Trip Inclusions
- 14 nights in premium accommodation
- Two overnight train journeys in two-berth roomette
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and expert local guides
- A guided city tour of San Francisco, visiting Alcatraz Island
- Admire the scenery as you journey on the San Joaquin route
- Travel on the incredible Grand Canyon Railway
- Relax on board the overnight California Zephyr Train
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- All prices include airport transfers and tipping
- Porterage is not included
- No meals are included in this tour
- The overnight train journeys on Amtrak are based on shared bathroom facilities
- Hotels are subject to change and will be confirmed at documentation
- Prices are for land/rail only. Flights not included unless specified
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive San Francisco
Your rail journey across the USA begins today in San Francisco. Home to cable cars, world-class restaurants and a bustling cultural scene, San Francisco never ceases to amaze newcomers as well as locals. On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, San Francisco, Hotel Zephyr
San Francisco
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit the infamous island of Alcatraz, once a federal penitentiary that housed criminals such as Al Capone.
Enjoy an enthralling discovery of San Francisco. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, said to be the most famous bridge in the world. You will also meet a community of sea lions which lives at the popular Fisherman’s Wharf.
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Journey by train on the San Joaquin route through California’s Central Valley, which is bordered by coastal mountain ranges and Yosemite National Park.
At Merced you’ll board a coach to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the Valley Floor, taking in views of Half Dome, the 914-metre El Capitan and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls. Afterwards, head back to Merced to spend the night.
Stay: Merced, El Capitan Hotel
Las Vegas
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Continue the journey on the San Joaquin route southwards today and admire the breath-taking natural landscape including the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park and San Joaquin Valley.
Arriving in Bakersfield, you’ll transfer by coach across the Mojave Desert into Las Vegas in the state of Nevada.
Stay: Two Nights, Las Vegas, Park MGM Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Explore some of the incredible sights and highlights of Las Vegas at leisure today. The monorail is a great way to discover the amazing spectacles of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Absorb the atmosphere and enjoy an extraordinary selection of entertainment choices on your doorstep including the world-famous casinos.
Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Flagstaff
Head across Nevada to Arizona, via the towering Hoover Dam. Entering Arizona you’ll drive on the legendary Route 66. Arrive in Flagstaff for a two-night stay amid 500 picturesque acres of ponderosa pine forest.
Stay: Two Nights, Flagstaff, Little America Hotel
Grand Canyon
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives on the Grand Canyon Railway to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
Created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, the Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and has rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 12,000 years. Arrive at the South Rim, which is the main viewpoint of the canyon, to take in dramatic vistas.
Flagstaff, Monument Valley, Durango
After breakfast, you’ll feel like you’re in an American Western film as you drive through Navajo country and Utah’s Monument Valley. The region evokes a bygone era, where cowboys herded cattle across the hills and Native Americans performed rituals passed down through generations.
Stay: Durango, Best Western Plus Rio Grande
Durango and Silverton Railroad
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Board the Durango and Silverton Railroad for a journey across the remote wilderness of the National Forest. Travel through breathtaking canyons and past emerald-green rivers to Silverton.
Enjoy a spectacular rail journey to Grand Junction, offering stunning views of the Colorado River, towering mountains, and colourful rock formations.
Stay: Grand Junction, Hampton Inn Grand Junction
California Zephyr
Board your overnight train to Chicago. You will journey high up into the Rockies and across the plains.
Stay: Amtrak California Zephyr sleeper train
Chicago
Enjoy the morning on the train. Arrive in Chicago this afternoon. Here, you’ll disembark with plenty of time to enjoy an evening at leisure, familiarising yourself with the dynamic vibe of this major city.
Stay: Two Nights, Chicago, Hampton Inn Magnificent Mile
Chicago
Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour. This afternoon, discover Chicago Architecture Centre Walk followed by a Chicago Architecture Cruise. The observatory at 360 Chicago is a good place to get your bearings with views across the city. Stroll through Chicago’s downtown parks, including Millennium Park, or head into one of the city’s many museums and art galleries, such as the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago
Explore the ‘Windy City’, Chicago on a tour today. Later this evening, you will board the Lake Shore Limited for the overnight journey to Buffalo.
Stay: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited sleeper train
Niagara Falls
Arrive in Buffalo and transfer to Niagara Falls. Perhaps explore the falls from the water on a river tour (own expense).
Stay: Niagara Falls, Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York
Today, board the Maple Leaf service to New York for a day-long train journey. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Central Station.
Stay: Two Nights, New York Marriot Marquis Time Square
New York
Join a guided tour and harbour cruise around the famous borough Manhattan, which takes you past the iconic Statue of Liberty.
Depart New York
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
In all we had a fantastic holiday. We would recommend Travelmarvel to all who'll ask.
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