Grand National Parks With Bryce, Zion And The Grand Canyon
Chicago, Grand Junction, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Williams, Grand Canyon
If you've been imagining what it would be like to experience some of the most beautiful, untamed landscapes of the American Southwest, this nine-day, eight-night roundtrip rail journey is the perfect adventure! Immerse yourself in the mysterious and soul-stirring geography of Grand Junction, Arches & Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon—with plenty of leisure time to lounge and take it easy along the way. Featuring dazzling views everywhere you look, you could spend a lifetime exploring these regions and still discover something new and exciting each time. Be prepared to fall in love with and happily lose yourself in the exquisite beauty of the wilderness of these Grand National Parks of the Southwest!
7 nights' hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak
Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Grand Junction on the California Zephyr®; Williams to Chicago on and Southwest Chief® and on the Grand Canyon Railway
All on-tour transportation and related fees
1 breakfasts, 1 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre
Depart Chicago's Union Station onboard the California Zephyr® today for an overnight rail journey to Grand Junction, Colorado. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and all the incredible views along the way! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
A must-see is the Colorado National Monument, famous for its red rock canyons and peaceful solitude.
Sleeping accommodation onboard train
Today, arrive in Grand Junction and check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Grand Junction offers something for everyone to enjoy, from farm-to-table cuisine, hiking, fishing, some of the best golf in the state, shopping, arts and culture, and so much more. Stroll along the Riverfront Trail or browse the boutiques, bookstores, and galleries of Downtown. Why not visit A Robin's Nest, the largest antique store between Denver and Las Vegas, and do some treasure hunting? A must-see is the Colorado National Monument, famous for its red rock canyons and peaceful solitude. Regardless of the time of year, this place is absolutely stunning! (Overnight in Grand Junction)
These parks feature some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in America and are sure to elicit plenty of oohs and aahs from anyone who visits. The incredible panoramic vistas of Canyonlands' Island in the Sky mesa is a view that will stay with you for years to come!
Grand Vista Hotel
Today, you'll be picked up in Grand Junction to begin your tour to Arches & Canyonlands National Parks! Highlights include the Colorado River, multiple iconic arches, rock pinnacles, spires, and much more. Following the tour, you'll be dropped back off in Grand Junction with the evening to enjoy at your leisure. (Overnight in Grand Junction)
The scenery speaks for itself with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or simply admire the views. See the park's most famous attraction, the Waterpocket Fold.
Sleeping accommodation onboard train
Continue your tour from Grand Junction en route to Capitol Reef. Probably the least known and least crowded park in Utah (though equally as mesmerizing), this national park features cliffs, hidden arches, massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings, and deep canyons. When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, the highlights will most certainly be the distinctive hoodoos (red rock pillars), bristlecone pine trees (the oldest trees in the world), and views from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Point. (Overnight in Springdale)
Featuring 200 miles of picturesque trails, stunning vistas, vermillion cliffs, canyons, jagged skyline, and flora and fauna, this national park is a must-visit! Highlights of the tour are Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Temple of Sinawava, and the Grotto.
Sleeping accommodation onboard train
Today, you'll continue your tour from Springdale to Zion National Park and Lake Powell en route to Williams, Arizona. Experience one of Utah's most breathtaking landscapes in Zion. There is plenty to see and do without straining yourself, as there are fully-paved paths throughout Zion and many wheelchair accessible points of interest. After touring Zion, you'll depart for the Grand Canyon's South Rim, at which time you'll travel near the picturesque shores of Lake Powell. Make sure to have your camera ready when you drive over the Glen Canyon Dam. At the end of your tour, you'll arrive in the quaint mountain town of Williams, Arizona, famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." (Overnight in Williams)
Go where no automobile has ever gone before aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and travel down into the South Rim for a guided tour of many lovely sights.
Grand Canyon Railway
Depart Springdale this morning and make your way to Flagstaff. Be sure to stop at Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam along the way! Drop off your rental car in Flagstaff and be picked up and brought right to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in the town of Williams, Arizona, famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." (Overnight in Williams)
Thunderbird Lodge
Breakfast
Included
After having breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, board the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. During your Grand Canyon Freedom Rim Tour, you'll discover why the South Rim has been hosting visitors since the 1850's. It's awe-inspiring. Except, back then, the trip here meant surviving a bone-jarring stagecoach ride that took anywhere from one to two days! With close to two dozen expansive, breath-taking viewpoints, the South Rim will provoke childlike wonder and a sense that the world is so much more magnificent and grand than you imagined. (Overnight in Grand Canyon's South Rim)
Grand Canyon Railway
Dinner
Included
Today, you'll board the Southwest Chief® for your long-haul journey back to Chicago. Once onboard, take in all the captivating views as you travel back to Chicago. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
Onboard Amtrak
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.
Package prices are per person, double occupancy, taxes included & do not include rail from your hometown. Starting price based on lowest off-season price, and subject to change.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land and rail only, based on January 15, 2022 travel date.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability. Contact your local AAA travel agent for pricing on your desired departure date..
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Member Benefit: $100 savings on 5 nights or more booking
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