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Journey Across the USA by Rail
Journey Across the USA by Rail
From £4,095 pp
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18 nights
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Economy
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Available January - December
Gaze through large picture windows and soak up America’s diverse landscape and cities on this epic rail tour travelling across the USA. With included sightseeing in each city and a full day visit to the Grand Canyon, your rail journey also includes comfortable seat and roomette accommodation on Amtrak, leisurely stays in the world-class cities of New York, Washington DC and Chicago before travelling to the west coast to the glamourous city of Los Angeles and the ‘City by the Bay’ San Francisco.
What's Included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class
- Hotel accommodation for 15 nights
- Amtrak train from New York to Washington DC in Coach Class
- Amtrak overnight Floridian from Washington DC to Chicago staying in a roomette
- Amtrak overnight Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff staying in a roomette
- Amtrak overnight Southwest Chief from Flagstaff to Los Angeles staying in a roomette
- Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Emeryville in Coach Class
- One day hop on/off bus tour of New York
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Washington DC
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Chicago
- Full day Grand Canyon tour from Flagstaff
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Los Angeles
- Two day hop on/off bus tour of San Francisco including Alcatraz
Holiday Map
Start
Finish
Stops
PoI
Day 1-3
Arrive in New York City
Start your rail trip across the USA in the intoxicating city of New York. Spend three nights soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of this iconic city. See the colourful flashing billboards on Broadway, hire a bike and cycle around Central Park, take in the incredible skyline from one of the amazing observation decks at the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Centre or sail across to the incredible sight of the State of Liberty. To help you get familiar with the city we’ve included a one day hop on/off bus tour that visits the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods and world class sights.
Day 4-5
Amtrak - New York City to Washington DC
Depart from New York Penn Station on your Amtrak service to Washington DC. Spend three nights exploring the nation’s capital, and its historical monuments including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the White House, and its array of fascinating museums, many of which offer free admission including the National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Included during your stay is a one day hop on/off bus tour that visits the capital’s many highlights.
Day 6
Amtrak – Overnight Floridian train to Chicago
Depart late afternoon for the overnight Amtrak Floridian train to America’s Heartland passing through the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana to Chicago staying in a roomette that offers comfortable seating by day and converts to upper and lower berths at night. Your roomette also has access to a shared toilet and shower in your allocated carriage, meals, and access to the lounge. More spacious accommodation which has an in-room sink, toilet and shower is available at a supplement.
Day 7-9
Chicago
Arrive in Chicago in the morning and stay for three nights. Chicago rivals New York as one of America’s most loved cities with its stunning architecture, lakeside setting, great shopping, and world-class restaurants. A one day hop on/off bus tour is included during your stay that visits the much-loved Navy Pier and the breath-taking architecture on the Magnificent Mile plus many other attractions. See incredible city and lake views from the Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago or take a cruise along the Chicago River.
Day 10
Amtrak – Overnight Southwest Chief to Flagstaff
Enjoy your last morning exploring the ‘Windy City’ of Chicago before you board the overnight Southwest Chief Amtrak train and relax in your included roomette accommodation as you travel through America’s Great Plains and the Route 66 states of Illinois and Kansas to Colorado and the hidden gem of New Mexico before arriving in Flagstaff, Arizona the following evening.
Day 11-12
Flagstaff
Arrive at Flagstaff train station late evening and transfer by taxi to your hotel. The following morning enjoy an included tour to the epic natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. Escorted by an experienced guide, you will learn about the history and geology of the Grand Canyon during your visit to the South Rim.
Day 13
Amtrak – Overnight Southwest Chief to Los Angeles
You have until the evening to explore the Route 66 town of Flagstaff, which offers an eclectic mix of culture, history, and charm. It’s also a great place for foodies, and for those who love outdoor adventure. Depart in the evening for Los Angeles and get some rest in your roomette on the overnight train which arrives the following morning.
Day 14-15
Los Angeles
Arrive in Los Angeles in the morning, surrounded by wide sandy beaches, deserts and mountains, there is so much to experience in this glitzy and exciting city. We’ve included a one day hop on/off bus tour that visits world famous Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the famous pier at Santa Monica. For a fun filled day head to the magic of Disneyland in Anaheim or the thrilling rides at Universal Studios.
Day 16-18
Amtrak - Coast Starlight to San Francisco
Depart Los Angeles Union Station and travel north up to San Francisco for your last train journey and arguably the most spectacular. Hug the Pacific coastline for the first part of your journey past Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Pismo Beach, before turning inland through the fertile lands, rolling hills and vineyards of Santa Ynez Valley. As your train starts to get nearer to San Francisco pass San Jose, known as the capital of Silicon Valley. Your journey includes coach class seats which offer plenty of leg room, access to the observation car with large picture windows, access to the café that sells hot and cold snacks or the Lounge car which serves a sit-down lunch. Arrive in Emeryville late evening and transfer on your own by taxi or Uber to downtown San Francisco which takes approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy the next three days exploring the beautiful ‘City by the Bay’ on your included two day hop on/off bus tour that also includes a visit to the notorious prison Alcatraz.
Day 19
Homeward bound
Your coast-to-coast rail journey ends in San Francisco today. Travel by taxi to the airport and board your overnight flight back to the UK.
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This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
