Transamerica - By train from the Atlantic to the Pacific across the USA

Welcome to New York City! The pulsating metropolis welcomes you with open arms and takes you on a unique discovery tour for three days. Use the start of your journey to find your way around and soak in the city’s first impressions before you embark on your Amtrak train journey for the next few days.

When you arrive in New York, you’ll first check into your hotel in the city center. Afterward, the rest of the day is up to you! How about seeing Times Square for the first time? Or do you want to end the first evening of your trip with a spectacular Broadway show? We can also recommend the array of fantastic restaurants the city has to offer!

2 nights in New York City, New York, USA

New York: the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, Gotham City. The city has many names, and there’s just as much to experience and discover within it. Do you want to see the most important sights within a day? How about a sightseeing tour?

During a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour, you can listen to exciting background information about the buildings, monuments, and famous districts. With more than 30 different stops, you won’t miss any main attractions. The city combines modernity and monuments of the past from the lush Central Park to the Lincoln Center, the world-famous Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, and Greenwich Village.

New York has many other attractions you should add to your day’s adventure, such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. Whatever you choose, you’ll never be bored here!

Today your adventure through the United States begins! Pack your bags and hop aboard the high-speed train, Acela, at Penn Station. It will embark at 10:00 and travel toward Washington D.C. and arrive at 12:45. From there, head to your hotel and use the rest of your day at your disposal.

Since the hotel is quite central, many sights are within walking distance. Within a few minutes, you’ll find the Capitol and Holocaust Memorial Museum. You can also use the rest of the day to stroll along the water and watch the sunset.

2 nights in Washington D.C., USA

Much like New York, Washington D.C. is a city you will want to see all its well-known highlights. Countless sights are awaiting your discovery! Today’s sightseeing tour will take you through the city and teach you all about the exciting history of the famous sites.

A unique highlight of today’s adventure is a boat tour on the Potomac River because of its incomparable views of the city’s panoramas from a new perspective.

Return to your hotel in the evening filled with new impressions!

Did you miss one of Washington D.C.’s highlights yesterday? Or did you see something you want to revisit? Then use the beginning of today to tour the city again on your own. Have you already been to picturesque Georgetown and the impressive Capitol? Explore the city and enjoy the free morning.

Don’t lose sight of the time because you need to catch your Amtrack Capitol Limited train from D.C. Union Station at 16:05.

As the train chugs along, relish the unparalleled views that appear in your window’s view. You’ll go past Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. The best way to admire nature is from the Sightseer Lounges, the wagons with glass roofs, panoramic windows, and comfortable seats facing the scenery.

While the breathtaking landscape drifts by, you can enjoy a warm meal with other travelers in the dining wagon and then move into your booked accommodation onboard.

1 night onboard the Amtrack Capitol Limited (meals included with Sleeping Car booking)

When you wake up the following day, you’ll slowly start seeing Chicago on the horizon. At around 8:45, you’ll arrive at Chicago Central Station, where a transfer will take you to your hotel. Check-in, bring your suitcase to your room and use the day for another exciting sightseeing tour.

Millennium Park is a must-see because of its ample space on the edge of downtown Chicago. The park’s highlights are Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate, the pavilion where concerts and events occur, and the BP Pedestrian Bridge. On your schedule for today are other sights such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Willis Tower (America’s second tallest building), and Navy Pier, with its numerous attractions. Are you already looking forward to discovering the colorful and exciting city!?

2 nights in Chicago, Illinois, USA

Today is at your leisure again! Discover the city’s best-kept secrets.

Chicago is a paradise for culture and history enthusiasts because countless museums cover everything from art, natural history, and American history. The city also has numerous options for those still looking for a suitable souvenir or shopping. How about the Magnificent Mile? Or you can use the day to stroll on the relaxed lakefront or end the evening in one of the numerous restaurants.

Start the day in peace at your hotel or get some last souvenirs in the city. Stroll through the charming streets one last time before setting off on the Amtrak Southwest Chief for Williams, Arizona. Enjoy the view and the unforgettable sunset that bathes the sky in unique colors.

1 night aboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief incl. meals with Sleeping Car booking

When you wake up the following day, slide the curtains aside and marvel at the suddenly changed landscape. You have now left the Midwest behind you and arrived in the desert. Today you won’t get off the train but instead find a cozy place in the lounge car or make yourself comfortable in your set as you watch the landscape go by. Use the time to review what has happened over the past few days and prepare for what lies ahead.

You’ll arrive at Williams Junction around 22:30, where a shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel.

1 night in Williams, Arizona, USA

The name of your hotel is an indication of where today will take you. In the morning, make your way to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, where the Grand Canyon Railway awaits you. This historic train will take you on a Freedom Tour of the South Rim and tell you everything about the most famous viewpoints. These lookouts include the Mohave Point and Hermits Rest. Take the train through the great mountain bends and take photos of the impeccable views. As you come close to the natural wonders, sit back and enjoy the ride as new panoramas open up before your eyes.

