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Grand Tour of America

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20262027
17 days From $5,995 $5,495 per person
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Discover America’s most iconic sights, cities and natural wonders on this epic journey from laid-back San Francisco to dynamic New York state 

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: SUG26

About the tour

An epic tour across the United States, this once-in-a-lifetime journey features some of America's most celebrated cities - San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York - and visits iconic landmarks, including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

This incredible adventure also features legendary trains. Ride Amtrak's California Zephyr from Grand Junction through the Rockies to Chicago. The Durango-Silverton Heritage Railway transports us past canyons and emerald lakes, and the Lake Shore Limited train skims Lake Erie as we travel overnight from Chicago to Buffalo, New York.

Unforgettable Experiences

Soak up the sun and sights in San Francisco
Soak up the sun and sights in San Francisco
On a guided tour of the City by the Bay, experience the feeling of cinematic images coming to life – Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, historic streetcars and Fisherman's Wharf, our base for two nights. 
Ride America’s legendary railways
Ride America’s legendary railways
Ride on some of America’s most scenic rail routes and aboard famous trains, including Amtrak’s California Zephyr, the historic Durango-Silverton Railway, Lake Shore Limited and the Grand Canyon Railway.  
Explore New York with a local expert
Explore New York with a local expert
Discover iconic sights, seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from a cruise into Manhattan Harbor, then touring Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Theater District, the World Trade Center site, and New York’s neighborhoods. 
See Chicago by water
See Chicago by water
One of the most popular boat tours in North America, this enticing cruise showcases Chicago’s remarkable cityscape from the water as we glide along the Chicago River beside a canyon of colossal towers. 
Experience the nation’s natural wonders
Experience the nation’s natural wonders
Witness awe-inspiring scenes at the staggering Grand Canyon, the beauty of Yosemite National Park and the drama of Niagara Falls on excursions to these iconic U.S. landmarks.  
Spend two nights on the Las Vegas strip
Spend two nights on the Las Vegas strip
Be dazzled during a stay in the surreal world of Las Vegas, its flamboyant replicas of world-famous sites, its brazen glamour and its endless range of entertainment at your fingertips.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to the City by the Bay

Your cross-country vacation begins today as you arrive in San Francisco on the West Coast. This city is beloved for its bohemian atmosphere and endless cultural offerings; however, it is also a haven for historians and a sightseer's dream, making it the ideal starting point for this grand journey.

Make your own way to our four-star hotel on the iconic Fisherman's Wharf, our base for the next two nights. We are ideally placed between San Francisco's city center and the relaxed waterside, and the rest of the day is yours to get your bearings. You might like to wander along the charming harborside to spot seals or begin exploring the history that lies along the bay.

Tonight is free to dine independently, and you could order the catch of the day at one of the family-owned seafood restaurants serving locals and tourists for decades. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 2 - Getting to know San Francisco

We are introduced to San Francisco on a guided tour this morning. Among other landmarks, we see the Golden Gate Bridge, built in the 1930s. Our tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf, where we join a cruise to the island of Alcatraz. Here, we take a self-guided tour of this public museum, once an "escape-proof" maximum-security prison housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and the "Birdman of Alcatraz."  

Back on land, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You could wander around the city's Maritime Museum, the "Little Italy" area around historic Washington Square or experience the colors and flavors of Chinatown. 

You could also ride on a heritage streetcar or cable car from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square - a historic hub since the San Francisco Gold Rush. Telegraph Hill, a few blocks from our hotel, is recognizable by the slender Coit Tower, which crowns the park and has panoramic views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. This evening, you are free to continue experiencing the city's culinary offerings on your own. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 3 - Exploring Yosemite National Park

With an early start this morning, we transfer by coach to Oakland station. Here, we board an Amtrak train for our route inland to Merced, the "Gateway to Yosemite." Continuing by coach, we reach El Portal at the entrance to Yosemite National Park and meet our guide for a tour of its sights.

One of America's most stunning areas of natural beauty, Yosemite is known for its distinctive rocks, tumbling waterfalls and ancient redwood trees. Our guide shows us the National Park's main highlights: Half Dome, a well-known rock formation with a distinctive shape; the 3,000-foot El Capitan - a huge rock face popular with climbers; and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls.    

We return to Merced, where we check in to our hotel in the heart of the town for the night. Tonight, you are free to dine independently. Our hotel offers an in-house restaurant that is highly rated, and there is a good choice of places to eat a short distance away.  Overnight Merced.

Day 4 - Welcome to Las Vegas 

Setting out early this morning, we board the Amtrak service to Bakersfield, an area of orchards and agricultural fields in California's Big Valley. From Bakersfield, we continue by coach, passing the Sierra Nevada Mountains before traveling into the vast and atmospheric expanses of the Mojave Desert toward Las Vegas. 

