America's Treasures & Natural Wonders

Your vacation into the natural wonders of the American West begins today as you arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travelers before boarding the legendary Empire Builder for an overnight journey to Whitefish, Montana.

Settle into your seats and relax as we depart from the city, watching the city's skyscrapers fade into the distance as the journey begins. You might choose to head to the Café Car for hot and cold dining and drink options to enjoy at your seat. Overnight train.

Please note: travelers may elect to travel from Seattle or points in-between and meet the Tour Manager in Whitefish.

Waking aboard the Empire Builder this morning, enjoy a relaxing day ahead soaking up the scenery as we continue our journey toward Montana.

From the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge, watch for iconic sights along the way, including the mighty Mississippi River winding through Wisconsin and Minnesota, the endless plains of North Dakota and the rugged peaks of Montana's Rockies rising in the distance. The train's Dining Car is also a great place to relax and enjoy the views (booking in advance advised).

After a day of sweeping scenery, we arrive in the mountain town of Whitefish this evening, where a coach transfer takes us to our hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

Nature's beauty is on full display today as we visit Glacier National Park. Here, we embark on a half-day tour along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic drives. Along the way, we cross the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, a dramatic high point offering sweeping views of the park's rugged peaks and valleys.

To make this experience even more memorable, we enjoy it from the seat of a 1930s-era Red Jammer bus, the park's iconic form of transportation. Large windows and a roll-back top provide endless opportunities to soak up the breathtaking surroundings of magnificent mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls and lush alpine valleys. Our drivers, who share a deep love for the park, bring it to life with their knowledge and stories, making every turn along the road unforgettable.

There is free time afterwards to find lunch independently, explore a short walking trail or simply admire the scenery. We transfer back to the hotel where there is time to relax before we enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we set out on a full day's journey south toward West Yellowstone, the gateway to iconic Yellowstone National Park. As we travel through Montana's wide-open landscapes, the ever-changing scenery showcases the rugged beauty of the American West, from forested mountains to sweeping valleys and winding rivers.

Established in 1872 as the world's first national park, Yellowstone spans over two million acres. The park is famed not only for its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk and bears, but also for its remarkable geothermal activity, containing around half of the world's known geothermal features. Geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pots create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Arriving in West Yellowstone this evening, you are at leisure to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and find dinner independently. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

• Breakfast

Today, we experience the extraordinary landscapes of Yellowstone National Park on a full-day tour led by a certified guide, who brings the park's geology, wildlife and history to life.

Our guided tour takes us through the sweeping expanse of Hayden Valley, a prime wildlife habitat where herds of bison roam and with luck, elk or even grizzly bears may be spotted. We continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, where steaming terraces of mineral-rich limestone cascade down the hillside in white and gold formations. At the dramatic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, we admire the Yellowstone River in two powerful waterfalls.

Continuing our tour, we visit the colorful Fountain Paint Pot, a fascinating geothermal area of bubbling mud pots, before arriving at perhaps the park's most iconic sight - Old Faithful. Here, we witness the legendary eruption of nature's force. After our explorations, we head back to the hotel where you are free to relax and dine independently. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

• Breakfast

Vast Western landscapes unfold today as we travel by coach into Wyoming. As the peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically ahead, we know we are approaching Grand Teton National Park, home to more than three hundred thousand acres of protected wilderness shaped by verdant valleys, alpine meadows and mirror-like lakes.

Within the park, we visit the charming Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church whose altar window perfectly frames the towering Grand Teton mountains. With no foothills to soften their ascent, the mountains soar abruptly from the valley floor. There's free time over lunch to grab something to eat and soak up the scale of this remarkable setting.

Later, we continue to the lively town of Jackson, known for its rugged Western culture and for being the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. After arriving at our hotel for the next two nights, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to get acquainted with the town or relax at the hotel. Overnight Jackson WY.

