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
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.
Cross the Continental Divide on a drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses.
Yellowstone National Park
Discover fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers—including the most famous, Old Faithful— in America’s first national park, Yellowstone.
Teton Range
Stand in awe of the Teton Range, which rises to the sky without foothills.
Bryce Canyon National Park
See the colorful wind-shaped hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion National Park
Explore the hanging gardens and waterfalls in Zion National Park.
Grand Canyon
Witness the majesty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon.
What’s included on the tour?
Accommodation
Hotel accommodations for 10 nights
Transportation
Rail travel on Amtrak (1 night on train)
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Food & Drink
Meals on train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
14 meals
Luggage
Baggage Handling
Excursions & Entertainment
National Park Entrance Fees
Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks touring
Lake Powell Cruise
National Oregon/California Trail Center visit
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers not included
Itinerary
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.
Please note: on the 27th June departure, we leave from
Seattle instead of Chicago. We arrive in Whitefish on the morning
of Day 2 and have early check-in at our hotel.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Ebenezer's Dinner
Show is just the thing to complete the day. Overnight Bryce
Canyon City, UT.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
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, visit to
the Carl Hayden Visitors Center, situated atop the Glen Canyon
Dam and 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.
**Please Note: Select departures will do a Lake Powell Cruise
and dinner in the Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Grand Canyon National Park
We start the day 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
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.
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.
Recommended Airport
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. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.
Hotels
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City
Amtrak's Empire Builder follows a 2,200-mile route connecting
Chicago, IL, and Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR. This iconic journey
highlights America's cityscapes and natural beauty as it follows a
pioneer route through the Northern Prairies. While the scenery is
spectacular throughout, one of the most impressive portions comes
as the Empire Builder passes by Glacier National Park.
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights
before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail
would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.
Rail Your Way
Vacations By Rail can supply connecting rail from your closest
Amtrak Station.
Reviews
4.7 / 5 · 126 reviews
5 stars
(86)
4 stars
(39)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
John McCarty
Submitted 18/Oct
We loved our trip and really did see natural wonders! Our guide was helpful from the very beginning. He was knowledgeable, fun, and always available. All accommodations were great and we so enjoyed not having to worry about travel details.
We would travel with Vacations by Rail again.
Collected by Trustpilot
Allene Lester-Perry
Submitted 10/Sep
An amazing well planned and executed experience!
Collected by Trustpilot
Janet
Submitted 10/Sep
Well planned. Lots of history and nature information. Beautiful sites.
Collected by Trustpilot
Janice Walters
Submitted 10/Sep
Amazing trip; saw 6 National Parks in short time. The bus driver and tour manager were funny, entertaining and knowledgeable.
My pictures definitely do not do it justice
This was an awesome trip. Our Tour Mgr, Dennis B. is great. He provided some many stories and information at each site plus while on the motorcoach traveling. A wealth of knowledge and info. Well planned trip. He gave lots of helpful info about places to eat and best places to visit at each stop. Really enjoyed the info videos and movies while traveling. Hope we cross paths again on future tours. He is very passionate about doing an above average tour.
We also have a great Bus Driver, Adriaan. He goes above and beyond to ensure the bus is not only comfortable, but also very clean inside and out. He to time to speak with each of us and shared info as well. Always there to offer a helping hand on and off the bus and to provide bottled water as needed.
Big THANKS to both of you guys for making our trip safe and fun. Jane & Rich
Collected by Trustpilot
Sandy Lanza
Submitted 7/Sep
It took us to some of the most beautiful places in America!