The Grand Canyon awaits on this spectacular Rails to the Rim vacation. Beginning in Los Angeles, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for the overnight journey to Williams Junction, Arizona, where you will catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This 4-day rail vacation includes travel aboard two iconic trains, hotel accommodations in Williams and Grand Canyon National Park, sightseeing and more!
Want to leave from Chicago?
- Roundtrip transportation aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief (2 nights onboard train)
- Meals onboard the train when upgrading to a roomette or bedroom
- Roundtrip coach class train travel on the Grand Canyon Railway (upgrades available)
- Hotel accommodations for one night and one morning to freshen up upon arrival in Williams
- Motorcoach South Rim tour
- Breakfast and dinner at the Grand Depot Cafe
- Roundtrip transfers from Williams Junction, AZ railway station to Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Scenic highlights include:
- Santa Ana Canyon
- Cajon Pass
- Mojave Desert
- Colorado River
- Grand Canyon
- Mohave Point
- Hermits Rest
Day 1 – Depart Los Angeles aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief and prepare for your 6:15 pm departure for Williams Junction, Arizona. Watch the sunset from your onboard accommodations or, for more dramatic views, from the train's Sightseer Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Spend the evening relaxing aboard the train and getting acquainted with your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 2 – Early morning arrival in Williams Junction, Arizona
The Southwest Chief pulls into Williams Junction at 3:50 am. You'll be transferred to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, where you will have time for a few more hours of sleep before freshening up and grabbing a hearty breakfast at the Grand Depot Café. Board the Grand Canyon Railway train for a 9:30 am departure for the South Rim of the Canyon. This historic train was built more than a century ago to transport ore in the Wild West. Upon arrival you will be met by tour buses waiting to take you on a Freedom Tour of the Grand Canyon, offering an impressive overview of this breathtaking natural wonder. Overnight Maswik Lodge. (B)
Day 3 – Grand Canyon at Your Leisure
Spend the morning exploring the South Rim on your own or take another guided tour. There are several historical buildings worth visiting including Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, the longest continually standing structure in the South Rim, or Desert View Watchtower with one of the few views of the bottom of the Canyon and the Colorado River. Board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams at 3:30 pm. Dinner this evening is at the Grand Depot Cafe. Relax at the hotel for a bit before transferring to the Williams Junction Amtrak station, where you will catch the 9:30 pm Southwest Chief bound for Los Angeles. Overnight train. (D)
Day 4 – Arrival in Los Angeles' historic Union Station
When you awake this morning you will be nearing Los Angeles. Prepare for your 8:15 am arrival at Union Station, where your Rails to the Rim adventure comes to a close. (B Sleeping Car passengers only)
Hotels include the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Maswik Lodge. 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.
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. All reservations are based on availability at time of booking.
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