Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim Adventure - Iconic trains and one of the Seven Wonders of the World are centrepieces of this rail adventure
From: £374
Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim Adventure
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief bound for Williams Junction, Arizona, where you will catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This 6-day train holiday includes round-trip travel on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, roundtrip travel on the Grand Canyon Railway, hotel accommodations, sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, and more!
Meals onboard the train when upgrading to a roomette or bedroom
Roundtrip coach class train travel on the Grand Canyon Railway (upgrades available)
Accommodations for two nights onboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief
Accommodations for two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Accommodations for one night at Maswik Lodge
Motorcoach tour of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Select meals at the Grand Depot Cafe
Roundtrip transfers from Williams Junction, AZ railway station to Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Maps and destination information
Taxes and service charges
Scenic highlights of your trip include:
Raton Pass
Clifton House Ruins
Wagon Mound
Apache Canyon
Rio Grande River
Kneeling Nun
Red Rock State Park
Little Colorado River
Canyon Diablo
Padre Canyon
San Francisco Peak
Grand Canyon
Tour Map
Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim Adventure Map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief
Board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and prepare for a 15:15 departure for Williams Junction, Arizona. Make the most of your time on the train, meeting your fellow travellers and exploring the many unique features onboard the train including the Sightseer Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of the picture-perfect scenery passing before you. As your train crosses the mighty Mississippi, cutting across Illinois, briefly into Iowa, and then onto Missouri, enjoy a hot meal in the Dining Car before retiring for the evening. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 2 - Southwest Chief to Williams Junction, Arizona
The sun rises as you leave Kansas and travel through southern Colorado. Start your day with breakfast in the Dining Car followed by a series of presentations from volunteer park rangers as part of the Trails & Rails programme. Enjoy hearing stories and viewing artifacts from the region as your travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Your train arrives in Williams Junction, Arizona around 21:30 this evening. A shuttle will transfer you from the rail station to your hotel. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. (B, L, D Sleeping Car Passengers only)
Day 3 - Historic Grand Canyon Railway Train
Wake-up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at the Grand Depot Cafe. Then board the vintage rail cars of the Grand Canyon Railway for a 10:00 departure to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Travel the same route as other notable Railway passengers before you including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 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 motor coach 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. (B)
Day 4 - Grand Canyon at Your Leisure
Spend the morning exploring the South Rim on your own or you may elect to take another guided tour. 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 honouring Fred Harvey who played a prominent role in popularizing the Grand Canyon. This afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway for your southbound journey back to Williams, where you will have dinner at Max & Thelma’s Restaurant. Overnight Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. (D)
Day 5 - Southwest Chief Chicago-bound
Wake-up early and transfer to Williams Junction to catch the 4:30 am departure on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Chicago. Nap, read a book, or spend the day marvelling at the canyons, deserts, mountains, missions, pueblos, and ranches that comprise the colourful scenery and getting to know your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 6 - Arrive at Chicago’s Union Station
Wheat fields welcome you to the Midwest as you wake-up this morning. Leisurely prepare for your arrival in Chicago a little after 15:00. You may elect to extend your stay in the Windy City with a variety of hotel and sightseeing packages.
Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim return from Los Angeles
Date
Coach
Roomette
Bedroom
1 November, 2012 - 14 March, 2013
£374
£494
£683
15 March, 2013 - 31 October, 2013
£403
£539
£731
Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim return from Chicago
Date
Coach
Roomette
Bedroom
1 November, 2012 - 14 March, 2013
£557
£855
£1,259
15 March, 2013 - 31 October, 2013
£673
£959
£1,377
Grand Canyon Rails to the Rim from Chicago to Los Angeles or v.v.
Date
Coach
Roomette
Bedroom
1 November, 2012 - 14 March, 2013
£465
£674
£971
15 March, 2013 - 31 October, 2013
£593
£779
£1,193
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. All prices are subject to change without notice.
Transportation
The Southwest Chief travels daily from Chicago through the storied American West to Los Angeles. The train cuts across the mighty Mississippi River, chugging alongside wheat fields and offering travelers a glimpse of spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas—views which can only be seen by train travel.
Over a century old, the Grand Canyon Railway takes travelers from Williams, AZ to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon via a fleet of vintage locomotives. Enjoy Grand Canyon history and folklore as well as strolling musicians and entertainment on the 2-hour trip as the historic train makes its 65-mile journey.
Accommodations
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel: Designed to look like an old train depot, this 297-room hotel offers comfortable lodging in a Western setting. Conveniently located adjacent to the Williams Depot and the Grand Depot Café, hotel amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, game room, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoes, and an 18-hole golf course.
Maswik Lodge: Located over several acres of ponderosa pine forest close to the Grand Canyon Depot and just a ¼-mile from the canyon’s edge, this modern lodge features a cafeteria, sports bar, and curio shop.
Millennium Biltmore: This 683-room hotel has been the choice for celebrities, president, and dignitaries for more than 85 years. Hotel amenities include a Roman –style indoor pool, health club, three restaurants, and a business center. Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, it is steps away from major attractions including the Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and a short drive from Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Contact Holidays By Rail online or call a rail specialist at 0800 033 7960
