Day 1 - Welcome to the "Windy City"
Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the city at your leisure with a hop on/hop off trolley tour. See Millennium Park, the theatre district, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Observatory, Willis Tower and other important city landmarks. Overnight Chicago.
Day 2 - Chicago Sightseeing
Discover Chicago's South Shore on this 2-hour tour! Highlights include Grant Park, Soldier Field, the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute, Orchestra Hall, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, Jackson Park, the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry and much more! The remainder of the day is at your leisure to shop, take in a spectacular theater performance or enjoy a delicious meal. Overnight Chicago.
Day 3 - All Aboard the California Zephyr
Arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station for your 1:50 pm departure and prepare for your train adventure. Once onboard the iconic California Zephyr, settle into your onboard accommodations for the 2,400+ mile journey across the country to San Francisco. As the train chugs across the Midwest, make sure to visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet some new friends and admire the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 4 - Westward Ho! California Zephyr and the Rockies
Stunning views of the Colorado Rockies await you this morning as the Zephyr climbs the front range of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from your onboard accommodations, or opt for a more panoramic setting in the Lounge Car. During the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the area through which youíre traveling during a Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer rangers as you travel from Denver to Grand Junction. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 5 - Over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay
The train arrives in Reno, Nevada mid-morning and continues across the border into California, climbing through the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The California Zephyr is scheduled to arrive in Emeryville around 4:10 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival, hop a shuttle for your transfer to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can get a taxi to your hotel located near Fisherman's Wharf. Overnight San Francisco. (B, L Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 6 - San Francisco Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the City by the Bay on a Hop On/Hop Off city tour. Learn about San Franciscoís history from the early Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush to today. Highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, Coit Tower, Ghiradelli Square and more! Overnight San Francisco.
Day 7 - Yosemite National Park
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park on a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoias. Visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Inspiration Point before driving to a lesser-traveled part of the Park for a chance to hike in the evergreen forest to see the worldís largest living things: a grove of Giant Sequoia trees! Overnight San Francisco.
Day 8 - Tour Conclusion
Your California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park vacation comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your return travel home.
Hotels include the Hilton Palmer House and Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf. Amtrak accommodations are in Coach class and include a reclining seat with leg rest and access to the Sightseer Lounge car.
Upgrades to Roomette and Bedroom sleeping accommodations are available for an additional fee and include all meals aboard the train and access to the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago’s Union Station.
Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.
Senior discounts and single pricing are available upon request. Contact a rail specialist for details.
* Arrival and Departure times are subject to change. Please be advised that passengers traveling on California Zephyr Trains may encounter delays of approximately three to six hours due to heavy congestion, speed restrictions and other operating conditions.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy, tax included. Prices are subject to change, and all reservations are based upon availability at time of booking.
Chicago Historical Tour is not available on Thursdays. The Giant Sequoias hike on the excursion to Yosemite is dependant on snow levels and trail conditions.
