The American Orient Express carries us along the Pacific Coast where we see fine examples of Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial architecture as we begin our journey to San Francisco and Napa Valley. Enjoy a daylight journey through the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge — one of the most scenic rail journeys in America — before passing Multnomah Falls, on our way to Portland and Seattle. Although the ocean currents keep this region temperately mild throughout the year, autumn’s long, cool nights do bring a colorful change to the region in late October and early November. The American Orient Express also visits this region during spring, when flowers are in full bloom.

Optional pre/post trip Lodging
Call us for special hotel rates at the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles and/or the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

Day 1 — Los Angeles, California
This afternoon, we meet at the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles for a welcome orientation and are transported to the historic Union Station to board the beautifully restored train. Once on board, we begin the journey north along California's bold and breathtaking coastline, where the Pacific Ocean meets windswept cliffs and waves crash against the endless white sandy beaches. (D)

Day 2 — San Simeon / Hearst Castle, California
Gaviota State Park sets the scene today, and we often spot sea lions and other marine life from the train. One of Southern California's largest stretches of protected coastline, the natural environment here takes us over trestles and through tunnels - en route to Paso Robles. We overlook the 40-acre estate as we take in lunch at the Eberle Winery. The AOE chef prepares the cuisine to be paired with Eberle's award winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines. This afternoon, we tour Hearst Castle, a 165- room, 127-acre estate built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Atop a mountain that overlooks the Pacific, the extravagant San Simeon abode harbors an extensive collection of antiques and fine art. We dine and overnight onboard the train in Paso Robles. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — San Francisico, California
Vibrant, cultured and diverse, San Francisco is our focus today. San Francisco is a harmonious mix of sophisticated chic mingling with offbeat originality. Its hilly streets provide some fabulous glimpses of the sparkling bay and world-famous bridges. Our Tour Leaders guide us though this spectacular and historic city and introduces us to the diverse neighborhoods that make up the eclectic cuisine of San Francisco. Incorporated into our tour will be a progressive lunch including stops at Fisherman's Wharf for fresh water bay shrimp, North Beach for Italian cheeses and olives, the Mission area for Spanish tamales, Chinatown for dim sum, and Cow Hollow for chocolate. Back on board the train, dinner will be served as we make our way to Sacramento, where we overnight and prepare for our tour of Napa Valley the next day. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Napa Valley, California
The endless rows of grape arbors passing by our windows leave no doubt -- we're in wine country. Napa Valley's fertile soil and optimum growing conditions support about 250 vineyards and wineries in a 25-mile-long area. You'll marvel at the lunch served in the Cask Room Cellar at Merryvale Winery. Long tables will be elegantly set with vine covered candelabras and shimmering crystal glasses in a cobblestone hall lined with wine casks. Our three-course luncheon will be paired with Merryvale's best wines. Merryvale is historic and picturesque and is set within the first winery built in Napa Valley following Prohibition. Our afternoon tour includes a visit to Copia, the American Center for Wine Food and the Arts. With the assistance of Julia Child, Eleanor Coppola, Martha Stewart, Alice Waters and Wayne Thiebaud, this tour was conceived by Robert Mondavi and highlights all of what Napa Valley has to offer. Part of our comprehensive tour of the facility and its exhibits will be a lecture from a sommelier on wine and food pairing. Dinner this evening will be served in the elegant dining cars on board the train. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Rail to Portland, Oregon
Awake this morning to the breathtaking vista of Northern California. We spend a leisurely day on board enjoying the amenities of the train. Participate in the lecture series and partake of afternoon tea as views of the mountains, including magnificent Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, rise above the pine forests. Today's lecture series focuses on the cultural influences on culinary traditions - a perfect complement to our recent adventures. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Portland, Oregon
The Columbia and Willamette Rivers converge in Portland, a well-planned community known for cultural richness, microbreweries and gardens. Portland is situated in a wonderful area for fresh seafood and offers an abundance of fresh produce from the Hood Valley. Enjoy a tour of Clear Creek Distillery, where they have married European traditional brandy-making techniques with the finest fruit from their own Oregon orchards to produce brandies and other spirits that are internationally and nationally known and respected, served in the world's best restaurants and appreciated by connoisseurs everywhere. Lunch will be served at the exquisite Wildwood Restaurant, named one of the 50 best American Restaurants by Gourmet Magazine in 2001. After lunch we'll explore Portland, with a guided tour that includes the beautiful Chinese gardens. Or, enjoy the optional Epicurean Cooking Class taught by Cory Schreiber, the chef and owner of Wildwood Restaurant. Cory was given the James Beard Award for "Best Chef Northwest" in 1998. Learn hands-on how to prepare gourmet fare and incorporate all season foods into your menus. Our farewell cocktail reception and dinner is tonight on board the train. (B,L,D)

Optional Cooking Class $100 per person

Day 7 — Seattle, Washington
On clear mornings, Mount Saint Helens and Mount Ranier treat us to stunning views as the train rolls toward our final destination -- King Street Station in Seattle where we detrain late morning. Stay on in Seattle, or make individual arrangements to return home. (B)