USA
Larger than life and bursting with diverse cultures and traditions, there's nowhere quite like the grand old USA. This is a destination that demands to be both seen and heard. Experience the soundtrack of the south as historic railways take you through the heartland of great American music, discover the russet tones of New England in the fall, or immerse yourself in the vintage glamour of Hollywood. Live the American dream for yourself as you experience a rich tapestry of colour across its natural wonders, from the endless greens of Yosemite National Park to the burnt orange of the Grand Canyon.
Las Vegas
Roll the dice and take a chance on the desert resort of Las Vegas. Bursting with life and colour, it's easy to lose yourself in the hypnotic neon lights of Sin City. Head to the iconic Las Vegas Strip where you'll find incredible live shows performed every night, decadent buffets and world-class restaurants, as well as imaginatively themed hotels that mean you can easily visit the likes of Paris, Venice and Egypt all in the same day.
San Francisco
Embrace the harbourside charms and laid-back culture of bohemian San Francisco, one of America's most-loved cities. Take a trolley ride through Fisherman's Wharf, pausing to indulge in some excellent seafood at one of the famous crab stalls, before taking a moment to admire the picture-postcard views across the bay towards Golden Gate Bridge. Or, step back in time with a visit to a historic saloon or speakeasy, where you can relax with a cocktail in surroundings seemingly unchanged since the Wild West and Prohibition eras.
Washington D.C.
Explore the capital city, political hub and powerhouse of the United States, Washington D.C. There are iconic sights around every street corner here, from the poignant Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Junior delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech, to the distinctive Capitol Building and the instantly recognisable White House, home to each serving president of the United States since John Adams in 1800.
New York
Be a part of it in 'the city that never sleeps', New York, an adrenaline-charged metropolis bursting with some of the world's greatest art, culture, cuisine and history. Discover the emblematic flashing neon lights and billboards of Times Square, stroll by the upscale shops and department stores of Fifth Avenue and escape the hustle and bustle in the verdant oasis that is Central Park. Chic, glamorous and packed with history, New York City truly offers something for everyone.
New Orleans
New Orleans, the city known as the 'Big Easy' roars with life, imbued with a spirited atmosphere and sense of playfulness that remains long after the Mardi Gras celebrations draw to a close. Stroll down colourful streets lined with eclectic centuries-old architecture and dotted with dimly lit jazz bars and authentic Creole restaurants. Or, get to the heart of the late 18th-century French Quarter, where a visit to Café du Monde to sample their world-famous beignets comes highly recommended.
Grand Canyon
Discover the Grand Canyon, located in Grand Canyon National Park, an incredible, almost inconceivable abyss and truly a must-see sight for any visitor to this part of the world. Admire striking views of layer-upon-layer of different rocks, easily distinguished by their vibrant colours, with each section containing fascinating clues to the past with its own fossil record. The South Rim, the Canyon's main viewpoint, is an ideal place from which to soak in the awe-inspiring, panoramic views.
The Empire State Building
Rising from the skyline of Midtown Manhattan, New York's Empire State Building is an Art Deco masterpiece, standing at 102 stories. Its striking design and rich history make visiting here an unmissable New York experience. Admire the pre-World War II architecture from street level as you stroll down iconic Fifth Avenue, or buy a ticket and head inside, where you can immerse yourself in the 1930's glamour of the exquisite marble lobby and admire unforgettable views from the observation deck.
Golden Gate Bridge
Opened on May 28, 1937, San Francisco's most famous sight, the Golden Gate Bridge, spans the elegant Golden Gate Bay and is known worldwide as an iconic American landmark. Painted in an instantly recognisable warm orange hue, which was originally to protect its steel from erosion, this brightly coloured suspension bridge has since featured in a number of movies and television shows and is an unforgettable sight for visitors to the city today.
The White House
The oldest public building in Washington D.C. and one of the most famous residences in the world, the iconic White House has been the home of every United States president in history, bar George Washington. A photo of the impressive exterior guarantees a fantastic keep-sake for your travel photo album - from Pennsylvania Ave it's possible to get incredible, car-free photos across the recognisable North Lawn.
Yellowstone National Park
With jaw-dropping scenery stretching as far as the eye can see, the United States' first National Park, Yellowstone, offers a visual feast for the eyes. Spanning an area of 3,468.4 square miles, its filled with stunning lakes, rivers, canyons and mountains, as well as wonderful wildlife and natural geothermal features - the result of the park being located above a dormant supervolcano. Its most famous feature, the 'Old Faithful' geyser, is an incredible natural fountain of boiling water named after its predictable eruptions, which happen every 44 minutes to 2 hours.
New England's White Mountains
Immerse yourself in the beauty of New England's scenic White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Travelling by coach, we drive through the heart of Maine and New Hampshire's mountainous countryside during the golden season, Fall, when the trees are transformed by the changing seasons. Admire a breathtaking tapestry of colour as foliage that ranges from deep, dark reds to delicate, pale yellows lines our route.
Grand Canyon Railway
Join the Grand Canyon Railway for a journey hauled by a historic locomotive through pine forests and open prairies, before reaching one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights - the Grand Canyon. Created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, the canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. We visit the South Rim, the Canyon's main viewpoint and an ideal place from which to soak in the endless, dramatic vistas.
Mardi Gras
Experience legendary Mardi Gras, one of America's biggest and oldest traditions, from our grandstand seats. When we visit New Orleans in February, we find the high-spirited celebrations in full swing. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we witness an explosion of exuberant colour and vitality, with floats making their way through the streets painted in vibrant hues of purple, green and gold.
Amtrak's California Zephyr
The epic route of Amtrak's California Zephyr runs east to west, between Chicago and Emeryville, California. We experience a portion of the trip on our overnight journey, travelling to Chicago from Grand Junction. Our journey takes us through a spectacularly scenic part of the USA, as we wind up into the Rocky Mountains and through the heart of Colorado's wine region towards the 'Windy City'.
Colarado's Wild West
The Durango & Silverton Railroad takes us on a trip back in time to a bygone 'Wild West' era so familiar from Hollywood movies. As the dramatic black locomotive pulls its yellow carriages through the tree-lined mountain backdrop of Colorado, the untouched landscape feels forgotten by the rest of the world. Journeying past azure rivers and towering evergreens, this trip harks back to the late 19th century when the train was used to transport ore mined from the San Juan Mountains.
Featured Holiday Ideas
USA offers an amazing array of holidays to explore by rail.
