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America's Treasures & Natural Wonders

 
4.7 stars(85 reviews)
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202620272028
Duration
12 days
From per person
$5,899 $5,499
Tour code
ATW27
Mobility Rating 3
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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An adventure into the great West, this journey tells a story of Earth's wonders and magnificent displays of nature through visits to six of America's most beloved national parks

Set your sights on amazing scenes of America's West with visits to six national parks on this unforgettable rail tour. The journey begins on Amtrak's Empire Builder, aboard which beautiful vistas of the Northern Prairies create the serene backdrop for the start of our trip. Our first visit is to Whitefish, where Glacier National Park's glaciers, lakes, and wildlife set the tone for our discovery of America's natural wonders. Our immersive journey continues south to the awesomeness of Yellowstone, the vast expanses of meadows and mountains that is Grand Teton National Park, and into Utah where Bryce and Zion National Parks wait to show us their treasures. Our trip culminates in the sheer majesty of the Grand Canyon. From the scenery to the iconic sites and the wildlife, your camera and your heart will overflow with memories from this voyage.

Unforgettable Experiences

Amtrak's Empire Builder
Amtrak's Empire Builder
Classic overnight rail journey aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder.
Red Jammer Bus
Red Jammer Bus
Cross the Continental Divide on a drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Discover fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers—including the most famous, Old Faithful— in America’s first national park, Yellowstone.
Teton Range
Teton Range
Stand in awe of the Teton Range, which rises to the sky without foothills.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
See the colorful wind-shaped hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park
Explore the hanging gardens and waterfalls in Zion National Park.
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
Witness the majesty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Depart Chicago aboard the Empire Builder

Arrive at Chicago Union Station early this afternoon and board the legendary Empire Builder. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Travelers may elect to travel from Seattle or points in-between and meet your tour manager in Whitefish. Overnight train. 

DAY2En Route to Whitefish

Spend the day admiring the sights of the Northern Prairies from the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and chatting with your fellow travelers about the adventures to come. On arrival in Whitefish this evening, we meet our motorcoach and transfer to our hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

DAY3Glacier National Park & Going-to-the-Sun Road

Nature's beauty is on full display during our visit to Glacier National Park. Here, we embark on a half-day tour of one of America's most beautiful attractions, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Considered one of the outstanding scenic roadways of the world, the drive offers magnificent views of the mountain scenery. Best of all, we experience it from the comfortable seat of a 1930s-era Red Jammer bus, the park's most iconic form of transportation. With large windows and a roll-back top, the bus offers endless views of the surrounding scenery. This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Scenic Drive to West Yellowstone

Today brings a full day of travel as we drive through the Northern Great Plains south to West Yellowstone, MT. The natural scenery showcased along the journey illustrates the unique beauty of America's West. After our arrival in West Yellowstone, you have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5Yellowstone National Park & Old Faithful

Yellowstone is America's first national park, established in 1872. Today's full-day tour with a Yellowstone certified guide includes a narrated drive through the Hayden Valley and visits to Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Fountain Paint Pot, and-perhaps the most famous natural wonder in the park-Old Faithful. Overnight West Yellowstone, MT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Grand Teton National Park

The day begins with a drive into Wyoming. As the Teton Range joins the landscape, we know we're approaching our destination, Grand Teton National Park, home to more than 300,000 acres of protected land comprised of verdant valleys, meadows, and lakes. Here, we visit to the Chapel of Transfiguration, a rustic log church with fantastic views of the looming Grand Teton Mountains rising from the ground with no foothills. We continue to Jackson, known as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to get acquainted with the town or relax at the hotel. Overnight Jackson, WY.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7Jackson at Leisure

Jackson is a charming Wild West town complete with a town square bordered by elk antler arches, Western and contemporary shops, a variety of restaurants, and cowboy bars. Today is at leisure to explore the town or immerse yourself in nature in nearby Grand Teton National Park. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as optional activities such as a leisurely scenic float trip along the Snake River, biking, or fishing. Overnight Jackson, WY.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY8National Oregon/California Trail Center

Our journey south continues today as we travel by deluxe motorcoach to Salt Lake City. Watch as some of the most incredible scenes the West has to offer unfold before your eyes. En route, we visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, ID, where we learn firsthand about this historic pioneer route and experience a simulated wagon train ride. Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, there is time to explore on your own. Overnight Salt Lake City, UT. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9Bryce Canyon National Park Touring

