Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip

Arrive Chicago Union Station and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief early this afternoon for your overnight journey to Flagstaff, AZ.

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 Flagstaff, Arizona approximately 9:30 pm this evening. A shuttle will transfer you from the rail station to your hotel. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car Passengers only)

Start your first morning in the southwest with a hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. 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.

• Breakfast

Spend the morning exploring the South Rim on your own or take another guided tour. There are several historical buildings worth visiting including Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, the longest continually standing structure in the South Rim; and Bright Angel Lodge with its small museum honoring Fred Harvey, who played a prominent role in popularizing the Grand Canyon. Opt to visit Mary Colter's Lookout Studio and Hopi House, or take the shuttle to the Geology Museum at Yavapai Point or to the Visitor Center. Board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams Depot at 3:30 pm. Dinner this evening is at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Overnight Williams.

• Dinner

Wake-up early and transfer to Flagstaff 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. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car Passengers only)

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.