A Perfect 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary: Wine, Views & Unforgettable Dining

Welcome to Wine Country

Napa Valley is more than just a destination, it’s a state of mind. Here, you can experience incredible meals, world-class wines, and unmistakable Wine Country views. And at the heart of it all? The Napa Valley Wine Train.

Step aboard a restored Pullman car, settle into your seat, and let the journey begin. Whether you’re here with friends, on a romantic escape, or traveling with family, three days in Napa offer a seamless blend of indulgence, exploration, and yes, those Wine Country views.

Day 1: Arrival and First Taste of Napa Valley

You’ve arrived in Napa and you’re ready to take on the day! First, check into your hotel—our preferred hotel partners offer curated packages that pair overnight stays with Wine Train experiences, making your getaway effortless right from the start. Once you’re settled, make your way to the McKinstry Street Station for a daytime journey aboard the Wine Train. For your first taste of Napa, consider the Tasting on the Rails Lunch Experience, a three-hour journey through the valley, complete with a seven-course tasting menu and curated wine pairings. It’s the perfect first course of your Napa story.

You’ll arrive back at the station around 2:30 pm, leaving ample time in the day to explore more of Downtown Napa. Just steps away from the station, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, local cafés, and inviting tasting rooms. While in Downtown Napa, be sure to explore the Napa Art Walk — a collection of nine sculptures by North American artists celebrating this year’s theme, “Climate Action and Sustainability.” Beyond the art, Napa offers some of the most Instagrammable hidden gems with picture-perfect corners, so don’t forget your camera! 

As the day comes to a close, enjoy dinner at one of Napa’s most celebrated restaurants. Consider Scala Osteria for a warm, inviting atmosphere with a menu highlighting Italian seafood traditions, or TORC, known for its lively energy and locally focused menu. After dinner, head back to your accommodations to recharge for another day in Napa.

Day 2: Wineries, Views, and Gourmet Experiences

Good Morning, Napa Valley! Ease into the day with golden light pouring over the vines — it’s time to explore beyond the rails. Start with a scenic drive through one of Napa Valley’s most picturesque towns: St. Helena, known for its pioneering wineries and intentional boutiques, or Yountville, home to many Michelin-star restaurants and an upscale vibe. While you’re here, stop at Chandon for a sparkling wine tasting. It’s one of our favorites (we even collaborate with them and use their sparkling wine in our Garden Spritz cocktail during the Afternoon Tea experience on the Wine Train). 

Pause for a relaxing afternoon and have lunch at a vineyard estate or patio overlooking the vines. At Beringer Vineyards, Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery, you’ll find tasting flights paired with light bites. V. Sattui Winery (also a stop during our Legacy experience) has a Marketplace & Deli where you can choose from artisan sandwiches, local cheeses, charcuterie, and desserts. Then, enjoy your picnic beneath the shaded oaks.

After your afternoon travelling through Napa, head back to your hotel for a quick freshen up, and join us for an evening journey aboard the Wine Train. As the sun begins to set, dinner and drinks on a vintage train feel romantic, elegant, and indulgent—the perfect highlight of your Napa Valley itinerary. 

Day 3: Explore & Unwind 

Make your final day in Wine Country one to remember. At sunrise, head back to Yountville to float above the vineyards on a hot-air balloon ride — offering a breathtaking perspective of Napa Valley’s quiet magic. Or, for an indoor adventure, visit the Napa Valley Museum, where you’ll find rotating exhibitions, sculptures, photography, and installations from world-class artists. Sitting on a 200+ acre property with lakes, meadows, and unique installations, the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is another inspiring place to visit during your Napa stay. 

It’s been a busy couple of days in Wine Country. Why not take the afternoon to unwind and enjoy the amenities of your accommodations? Sink into the jacuzzi tubs and get cozy next to the electric fireplaces at Candlelight Junction, or take in the Napa River views (and your complimentary bottle of wine) at the River Terrace Inn if you’ve chosen the Wine Train Adventure on the Riverfront package.

Conclude your getaway with a farewell dinner in Downtown Napa, perhaps at one of the restaurants you spotted on day one! Or let the Wine Train serve as your encore with a Vista Dome Dinner. This elegant farewell is pure romance on the rails. The Gourmet Express Dinner is another excellent way to cap off your Wine Country experience, as you’ll enjoy a three-course meal as the train moves through the Valley during golden hour.

We Hope to See You Soon

Three days in Napa Valley offer the perfect balance of indulgence, discovery, and making memories—all while sipping on a fine glass of wine, of course. Between gourmet dining, vineyard views, unique experiences, and travelling aboard the Wine Train, it’s easy to see why our corner of the world was named one of the must-visit travel spots for 2026. 

To make your getaway to Wine Country a truly elevated experience, plan your stay with one of our overnight packages and special offers—each designed to pair a Wine Train journey with accommodations at some of the region’s most charming hotels and inns. Every detail of your stay and experience is crafted to help you make the most of your time in Wine Country. 

From the first pour to the final toast, we look forward to welcoming you aboard.