Train travel appeals to people drawn not only by their ultimate destinations, but by the journey itself. With vast spaces, unique geography and spectacular scenery, the American West lends itself perfectly to the leisurely pace of rail travel. Visitors have time to watch the landscapes pass by and observe the region in greater detail. Amtrak offers several rail journeys with stops at the most vibrant cities and spectacular national parks in the West. These non-escorted vacation packages feature customizable itineraries and a range of trip extensions that enable travelers to see firsthand how the West was won.
Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for a tour of the Wild West, with a stop at the Grand Canyon as the major highlight. The 10-day trip features a ride through the varied landscapes of the desert Southwest. Travelers spend a day in Santa Fe, visiting its centuries-old Plaza, as well as surrounding churches and markets. Also on the itinerary is a tour of Sedona, Arizona, a town set amid stunning red sandstone formations that glow bright orange and red at sunset. The trip culminates in a ride around the Grand Canyon's breathtaking South Rim. The train departs from Chicago and the trip ends in Flagstaff, Arizona, with the option to continue to Phoenix or Los Angeles.
Amtrak Vacations
100 Cummings Center, Suite 120B
Beverly, MA 01915-6105
800-AMTRAK-2 (800-268-7252)
amtrakvacations.com
The 10-day Peaks to Pacific trip takes travelers aboard the California Zephyr from Denver to San Francisco, with extended tours of Salt Lake City and the Bay Area. The highlight of the trip is a tour through Yellowstone National Park, considered to be among the most beautiful parks in the world. The trip package includes a tour of the mountain peaks surrounding Denver, as well as a tour of Salt Lake City, home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Brigham Young Historic Park. Travelers then explore Yellowstone, with a tour through the park's lower loop, which includes the famed Old Faithful geyser. The trip finishes with a city tour of San Francisco, with visits to Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill.
Amtrak Vacations
100 Cummings Center
Suite 120B
Beverly, MA 01915-6105
800-AMTRAK-2 (800-268-7252)
amtrakvacations.com
The West Coast Spectacular is a 10-day trip down the Pacific Coast aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight train. The trip begins with a tour through Seattle and dinner atop the Space Needle. It travels through the forests, valleys and shoreline of the Pacific Northwest. The next stop is a day-trip to vineyards in Northern California wine country, followed by a tour of San Francisco. The train continues to Los Angeles, and culminates in a tour through Hollywood and a trip to Universal Studios.
Amtrak Vacations
100 Cummings Center
Suite 120B
Beverly, MA 01915-6105
800-AMTRAK-2 (800-268-7252)
amtrakvacations.com
The 11-day Northern Border and Pacific Northwest trip loosely follows the trail blazed by Lewis and Clark from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest coast. Aboard the Empire Builder train, the train departs from Chicago and heads towards the open expanses of North Dakota and the big sky country of Montana. A visit to scenic Glacier National Park is a highlight of this trip. As the train heads to Seattle, it passes through the seven-mile Cascade Tunnel, as well as through forests of fir trees and alongside Puget Sound. Travelers can opt for a trip extension aboard the Victoria Clipper and visit British Columbia in Canada, with stops in Victoria and Vancouver.
Amtrak Vacations
100 Cummings Center
Suite 120B
Beverly, MA 01915-6105
800-AMTRAK-2 (800-268-7252)
amtrakvacations.com