Today we journey to Bryce Canyon National Park to see its amazing sights, including spectacular hoodoos-colorful rocks which have been sculpted by erosion into pillars. Our route takes us along the high rim to major vantage points, such as Sunset Point. After a day of exploration, dinner at Ebenezer's Dinner Show is just the thing to complete the day. Overnight Bryce Canyon City, UT.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10Experience Zion National Park

This morning we set off to explore Utah's first National Park, Zion. The Park is full of stunning sights, including the enormous stone masses of the West Temple, hanging gardens and waterfalls, and Zion Canyon, the spectacular gorge carved by the Virgin River. Aboard an open-air tram, we learn little-known facts about the park through narration and soak in these sights and more. The tour makes photo stops at the Great White Throne and the Temple of Sinawava, as well.

After exploring Zion National Park, we board our deluxe motorcoach for the scenic drive to Page, AZ. Here, visit to the Carl Hayden Visitors Center, situated atop the Glen Canyon Dam and we board the Canyon Princess for a 2-hour dinner cruise on Lake Powell. Marvel at the brilliant display of colors as the setting sun falls behind the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Savor fresh, chef-prepared meals while taking in the views and chatting with your fellow travelers. Overnight Page, AZ.

**Please Note: Select departures will do a Lake Powell Cruise and dinner in the Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11Grand Canyon National Park

We start the day with a drive to perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring destinations: The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. During our visit, we have the chance to drink in the expansive views and grasp the enormity of this site from several observation areas, including Mather Point. Enjoy time to take in the scenes and famed attractions of the Grand Canyon on your own. We travel to Flagstaff this evening and join our Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY12Tour Conclusion

With the memories of six national parks fresh in your mind, your journey through America's treasures concludes this morning. 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Pricing Plans

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 Empire Builder enjoy meals in the train's Dining car. New contemporary and fresh dining choices replace traditional dining car service. 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. 

Please note

Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live; however are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Hotels & Accommodations are subject to change based on availability.

Recommended Airport
Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Bryce Canyon City
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Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
Little America Hotel, Flagstaff
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Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson
Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson
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Wahweap Lodge, Page
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DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake City
DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake City
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Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, West Yellowstone
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, West Yellowstone
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 Whitefish Waterfront Hotel, Whitefish
 Whitefish Waterfront Hotel, Whitefish
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Train Information

See more details about this tour's trains.

Amtrak's Empire Builder

Amtrak's Empire Builder follows a 2,200-mile route connecting Chicago, IL, and Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR. This iconic journey highlights America's cityscapes and natural beauty as it follows a pioneer route through the Northern Prairies. While the scenery is spectacular throughout, one of the most impressive portions comes as the Empire Builder passes by Glacier National Park. 

Enhance your trip

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their tripGreat Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Rail Your Way

Great Rail Journeys can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 85 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (59)
  2. 4 stars
    (26)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

James Moser

5 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

The best vacation that I have been on for 54 years!!! I will never forget it and hope to take more Amtrak Vacations in the very near future. Everything was well planned and the trip coordinator was fabulous!!

Collected by Trustpilot

Dennis Coffey

5 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

We met a lot of new people. They enhanced our experience so much. Our tour guide was friendly and knew so much about the places we visited. Our hotels were clean and the food excellent. The adventure was our second with the Vacation by Rail people. We look forward to the next one.

Collected by Trustpilot

Paul Stec

5 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

The itinerary was excellent ans enhanced by our tour guide Sally who was simply outstanding. The write-up about the tour of the parks, as good as it was, does not do justice to the beauty we saw.

Collected by Trustpilot

Anna Ray

5 stars

Submitted 11/Aug

I enjoyed everything about our adventure! I would suggest omitting Zion and giving more time to another park.

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Nancee REIMANN

5 stars

Submitted 15 Sep 2023

The train trip from Chicago to Whitefish, MT was a difficult ride. Staying in the coach seats was really uncomfortable. I believe that there was a defect in the seat I was in; a bent hard wire on the right side was irritating my leg. My husband had a VERY difficult time sleeping, or getting any rest in those seats. I would have considered the bedroom or the other option, but I believed the prices to be OUTRAGEOUS! In December, I was quoted a price over $1K for ONE NIGHT! In May, the price had increased to OVER THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! Had we flown to Whitefish, or somewhere close by, I think the overall trip would have been much better. I realize that your name is VACATIONS BY RAIL, however, much of the time on the train was during darkness, so not much scenery was available.

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Kevin Maedeker

5 stars

Submitted 15 Sep 2023

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