DAY 1 UK/New York
We fly to New York and transfer to our hotel.
DAYS 2 & 3 New York
Experience all that the ‘Big Apple’ has to offer on our sightseeing tour, including Central Park and Fifth Avenue, maybe take a trip to the top of the Empire State building. We also have plenty of free time; maybe visit one of the wonderful museums New York is known for or visit the famous Grand Central Station.
DAYS 4 & 5 Washington
We head south today on a scenic train ride to Washington DC, the capital city of the United States of America. There is a wealth of imposing buildings and notable landmarks, from the vast dome of the Capitol to the home of the American Democracy, the White House, the marble and granite Washington Monument to the temple-like Lincoln memorial. We have plenty of time at leisure to discover more about this lively city. Why not pay a visit to one of the museums of the Smithsonian Institute, or the Ford Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated?
DAY 6 The Mid-West
Today we leave Washington behind us as we board the Capitol Limited train for our 18-hour, 760 mile journey to Chicago. Relax and enjoy dinner on board, and then relax and watch the spectacular scenery pass by.
DAY 7 Chicago
We arrive in Chicago this morning and enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in all the highlights of the city. The afternoon is free for you to explore the ‘Windy City’ for yourself. Perhaps take a trip up the Sears Tower, from where there are spectacular views across the city.
DAYS 8 & 9 Denver
We board the California Zephyr for our overnight journey to Denver, arriving the following morning. This former gold-rush town has plenty to discover and you are sure to enjoy your time here.
DAY 10 Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Thompson Canyon & Estes Park
See the spectacular American Rocky Mountain National Park, with its vast forests, valleys and streams, Big Thompson Canyon, where the road twists and turns revealing stunning views of the Big Thompson River, and finally Estes Park, with its abundance of wildlife and mountain scenery, on today’s coach trip.
DAY 11 The Rockies
Your journey today is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the USA as you reboard the California Zephyr to travel along the route of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, through the Rocky Mountains to the city of Grand Junction, where we spend the night.
DAY 12 The San Juan Mountains & Silverton
The San Juans cover more than 12,000 square miles of south western Colorado and we travel through them on our way to Silverton. The former mining town of Silverton is where we board a steam train for a scenic journey along the Durango and Silverton Railroad. Originally built to carry gold and silver from Silverton to Durango, it was quickly realised that the view would attract visitors to the line.
DAY 13 Monument Valley & Flagstaff
Enjoy the drive through the famous Monument Valley today – this rugged landscape is quite unforgettable. Passing through Navajo country, we reach the former Wild West town of Flagstaff, where we stay for two nights.
DAY 14 Grand Canyon
The Colorado River took seven million years to cut this spectacular 14-mile-wide gorge, with strange rock forms and brilliant colours that change with the sun. There will be an opportunity to take an exhilarating flight over the Canyon for spectacular views.
DAY 15 Walnut Canyon
It has been more than 700 years since anyone lived in the cliff dwellings of Walnut Canyon, but evidence of their homes are still visible today. From here, we pass through the mountains to the former copper mining town of Jerome. Once the largest copper mine in Arizona, the mines are all deserted today. Returning to Flagstaff, we board the Southwest Chief train for an overnight journey to Los Angeles.
DAY 16 Los Angeles
LA is an outrageous amalgam of almost a hundred townships sprawling over 4,000 square miles, and is of course home to the Hollywood Movie Industry. Discover Mann’s Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Boulevard on our included city tour.
DAY 17 San Francisco
The final leg of our rail journey takes us from Los Angeles, along the coast aboard the Coast Starlight train, to one of the world’s most beautiful cities – San Francisco.
DAYS 18 & 19 San Francisco
We have two days to explore this vibrant city. A sightseeing tour will show us some of the city’s major sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and the infamous former prison on the island of Alcatraz – once home to the notorious Al Capone. There will also be plenty of time for you to make your own discoveries.
DAY 20 & 21 San Francisco/UK
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK, arriving the following day.