Day 1 - Southwest Chief to Los Angeles
Your 13-day rail-cruise adventure begins at Chicago's historic Union Station, where you will meet your tour manager and fellow travelers early this afternoon. Board Amtrak's famous Southwest Chief and prepare for your 3:00 pm departure. Relax in your private Roomette sleeping accommodations or visit the Sightseer Lounge for expansive views of the passing scenery as the train travels through Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - En Route to Los Angeles
When you awake this morning the Southwest Chief will be entering Colorado after rolling through Kansas during the overnight hours. Today brings the excitement of the Santa Fe Trail as the train crosses New Mexico into Arizona. There will be time to disembark the train and stretch your legs on a trainside walk in Albuquerque this afternoon. Overnight train (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Los Angeles
The Southwest Chief is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles at 8:15 am. Upon arrival, board our motorcoach and set off for an extensive sightseeing tour of Los Angeles. Highlights include Chinatown, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Exposition Park and Mann's Chinese Theatre where the hand and footprints of many stars are preserved in concrete. There will be time for lunch on your own at the world-famous Farmers' Market before transferring to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel. (B)
Day 4 - Set Sail Aboard the Sapphire Princess
The morning is yours to explore Los Angeles on your own. At noon, we'll transfer from the hotel to the cruise ship terminal to board the Sapphire Princess. Ship-board amenities include four pools, the relaxing Lotus Spa, delightful boutiques and casual and formal dining rooms and specialty restaurants. Following a luncheon buffet, you can relax aboard the ship or explore some of its innovative features. Departure is scheduled for 4:00 pm. Overnight ship. (L, D)
Day 5 - Santa Barbara
Today's port of call is Santa Barbara, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. You may wish to shop on State Street, dine at some of the finest restaurants in the country or stroll the miles of pristine beaches. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - San Francisco
When you awake this morning, you will be in San Francisco, a city of culture, historical landmarks and world renowned dining. Disembark the ship at Pier 35 on the city's bustling downtown waterfront. Shoppers may wish to visit Pier 39 and the famous Fisherman's Wharf to browse the 100+ shops or dine at one of the dozen bay view restaurants. History buffs may wish to stroll over to Hyde Street Pier to visit the National Park Service's Maritime Museum, where you can board historic ships like the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha and 1914 paddlewheel tug Eppleton Hall. Cable cars and other modes of public transportation are readily accessible to take you to other popular attractions during your day in the City by the Bay. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - At Sea
Today brings a full day at sea to relax aboard the ship and take advantage its many amenities. Take a swim or play a round of mini-golf. Indulge in a relaxing massage or shop for designer clothing and gifts in the duty-free boutique. Another great evening of dining and entertainment awaits you tonight. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Astoria, Oregon
When you awake this morning you will be in Astoria, a city of 10,000 residents located on Oregon's Pacific coastline. It is home to Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark expedition camped during the winter of 1805-06. The city's attractions include the 125-foot high Astoria Column, the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Seattle, the Emerald City
Today's port of call is Seattle, located at the inland-most end of Puget Sound. On a clear day Mt. Rainier, 50 miles southeast from the Sound, will be visible from the ship's top decks. Take time to visit Seattle's famous attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, and certainly indulge in one of the city's favorite libations-a delicious cup of coffee. Overnight ship (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Victoria
Canada's most British city, Victoria, lies at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Double-decker buses cruise the streets and English inns, gardens and pubs abound. Victoria's most famous attraction is the world-famous Butchart Gardens featuring 50-acres of floral magnificence. This evening enjoy your final night aboard the ship as it traverses the Strait of Georgia to its final port, Vancouver. Overnight ship. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Vancouver to Seattle
Disembark the Sapphire Princess and spend the morning familiarizing yourself with Vancouver on a sightseeing tour of this coastal city. Highlights of your tour include Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay, Marine Drive, and Queen Elizabeth Park. Following lunch on your own, we'll continue to Seattle's King Street Station to board the eastbound Empire Builder train bound for Chicago. Overnight train. (B, D)
Day 12 - Empire Builder to Chicago
Relaxation is the entire day's agenda as you enjoy a full day aboard the iconic Empire Builder. Enjoy delicious meals in the dining car. Take in breathtaking vistas from the Sightseer Lounge. Keep an eye out for brilliant Glacier National Park, winding river gorges and glistening waterfalls. Rest in your private Roomette sleeping accommodations as you spend your second night aboard the train. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Chicago, the Windy City
The Empire Builder makes a short stop in Minneapolis on its way to Chicago. High bluffs, the Mississippi River and the picturesque Dells Country of Wisconsin are just some of the interesting sights you'll see as the train heads south, scheduled for a late afternoon arrival at Chicago's Union Station where your tour comes to an end.
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Single pricing is available upon request. Prices are are correct at the time of this web page going live; however, are subject to confirmation at time of booking.
