America's Great Parks of the Southwest - 11-day rail holiday including travel aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and California Zephyr as well as visits to Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks.
America’s scenic southwest beckons on this 11-day rail holiday to the colourful canyons, rushing rivers, and lush wilderness of Cowboy Country. See the country with two great rail journeys—Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Chicago to Winslow, Arizona, and the California Zephyr from Grand Junction, Colorado across the Rockies to Chicago—and drink in incredible sights including Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks and Dead Horse Point State Park. This is a southwestern adventure to remember!
Day 1 – Depart Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief
Arrive at Chicago’s historic Union Station, meet your tour manager in the Metropolitan Lounge and prepare for your 14:45 boarding call. Settle into your accommodations aboard this iconic train before it begins the exciting journey west at 15:15. Take time this evening to meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a full-course dinner in the dining car. Snacks and lighter fare can be purchased in the Sightseer Lounge, the glass-enclosed car with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery. (D)
Day 2 – Southwest Chief to Winslow
After a hot breakfast, spend the morning admiring the passing scenery, including the imposing Raton Pass, reaching an elevation of 2387 metres. You may wish to participate in a Trails and Rail presentation led by volunteer rangers in the Sightseer Lounge car and learn about the area through which you’re travelling. Stretch your legs with a brief train side walk in Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 16:00 before continuing on to Winslow, Arizona where you’re scheduled to arrive just before 20:00. Overnight La Posada Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 3 – Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Canyon and Sedona
The day begins with a journey through Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona’s second most visited tourist area next to the Grand Canyon. The canyon is known for its multi-colored cliffs, colourful rocks and unique formations. Continue on to Sedona, nestled among crimson towers of sandstone and well-known for its unique heritage, culture and art. Shop for pottery, paintings, jewellery and art in the excellent galleries and boutiques found throughout the city and in Tlaquepaque, a Mexican/Spanish-style village. Later, embark on a scenic rail excursion aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. The 3 ½-hour round-trip excursion takes you through Arizona’s “other” Grand Canyon. Keep an eye out for Sinaqua Indian Ruins and a variety of wildlife and waterfowl. This evening, there will be a chuckwagon supper and a live Western stage show at Blazin’ M Ranch. Overnight Best Western Inn of Sedona. (D)
Day 4 – Grand Canyon Experience
After breakfast, board your deluxe motorcoach bound for the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World seen by more than five million visitors each year. Carved over several millennia, the canyon is unsurpassed in size, color and geological importance. View the canyon from Mather, Yavapai and Desert View lookout points on your tour of the South Rim, admiring the spectacular views of the Colorado River, the Canyon, the Painted Desert and Kaibab National Forest. Later today, travel to Page, Arizona, and enjoy a group dinner in the Rainbow Room at your hotel. Overnight Lake Powell Resort. (B, D)
Day 5 – Glen Canyon and Lake Powell Cruise
Lake Powell is situated in both Arizona and Utah. Formed during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the United States. No visit to the area would be complete without a cruise on the pristine lake, offering incredible views of Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam. Your day continues with the scenic drive into Utah. Overnight Best Western Zion Park. (B)
Day 6 – Zion National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, board the coach for the scenic drive to Utah’s first National Park, Zion National Park. Your tram tour will highlight the most stunning parts of the Park including hidden waterfalls, hanging gardens and towering red and white sandstone cliffs. Overnight Best Western Ruby’s Inn. (B)
Day 7 – Bryce Canyon National Park
Today’s adventure takes you into Bryce Canyon National Park where you will set off on a guided tour including spectacular views of the cavernous canyons. The Park is named for one of the many canyons that form a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Later, your journey continues with a scenic drive along Highway 12 into Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You’ll be awed by the cliffs, buttes, and pinnacles prevalent throughout the area as well as numerous rock formations including Grand Staircase, so named because it rises from the Earth in stepped terraces and cliffs. Overnight Best Western Capitol Reef. (B)
Day 8 – Capitol Reef National Park / Dead Horse Point State Park
Today starts with a visit to Capitol Reef National Park, home to colourful canyons, ridges and monoliths. A must-see attraction and a defining characteristic of the 100-mile long Park is the ridged Waterpocket Fold, featuring numerous white domes and cliffs that resemble the U.S. Capitol Building—so much so that this National Park takes its name from this formation. Your day continues with an excursion to Dead Horse Point State Park featuring 609 metre sheer cliffs and an overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The day comes to a close upon your arrival in Moab, just 30 miles from the State Park. Overnight La Quinta Inn. (B)
Day 9 – Arches National Park / Colorado River Float Trip
More than 2,000 sandstone arches await you today at the appropriately-named Arches National Park. Amazing natural rock formations are abundant throughout 30756 Hectare Park. Keep an eye out for the the most popular attractions: Delicate Arch, the symbol of Utah; Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world; and, Devil’s Garden, a series of rock fins protruding from the ground. Conclude your day with a relaxing and scenic float trip along the Colorado River. Overnight La Quinta Inn. (B, L)
Day 10 – California Zephyr En Route to Chicago
This morning transfer to the Grand Junction rail station and board the legendary California Zephyr for your journey to Chicago. You’ll be met with spectacular mountain scenery as you settle in for the overnight journey east. Be sure to visit the Sightseer Lounge for breathtaking views of the Rockies, take the time to share your favourite parts of the tours with your fellow travellers, or relax on your own and reflect on your exciting travels through America’s Southwest. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 11 – Arrival in Chicago
The California Zephyr arrives in Chicago at 14:50, where your tour comes to a close. (B, L)
| Date | Single Room | Twin Double | |
| 19th September, 2013 | £1,877 | £1,477 | |
| Sleeping Accommodations Upgrade on Train | |||
| Roomette | £726 | £363 | |
| Bedroom | £1,512 | £756 | |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. All prices are subject to change without notice.
Tour prices are based on costs in the country of destination. There occasionally may be fluctuations in currencies that are not reflected as a Sterling equivalent. The prevailing rate of exchange when booked will determine the specific tour cost.
