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America's Beautiful West

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4.5 stars(6 reviews)
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From some of the best cities on the West Coast to stunning national parks, America’s beautiful West awaits on this amazing journey.

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
14 days Sold out
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2021 Tour code: WC-ABWA-21

About the tour

Your adventure begins with an unforgettable ride aboard the Southwest Chief, a train that takes you through the night to Flagstaff. And it is here that your true expedition takes off. See the amazing colors of the Grand Canyon; try your luck on the Las Vegas Strip; get an up-close look at the most scenic sites in Yosemite National Park; watch history come to life in Sacramento; lose your heart in the City by the Bay and gain perspective as you relax alongside the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America and a favorite destination of travelers. By train, deluxe coach and even boat, take in all that America's vast, wondrous terrain has to offer, and then some, as you make memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights

Activity level Natural Explorer

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You don’t mind spending the day on your feet. You enjoy sightseeing that includes walking, standing or stair climbing. You’re okay with longer days that are more active, such as multiple sightseeing stops, longer motorcoach journeys and getting on and off ships and trains.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief

Arrive at Chicago Union Station and board the Southwest Chief. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Travelers may elect to travel from Los Angeles or points in-between and meet your tour manager in Flagstaff. Overnight train.

Day 2 - En Route to Flagstaff

As you travel into the scenic Southwest, you will feel the same excitement the pioneers felt as they headed west. Admire the changing scenery from the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and enjoy chatting with your fellow travelers about the adventure that awaits. Upon arrival in Flagstaff this evening, transfer to the nearby hotel for a two-night stay. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Day 3 - Free day in Flagstaff

Today is free to explore Flagstaff at your leisure or relax in the Arizona sun at the hotel. Your Tour Manager will be available with dining and sightseeing suggestions. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - The Grand Canyon

Today, experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then travel by deluxe motorcoach to the Grand Canyon. Immense in size, America's most famous natural attraction stirs the soul with colorful strata of rock as well as showcases an excellent record of history. You'll get a chance to view the Canyon from several observation areas. At the Watchtower, see vistas of the Colorado River, the Canyon, the Painted Desert and Kaibab National Forest. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Las Vegas

Board your deluxe motorcoach and travel northwest 250 miles to fabulous Las Vegas. Late this afternoon, you'll arrive in Las Vegas, the magnificent oasis in the desert. Your home for the next two nights is a centrally-located hotel on the Strip. Enjoy the evening on your own. Will you take in a world-renowned show, hit the jackpot in the casino or dine in the restaurant of an award-winning chef? Overnight Las Vegas, NV.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Las Vegas

Join us for a tour of Las Vegas' most famous sights including an inside tour of one of the fabulous Strip hotels. Tonight, you'll experience the original Las Vegas, now known as "downtown," which still rivals the strip as a favorite destination. The Fremont Street Experience features an impressive $70-million canopy of light and sound that envelopes the historic hotels and casinos along four city blocks. Then, have free time to explore the fabulous downtown casinos and restaurants. Overnight Las Vegas, NV.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - En Route/Fresno

Depart Las Vegas on your deluxe motorcoach, stopping in Barstow, California, for lunch on your own. Arrive in Bakersfield in time to catch the San Joaquin train to Fresno, California. Early this evening you'll arrive in Fresno, gateway to Yosemite, and transfer to your hotel for the night. Overnight Fresno, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Yosemite National Park

Enjoy a continental breakfast in your hotel before boarding your motorcoach for what is destined to be a spectacular day. Ride the scenic journey into the park and experience El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, the park's most visited attractions. This afternoon, take a two-hour narrated sightseeing tour of this World Heritage Site as the Yosemite experience comes alive with natural beauty and a strong sense of American history. Later this afternoon, we'll continue to Sacramento, California's capital city. Overnight Sacramento, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Sacramento

Start the morning with a tour of the California State Railroad Museum featuring a collection of lovingly restored train engines and vintage rail cars. The remainder of the day is free to explore one of Sacramento's many delightful attractions. Relive the California Gold Rush in historic Old Sacramento or shop to your heart's content in the mega-shopping mall, both within walking distance. Overnight Sacramento, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - En Route/San Francisco

This morning you depart Sacramento via motorcoach for San Francisco. Stopping for lunch on your own, we'll arrive in the world-famous "City by the Bay" at noon. This afternoon, you are sure to leave your heart in San Francisco with a 3 1/2 hour sightseeing tour, including Golden Gate Park, Jackson Square, Telegraph Hill, the Presidio and Fisherman's Wharf. The afternoon tour will end at Fisherman's Wharf, where you can enjoy dinner at one of its famous seafood restaurants on the water. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - Alcatraz Excursion

Board a ferry bound for Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous prison. See the Cellhouse and explore the island and its historic exhibits. Overnight San Francisco, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 12 - Truckee - Lake Tahoe

Enjoy one last breakfast by the bay this morning before continuing to your next destination by motorcoach to beautiful Lake Tahoe, which is situated right on the boarder Nevada. Overnight Lake Tahoe, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 13 - Virginia & Truckee Railroad

More beautiful sights lie ahead this morning with your excursion aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad through the rugged landscape of Nevada. As you twist and turn through the hills of the Comstock along the route, relive the days of silver and gold mining. This evening we will embark on one final excursion: a Zephyr Cove Sunset Dinner Cruise. As the sun goes down, you will enjoy marvelous views over Emerald Bay and a delectable menu aboard an authentic paddle boat. Overnight Lake Tahoe, CA.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Tour Conclusion

Our journey concludes this morning. After breakfast, we will make our way to Reno, NV. There will be one group transfer to Reno-Tahoe International Airport for flights departing after 1:00 p.m.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff

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Hyatt Place Fresno

Hyatt Place Fresno

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MGM Grand, Las Vegas

MGM Grand, Las Vegas

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

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Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

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Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe

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Trains

Amtrak's California Zephyr
Amtrak's San Joaquin
Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Virginia & Truckee Railroad

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 6 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (3)
  2. 4 stars
    (3)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Mary W, Parker, CO

4 stars

Submitted 15 Nov 2018

I have had a really wonderful time touring with my brother and sister. It was a good tour giving lasting memories. Thank You.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Lynne S, Erie, PA

4 stars

Submitted 14 Oct 2018

We returned from our amazing, amazing, amazing train trip (Americas Beautiful West) last Saturday (9-25) and after a few days to vegetate" I wanted to send a quick e-mail to you to tell you that it was an exceptional trip and went far beyond our expectations.Again, you were truly superb and we are extremely happy and satisfied customers and will hopefully be return customers as well."

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Paul H, Elgin, IL

5 stars

Submitted 28 Feb 2018

Vacation of a lifetime- it blew me away! I enjoyed it immensely

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Roy S., Centerburg, OH

4 stars

Submitted 20 Feb 2018

Enjoyed it very much! Several of us were saying 'farewell' as we sat down for dinner the last night to exchange info!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Vonnie S, Wakeman, OH

5 stars

Submitted 07 Feb 2018

Such breathtaking scenery. Been to the Grand Canyon before, but enjoyed it even more on this trip. Cruising Rt 66 was exciting, Yosemite- what a creation from God. To sum it up, I loved it all!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Carol M, Wakeman, OH

5 stars

Submitted 08 Aug 2017

Would highly recommend Vacations by Rail to anyone. This was our second trip with you & we would definitely go again. Very professional and friendly

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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