• Breakfast

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Jackson, a charming town that blends authentic Wild West heritage with a mountain spirit. Centered around its iconic Town Square, framed by distinctive elk-antler arches, Jackson offers an inviting mix of Western boutiques, art galleries and welcoming cafés.

You might choose to explore the great outdoors in nearby Grand Teton National Park, home to more than two hundred miles of hiking trails winding through forests, alpine meadows and along pristine lakes, or embark on a scenic float trip along the Snake River, offering a unique perspective on the valley's wildlife and mountain scenery.

Alternatively, spend time soaking up Jackson's character at a gentler pace. Browse local shops, sample regional cuisine in one of the town's many restaurants or step into a classic cowboy bar as evening falls. Overnight Jackson WY.

• Breakfast

Our journey south continues today as we travel by coach toward Utah's scenic capital, Salt Lake City. Along the way, vast landscapes of rolling plains and distant mountain ranges unfold outside our windows.

Enroute, we step back in time with a visit to the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho. Here, the stories of the pioneers who journeyed west are brought to life through engaging exhibits and an immersive simulated wagon train experience, and we gain an insight into the resilience of those who traveled this historic trail in search of new beginnings.

Arriving in Salt Lake City this afternoon, there is time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a stroll around Temple Square, admire the striking mountain backdrop or head to one of the city's inviting restaurants for dinner. Overnight Salt Lake City, UT.

• Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, we set out on a journey through southern Utah, traveling across high desert landscapes where sweeping plateaus, pine-clad hills and red-rock formations define the area.

After a lunch stop, we arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park this afternoon and discover a landscape unlike any other. At the heart of the park lies the vast Bryce Amphitheatre, home to the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. These tall spires of rock, formed by more than a million years of erosion, rise in intricate formations from the canyon floor, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. We follow the high rim road to celebrated viewpoints, including Sunset Point, where we admire the panoramic views.

This evening, we round off the day with dinner and entertainment at Ebenezer's Dinner Show, where music brings the spirit of the Old West to life. Overnight Bryce Canyon City, UT.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We set out to explore Utah's first National Park this morning, the awe-inspiring Zion. Carved over thousands of years by the Virgin River, the park is home to striking rock formations such as the West Temple and the Great White Throne, as well as hanging gardens and seasonal waterfalls.

We explore the park aboard an open-air tram, with narration that helps us gain an insight into the wildlife, geology and history of Zion. The tour makes stops at key viewpoints, including the Temple of Sinawava, before we enjoy free time to enjoy lunch and explore independently.

After exploring Zion National Park, we journey by coach for a scenic drive to Page, Arizona. On arrival, we visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, situated atop the Glen Canyon Dam, before boarding the Canyon Princess for a dinner cruise on Lake Powell. As the sun sets behind the surrounding cliffs, the water reflects a stunning array of colors. Enjoy the scenery while enjoying a fresh, chef-prepared meal. Overnight Page, AZ.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The day begins with a drive to one of America's most iconic landscapes - the Grand Canyon, widely regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From several viewpoints, including the famous Mather Point, we take time to appreciate the canyon's vast scale and striking layers of rock, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.

There's time to explore the South Rim independently. Stroll along the rim trails for sweeping views, visit the historic Grand Canyon Visitor Center or stop by Yavapai Point for a different perspective of the canyon's depth. You may also choose to browse the park's shops or simply find a quiet spot to sit and take in the ever-changing colors of the canyon.

This evening, we continue to Flagstaff where we enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of the group at the hotel restaurant. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

• Breakfast, Dinner

With memories of six national parks and remarkable journeys still fresh in your mind - from the dramatic peaks of Glacier and Grand Teton to the geysers of Yellowstone, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the cliffs of Zion and the vastness of the Grand Canyon - your vacation through the American West draws to a close this morning. From the iconic start aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder, journeying across sweeping landscapes, this trip has offered an unforgettable glimpse of America's natural treasures.

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.

• Breakfast