Three National Parks of the glorious West await you on this 11-day tour that combines travel aboard iconic trains with unique escorted sightseeing along the path followed by America's pioneers. Your tour begins in Chicago, where you will board the California Zephyr bound for Salt Lake City. From here your discovery of the West begins with a tour of Utah's capitol city, a visit to the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho, and a visit to Jackson Hole. From here travel to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks for in-depth exploration of these awe-inspiring natural wonders before returning to Chicago.

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

Round-trip rail can be provided from your closest Amtrak Station. Contact a rail specialist at 877-929-7245 for details.

• One-way overnight rail transportation aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City
• One-way overnight rail transportation aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder from East Glacier Park to Chicago
• Transportation aboard a deluxe motor coach
• Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
• 17 meals (including onboard trains)
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions (admission to all attractions included in tour price)
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling
• Taxes and service charges

Scenic highlights include:

• Temple Square
• 2002 Winter Olympic sites
• Great Salt Lake
• National Oregon/California Trail Center
• Jackson Hole
• Grand Teton National Park
• The Chapel of Transfiguration
• Yellowstone National Park
• Madison Junction
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Tower Falls
• Upper and Lower Falls
• Hayden Valley
• Old Faithful
• Glacier National Park
• Going-to-the-Sun Road

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
All aboard for adventure! Your tour begins at Chicago's historic Union Station, where you will meet your tour director at 12:30 pm for a 1:15 pm boarding. There will be ample time to settle into your accommodations for a 2:00 pm departure. Take time to explore the double-decker Superliner or just relax, read, or listen to music. Be sure to visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car with its swivel seats and expansive views. Get acquainted with your travel companions as you enjoy a full-course dinner in the Dining Car tonight and admire the changing scenery. Tonight, your dreams will be filled with your journey to come. Overnight train. (D)

Day 2 - En Route to Salt Lake City
Your day begins like none other as sweeping vistas of the glorious Colorado Rockies come into view. Keep your camera handy as the Zephyr climbs the front range of the Rockies and heads toward the Continental Divide, winding around sharp mountain curves and passing through numerous tunnels. Visit the Lounge Car for a Trails and Rails presentation as you travel from Denver to Grand Junction. Meet volunteer rangers from the area sharing stories and artifacts from the region. Your train is scheduled to arrive in Salt Lake City around 11:00 pm, where you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight DoubleTree by Hilton. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Salt Lake City Sightseeing
Your morning begins with a guided tour of beautiful Salt Lake City. Utah's capitol, founded by Mormon pioneers and once considered the "crossroads of the West," boasts a 150+-year history. The most famous site is Temple Square, where the Gothic spires of the Salt Lake Temple rise up. You'll also see Utah's State Capitol, the Great Salt Lake, and sites from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Enjoy local fare at lunch, which is included. Tonight, explore Salt Lake City on your own or visit Temple Square. Overnight DoubleTree by Hilton. (B, L)

Day 4 - En Route to Jackson Hole
After breakfast at your hotel, your motorcoach heads to Montpelier, Idaho for a visit to the National Oregon/California Trail Center, where you'll learn firsthand about this historic pioneer route and experience a simulated wagon train ride. Afterwards, continue on to Jackson, Wyoming, where you'll spend the night. The evening is at your leisure to enjoy this charming Wild West town. Overnight Antler Inn. (B)

Day 5 - Grand Teton National Park
The dramatic peaks of the Grand Teton mountain range rise 13,000 feet in the air, without foothills. This is the cornerstone of today's excursion to Grand Teton National Park, featuring blue mountain lakes and a diverse array of wildlife. Highlights of the day include the Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church in an idyllic setting with breathtaking views of the Tetons, lunch at the rustic Jackson Lake Lodge, and visits to the Colter Bay Visitor Center to learn about the history of the Park.

As you conclude your visit to Grand Teton National Park, get ready for the granddaddy of all, Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872 as America's first National Park, Yellowstone is famous for many things. Among them is the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity with thousands of hot springs that dot the landscape. Your accommodations for the next three nights are located inside the park. In the evening, you'll discover a variety of things to do on your own or just relax in this natural setting. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (L)

Day 6 - Yellowstone: a two-million acre national jewel
Today's guided adventure of Yellowstone National Park takes you to Madison Junction with its scenic forests and meadows all the way to Norris Geyser Basin. Stand in awe of Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Tower Falls. Lunch is on your own before continuing on this afternoon to discover Artist Point, Inspiration Point and the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Keep your cameras handy as the vast Park is teeming with roaming wildlife, including wolves, grizzly bears, bison and elk. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (B)

Day 7 - Yellowstone - Old Faithful
Today's excursion takes you on a spectacular drive through the Hayden Valley, a region of lush forests and meadows. But the highlight of your day will be experiencing the Old Faithful Geyser. About every 30 minutes, Old Faithful erupts, shooting water some 100 feet in the air. You'll also view the fascinating paint-pots and bubbling hot springs mixed with clay. Return to the hotel and get ready for your group dinner this evening. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (D)

Day 8 - En Route to Glacier National Park
Today board your motorcoach as you continue north to East Glacier Park, Montana, which so aptly describes the slow-moving glaciers that carved out this magnificent area. Stops along the way will allow you to capture the beauty of the scenic mountains. Arrive in East Glacier Park and check into your Swiss-style chalet. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge. (B)

Day 9 - Welcome to Glacier National Park
Experience Glacier National Park's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Travel over the famous, spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most gorgeous scenic roadways in the world, aboard a historic Jammer Red Bus with a stop for a leisurely lunch on your own at Lake McDonald Lodge. You won't know where to look first on this 50-mile-long drive with magnificent views of mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. This evening enjoy a gala farewell dinner, hosted by your tour director. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge. (D)

Day 10 - Empire Builder to Chicago
Your train departs this morning from the East Glacier Park Amtrak Station aboard the iconic Empire Builder bound for Chicago. Settle into your seat and reflect on all the wonderful experiences you had out West as you cross through the badlands of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Sweet Home Chicago
As you enjoy breakfast this morning, the train departs Minneapolis-St. Paul and heads towards the mighty Mississippi River. As the Empire Builder takes you across the plains and winds between the river bank and high bluffs, drink in the amazing scenery one last time. The train is scheduled to arrive in Chicago's Union Station just before 4:00 pm this afternoon. Post-night stays in Chicago are strongly recommended to prevent missed connections. (B, L)

DoubleTree by Hilton: Guests will enjoy two-room suites that include high-speed wireless Internet access as well as hotel amenities that include a pool, whirlpool, and fitness center.

Antler Inn: Located 1 block south of Jackson's town square and steps away from restaurants, shops, art galleries, and nightspots, the hotel features a hot tub, fitness center, and guest laundry among other amenities.

Grant Village: Located on the southwestern shore of Yellowstone Lake—about 20 minutes from Old Faithful— the complex includes six 2-story buildings, each containing 50 rooms. There are two restaurants with lake views, a lounge, and a small gift store.

 

Glacier Park Lodge: The 161-guest room Glacier Park Lodge was built almost a century ago by the Great Northern Railway. The Lodge's amenities include the Great Northern Dining Room, Empire Bar, Empire Café Espresso Stand, a gift shop, outdoor swimming pool, nine-hold golf course, day spa, and more.