, we will all enjoy a farewell dinner together. Nestled at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, La Caille offers an unparalleled dining experience and atmosphere. As we dine in the beautifully appointed Grand Pavilion, you’ll be surrounded by the charm and elegance that La Caille is renowned for. Before dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the three-acre vineyard, where you can savour the sights and scents of the flourishing grapevines. Enjoy the refreshing canyon breeze on the patio, offering a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for reflection on our journey. This evening is a perfect opportunity to share memories and stories from our adventure and celebrate the friendships we’ve made. La Caille promises to provide an unforgettable conclusion to our remarkable journey together. (B L D)

Sunday 28th September
Depart From Salt Lake City Airport
Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport for an overnight flight back to London Heathrow. (B)

Monday 29th September
Arrive London Heathrow
You arrive back in the UK at London Heathrow.