- Ride the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight
- Tour the city of Chicago and have lunch at famous Pizzeria Uno
- Stay 2 nights in downtown Chicago
- Visit the Pullman Historic Site, lunch at Lawry’s, The Prime Rib Restaurant
- Tour Los Angeles and experience the new LA Live
- Stay one night at the Sportsmen’s Lodge, an oasis in the heart of LA
- 15 meals: 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Door-to-door service
- 2800/4000 Gold Passport Points
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Day 1
Begin with a late morning departure on board Amtrak’s California Zephyr. A zephyr is a light breeze blowing westward but you’ll be heading east through the Sierra Nevada and Donner Pass and across the high deserts of Nevada. In the late evening, cross the border into Utah. All through the journey enjoy spectacular views through the windows of your private compartment or from the lounge in the observation car. All meals are included on board and the dining car gives you the chance to meet your fellow travelers at each meal. Your sleeping car attendant prepares your room, with private bath and shower, each morning and evening. Compartments offer upper/lower berths and all meals are included. On board the California Zephyr – 2 nights (L,D)
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Day 2
Wake this morning in eastern Utah and cross into the beautiful scenery of western Colorado. The train begins its climb into the Rocky Mountains through the deep Gore and Glenwood Canyons, passing in the shadows of their towering sheer rock walls. As the train skirts the river, look for river rafters bobbing in and out of the rapids of the mighty Colorado River. As the Zephyr reaches the Continental Divide, it enters the famous six mile long Moffat Tunnel, one of twenty-nine tunnels along your route. When it opened in 1928, the tunnel reduced the time it took to cross the divide from hours to minutes. In the midst of the tunnel, you will reach a high point of more than 9,000 feet above sea level. Descend into Denver in the evening and continue heading east. (B,L,D)
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Day 3
Into the plains of the great Midwestern states today: Nebraska, Iowa, and finally Illinois. The train is scheduled to arrive at Union Station in Chicago at 4pm in the afternoon. Your home for the next two nights is close to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. Seneca Hotel –2 nights (B,L)
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Day 4
“The Windy City,” “Chi-Town,” “The City of Big Shoulders.” All have been nicknames for the third largest city in the United States. Learn more about the city, including a retelling of the old story of Mrs. Leary and her cow, on a tour this morning and enjoy lunch at Pizzeria Uno, a Chicago landmark. The afternoon is free to explore the museums, shops, and sights of downtown Chicago, all outside the doors of your hotel. (L)
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Day 5
Visit the Pullman Historic Site to learn about the man who forever changed the way we travel by rail. Was he a visionary or a scoundrel? You’ll have to decide! Lunch is included at Lawry’s, The Prime Rib Restaurant. In the mid afternoon, your next rail journey begins back at Union Station as you board the Southwest Chief for a 3pm departure and head south through the state of Illinois. On board the Southwest Chief – 2 nights (L,D)
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Day 6
Wake this morning as the train crosses from Kansas back into Colorado. You’re following the old Santa Fe Trail and some of the earliest history of our country. Soon the mountains of Colorado will fade as sheer canyon walls dramatically rise up around you. Some passages are only a few feet wider than the train itself! Travel through the famous Raton Pass in the Sangre de Christo Mountains. From there you’ll be in New Mexico’s spectacular sundrenched high country. This is where you may sense the presence of the ancient tribes that once roamed this land, or the Spanish Conquistadors who came to conquer it. In Albuquerque, the train stops so you can buy Native American wares that reflect this rich history. Then it’s on to Arizona and the Golden State. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
The Chief is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles at 8:15am this morning. We’ll meet our local guide for a tour of downtown Los Angeles. Pause for lunch on your own at the new LA Live entertainment complex with your choice of several restaurants. Check-in early to your hotel, an oasis in the middle of the city, and enjoy dinner at Jerry’s Famous Deli, a Studio City institution, just down the street. Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel (B,D)
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Day 8
Rather than backtracking to Union Station, we’ll sleep in a little later this morning and meet the Coast Starlight in nearby Van Nuys. Travel in the coach car as we head north along California’s coastline for nearly 100 miles. The train comes so close to the water you may wonder where the rails end and the waves begin! On through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Salinas, San Jose, and Oakland you’ll marvel at the green coastal hills and lush valleys and maybe even see fields of fresh spring flowers. Enjoy lunch and dinner at your leisure in the dining car or in the cafe. Arrive in Sacramento near midnight where the cars from Carey Transportation will be waiting to escort you home.
Price
Double Occupancy: $2,765 p.p.
