Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Glacier National Parks

Head over to Union Station in Chicago to board the Empire Builder train heading West. Your journey to the national parks has begun! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Enjoy the beautiful western scenery right outside the windows of the train as you head towards the Grand Canyon. Take some time to relax in the observation car and take in some of the best views the Amtrak train offers. This evening you will arrive in Williams, AZ. The town is a quaint Route 66 community. Relax and rest up this evening after checking in to your hotel. (Overnight in Williams)

Awake this morning and head on over to the Fred Harvey Restaurant where your included breakfast awaits. After a good meal to start the day, board the historic Grand Canyon Railway for the trip up to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the picturesque views of sprawling ponderosa pine forest around you as the train brings you right up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A truly spectacular sight to behold, the Grand Canyon will awe and inspire you. Your tour picks you up from the depot and takes you all around the South Rim for amazing views and a great introduction to the Canyon. This evening, relax at your South Rim hotel. (Overnight in the Grand Canyon)

The morning and early afternoon are yours to continue exploring the Grand Canyon. Get up early to enjoy a desert sunrise, visit one of several museums and historical attractions nearby, or just relax and soak in the scenery a bit longer. This afternoon, the Grand Canyon Railway brings you back to Williams. Enjoy an included dinner as you prepare to board Amtrak once more for your journey to the West Coast (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Change trains this morning in Los Angeles as you prepare to ride up the spectacular California coastline. The Coast Starlight train route follows the ocean north past warm, inviting countryside. Arriving to San Francisco this evening, check in to your hotel and get a good rest. Tomorrow you visit Yosemite! (Overnight in San Francisco)

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and head off to experience the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Along the way, enjoy the scenery around you as you travel through California's agricultural heartland. Arriving to Yosemite, you will find it is a place like no other. From bold, rocky peaks such as El Capitan, to sprawling piney forests, to its abundance of wildlife, this park will amaze you. This evening you return to San Francisco. Take some time to enjoy the city at night or relax and savour the day of exploration you've had. (Overnight in San Francisco)

Before your train departs this evening, take the day to explore a wonderfully inviting city: San Francisco. Use your included hop-on, hop-off tour pass to enjoy an excellent narrated tour of the city featuring popular spots such as Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Union Square and more. The pass also allows you to get off and re-board the tour at your convenience allowing you to spend time at any of the stops you'd really like to experience further. This evening, you head out on Amtrak to Emeryville to meet the train taking you north. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

As your train heads to Seattle, you will experience the relaxing scenery of the Pacific Northwest. It's rolling hills and green pine forests are easily viewed from the train. You will arrive to Seattle in the evening and check in to your hotel for a good night's rest. (Overnight in Seattle)

This morning is free for you to explore Seattle. Admission to the famous Space Needle is included for you. Travel to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the bay, the surrounding landscape, and of course soaring Mt. Rainier. Head over to Pike Place Market if you're looking to explore a local landmark and maybe pick up something tasty. This afternoon, you depart on the Empire Builder training heading to Glacier National Park. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Your train arrives in Glacier National Park this morning. Your hotel is right across from the depot and makes for an easy check-in. Take some time today to relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery all around. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)

Today you begin your exploration of Glacier National Park's unparalleled mountain beauty. Your Big Sky Circle Tour picks you up from the hotel and carries you off through the park. As your guide drives through mountains along Going-to-the-Sun Road, past majestic points of interest such as Logan Pass and Goat Lick, you are provided a wonderfully narrated experience. You'll learn about the history, geology, plants, and wildlife of the park as well as the history and folklore of the native Blackfoot and Flathead tribes that once called this land home. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)

No trip to Glacier National Park would be complete without a chance to experience one of its pristine mountain lakes. Today you are transported to Two Medicine Valley, deep within the national park, for a sightseeing boat cruise. Marvel at the natural beauty of the valley, the lake, and keep your eyes open for the wildlife that frequent the shoreline. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)

After breakfast this morning you'll board the train, heading to Chicago and the completion of your once-in-a-lifetime vacation. As you leave Glacier National Park behind, a wealth of impressive scenery still awaits. As the train carries you home, be sure to keep your eyes towards the window and soaking up the soaring snow-capped peaks, rolling foothills, and wide-open plains unravelling before you along the way. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Your independent rail tour ends today.

Speak with a Discover North America Travel Specialist about extending your trip.