On arrival, we check into our four-star hotel, the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, for two nights. Ideally situated on the glittering Las Vegas Strip, our hotel provides an incredible base for our time here. With outdoor pools and an incredible choice of restaurants, Planet Hollywood is everything you might expect from a Las Vegas hotel and more. It is also directly connected to the "Miracle Mile" of upscale shops, restaurants and live theaters on the Strip. With the remainder of the day and evening at leisure, you are free to begin soaking in the many allures of Sin City. Overnight Las Vegas.

Day 5 - Viva Las Vegas 

The day is yours to explore the incredible world of Las Vegas at your own pace - and, of course, there is plenty to discover. The Las Vegas Monorail system is a quick and easy way to explore the four-mile Strip of resorts and sights, with top-class shows, excellent restaurants and a dazzling selection of entertainment. 

Among the Strip's most famous sights are the Fountains of Bellagio and the Pyramid at the Luxor, recognizable by its piercing beam of light and Skypod observation tower. You might also like to seek out the replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino or the Campanile at the Venetian Resort, a glamorous tribute to the architecture of Venice with Baroque-inspired murals and colonnades of solid Botticino marble. You could also spend the day trying your luck in the city's many casinos or seeking out upscale dishes in restaurants owned by famous chefs. Overnight Las Vegas.

Day 6 - To Flagstaff via the Hoover Dam 

Today, we leave the fantasy cityscape of Las Vegas for Arizona, stopping at the Hoover Dam viewing point along the way. Harnessing the power of the mighty Colorado River in Black Canyon, the dam is an impressive example of American hydropower and a feat of engineering. 

Entering Arizona, we take the legendary Route 66, stopping with free time for lunch and then following this famous road until Flagstaff. We spend two nights at the Little America Hotel set in a mountainous area amid 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest. After checking in, there is time to look around the scenic grounds and dine independently this evening. The hotel has tempting eateries on-site, though venturing into town provides access to music venues, coffee shops and restaurants offering diverse dishes. Overnight Flagstaff.

Day 7 - Route 66 and the Grand Canyon Railway

Our day starts with a drive along Route 66 to Williams, Arizona. Here, we board the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders in carriages hauled by historic locomotives. 

On arrival at the South Rim, we have free time over lunch to bask in the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Created millions of years ago by the power of the Colorado River, this awe-inspiring canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. There are restaurants for lunch and a gift shop overlooking the canyon. You could stroll along a section of the paved South Rim Trail to enjoy the views from lookout points, such as Mojave Point. 

The Grand Canyon is a spiritual place for the Hopi people, who consider it a gateway to the afterlife. You can learn more about their history in the adobe building, which showcases Hopi arts and crafts. We return to Flagstaff by coach in the late afternoon with a free evening to find dinner locally or unwind at our hotel. Overnight Flagstaff.

Day 8 - Monument Valley and Gooseneck State Park

We set off early by coach this morning, traveling through Navajo country to Utah's Monument Valley. We stop for a short break in a town called Cameron, where there is a chance to see the soaring Tower Butte before continuing through Monument Valley's stunning desert landscape, the backdrop of many American Western movies.  

The entire region has the feeling of a bygone era, where cowboys still spend months herding cattle across miles of untouched hills, and Native Americans perform age-old rituals. After around two hours of driving, we stop at the Monument Valley Visitor Center with free time for lunch.

We continue from here to Gooseneck State Park, recognizable by its long, narrow river that forms a bowl. Enjoy a stop at a scenic point before driving toward the Colorado mountain town of Durango. Our route makes a final stop at Bluff Fort Historic Site, and we arrive in Durango late this afternoon. We have a free evening after checking in to our hotel for the night. Overnight Durango.

Day 9 - A trip on the Durango and Silverton Railroad 

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the depot to board the Durango and Silverton Railroad* for a journey through breathtaking canyons and past emerald-green rivers and dense forests. The line connects Durango with the mining town of Silverton and, incredibly, has been in continuous use since its inception more than 130 years ago. 

We have free time over lunch in the "Old West" town of Silverton, surrounded by the impressive San Juan Mountains - part of the Rocky Mountains. Our journey continues by coach from Silverton to Grand Junction, a city nestled in Colorado's fruit-growing area, where we arrive this afternoon to spend the night. 

Staying in a downtown hotel, you are free to try one of the many restaurants on Main Street for dinner. Grand Junction is known for its locally grown produce and regional wines. Overnight Grand Junction.

*Please note: During the early part of the season, the Durango & Silverton Railroad operates a winter timetable. We enjoy a journey from Durango to Cascade Canyon by rail during this period. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - An overnight journey on Amtrak’s California Zephyr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before our journey continues to the Grand Junction Railway Station. Here, we join one of America's most famous rail journeys aboard Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr. This historic train was first launched in 1949 and ran along three railroads - the Burlington, the Rio Grande and the Western Pacific - until 1970. Today's California Zephyr service follows the same spectacular route.  

