California Zephyr with Yosemite

See the American West by train on this 8-day rail journey. Your adventure begins in the Windy City, Chicago. Explore this Midwest metropolis and its historic landmarks before boarding Amtrak’s California Zephyr for the two-night journey across the prairies and plains of the Midwest, over the snow-capped Rocky and Sierra mountain ranges, to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. Your time on the West Coast includes sightseeing throughout this Oceanside city as well as a full-day excursion to Yosemite National Park where you’re met with stunning displays of nature including tumbling waterfalls and groves of towering redwoods.

Tour Inclusions & Scenic Highlights

• One-way transportation aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville/San Francisco
• Meals onboard the train when upgrading to a roomette or bedroom
• Two nights onboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr
• 2 nights at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago
• 3 nights in San Francisco
• Transfer from Emeryville Amtrak station to the San Francisco Ferry Building
• Chicago Hop On/Hop Off trolley tour
• Chicago sightseeing tour
• San Francisco Hop On/Hop Off tour
• Yosemite National Park tour
• Taxes and service charges

Scenic highlights of your trip include:

• Grant Park
• Navy Pier
• John Hancock Observatory
• Rocky Mountains
• Sierra-Nevada Mountains
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Yosemite Falls
• El Capitan
• Half Dome

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the Windy City at your leisure with a hop on/hop off trolley tour. See Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Observatory, and many other famous city attractions. Overnight Palmer House Hilton.

Day 2 – Discover Chicago
Uncover the history of Chicago’s South Shore on a 2-hour sightseeing tour! Highlights include Grant Park, Soldier Field, the Adler Planetarium, Orchestra Hall, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the University of Chicago, and much more! The remainder of the day is free for you to shop on the Magnificent Mile or State Street, take in a theatre performance, stroll along the dazzling lakefront and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city’s premier restaurants. Overnight Palmer House Hilton.

Day 3 – All Aboard the California Zephyr
Arrive at Chicago’s historic Union Station for your afternoon departure aboard the iconic California Zephyr. Once onboard the train, settle in for the 2,400+ mile journey across the country to San Francisco. As the train begins its journey across the Midwest, visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet your fellow travelers and admire the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 4 – California Zephyr and the Rockies
This morning the Zephyr begins its climb across the front range of the Rockies. Enjoy the stunning scenery from your onboard accommodations, or take in panoramic views from the Lounge Car. During the summer months, volunteer rangers will share the history of the area through which you’re travelling during a Trails and Rails presentation as the train travels between Denver and Grand Junction. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 5 –Sierra Nevada Mountains to San Francisco
The breathtaking scenery continues as you travel through Reno, Nevada and continue into California, climbing through the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The California Zephyr is scheduled to arrive in Emeryville late this afternoon. Upon arrival, take a shuttle for your transfer to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can take a taxi to your hotel located near the desirable Fisherman’s Wharf area of the city. Overnight San Francisco. (B, L Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 6 – Explore San Francisco
San Francisco, the City by the Bay, has so much to offer! See all of the city’s most important landmarks on a Hop On/Hop Off city tour. Highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, Coit Tower, Ghiradelli Square and more! Along the way, learn about San Francisco’s history from the early Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush to today. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 7 – Visit Yosemite National Park
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park on a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the giant redwoods! See El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Inspiration Point before driving to a lesser-travelled portion of the Park for a chance to hike in the evergreen forest and see the world’s largest living things: a grove of Giant Sequoia trees! Overnight San Francisco.

Day 8 – Tour Conclusion
Your California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park holiday comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your continued travels or return home.

1. Dates & Pricing
2. Trains & Transportation
3. Accommodations

Contact Holidays By Rail online or call a rail specialist at 0800 033 7960