7-Day Napa Valley Itinerary: A Week of Wine Train Journeys & Vineyard Escapes

One day in Napa? Lovely.

A weekend? Charming.

But a full week among the vineyards? That’s when you really get to experience the magic of Napa Valley. The slow mornings, the sun-warmed afternoons, the meals that feel almost too beautiful to eat, and the stories shared over glasses of wine you’ll remember long after the last sip. And when those moments unfold from the comfort of a vintage railcar, Napa feels even more unforgettable.

A 7-day Napa Valley Wine Train-inspired itinerary invites you to savor the valley at its most indulgent: scenic journeys by rail, curated tastings, world-class dining, and time to explore the region’s cultural and natural gems at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a celebratory getaway, or your dream wine-country vacation, this weeklong itinerary blends relaxation, adventure, and moments you’ll treasure.

Day 1: Arrival & Unwind

Day 1 At A Glance

• Check in to your boutique hotel or a Napa Valley Wine Train hotel partner

• Lunch at Oxbow Public Market

• Casual tasting at a downtown Napa tasting room

• Sunset stroll along the Napa Riverfront

Morning

Arrive in Napa and settle into your boutique hotel or one of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s hotel partners. This is the moment to exhale — your week in Wine Country has officially begun. Lean into the slow, scenic pace of the valley and leave the rush of the city behind you.

Afternoon

Head to Oxbow Public Market for a low-key but always-delicious lunch. From artisan cheeses to fresh-baked pastries and local favorites, it’s the perfect first taste of Napa’s culinary spirit. Keep the afternoon light and wander to a nearby downtown tasting room like WALT Wines or Arch & Tower. Think of it as a gentle first sip before the week’s more complex pours.

Evening

Ease into the evening with dinner at a neighborhood gem like Zuzu or Angele. To finish off your first day, take a stroll down the Napa Riverfront at sunset. If jet lag (or Wine Country bliss) hits early, enjoy an early bedtime and get ready for your exciting week ahead.

Day 2: Legacy Experience on the Rails

Day 2 At A Glance 

• Board vintage Napa Valley Wine Train railcars for the Legacy Experience

• Full-day journey with multiple winery stops

• Gourmet multi-course lunch served on board

• Hosted storytelling about Napa’s winemaking heritage

Morning & Afternoon

Today is the moment many travelers consider the highlight of their trip: the Wine Train Legacy Experience. Step aboard vintage railcars restored with timeless elegance and embark on a full-day journey featuring multiple winery stops, elevated tastings, and a gourmet multi-course meal served onboard. It’s a complete sensory experience — polished brass, panoramic windows, vineyard-lined tracks, and a sense of place that brings the valley to life. The Legacy Experience is Napa Valley Wine Train’s signature full-day journey, pairing curated winery visits with on-board fine dining and hosted storytelling.

Evening

With a timely 4:30pm arrival back at the station, this leaves plenty of room for a dinner reservation at a top Napa restaurant, such as Scala or Slanted Door. After a day of discovery and indulgence, unwind with a nightcap at your hotel and let the memories from the rails be the topic of conversation as the rest of the valley quiets around you.

Insider tip: Bring a journal with you and jot down the wines that captivated you, the truly unmatched pairings, or any sparks of inspiration that surface along your journey.

Day 3: Culture & Cuisine

Day 3 At A Glance

• Morning visit to di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art or Napa Valley Museum

• Afternoon wandering Yountville’s tasting rooms, shops, and eateries

• Evening Vista Dome Dinner aboard the Wine Train

• Glass-domed views of vineyards from golden hour into twilight

Morning

Begin your day at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art or the Napa Valley Museum, both of which showcase the region’s creative spirit and cultural roots. These spaces highlight the many voices and influences that have shaped Napa Valley—from local artists to stories that explore the region’s history, identity, and evolving community.

Afternoon

Make your way to Yountville, a town where luxury feels inviting rather than exclusive. The town’s blend of approachable elegance and thoughtful curation makes it easy for guests of every background and travel style to feel at home. Whether you’re stopping for lunch at RH Restaurant, grabbing a bite on-the-go from Bouchon Bakery, or savoring a moment at Priest Ranch Wines, there’s something to meet everyone’s unique palate.

Evening

Return to the rails for the Wine Train’s Vista Dome Dinner, an experience that feels equal parts world-class dining and a picturesque postcard. Vista Dome is an elevated multi-course dining experience served in a glass-domed railcar on the Napa Valley Wine Train. For many guests, it’s the evening that defines their entire week in Napa. In the peak of summer right from your seat, you’ll have panoramic views of the vineyards as they shift from golden hour to twilight, wrapping the landscape in a soft, romantic glow. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply savoring the moment, the Vista Dome Dinner is a quintessential experience that leaves a lasting impression long after your last sip of wine.

