This winter, escape to the warmth of America's southwest and the beauty of one of the world's top natural attractions, the Grand Canyon. Your 6-day train vacation begins in Chicago, where you'll board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for Williams Junction, Arizona. From there, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and incredible sightseeing at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Your winter rail vacation, ideal in the off-season because of fewer travelers visiting U.S. National Parks and their attractions, includes round-trip travel on Amtrak's Southwest Chief, roundtrip travel on the Grand Canyon Railway, hotel accommodations, sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, and more!

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary

• Experience Grand Canyon National Park
• Raton Pass
• Apache Canyon
• Red Cliffs of New Mexico
• Rio Grande River
• Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
• Roundtrip rail transportation on Amtrak's Southwest Chief
• 9 meals on Amtrak's Southwest Chief Train (Sleeping Accommodation Passengers Only)
• Dinner and breakfast at the Railway's Grand Depot Cafe
• Two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams
• Roundtrip Coach Class train travel on the Grand Canyon Railway (Upgrades available)
• Motorcoach rim tour
• Overnight stay in Grand Canyon National Park

Day 1 - Depart Wintry Chicago aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Arrive in Chicago with your morning free to experience winter in this cosmopolitan city. Ice skate in Millennium Park, participate in seasonal activities at Navy Pier, or find a great sale as you shop along Michigan Avenue. Head to historic Union Station early this afternoon to board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for your 3:00 pm departure for Williams Junction, Arizona. As the train heads west through Illinois and into Iowa and Missouri, visit the Sightseer Lounge car with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of the passing winter landscapes. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 2 - Southwest Chief to Williams Junction, Arizona
The sun rises as you leave Kansas' snow-covered plains behind and enter southern Colorado. Start your day with a visit to the Sightseer Lounge, the best location to take in the passing scenery and socialize with your fellow travelers. By lunchtime, the changing scenery indicates you have left the snow behind and are in the heart of the warmer, sunnier southwest. A little before 4:00 pm, the Southwest Chief pulls into Albuquerque. Take some time to disembark the train, stretch your legs, and enjoy the warmer weather-a welcome treat in the middle of winter. The train continues its journey at 4:45 pm and arrives in Williams Junction, Arizona approximately 9:30 pm 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
Start your first morning in the southwest with a hearty breakfast at the Grand Depot Cafe. Then board the vintage rail cars of the Grand Canyon Railway for the journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You'll 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. The historic Grand Canyon Railway was originally built more than a century ago to transport ore in the Wild West. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon Village, check into your hotel before embarking 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. 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, which includes a small museum honoring Fred Harvey who played a prominent role in popularizing the Grand Canyon. This afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams, where you will have dinner 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 catch Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Chicago. As you leave the warm weather behind you, you may elect to nap, read a book, or spend the day marveling at the canyons, deserts, mountains, missions, pueblos, and ranches that comprise the colorful scenery. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 6 - Arrive at Chicago's Union Station
Snow-covered prairies welcome you to the Midwest as you wake-up this morning. Leisurely prepare for your 3:15 pm arrival in Chicago. You may elect to extend your stay in the Windy City to take advantage of all of the winter activities the city has to offer.

Itinerary is also available from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon.