Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Arrive Chicago Union Station and board Amtrak's Southwest Chief early this afternoon for your overnight journey to Flagstaff, AZ.
Day 2 - Southwest Chief to Flagstaff, Arizona
The sun rises as you leave Kansas' snow-covered plains behind and enter southern Colorado. Start your day with a visit to the Sightseer Lounge, the best location to take in the passing scenery and socialize with your fellow travelers. By lunchtime, the changing scenery indicates you have left the snow behind and are in the heart of the warmer, sunnier southwest. A little before 4:00 pm, the Southwest Chief pulls into Albuquerque. Take some time to disembark the train, stretch your legs, and enjoy the warmer weather-a welcome treat in the middle of winter. The train continues its journey at 4:45 pm and arrives in Flagstaff, Arizona approximately 9:30 pm this evening. A shuttle will transfer you from the rail station to your hotel. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Includes
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car Passengers only)
Day 3 - Historic Grand Canyon Railway Train
Start your first morning in the southwest with a hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Then board the vintage rail cars of the Grand Canyon Railway for the journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You'll travel the same route as other notable Railway passengers before you including William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, and Doris Day. The historic Grand Canyon Railway was originally built more than a century ago to transport ore in the Wild West. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon Village, check into your hotel before embarking on a Freedom Tour of the Grand Canyon. This narrated motorcoach tour of the South Rim visits the most scenic overlooks of the canyon, with stops at breathtaking vistas including Mohave Point, Pima Point, The Abyss, and Hermits Rest. Overnight Maswik Lodge.
Includes
Day 4 - Grand Canyon at Your Leisure
Spend the morning exploring the South Rim on your own. There are several historical buildings worth visiting including Buckey O'Neill's Cabin, the longest continually standing structure in the South Rim; Desert View Watchtower with one of the few views of the bottom of the Canyon and the Colorado River; and Bright Angel Lodge, which includes a small museum honoring Fred Harvey who played a prominent role in popularizing the Grand Canyon. This afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway southbound to Williams, where you will have dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Includes
Day 5 - Southwest Chief Chicago-bound
Wake-up early and transfer to Flagstaff to catch Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Chicago. As you leave the warm weather behind you, you may elect to nap, read a book, or spend the day marveling at the canyons, deserts, mountains, missions, pueblos, and ranches that comprise the colorful scenery. Overnight train.
Includes
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car Passengers only)
Day 6 - Arrive at Chicago's Union Station
Snow-covered prairies welcome you to the Midwest as you wake-up this morning. Leisurely prepare for your 3:15 pm arrival in Chicago. You may elect to extend your stay in the Windy City to take advantage of all of the winter activities the city has to offer.
Check into the LaQuinta just a few blocks from the Train station. That night we will all meet for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Chicago
This is a day to explore the city on your own. We are walking distance from Grant Park, home to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Cloud Gate (the Bean). Visit the Navy Pier or go shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Get some popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops on 4 E. Madison St.. Consider the Architectural Tour on a canal boat. Visit the Skydeck Chicago at 233 S. Wacker Dr. for amazing views.
Day 8 – Return Home
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