With a whole day and overnight on the train, you could spend some time in the Observation Car as we travel through dramatic scenery from Colorado to Chicago in the Midwest. We settle in for the night as our picturesque journey takes us into the Rocky Mountains, through the heart of Colorado's wine region and toward Nebraska. Meals and refreshments are available onboard for your convenience. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - Arriving in the great city of Chicago

Our journey toward Chicago continues this morning and through the early afternoon. Watch as typical scenes of America's Heartland pass the tracks as the California Zephyr passes through Iowa. A few hours before arriving in the city, we cross the landmark steel bridge spanning the mighty Mississippi River, marking our arrival in Illinois. The train pulls into Chicago's historic Union Station this afternoon, and we are transferred by coach to our hotel in the heart of the city.  

Once we have checked in, you are free for the rest of the day to start exploring this diverse city. Our hotel is in River North near the Magnificent Mile, which stretches along the Chicago River and features an outstanding range of city attractions, high rises, shops and restaurants. You might like to seek out a famous Chicago-style pizza for dinner this evening. Overnight Chicago.

Day 12 - Chicago Architecture Cruise

Following breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a cruise along the Chicago River. As we sail, we view some of the city's most historic skyscrapers, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, which was the world's tallest building until 1998. Our cruise boat offers an interesting perspective as we glide through a canyon of glass and steel on a fully narrated tour, hearing about the city's history and tales of the people who helped shape Chicago's skyline.    With an afternoon and evening at leisure after the cruise, you could visit the Willis Tower's Skydeck to view Chicago from above. Alternatively, take the train to Wrigley Field for a tour of the baseball stadium, enjoy a riverside walk, or shop along the Magnificent Mile or East Oak Street. Overnight Chicago.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 13 - A free day in Chicago
Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 14 - The tremendous Niagara Falls

Our train rolls into Buffalo this morning, and we are transferred by coach to our hotel on the American side of Niagara Falls. After checking in, we wander down to Niagara Falls State Park nearby to see this awe-inspiring natural wonder. 

It is possible to book a Maid of the Mist boat cruise for an exhilarating trip to the base of the powerful falls, hearing the thunderous roar and feeling the fine mist on your face. You could also stroll along the walkway to a scenic viewpoint and soak up the natural beauty of the location. The Top of the Falls restaurant has a view of the Horseshoe Falls, one of the most dramatic sections of the Falls, and is open for you to have lunch and dinner independently. Overnight Niagara Falls.

Day 15 - Arriving in the metropolis of New York City

We begin our day with an early breakfast before transferring to Buffalo by coach, where we board the train to New York City. The route takes us east from Buffalo to New York State's capital, Albany. From here, we follow the course of the Hudson River into New York City. Arriving at Penn Station, we are taken to our hotel in the city's heart, Times Square. With its revolving dining room offering spectacular views of the famous Manhattan skyline, it's easy to understand why this four-star hotel is our customers' favorite North American hotel. 

The evening is free to unwind or head out into the "city that never sleeps." Times Square is the beating heart of New York's entertainment district. A colorful display of billboards cast their glow across the square while an array of famous theaters line Broadway. In such a global city, your dining options are virtually unlimited. Overnight New York City.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 16 - Exploring New York, New York

Today, we set out on a guided tour of the "Big Apple" to discover some of New York's most familiar sights. As part of this excursion, we take a harbor cruise around the iconic Manhattan Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the entry point for more than 12 million immigrants searching for the American Dream. 

Returning to land, we transfer to Grand Central Station, where there's free time to look around before an afternoon tour of Manhattan's renowned sights. We visit Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Theater District, the World Trade Center site and New York City's famous neighborhoods.

The rest of your day is at leisure. In nearby Midtown Manhattan, you'll find New York's impressive Museum of Modern Art and the shops of 5th Avenue. To mark the final night of our Grand Tour of America, you could catch a show on Broadway, a dance performance at the New York City Ballet or see live jazz music at the Lincoln Center. Overnight New York City.

Day 17 - Tour conclusion

More than two weeks of travel comes to a close today as your journey through America's epic scenery and distinctive cities concludes. From Yosemite National Park to Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado Rockies and Niagara Falls, there has been no shortage of incredible sights to behold. You are free to check out of our Times Square hotel and make your way home at leisure.

Additional information

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

Hampton Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago

Hampton Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago

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Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Durango

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Little America Hotel, Flagstaff

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff

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Hampton Inn, Grand Junction

Hampton Inn, Grand Junction

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New York Marriott Marquis

New York Marriott Marquis, New York

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Hyatt Place, Niagara Falls

Hyatt Place, Niagara Falls

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Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

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El Capitan Hotel, Merced

El Capitan Hotel, Merced

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Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas

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Trains

Amtrak Trains
Amtrak's California Zephyr
Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Grand Canyon Railway