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America's Treasures & Natural Wonders

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4.6 stars(58 reviews)
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An adventure into the great West, this journey tells a story of Earth’s wonders and magnificent displays of nature through visits to six of America’s most beloved national parks.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
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12 days From $4,295 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: RM-ATWA-23

About the tour

Set your sights on amazing scenes of America's West with visits to six national parks on this unforgettable rail tour. The journey begins on Amtrak's Empire Builder, aboard which beautiful vistas of the Northern Prairies create the serene backdrop for the start of our trip. Our first visit is to Whitefish, where Glacier National Park's glaciers, lakes, and wildlife set the tone for our discovery of America's natural wonders. Our immersive journey continues south to the awesomeness of Yellowstone, the vast expanses of meadows and mountains that is Grand Teton National Park, and into Utah where Bryce and Zion National Parks wait to show us their treasures. Our trip culminates in the sheer majesty of the Grand Canyon. From the scenery to the iconic sites and the wildlife, your camera and your heart will overflow with memories from this voyage.

Highlights

Activity level Keep it Going

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Less sitting, more walking. You don’t mind longer days of physical activity and sightseeing with some activities that go into the evening. Some rest periods are nice but only when necessary.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the Empire Builder

Arrive at Chicago Union Station early this afternoon and board the legendary Empire Builder. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Travelers may elect to travel from Seattle or points in-between and meet your tour manager in Whitefish. Overnight train. 

Day 2 - En Route to Whitefish

Spend the day admiring the sights of the Northern Prairies from the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and chatting with your fellow travelers about the adventures to come. On arrival in Whitefish this evening, we meet our motorcoach and transfer to our hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

Day 3 - Glacier National Park & Going-to-the-Sun Road

Nature's beauty is on full display during our visit to Glacier National Park. Here, we embark on a half-day tour of one of America's most beautiful attractions, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Considered one of the outstanding scenic roadways of the world, the drive offers magnificent views of the mountain scenery. Best of all, we experience it from the comfortable seat of a 1930s-era Red Jammer bus, the park's most iconic form of transportation. With large windows and a roll-back top, the bus offers endless views of the surrounding scenery. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Scenic Drive to West Yellowstone

Today brings a full day of travel as we drive through the Northern Great Plains south to West Yellowstone, MT. The natural scenery showcased along the journey illustrates the unique beauty of America's West. After our arrival in West Yellowstone, you have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Yellowstone National Park & Old Faithful

Yellowstone is America's first national park, established in 1872. Today's full-day tour with a Yellowstone certified guide includes a narrated drive through the Hayden Valley and visits to Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Fountain Paint Pot, and-perhaps the most famous natural wonder in the park-Old Faithful. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Grand Teton National Park

The day begins with a drive into Wyoming. As the Teton Range joins the landscape, we know we're approaching our destination, Grand Teton National Park, home to more than 300,000 acres of protected land comprised of verdant valleys, meadows, and lakes. Here, we visit to the Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church with fantastic views of the looming Grand Teton Mountains rising from the ground with no foothills. We continue to Jackson, known as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to get acquainted with the town or relax at the hotel. Overnight Jackson, WY.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Jackson at Leisure

Jackson is a charming Wild West town complete with a town square bordered by elk antler arches, Western and contemporary shops, a variety of restaurants, and cowboy bars. Today is at leisure to explore the town or immerse yourself in nature in nearby Grand Teton National Park. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as optional activities such as a leisurely scenic float trip along the Snake River, biking, or fishing. Overnight Jackson, WY.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - National Oregon/California Trail Center

Our journey south continues today as we travel by deluxe motorcoach to Salt Lake City. Watch as some of the most incredible scenes the West has to offer unfold before your eyes. En route, we visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, ID, where we learn firsthand about this historic pioneer route and experience a simulated wagon train ride. Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, there is time to explore on your own. Overnight Salt Lake City, UT. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Bryce Canyon National Park Touring

