No-Fly Canada and USA by Rail and Sea

Depart Southampton on board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and head out to sea.

Sea days are what this flagship liner is built for with the space and luxury for you to do as much or as little as you wish. Whether you are in the mood for complete relaxation or something more active, you can find it. Indulge in the spa, relax in the vast library or savour the many sumptuous delights in the restaurant. Your time at sea is your own and you will find abundant possibilities to discover on board the world's last Ocean Liner.

Be sure to rise early as you sail into New York passing under the Verrazano Bridge and alongside the Statue of Liberty. The view of the Ocean being replaced with New York's sky line is a sight to behold and no doubt one that will stay with you. You'll disembark your cruise ship in New York City, where you will have three nights to enjoy your stay at your leisure in the “Big Apple”, which needs no introduction!

Enjoy free time to explore the city that never sleeps.

Hop on board the Maple Leaf train to Niagara Falls, where you will stay for two nights. Here we have included tickets to ride the Hornblower and embark on a breathtaking voyage to the base of Niagara Falls. This unforgettable journey offers spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, culminating in an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

On day 13, you will board the train this evening to Toronto where you will have a two-night stay to explore the capital of Canada's province of Ontario.

This morning, make your way to Union Station to board The Canadian train. Your comfortable private sleeper cabin will be your home for the next three nights, as you cross the wide expanse of Canada’s wilderness to Jasper, your gateway to the Rockies. Sleeper Plus class features en-suite facilities and includes meals, as well as access to the Skyline car - a domed observation area. (Upgrade to Prestige Class for the highest-level of comfort, ask for details). After departing the big city, you’ll soon find yourself in sparsely-populated and densely forested areas, punctuated with many lakes, before the gleaming silver train heads out across the seemingly endless plains and prairies, giving you a real sense of how immense this country is.

You’ll arrive into pretty Jasper early in the morning of Day 18, where you can drop your bags at your hotel and find yourself a spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and stretch your legs. You’ll have two nights’ accommodation in Jasper, and the rest of your time is free to explore at your own pace.

Your coach journey today will take you to Banff via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Discover Canada's most scenic mountain roadway; this is the route to over one hundred visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rushing waterfalls. Venture onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Ice Explorer for a spectacular Ice Age adventure. Then get ready to experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Step out onto a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 metres out over the Sunwapta Valley for an unobstructed view of the surrounding glaciers.

Enjoy your day with free time to relax or book your own activities at your leisure. Banff has activities for all, from taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, relaxing in the Banff hot springs, exploring the quaint little mountain resort, to outdoor wildlife adventures. Overnight in Banff. Optionally, enjoy a guided Wildlife Tour, or take a day trip to Lake Louise, ask our travel specialists for details.

Rocky Mountaineer Train: Banff > Kamloops: This morning it’s All Aboard Rocky Mountaineer! The excitement is palpable as you are collected from your hotel by coach transfer and are taken to board the beautiful deep midnight-blue and gold liveried train. You’ll weave your way through the peaks and valleys of this dazzling region, bald eagles sailing alongside you and, if you’re very lucky, (depending on the time of year) you might even spot a bear! Exquisite cuisine is prepared on board and either served at your seat in SilverLeaf, or in the separate restaurant level of the beautiful domed GoldLeaf carriages (depending which service you have booked). Whichever category of travel you choose, you will enjoy unrivalled views of these majestic mountains. After a full day’s mesmerising journey, you arrive into the tiny outlying “city” of Kamloops for an overnight stay.

Rocky Mountaineer Train: Kamloops > Vancouver: Coach transfer back to the train this morning in time for another delicious breakfast and more ever-changing scenery. You’ll journey from the desert-like Interior region through dramatic canyons and craggy terrain, to lush greenery and the rushing white water of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey on board Rocky Mountaineer ends this evening in Vancouver where you will transfer to your hotel for a four-night stay. Transfer to hotel included.

Time at your leisure in relaxed and fashionable Vancouver; a friendly and welcoming city with so much variety to offer visitors. The capital of British Columbia is a safe, clean and refreshing place, with wide open green spaces, waterfront culture (including beaches), a vast array of wildlife-spotting opportunities as well as some exhilarating adventures close by; take a walk on the wild side in the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or enjoy the “Fly Over Canada” virtual reality experience in the city centre. And if all of that doesn’t pique your interest, there is an extraordinary range of culinary options too, from street food galore in the trendy Granville Island public market, to high-end haute cuisine with real a passion for local produce from farm-to-table.

You'll board your first Amtrak rail service today, cross border from Canada into the USA (have your identification documents handy!) After an early start you will travel via Seattle, where you'll join the Coast Starlight train to stay on the train overnight in a Superliner Roomette, with a short connecting coach service to San Francisco. Arrive into San Francisco on the morning of Day 28 for a five-night stay.

