Recall a bygone era of travel on this epic 21-day journey that takes you across the USA by train and across the Atlantic by cruise ship.
About the Tour
Your travels begin in Los Angeles, where you begin your eastbound journey with the overnight trip to Williams, Arizona and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. Next, travel across the colorful southwest into the plains and prairies of the Midwest, arriving in Chicago for a two-night stay. Continue with overnight train travel to the nation's capital, Washington, DC, followed by a visit to New York City, where you will enjoy the lively bustle of the city that never sleeps before boarding the famous Queen Mary 2 for the 7-night passage across the Atlantic Ocean to Southampton, UK.
Highlights
- Rail transportation aboard Amtrak (3 nights on train)
- Roundtrip travel aboard the Grand Canyon Railway
- One-way 7-night trans-Atlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2
- Hotel accommodations for 10 nights
- 29 meals
- Universal Studios attraction pass
- Tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
- City sightseeing in Chicago,
- Washington DC, and New York City
Call to Book 1-877-929-7245
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Los AngelesArrive in Los Angeles and transfer on your own to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. See Santa Monica Pier, visit the Getty Museum, shop the chic boutiques along Rodeo Drive, or ask your concierge to get you tickets to a local sporting event or concert. Overnight Los Angeles.
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Day 2 - Universal StudiosRevel in the thrills of amusement park rides and behind-the-scenes tours at Universal Studios. Your attractions pass gives you priority boarding privileges for all attractions, reserved seating at all Universal Studios shows, and behind-the-scenes privileges at select attractions. Overnight Los Angeles.
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Day 3 - LA at Leisure / Southwest Chief bound for ArizonaThe better part of the day is at your leisure to explore Los Angeles. Late this afternoon, transfer on your own to Los Angeles' Union Station and prepare for your 6:15 pm departure aboard the Southwest Chief for your overnight trip to Williams Junction, Arizona. As the train makes its way southeast, settle into your onboard accommodations and enjoy a quiet night on the train. Overnight train.
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Day 4 - Grand CanyonRise early this morning and prepare for the train's arrival in Flagstaff. Meet your hotel transfer at the station, check into the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and enjoy a few hours to rest and freshen up before breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Afterward, board the vintage Grand Canyon Railway, the historic train that once transported the likes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Doris Day, for the journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Once at the Grand Canyon, embark on a Freedom Tour of the South Rim, a narrated tour that visits some of the most prominent lookouts including Mohave Point and Hermits Rest. Overnight Grand Canyon. (B)
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Day 5 - The Grand CanyonThe morning is yours to explore Grand Canyon Village and its historic buildings, either on your own or an optional tour of the area. This afternoon board the Grand Canyon Railway for the return trip to Williams, where your evening is at leisure. Overnight Williams. (D)
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Day 6 - Southwest Chief to ChicagoEarly this morning transfer to the train depot in Flagstaff in preparation of the arrival of the Southwest Chief bound for Chicago. Spend the day relaxing aboard the train. Nap, read a book, and chat with your fellow travelers as you enjoy the unsurpassed scenery from the lounge car or your seat. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
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Day 7 - Arrival in ChicagoThe Southwest Chief makes its way across the prairies and plains for the Midwest, arriving in Chicago at 3:15 pm. Transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Chicago. (B, L)
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Day 8 - Chicago SightseeingHit the town for a full day of sightseeing on a hop on/hop off trolley tour. Visit Chicago's most popular attractions including Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, the theater district and more. Overnight Chicago.
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Day 9 - Chicago at Leisure / Capitol Limited to Washington, DCYou have another day to explore Chicago at leisure. Shop along the Magnificent Mile, visit one of the city's many museums, or stroll along the lakefront. Indulge in some famous deep dish pizza before heading to historic Union Station for your 6:40 pm departure aboard Amtrak's Capitol Limited bound for Washington, DC. Overnight train.
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Day 10 - Arrival in Washington, DCThe Capitol Limited is scheduled to arrive in Washington, DC at 1:10 pm. Transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to explore the nation's capital. Overnight Washington, DC. (B, L)
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Day 11 - DC SightseeingWashington, DC is full of amazing things to see and do. Get a lay of the land while learning all about the history that surrounds this great city on today's guided sightseeing tour of DC's top monuments and attractions. A special highlight is a boat cruise on the Potomac River! Overnight Washington, DC.
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Day 12 - High-Speed Train to New York CityDepart Washington, DC, aboard the Acela Express for the high-speed train journey to New York's Penn Station. Upon arrival, transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight New York City.
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Day 13 - New York SightseeingBoard a double-decker sightseeing bus for an amazing tour of the city. Hop on and off at more than 30 different stops including Central Park, Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, and more. Overnight New York City.
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Day 14 - Embark Queen Mary 2Transfer on your own to the cruise terminal for your trans-Atlantic sailing aboard the Queen Mary 2 bound for Southampton, UK. The Queen Mary 2 is the most magnificent ocean liner ever built, combining impeccable service, luxurious accommodation and exquisite dining with modern innovations. Overnight ship. (D)
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Days 15 - 20 - At SeaWith 14 decks, unsurpassed amenities including a Planetarium, and endless activities, you can do as little or as much as you'd like during your days at sea. The Queen Mary 2 provides you with a wealth of engaging experiences to enjoy every day. Broaden your horizons with a lecture series and exciting workshops. Unwind in the spa. Shop fine boutiques for yourself or souvenirs.Overnight ship. (6B, 6L, 6D)
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Day 21 - Arrival in SouthamptonThe Queen Mary 2 arrives in Southampton today where your cross-country rail-sail holiday comes to an end. (B)
Accommodations
Hotels include the Millennium Biltmore, Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Maswik Lodge, Palmer House Hilton, Holiday Inn Capitol, and Paramount Hotel.
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 Southwest Chief enjoy meals in the train's Dining car. New contemporary and fresh dining choices replace traditional dining car service on the Capitol Limited. 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.
+Vacations By Rail can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.
Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.
