Nature's wonders abound on this 12-day rail vacation to the western US. Highlights of your vacation include travel aboard three trains--the Southwest Chief, Grand Canyon Railway and Coast Starlight—and visits to the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods.

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary Hotel and Train Accommodations

• One-way transportation aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles (2 nights on train)
• Select meals (meals onboard train when upgrading to a roomette or bedroom)
• Roundtrip travel aboard the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of the Canyon
• One-way transportation aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco
• Hotel accommodations for 9 nights
• Chicago Hop On/Hop Off trolley tour
• Universal Studios theme park pass
• Muir Woods and Sausalito excursion
• Taxes and service charges

Scenic highlights incude:

• Millennium Park
• Navy Pier
• John Hancock Observatory
• Grand Canyon
• Los Angeles
• Universal Studios
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Muir Woods
• Sausalito

Day 1 - Welcome to Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the city at your leisure. Overnight Chicago.

Day 2 - Explore Chicago
Spend the day discovering the city's top attractions with a hop on/hop off trolley tour. Stops include Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, and Willis Tower among other popular landmarks. Take time to shop along the Magnificent Mile and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city's fine restaurants. Overnight Chicago.

Day 3 - Journey to the Southwest
Take the morning to stroll along the lakefront or finish some last minute shopping. This afternoon transfer on your own to Chicago's historic Union Station, where you board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for your 3:00 pm departure. As the train begins its journey southwest, visit the Sightseer Lounge for panoramic views of the passing scenery. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 4 - Southwest Chief En Route to Williams Junction
Relax aboard the train and drink in the stunning scenery as the plains of the Midwest give way to desert scenes as you travel into New Mexico and Arizona. The Southwest Chief is scheduled to arrive in Williams Junction at 9:30 pm this evening. A shuttle is waiting to take you from the rail station to your hotel. Get a good night's sleep in preparation of your full day tomorrow! Overnight Williams. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 5 - Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim
After an early breakfast at the Grand Depot Café, board the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, traveling the same route once taken by former U.S. presidents and Hollywood stars. Upon arrival, embark on a Freedom Tour featuring visits to scenic overlooks of the canyon including Mohave Point and Hermits Rest. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the South Rim at your leisure. Overnight Grand Canyon. (B)

Day 6 - Grand Canyon: A Natural Wonder of the World
The South Rim of the Canyon is brimming with history. Make time to visit Desert View Watchtower, which offers views of the bottom of the Canyon and the Colorado River, and Bright Angel Lodge and its museum dedicated to Fred Harvey. Spend the morning exploring the South Rim on your own, or you may wish to take an optional guided tour. Overnight Grand Canyon.

Day 7 - Grand Canyon Railway to Williams
The morning is yours to snap your last pictures of the Grand Canyon as you revisit your favorite overlooks and historic buildings. This afternoon, return to Williams aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. Enjoy dinner this evening at the Grand Depot Café before boarding the Southwest Chief for your overnight journey en route to Los Angeles. Overnight train. (D)

Day 8 - Welcome to Hollywood
The Southwest Chief arrives in Los Angeles this morning. Transfer on your own to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Los Angeles is brimming with things to see and do. Visit Santa Monica Pier, shop like the stars along Rodeo Drive, or stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Overnight Los Angeles. (B Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 9 - Universal Studios
Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood! Your pass gives you full-day access to this movie-based theme park featuring thrilling attractions and behind-the-scenes studio tours. Overnight Los Angeles.

Day 10 - Coast Starlight to San Francisco
This morning transfer on your own to Los Angeles' Union Station. Board Amtrak's Coast Starlight and travel along the dazzling Pacific coastline to Emeryville. This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic rail journeys! Arrive in Emeryville and transfer by shuttle to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can take a taxi for the short ride to your hotel. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 11 - Excursion to Muir Woods
Today travel north across the Golden Gate Bridge for a visit to Muir Woods, one of the few remaining groves of virgin Coastal Redwoods, the tallest and oldest trees in existence! Next, visit Sausalito, a village of art galleries, quaint shops and waterfront restaurants offering views of San Francisco across the bay. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer including Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and Ghiradelli Square. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 12 - Return Home
Your vacation comes to an end this morning. Transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your return trip home.

Hotels include the Palmer House Hilton, Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Maswik Lodge, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 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.

Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.