Today we journey to Bryce Canyon National Park to see its amazing sights, including spectacular hoodoos-colorful rocks which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars. Our route takes us along the high rim to major vantage points, such as Sunset Point. After a day of exploration, dinner at Ruby's Inn is just the thing to complete the day. Overnight Bryce Canyon City, UT.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Experience Zion National Park

This morning we set off to explore Utah's first National Park, Zion. The Park is full of stunning sights, including the enormous stone masses of the West Temple, hanging gardens and waterfalls, and Zion Canyon, the spectacular gorge carved by the Virgin River. Aboard an open-air tram, we learn little-known facts about the park through narration and soak in these sights and more. The tour makes photo stops at the Great White Throne and the Temple of Sinawava, as well.

After exploring Zion National Park, we board our deluxe motorcoach for the scenic drive to Page, AZ. Here, we board the Canyon Princess for a 2-hour dinner cruise on Lake Powell. Marvel at the brilliant display of colors as the setting sun falls behind the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Savor fresh, chef-prepared meals while taking in the views and chatting with your fellow travelers. Overnight Page, AZ.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Lake Powell & Grand Canyon National Park

We start the day with a visit to the Carl Hayden Visitors Center, situated atop the Glen Canyon Dam with spectacular views of Lake Powell This scenic destination is located near the Arizona/Utah border and offers truly memorable views, with the deep blue water of the lake contrasting the clay-colored sandstone walls.

Our day continues with a drive to perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring destinations: The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. During our visit, we have the chance to drink in the expansive views and grasp the enormity of this site from several observation areas, including Mather Point. Enjoy time to take in the scenes and famed attractions of the Grand Canyon on your own. We travel to Flagstaff this evening and join our Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 12 - Tour Conclusion

With the memories of six national parks fresh in your mind, your journey through America's treasures concludes this morning. A group transfer to Flagstaff Airport is available for flights departing after 10:00 a.m. and Phoenix Airport for flights departing after 1:00 p.m.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette, and Bedroom.

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, converting to an upper and lower berth at night.

Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day, and upper and lower berth by night. Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower.
All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge. 

Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the train. Sleeping car passengers aboard the Empire Builder enjoy meals in the train's Dining car. New contemporary and fresh dining choices replace traditional dining car service. Sleeping car passengers may elect to have a chilled prepared meal selection delivered to your Roomette or Bedroom or enjoy meals in a private cafe or lounge car. 

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

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff

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Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson

Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson

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Wahweap Lodge, Page

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DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake City

DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake City

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Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, West Yellowstone

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, West Yellowstone

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Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish

Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish

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Train

Amtrak's Empire Builder

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Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 58 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (37)
  2. 4 stars
    (21)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

ANNE SCOTT

5 stars

Submitted 13 Dec 2022

The scenery was of course spectacular. We were blessed with an outstanding tour director and equally outstanding driver!

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HELEN ELIAS

5 stars

Submitted 12 Sep 2022

My overnight train from Seattle to Whitefish was fun with beautiful scenery as we left Seattle. Bus tours with driver Glen and tourguide Bill were fun, informative and safe! The stops at the national park treasures were timely with planned tours and personal time to walk the rim trails and explore the mudpots and geysers. The only negative was the trip to Lake Powell - hot with slow boat ride - it was not my treasure!

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MARY CRUM

4 stars

Submitted 12 Sep 2022

We LOVED the trip AFTER we got off the train. Our guide could NOT have been better-Bill Plenefisch was excellent in every way. Our driver, Glen was also superb in every way.

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CHRISTA VRAGEL

5 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2022

Good group, great tour guide! Saw a lot in a short amount of time Great value. 24 hour gorgeousness!

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KATHY MYERS

4 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2022

Train ride long with little to see but harvested wheat and hay fields. The rest of trip 100% amazing and completely well done. Tour director wonderful and bus driver wonderful too!! The beauty indescribably awesome!! Our comfort they handled with kindness and care. Bill our tour director very informative and fun!! Bonus of making new friends!!

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JON MCKNIGHT

5 stars

Submitted 11 Sep 2022

Great tour guide and bus driver!

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