On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your rail tour across the USA begins today in San Francisco. Home to cable cars, world-class restaurants and a bustling cultural scene, San Francisco never ceases to amaze newcomers as well as locals.

Enjoy an enthralling discovery of San Francisco today. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, which is said to be the most famous bridge in the world. You will also meet a community of sea lions that calls the popular Fisherman’s Wharf home. Later, cruise to the island of Alcatraz, where an Insider Experience awaits. 

Insider Experience – Alcatraz Island Tour

Visit the infamous island of Alcatraz and embark on a fascinating self-guided tour of this public museum, which was once a maximum-security federal penitentiary that housed criminals such as Al Capone and the ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’.  

This morning, travel to the mountainous city of Merced on your Insider Experience. At Merced, board a coach to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the Valley Floor. Take in views of Half Dome, the 914-metre El Capitan granite wall, and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls. Afterwards, head back to Merced to spend the night. 

Insider Experience – San Joaquins Train

Journey by train on the San Joaquins route through California’s Central Valley, bordered by coastal mountain ranges and Yosemite National Park.

Resume your journey aboard the San Joaquins train on your Insider Experience. Upon arrival in Bakersfield, you’ll be transferred by coach across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas in the state of Nevada. 

Insider Experience – San Joaquins Train

Continue your railroading adventure on the San Joaquins route southwards today and admire the breathtaking natural landscape, including the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Yosemite National Park and San Joaquin Valley.

Explore some of the incredible sights and highlights of Las Vegas at leisure today. The monorail is a great way to discover the amazing spectacles of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Absorb the buzzing atmosphere and enjoy an extraordinary selection of entertainment choices on your doorstep, including the world-famous casinos.

Head across Nevada to Arizona, via the towering Hoover Dam. Entering Arizona you’ll drive on the legendary Route 66. Arrive in Flagstaff for a two-night stay amid 500 picturesque acres of ponderosa pine forest.

Travel to the Grand Canyon during a remarkable Insider Experience. Created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, the Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. It has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 12,000 years. Arrive at the South Rim, the main viewpoint of the canyon, and take in dramatic vistas of the layered rock and gorge below. 

Insider Experience – Grand Canyon Railway

Travel in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives on the Grand Canyon Railway as you journey to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. As you enjoy the scenic views, you may be joined by western musicians and cowboy characters who will provide on board entertainment. 

After breakfast, you’ll feel like you’re in an American Western film as you drive through Navajo country and Utah’s Monument Valley. The region is reminiscent of times past, when Native Americans performed rituals passed down through generations or cowboys herded cattle across the hills.

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to Grand Junction, a spectacular city situated in Colorado’s fruit growing region.

Insider Experience - Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Board a vintage train and travel on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a sensational journey across the remote wilderness of the National Forest. Pass breathtaking canyons and emerald-green rivers en route to Silverton.

After a hotel buffet breakfast, transfer to Grand Junction Railway Station to embark on one of America’s iconic rail journeys aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr. Originally launched in 1949, the service ran along the Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific railroads before Amtrak took over in 1971.

Savour breakfast aboard the train as you continue towards Chicago. Arrive in 'The Windy City' this afternoon and disembark with plenty of time to revel in an evening at leisure, familiarising yourself with the dynamic atmosphere of this vibrant metropolis.

Today, embark on a Chicago Architecture Cruise, where you'll see some of the city's great buildings from the river. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll through Chicago’s downtown parks, including Millennium Park, or head into one of the city’s many museums and art galleries, such as the Art Institute of Chicago.

You are free to continue exploring Chicago today. There are many incredible sights to discover in this bustling city. Later this evening, you will board the Lake Shore Limited for your overnight journey to Buffalo.

Insider Experience - Enjoy an overnight journey on Lake Shore Limited

An overnight journey aboard the Lake Shore Limited offers a truly unique experience, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape as it unfolds through the night. With comfortable sleeping accommodations and a smooth ride, it’s the perfect way to travel across vast distances, all while soaking in the charm of the American countryside.

Arrive in Buffalo and transfer to spectacular Niagara Falls. Perhaps explore the falls from the water on a river tour (own expense).

Today, board the Maple Leaf service to New York for a day-long train journey. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Central Station.

Insider Experience - Behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Central Station

A behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Central Station is an absolute must for any traveller keen to uncover the hidden gems of this iconic New York landmark.

Join a guided tour and harbour cruise around the famous borough of Manhattan, which takes you past the iconic Statue of Liberty.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.