Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief
Arrive at Chicago Union Station and board the Southwest Chief. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Travelers may elect to travel from Los Angeles or points in-between and meet your tour manager in Flagstaff. Overnight train.
Day 2 - En Route to Flagstaff
As you travel into the scenic Southwest, you will feel the same excitement the pioneers felt as they headed west. Admire the changing scenery from the train's glass-walled Sightseer Lounge and enjoy chatting with your fellow travelers about the adventure that awaits. Upon arrival in Flagstaff this evening, transfer to the nearby hotel for a two-night stay. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ.
Day 3 - Free day in Flagstaff
Today is free to explore Flagstaff at your leisure or relax in the Arizona sun at the hotel. Your Tour Manager will be available with dining and sightseeing suggestions. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ. (B)
Day 4 - The Grand Canyon
Today, experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then travel by deluxe motorcoach to the Grand Canyon. Immense in size, America's most famous natural attraction stirs the soul with colorful strata of rock as well as showcases an excellent record of history. You'll get a chance to view the Canyon from several observation areas. At the Watchtower, see vistas of the Colorado River, the Canyon, the Painted Desert and Kaibab National Forest. Overnight Flagstaff, AZ. (B, D)
Day 5 - Las Vegas
Board your deluxe motorcoach and travel northwest 250 miles to fabulous Las Vegas. Late this afternoon, you'll arrive in Las Vegas, the magnificent oasis in the desert. Your home for the next two nights is a centrally-located hotel on the Strip. Enjoy the evening on your own. Will you take in a world-renowned show, hit the jackpot in the casino or dine in the restaurant of an award-winning chef? Overnight Las Vegas, NV. (B)
Day 6 - Las Vegas
Join us for a tour of Las Vegas' most famous sights including an inside tour of one of the fabulous Strip hotels. Tonight, you'll experience the original Las Vegas, now known as "downtown," which still rivals the strip as a favorite destination. The Fremont Street Experience features an impressive $70-million canopy of light and sound that envelopes the historic hotels and casinos along four city blocks. Then, have free time to explore the fabulous downtown casinos and restaurants. Overnight Las Vegas, NV. (B)
Day 7 - En Route/Fresno
Depart Las Vegas on your deluxe motorcoach, stopping in Barstow, California, for lunch on your own. Arrive in Bakersfield in time to catch the San Joaquin train to Fresno, California. Early this evening you'll arrive in Fresno, gateway to Yosemite, and transfer to your hotel for the night. Overnight Fresno, CA. (B)
Day 8 - Yosemite National Park
Enjoy a continental breakfast in your hotel before boarding your motorcoach for what is destined to be a spectacular day. Ride the scenic journey into the park and experience El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, the park's most visited attractions. This afternoon, take a two-hour narrated sightseeing tour of this World Heritage Site as the Yosemite experience comes alive with natural beauty and a strong sense of American history. Later this afternoon, we'll continue to Sacramento, California's capital city. Overnight Sacramento, CA. (B)
Day 9 - Sacramento
Start the morning with a tour of the California State Railroad Museum featuring a collection of lovingly restored train engines and vintage rail cars. The remainder of the day is free to explore one of Sacramento's many delightful attractions. Relive the California Gold Rush in historic Old Sacramento or shop to your heart's content in the mega-shopping mall, both within walking distance. Overnight Sacramento, CA. (B)
Day 10 - En Route/San Francisco
This morning you depart Sacramento via motorcoach for San Francisco. Stopping for lunch on your own, we'll arrive in the world-famous "City by the Bay" at noon. This afternoon, you are sure to leave your heart in San Francisco with a 3 1/2 hour sightseeing tour, including Golden Gate Park, Jackson Square, Telegraph Hill, the Presidio and Fisherman's Wharf. The afternoon tour will end at Fisherman's Wharf, where you can enjoy dinner at one of its famous seafood restaurants on the water. Overnight San Francisco, CA. (B)
Day 11 – Alcatraz Excursion
Board a ferry bound for Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous prison. See the Cellhouse and explore the island and its historic exhibits. Overnight San Francisco, CA. (B)
Day 12 - Truckee - Lake Tahoe
Enjoy one last breakfast by the bay this morning before continuing to your next destination by motorcoach to beautiful Lake Tahoe, which is situated right on the boarder Nevada. Overnight Lake Tahoe, CA. (B)
Day 13 - Virginia & Truckee Railroad
More beautiful sights lie ahead this morning with your excursion aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad through the rugged landscape of Nevada. As you twist and turn through the hills of the Comstock along the route, relive the days of silver and gold mining. This evening we will embark on one final excursion: a Zephyr Cove Sunset Dinner Cruise. As the sun goes down, you will enjoy marvelous views over Emerald Bay and a delectable menu aboard an authentic paddle boat. Overnight Lake Tahoe, CA. (B, D)
Day 14 - Tour Conclusion
Our journey concludes this morning. After breakfast, we will make our way to Reno, NV. There will be one group transfer to Reno-Tahoe International Airport for flights departing after 1:00 p.m. (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
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