Venture from the breathtaking great plains of the Midwest to the serene waters of the Pacific Coast on this scenic rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco, with a stop in Seattle. Enjoy the landscape as you travel along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Explore Seattle on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Discover the sights of San Francisco. Spend some quality time in two majestic parts of Northern California: Muir Woods and Sausalito. And, then you'll head back to the "Windy City" on board one of most beautiful train trips in all of North America.
4 nights' accommodations; 5 nights on board Amtrak
1 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
Overnight onboard Amtrak
Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon, travel on your own to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak to Seattle. The Empire Builder® takes you along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Settle in for an exciting adventure through the majestic wilderness as you venture out West, following the footsteps of early pioneers!
Overnight onboard Amtrak
This morning, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains heading west. Enjoy stunning views of the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, as you wind through the "Big Sky Country" of Montana, passing by the magnificent Glacier National Park.
Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to see some of Seattle's most popular sights! Your tour will connect you to downtown attractions such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Seattle Center, Seattle's Waterfront, and more!
Overnight in Seattle
Welcome to Seattle! The "Emerald City" is full of gorgeous sights just waiting for you to discover! Upon arrival, you will travel on your own to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore all Seattle has to offer.
Overnight onboard Amtrak
Today, travel on your own to Seattle's Amtrak station and prepare to take a beautiful ride on the Coast Starlight to San Francisco. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is truly breathtaking. Enjoy the majestic landscapes right outside your window as you wind through lush forests and fertile valleys.
Climb aboard a hop-on, hop-off tour that includes all San Francisco's great locations, like Fisherman's Wharf, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and many more. You can hop off the tour at any of the designated stops to explore them at your own pace.
(Overnight in San Francisco)
You will arrive in San Francisco this morning and then head to your hotel to check in and drop off your belongings. Then, it's time for some sightseeing!
Overnight in San Francisco
Dinner
Included
Today, get ready to discover the beauty of the Muir Woods and Sausalito! On the drive to Muir Woods, you'll cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and disembark in the serene redwood forest. Once you've taken in all that Muir Woods has to offer, you'll stop over in Sausalito, a "California original." This charming coastal town is home to many artists and has a delightful array of restaurants, galleries, walking paths, and spectacular Bay and City views. You'll have some free time to explore all Sausalito has to offer before your 30-minute bay cruise, which takes you back to Fisherman's Wharf. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Overnight onboard Amtrak
This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr® back to Chicago. This route is said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.
Overnight onboard Amtrak
Wake up this morning on the California Zephyr and take in the gorgeous landscape of the American countryside as the train ventures east to Chicago. There are so many great sights to behold on this ride! Keep your eyes peeled for the Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyons, and Midwest plains.
Customize your vacation by adding on more nights or another destination! All of our itineraries can also be customized to return to your hometown's closest Amtrak station! Choose from a variety of accommodations.
2025 Tour Dates
MAY
1
:
$1,509
|
JULY
5
:
$1,529
|
All vacation prices are based on rates known at the time of publication and expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Please call for live pricing and single supplement.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land and rail only, based on January 22, 2025 travel date.
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $100 per person savings on 5+ night packages.
Trust your AAA Travel Agent as your one-stop source for your next vacation. Travel with confidence knowing AAA Travel will be here for you before, during and after your vacation.
Operated Tour