Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Adventure

Arrive at Chicago Union Station and board Amtrak's California Zephyr. This beloved long-distance train follows a serene route through America's Heartland, venturing through Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska and into the rugged landscapes of Colorado and Utah on its way to the West Coast. Enjoy the changing scenery, made even more lovely by winter's hold, from your seat or the train's Sightseer Lounge before the sun sets over the tracks. Overnight train.

Today's travels unveil incredibly scenic portions of the country. Look upon Colorado's Rocky Mountains, emerald forests, and mighty rivers, all powdered with snow. As the train follows its course, you may wish to socialize with fellow travelers in the Sightseer Lounge. Its floor-to-ceiling windows and swivel chairs are the ideal place for panoramic views of the passing scenery. This evening, the train arrives in Provo, UT, and we are transferred to our hotel upon disembarking the train. Overnight Provo, UT.

Inspiring views of Provo Canyon, the Wasatch Mountains, and Utah's colorful landscapes are on display during our ride on the Heber Valley Railroad. This historical train's route was first implemented in the 1800s, providing an essential passage through Provo Canyon. Its slow pace through the difficult terrain earned it the nickname the "Heber Creeper," which the train retains to this day. Excellent photo opportunities abound during our leisurely adventure along the Provo River, with a special highlight coming as the Heber Creeper approaches Mount Timpanogos. While riding in fully restored historic cars, soak in the timeless atmosphere created by the landscape and the vintage train.

The remainder of your day is at leisure in Provo. Downtown is a fantastic place to explore on foot, with its historic buildings and plethora of art and activities. Provo is a thriving college town with a diverse culinary scene, plenty of inviting boutique shops, and excellent nightlife. There are art galleries and museums, including a paleontology museum at Brigham Young University. All of this is wrapped in a spectacular snowy mountainous backdrop that serves as a promise of the adventures to come. Overnight Provo, UT.

• Breakfast

After breakfast at our hotel, we board our deluxe motorcoach for a road trip through Utah and Idaho to Yellowstone's West Gate. After checking into our hotel near the park, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel's amenities, such as the indoor pool, or to explore the nearby offerings. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is within walking distance of our hotel and is a great place to learn more about the region's apex predators. Further downtown, there are numerous shops for art and souvenirs and restaurants highlighting the region's flavors. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

• Breakfast

The best way to explore Yellowstone National Park in the winter is aboard a Snowcoach. These climate-controlled buses traverse the rugged landscape on oversized off-road tires and provide beautiful views of the park's most stunning scenes. Today's Snowcoach excursion takes us to Yellowstone's Upper Loop. This tour is known as the Canyon Explorer and sets out atop the snow to unveil the beauty of Yellowstone's Grand Canyon. Look upon waterfalls, such as Upper and Lower Falls and Gibbon Falls. Other features include Beryl Spring, a natural hot spring, and the Madison River. The cold weather and snow keep many tourists out of the park, and, as such, wildlife roams more freely; keep your eyes peeled for wolves, bison, elk, and moose. Snowy evergreen forests and frozen waterways add to the natural splendor. Enjoy a boxed lunch while you soak in the pristine vistas. Return to the hotel following the tour with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Yellowstone transforms into a true winter wonderland during the cold months, and even more of its marvelous attractions await your discovery on today's Lower Loop Snowcoach tour. Our Lower Loop exploration is dubbed the Old Faithful Explorer for its most notable sight: the king of all the geysers, Old Faithful. While we drive along the snowy road of this part of the park, we enjoy glimpses at Madison Junction, Black Sand and Biscuit Basins, and the Fountain Paint Pot. The bus makes plenty of stops for animal spotting and photographs, and a boxed lunch is served. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure upon return. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We leave Yellowstone behind this morning and drive from Montana to the cowboy town of Jackson, Wyoming. This town is beloved as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and embodies the West's adventurous spirit. We arrive in Jackson after just under three hours of driving and have the rest of the day to enjoy this cowboy town at leisure. A picture under the Antler Arch in Jackson Town Square is a must; during the winter months, it is illuminated with holiday lights. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art to see artwork inspired by local mammals or any of the bountiful art galleries to peruse lovely pieces of all mediums. Downtown Jackson houses a plethora of boutique stores and relaxing spas. There are plenty of diverse eateries to choose from, as well. If it is an adventure you seek, dogsledding, tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are great ways to experience the wintry landscape. Overnight Jackson, WY.

• Breakfast

The gorgeous scenery of Grand Teton National is yours to behold on today's scenic drive. Take breakfast at the hotel in Jackson, then join the group on a deluxe motorcoach for a ride along highway 191 from Jackson to Flagg Ranch. The roads inside the park are closed during the winter. That said, some of the most impressive sights remain visible from the highway - even with snow topping them. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, including a stop to take a picture with the Grand Teton National Park sign. Several overlooks - Jackson Lake, Willow Flats, and Snake River - and visitor centers, such as Colter Bay and Craig Thomas, make wonderful photo stops. We also marvel at the Chapel of Transfiguration and Oxbow Bend before returning to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing as you please. Overnight Jackson, WY.

• Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the inn before we join our motorcoach for the day's journey to Salt Lake City. Breathtaking scenes of the Utah Mountains and frosted forests guide the way south to Utah's capital city. On arrival, a guided tour introduces the city's beloved landmarks and historical sites. Places like Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, the Mormon Trail, sites constructed for the winter Olympics, and the Deuel Pioneer Log Home are just some of the significant places your tour may highlight. Following the tour, you are welcome to continue exploring Salt Lake City on your own ahead of tonight's group dinner. Join your fellow travelers in toasting to an adventure of a lifetime at a local establishment. Overnight Salt Lake City.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After indulging in some of the country's most ethereal winter scenes, we conclude our wintertime national park tour after breakfast. A group transfer to Salt Lake City's international airport accommodates flights departing after 11:00 a.m.