Rails to the Rim Adventure from Chicago

Day 1 – Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief
Board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and prepare for a 3:00 pm departure for Williams Junction, Arizona. Make the most of your time on the train, meeting your fellow travelers and ensuring a visit to the Sightseer Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of the picture-perfect scenery passing before you. As your train crosses the mighty Mississippi, cutting across Illinois, briefly into Iowa, and then onto Missouri, enjoy a hot meal in the Dining Car before retiring for the evening. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 2 – Southwest Chief to Williams Junction, Arizona

The sun rises as you leave Kansas and travel through southern Colorado. Start your day with breakfast in the Dining Car followed by a series of presentations from volunteer park rangers as part of the Trails & Rails program (seasonal). Enjoy hearing stories and viewing artifacts from the region as your travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Your train arrives in Williams Junction, Arizona around 9:30 this evening. A shuttle will transfer you from the rail station to your hotel. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. (B, L, D Sleeping Car Passengers only)

Day 3 – Historic Grand Canyon Railway Train

Wake-up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at the Grand Depot Cafe. Then board the vintage rail cars of the Grand Canyon Railway for a 9:30 am departure to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Travel the same route as other notable Railway passengers before you including William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, and Doris Day. Upon arrival you will be met by tour buses waiting to take you on a Freedom Tour of the Grand Canyon. This narrated motorcoach tour of the South Rim visits the most scenic overlooks of the canyon, with stops at breathtaking vistas including Mohave Point, Pima Point, the Abyss, and Hermits Rest. Overnight Maswik Lodge. (B)

Day 4 – 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; Desert View Watchtower with one of the few views of the bottom of the Canyon and the Colorado River; and Bright Angel Lodge with its small museum honoring Fred Harvey, who played a prominent role in popularizing the Grand Canyon. Board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams at 3:30 pm. Dinner this evening is at the Grand Depot Cafe. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. (D)

Day 5 – Southwest Chief Chicago-bound

Wake-up early and transfer to Williams Junction to board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Chicago. Nap, read a book, or spend the day marveling at the canyons, deserts, mountains, missions, pueblos, and ranches that comprise the colorful scenery and getting to know your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 6 – Arrive at Chicago’s Union Station

Awake to the wheat fields of the Midwest this morning. Leisurely prepare for your arrival in Chicago a little after 3:15 pm. You may elect to extend your stay in the Windy City with a variety of hotel and sightseeing packages. (B, L Sleeping Car passengers only)

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. All reservations are based upon availability at time of booking.