Today you have an included half day tour of San Francisco. Your day will start with a narrated coach tour taking in some of the city's famous Victorian homes, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman's Wharf, the Presidio, North Beach and including ferry and entrance to the infamous Alcatraz with audioguide.

Join an included small-group day trip to one of the most visually stunning places on earth. This full-day itinerary takes you through the orchards of the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley, stopping first for a stroll through a grove of giant sequoias. Find plenty of photo ops of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Fall, and more... includes hotel pick up from selected hotels.

Enjoy free time in San Francisco

Continuing on down the West Coast you will make you way by early morning day rail service - with short coach service transfers to and from the train - to Monterey for a two-night stay.

Lying on the southern end of the bay of the same name, Monterey is the perfect place to take to the waters of the Pacific Ocean and spot migrating grey, humpback and maybe even blue whales, along with other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions on our included excursion.

Today’s rail journey, after a short coach transfer, will see you back on board the Coast Starlight, which will travel through the Salinas Valley and two mountain ranges, before returning seaboard along the coastal rail line, offering up some dazzling and contrasting sea views; from the palm-lined Santa Barbara shoreline to the rocky outcrops along the Pacific Highway and on into Los Angeles where you will have a four-right stay.

Enjoy the sprawling capital of California where there is so much to see we have left it up to you to decide what to take in! If you would like us to organise a city tour to see infamous landmarks such as Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, spot your favourite icons along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and swing by Griffith Park for unrivalled views of the world-famous Hollywood sign, please do let us know, or just explore your way.

Board the Southwest Chief Amtrak train in the evening, relax in your Superliner Roomette accommodation on board for your overnight journey to Flagstaff, where you will have a 3 night stay.

You will join an included full-day local group excursion with a visit to the Grand Canyon – one of the undisputed highlights of any trip to the United States. With engaging commentary from your guide you can take in the scenery and keep watch for wildlife. Walk a bit of the Rim Trail for up-close views of the natural rock formations and stop for an included lunch at a local Navajo country restaurant that serves Mexican, American, and Navajo dishes. Entrance fees and round-trip hotel transportation included. The remaining day is at leisure in Flagstaff.

An early start to board the southwest Chief again for your onward overnight journey in a Superliner Roomette to Chicago, where you’ll have time to sit back and relax in your cabin or the Dome Car as you traverse the Great Plains.

Breeze into the “Windy City” in the afternoon, where you’ll have three nights' accommodation and three full days (owing to the late departure of your onward train on Day 45) to sample the signature deep dish pizzas, craft beers and ride the “L” around the city; also made famous as the set of many memorable and atmospheric blockbuster movies. As always, please let us know if you'd like to arrange any local experiences in advance on your behalf.

Evening departure on the City of New Orleans overnight rail service to Memphis, Tennessee in a Superliner Roomette. Arrive into Memphis on Day 48 for a 4-night stay.

During your stay in Memphis take your time to visit Sun Studios, enjoy the local music scene or take a scenic cruise on the Mississippi. We've included VIP tickets to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley on the day of your choosing.

An early departure on the day service to "The Big Easy", New Orleans, a city synonymous with music and a hearty foodie scene. Arrive into New Orleans for a four-night stay.

Over the next few days, experience the soulful rhythms of live jazz music in intimate clubs and vibrant music venues throughout the city. Dive into the city's rich history with visits to the National WWII Museum and the charming Garden District. We've included a daytime jazz cruise with lunch on the Mississippi River, taking in panoramic views of the city skyline and iconic bridges.

Back on board a day service to Atlanta, Georgia. You'll have a two-night stay here to explore at your own pace.

Another overnight rail journey in a Superliner Roomette today to the capital of the United States; Washington DC. Arrive into Washington DC on day 59 for a 03-night stay.

Your time in DC is left for you to fill as you please - but don't forget to ask if you would like us to assist with pre-bookable experiences.

Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Philadelphia during your three-night stay in the City of Brotherly Love. Begin your exploration with a visit to Independence National Historical Park, home to the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

Delve into the city's rich art scene with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring world-class collections and the famous "Rocky Steps" for a scenic view of the city skyline. Stroll through charming neighborhoods like Old City and Society Hill, known for their cobblestone streets, historic homes, and eclectic boutiques.

All aboard your final train journey of your epic rail adventure! The train departs frequently for your final overnight stay in NYC in readiness to board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 tomorrow.

Back on board QM2, there is time to rest and revisit your favourite spots on board or join in with activities you didn't get to experience the first time on board. Back in Southampton your no-fly North American adventure will come to an end, with many memories.