Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station, meet your tour manager and prepare for your boarding call. Settle into your accommodations aboard this iconic train before the train begins its journey west at 3:00 pm. As the train makes its way through Illinois, into Iowa, Missouri and Kansas, take time to explore the train, from the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge offering expansive views of the passing scenery to the dining car offering a variety of full-course meals. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - Southwest Chief to Flagstaff
When you awake this morning, the train will be nearing the Colorado border. Spend the day admiring the sights as you travel through portions of Colorado and along the Santa Fe Trail through New Mexico and Arizona. There will be time for a short train-side walk when the Southwest Chief pulls into Albuquerque this afternoon. Take time to chat with your fellow travelers, relax and enjoy a meal in the dining car before your arrival in Flagstaff, scheduled for 8:51 pm. Overnight Drury Inn.* (B, L, D)
Day 3 - The Grand Canyon
Your day begins with a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. View one of the world's outstanding sights from several observation areas including Mather Point and Grand View. This afternoon, we'll cross the Colorado River on the Navajo Bridge for views of Marble Canyon, which is the beginning of the Grand Canyon, on our way to Lee's Ferry at the lower mouth of Glen Canyon. Visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center before arriving at our final destination for the day, Page, AZ, located in the Lake Powell area. Dinner tonight will be at the popular Rainbow Room. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (CB, D)
Day 4 - Zion National Park
Board your motorcoach this morning for a visit to another of the West's treasures and Utah's first National Park, Zion. See the Park's stunning sights from the gigantic stone masses of the West Temple and the Watchman guarding the southern entrance to the Park to hanging gardens and waterfalls. Your tram ride through the Park shows off all of this and more, including Zion Canyon, the spectacular gorge carved by the Virgin River. Dinner tonight is at the nearby Cowboy's Buffet and Steak Room. Overnight Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. (B, D)
Day 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, we visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon features some of the most colorful rocks, which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars called "hoodoos." Iron oxides give red, yellow, and brown tints to the limestone. A local guide will take us along the high rim to many major vantage points like Inspiration Point and Sunset Point. Following our time at Bryce Canyon, we'll travel to Provo and check into our hotel with the evening free to relax or explore the city on your own. Overnight Hampton Inn. (B)
Day 6 - Salt Lake City
We travel the short distance to Salt Lake City, where we embark on a tour of the city including the Mormon Temple and Tabernacle, Brigham Young's Monument and private burial ground, Beehive House, Lion House, Eagle Gate, University of Utah, Fort Douglas and Trolley Square. Also included are visits to a series of well-known Salt Lake City attractions including Utah Olympic Park and Tracy Aviary. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore this beautiful city before returning to Provo tonight. Overnight Hampton Inn.
Day 7 - Jackson Hole
Today's scenic journey takes us by coach to the ranching and resort town of Jackson, WY. Take time to explore this beautiful area before joining the group this evening for a chuck wagon dinner and Western musical entertainment. Overnight Best Western Lodge at Jackson Hole. (D)
Day 8 - Grand Teton Range
No mountain skyline is more impressive than the Grand Teton range with its peaks rising abruptly with no foothills. Begin the day with a visit to the Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church with fantastic views of the mountains. After lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge, visit the Colter Bay Visitor Center to see Plains Indian art and exhibits and learn about Grand Teton National Park. Later, our travels continue to Yellowstone National Park, established as the country's first National Park in 1872. This is the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity including thousands of hot springs and geysers. Overnight Club House Inn, West Yellowstone. (B, L)
Day 9 - Yellowstone National Park
Your exploration of Yellowstone National Park, America's two million-acre jewel, begins with a tour to some of the Park's most renowned sights including Madison Junction, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Tower Falls. Following an "on-your-own" lunch, we'll continue on to Artist Point, Inspiration Point and the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Overnight Club House Inn, West Yellowstone. (CB)
Day 10 - Explore Yellowstone
Your second day of sightseeing within Yellowstone brings a drive through the Hayden Valley. Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife! Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the paint-pots-bubbling hot springs mixed with clay-are highlights of the day. Overnight Club House Inn, West Yellowstone. (CB)
Day 11 - Scenic Drive to Kalispell, MT
Today we embark on a scenic drive north to Kalispell, MT. A number of stops at scenic sites will be made along the way. Plan to arrive in Kalispell late this afternoon with your evening at leisure. Overnight Hilton Garden Inn. (CB)
Day 12 - Glacier National Park
Depart on an all-day tour of one of America's most beautiful attractions, the Going-to-the-Sun Highway. Acclaimed as one of the outstanding scenic roadways of the world, the drive offers magnificent views of the mountain scenery. Dense forests, picturesque lakes, brilliant flowers and abundant wildlife enhance the awesome views. There will be a stop for a leisurely lunch on your own at Lake McDonald Lodge. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your tour manager. Overnight Grouse Mountain Lodge. (CB, D)
Day 13 - Amtrak's Empire Builder to Chicago
Transfer to the Whitefish Amtrak Station in time for the 7:46 am boarding of the iconic Empire Builder for the journey across the prairies to Chicago. Spend the day admiring the beautiful passing scenery from your onboard accommodations or the Sightseer Lounge car, chat with your fellow travelers or simply relax as the train chugs eastward. Overnight train. (CB, L, D)
Day 14 - Arrival in Chicago
When you awake this morning the Empire Builder will be departing Minneapolis, winding along the banks of the Mississippi River. Spend the day relaxing onboard the train, preparing for a late afternoon arrival in Chicago, where your tour of America's six national treasures comes to a close. (B, L)
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Single rate is available upon request.
* Day 2 accommodations are at the Comfort Inn for June 1 departure.
