Day 1: En Route
The Grand Canyon tour members will meet
the Tour Director in Chicago’s Union Station.
Sleeping accommodation persons will have
access to the comfortable, first-class Metropolitan
Lounge. The Sears Tower, the world’s
tallest building, is close by. Other Chicago attractions
are a brief cab ride away.
At 2:45 p.m. you’ll board the Southwest Chief
prior to its 3:15 p.m. departure. Relax in your
comfortable reclining coach seat with leg rest.
A limited number of private Roomette bedroom
sleeping accommodations are available
for an additional $410 per person (double occupancy).
Upgraded Bedrooms are available
at an additional $940 per person*. Bottled
water and coffee are available for Roomette
bedroom and upgraded Bedroom occupants
in their car. Enjoy a full-course dinner in the
dining car. Dining car meals are included
for all tour members.
You will want to spend time in the Sightseer
Lounge where the glass windows rise from
floor level to the ceiling. It is a great place to
view the passing scenery. (D)
Day 2: En Route/Flagstaff
During the night you traveled across the state
of Kansas. You will be near the Colorado border
when you awaken. Today experience
the excitement of the Santa Fe Trail as
you cross New Mexico and Arizona. You will
have time for a trainside walk when you arrive
in Albuquerque at mid afternoon. The arrival
into Flagstaff, Arizona, is scheduled for 8:46
p.m. Upon arrival you’ll transfer the short
distance to the Hampton Inn or Hilton
Garden Inn. (B, L, D)
Day 3: The Grand Canyon
After a Continental breakfast, you’ll travel by
deluxe motor coach to the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is
one of the world’s outstanding specialties. In
form, size, flowing color and geological significance,
it is unsurpassed.
You will visit the Canyon from several observation
areas. The first stop will be
Watchtower where you will experience
views of the River, the Canyon, the Painted
Desert and Kaibab National Forest. Travelers
will then return to the hotel by late afternoon. (CB)
Day 4: En Route
Transfer the short distance to the
Flagstaff Amtrak station and board Amtrak’s
famous Southwest Chief prior to its
5:01 a.m. departure for Chicago. You’ll
again enjoy reclining coach seats with leg
rests or private-room sleeping accommodations,
all train meals and other amenities
experienced on the westbound
Southwest Chief. Breakfast will be served
in the dining car following departure.
You’ll want to take advantage of the fascinating
scenery of Arizona and New Mexico
the train will pass through during the
day. (B, L & D)
Day 5: En Route
The Southwest Chief will roll across northeast
Missouri, a corner of Iowa, and all of
Illinois before our 3:20 p.m. arrival in
Chicago. Experience a crossing of the Mississippi
River at approximately 11:15 a.m. Upon
arrival in Chicago some tour members will
change to trains bound for Midwest, Eastern,
and Southern home cities. Sleeping car occupants
can enjoy the comfort and isolation of
the first-class Metropolitan Lounge until your
connecting train departs. Others will stay in
Chicago and fly home the following day. (B & L)