Day 4: Vineyards & Views

Day 4 At A Glance

• Leisurely drive through Rutherford and St. Helena

• Private tastings at select wineries with vineyard views

• Lunch on a winery patio, featuring seasonal, locally sourced dishes

• Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a refined Japanese-inspired meal at Kenzo

Morning

Today is for the road less hurried. Drive through Rutherford and St. Helena, where rolling hills cradle some of Napa’s most storied vineyards. Reserve private tastings at a couple of wineries that catch your eye, the kind where an expertly poured flight comes with a vineyard view and a story. Our recommendations? Beaulieu Vineyard and Bella Union Winery are two you won’t want to miss.

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch on a winery patio, ideally surrounded by vines glowing in the afternoon sun. Many wineries offer seasonal menus sourced directly from local farms, making each dish a reflection of Napa’s agricultural roots. Take this chance to slow down and soak in the harmony of landscape, cuisine, and a perfectly paired glass of wine.

Evening

After a few days of savoring views from the rails, tonight’s reservation is all about what’s on your plate. Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred experience. Options like The French Laundry, Auberge du Soleil, or Press offer tasting menus and wine lists that feel as thoughtfully composed as the vintages you’ve been savoring all week. Or, return to Napa for a refined Japanese-inspired dining experience at Kenzo. 

Day 5: Choose Your Own Adventure

Day 5 At A Glance 

• Choose your morning: sunrise hot air balloon, spa treatment, yoga, or Vine Trail bike ride

• Relaxed afternoon by the pool or exploring nearby towns

• Evening Napa Valley Wine Train Murder Mystery journey

• Interactive themed dinner with costumes, characters, and vintage intrigue

Morning

This morning is all about choosing the pace that speaks to you. If you’re an early riser, sunrise in a hot air balloon is unforgettable; if you prefer a slower start, a spa morning or yoga session keeps things indulgent and grounded. If you’re craving a bit more movement, a scenic bike ride along the Vine Trail offers fresh air, gentle terrain, and plenty of picturesque views. 

Afternoon

Spend the rest of the day poolside, strolling through a nearby town, or visiting a quieter corner of Napa you haven’t met yet. These quieter hours are a chance to recharge, wander at your own pace, and take a pause in between your Napa Valley adventures. 

Evening

Tonight, step into a world of theatrical intrigue aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Murder Mystery journey. This interactive themed dinner on the rails is complete with costumed characters, plot twists, and a gourmet meal. It’s refined fun with a dose of vintage drama. These journeys typically run in the evening, so plan for a leisurely afternoon and give yourself time to dress for the theme.

Looking for outfit inspiration for this special occasion? Hint: think Great Gatsby meets Clue.

Day 6: Offbeat Explorations

Day 6 At A Glance

• Morning in Calistoga with geysers, mineral pools, and small-town charm

• Afternoon tasting at one of Napa Valley’s sparkling wine houses

• Relaxed outdoor seating with vineyard or garden views

• Dinner in downtown Napa or a return to a favorite restaurant

Morning

Venture to Calistoga for a morning immersed in natural wonders. Geysers, mineral pools, and charming small-town strolls are a refreshing contrast to the vineyards and a beautiful reminder of Napa Valley’s diverse landscapes.

Afternoon

Savor a tasting flight at one of the valley’s sparkling wine houses. It’s the perfect midday palate shift—crisp, celebratory, and delightfully refreshing. Many of these tasting rooms feature elegant outdoor seating, so you can sip and unwind while overlooking rolling vineyards or serene gardenscapes. 

Evening

As evening settles in, dine in style in downtown Napa or revisit a favorite restaurant from earlier in your trip. After all, this week is all about indulging in what you love most. The town’s warm lights and lively patios create a charming backdrop for your final night in the valley, and you’ll find that Napa’s restaurants have an uncanny way of turning a simple meal into a lasting memory.

Day 7: Toast to an Unforgettable Journey

Day 7 At A Glance

• Leisurely farewell brunch with valley views

• Time to reminisce about favorite Wine Train moments

• Final winery or shop visits to pick up favorite bottles

• Departure with a case of wine and a week’s worth of stories from the rails

Morning

Soak in your final views of the valley with a farewell brunch and cheers to the memories made. This is a moment to reflect on the experiences that shaped your week. You might find your brunch conversation drifting back to favorite Wine Train moments — the first pour on the Legacy Experience, the sunset views in the Vista Dome, the plot twist over dessert during the Murder Mystery. As you sip your coffee or your last glass of sparkling, you may already be imagining your return visit to the Napa Valley.

Afternoon

Stop by a favorite winery or Wine Train’s Wine & Gift Shop,  and take home the wines that stood out on your trip. We suggest saving your shopping until you’ve tasted all the wines your heart desires, just in case a new flavor captures your attention near the end of your journey. Departure is always bittersweet, but leaving with a case of wine helps.

Your Week-Long Napa Valley Escape Awaits

A week in Napa Valley isn’t just a vacation — it’s a luxurious pause, a reset, and an immersive exploration into the region’s relaxed wine culture. With the Napa Valley Wine Train perfectly woven throughout your itinerary, your journey becomes more than a trip. It becomes a story.

Explore all of the seasonal offers aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train or choose one of our beloved classic experiences, and begin planning your perfect week in Wine Country. If you’d like help tailoring this 7-day outline to your travel dates, our team is happy to recommend the right journeys, hotels, and pairings for your stay.