Cross the Great USA by train on this 17 day tour visiting some of the great cities and exploring amazing National Parks.
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Inclusions
14 nights in premium accommodation
Two overnight train journeys in two-berth roomette
Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and expert local guides
A guided city tour of San Francisco, visiting Alcatraz Island
Admire the scenery as you journey on the San Joaquin route
Travel on the incredible Grand Canyon Railway
Relax on board the overnight California Zephyr Train
Advertised price based on 1 September 2025
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Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive San Francisco
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your rail journey 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.
Stay: Two Nights, San Francisco, Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf
DAY 2
San Francisco
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit the infamous Alcatraz Island, once a federal penitentiary that housed criminals such as Al Capone.
Enjoy an enthralling discovery of San Francisco. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, said to be the most famous bridge in the world. You will also meet a community of sea lions which lives at the popular Fisherman’s Wharf.
DAY 3
San Francisco, Yosemite National Park
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Journey by train on the San Joaquin route through California’s Central Valley, bordered by coastal mountain ranges and Yosemite National Park.
At Merced, board a coach to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the Valley Floor taking in views of Half Dome, the 914-metre El Capitan and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls. Afterwards, head back to Merced to spend the night.
Stay: Merced, El Capitan Hotel
DAY 4
Las Vegas
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Continue your journey on the San Joaquin route southwards today and admire the breath-taking natural landscapes including the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Yosemite National Park and San Joaquin Valley.
Arriving in Bakersfield, you’ll be transferred by coach across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas in the state of Nevada.
Stay: Two Nights, Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
DAY 5
Las Vegas
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 atmosphere and enjoy an extraordinary selection of entertainment choices on your doorstep including the world-famous casinos.
DAY 6
Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Flagstaff
Head across Nevada to Arizona, via the towering Hoover Dam. Enter Arizona and drive the legendary Route 66. Arrive in Flagstaff for a two-night stay amid 500 picturesque acres of ponderosa pine forest.
Stay: Two Nights, Flagstaff, Little America Hotel
DAY 7
Grand Canyon
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives on the Grand Canyon Railway to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
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 and has rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 12,000 years. Arrive at the South Rim, which is the main viewpoint of the canyon, to take in dramatic vistas.
DAY 8
Flagstaff, Monument Valley, Durango
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 evokes a bygone era, where cowboys herded cattle across the hills and Native Americans performed rituals passed down through generations.
Stay: Durango, Best Western Plus Rio Grande
DAY 9
Durango And Silverton Railroad
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel on the Durango and Silverton Railroad for a journey across the remote wilderness of the National Forest.
Travel through breathtaking canyons and past emerald-green rivers to Silverton. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey to Grand Junction, offering stunning views of the Colorado River, towering mountains and colourful rock formations.
Stay: Grand Junction, Hampton Inn Grand Junction
DAY 10
California Zephyr
Board your overnight train to Chicago. You will journey high up into the Rockies and across the plains.
Stay: Amtrak California Zephyr, sleeper train
DAY 11
Chicago
Enjoy the morning on the train. Arrive in Chicago this afternoon. Here, you’ll disembark with plenty of time to enjoy an evening at leisure, familiarising yourself with the dynamic vibe of this major city.
Stay: Two Nights, Chicago, Hampton Inn Magnificent Mile
DAY 12
Chicago
Today, we enjoy a Chicago Architecture Cruise, seeing some of the city's greatest buildings from the river. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll through Chicago’s downtown parks, including Millennium Park, or head to one of the city’s many museums and art galleries, such as the Art Institute of Chicago.
DAY 13
Chicago
You are free to explore Chicago further today, and there are sure to be many more incredible city sights to discover. Later this evening, you will board the Lake Shore Limited for the overnight journey to Buffalo.
Stay: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, sleeper train
DAY 14
Niagara Falls
Arrive in Buffalo and transfer to Niagara Falls. Perhaps explore the falls from the water on a river tour (own expense).
Stay: Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
DAY 15
Niagara Falls, New York City
Today, board the Maple Leaf service to New York City for a day-long train journey. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Grand Central Station.
Stay: Two Nights, New York Marriot Marquis Time Square
DAY 16
New York City
Join a guided tour and harbour cruise around the famous borough Manhattan, which takes you past the iconic Statue of Liberty.
DAY 17
Depart New York City
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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Booking terms and conditions apply.
* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