1 night in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

After yesterday’s program, today you can decide how you want to organize your plan. Stroll the streets of the Grand Canyon Village on your own, revisit the Grand Canyon, or take an optional tour of the area.

The Grand Canyon Railway will bring you back to Williams in the afternoon. After dinner at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, you can relax a little longer before heading back on the train tracks at 22:30. Tonight you will leave Williams Junction in the Southwest Chief and head for Los Angeles.

1 night aboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief incl. meals

Good morning and welcome to Los Angeles! You’ve finally reached your long-awaited destination: the west coast of the USA. Before you know it, your train journey from one coast to another is over. But there are still exciting days waiting for you in Los Angeles, the city of angels.

After your arrival in the morning, use the day to rest and discover the city. Santa Monica Pier, which marks the end of Route 66, is a must during your Los Angeles adventure. Take off your shoes and stroll along the beach to Venice, where you can browse the numerous beach stalls. If you are more interested in museums, head to Getty Museum to see art from ancient times, modern photography, and book illuminations. Or how about being put in the shoes of the rich and famous? Walk down Rodeo Drive and see what the luxurious shops have to offer. If you wish to do something more active, contact your hotel concierge for sports events or concert tickets.

2 nights in Los Angeles, California, USA

Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamor and for its numerous films that come out of Hollywood. Today you’ll visit Universal Studios and immerse yourself in the magic of cinema, and experience behind-the-scenes tours. Was your favorite film shot here? Does one of the settings look familiar to you?

For everyone who is looking for more action, Universal Studio’s amusement park is the perfect place. With the first row pass, you can avoid long waiting times at the roller coasts and fully enjoy the day! You also receive reserved seats in all shows and behind-the-scenes experiences at selected attractions with this pass.

Today is the last day of your trip. The last few days passed by in a flash, don’t you think? You have experienced so much, seen many cities and various landscapes! Hop on your return flight home and reminisce about the memories from the past two weeks.

Amtrak Capitol Limited (1 night)

The Capitol Limited train takes numerous guests daily from Washington DC to Chicago. Experience a memorable train ride in the spacious Superliner, which will make your trip unforgettable thanks to its high level of comfort. On the drive through the Potomac Valley, pass the historic Harpers Ferry and the Allegheny Mountains to Pittsburgh, and get to know the diverse landscape.

Depending on the booked category, comfortable armchairs are available in the open-plan compartments (coach), which can be tilted and converted into reclining chairs if necessary. In the second-class sleeping car (roomette), you have your own compartment and two comfortable seats with adjustable backrests. The seats sit on both sides of the panorama window and convert into a comfortable bed at night; above, there’s a fold-down sleeping area. The first-class sleeping car (bedroom) have a large sofa and a seat with adjustable backrests. The couch transforms into a comfortable bed and a sofa that folds down from above. They also have separate, self-contained toilets, sinks, and showers.

Amtrak Southwest Chief (2 nights)

Come with us on a journey through beautiful western America! The train regularly runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, showing you the most diverse landscapes that this country offers — from the big city on the Atlantic to the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon to the Pacific coast. In addition to comfort and an enjoyable journey, the Southwest Chief offers breathtaking views as it travels across the country.

The room categories are as described by the Amtrak Capitol Limited.

Affinia Hotel, New York (2 nights)

The modern, versatile hotel exudes Manhattan charm. The hotel nestles in the heart of downtown, making it the perfect starting point to get to know the city and its sights in just a few minutes. Broadway and Madison Square Garden are just two of the countless options in the area.

The hotel’s modern rooms divide into different categories and have simple decor and noble flair. The standard equipment includes coffee and tea making equipment, flat-screen TV, an Apple docking station, and an Affinia Signature bed.

Holiday Inn Capitol at the Smithsonian, Washington DC (2 nights)

Only a few meters separate you from the impressive sights of Washington! Enjoy easy access from the hotel to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the US Capitol, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument. The hotel is famous not only because of its location but also its facilities.

The rooms are large and brightly furnished and have a flat-screen TV, desk, telephone, bathtub, hairdryer, and minibar.

Palmer House Hilton, Chicago (2 nights)

As soon as you step into the hotel’s lobby, you will recognize the luxury that prevails. Thanks to its central location, the Financial District, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park are walking distance. Enjoy the comfort and elegance in the rooms, which come equipped with a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and modern furniture. The hotel has 77 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms, and two exhibition halls. Order a cocktail in a relaxed atmosphere at the hotel’s restaurant and bar to end the evening. Exercise at the hotel’s fitness center and indoor pool, or relax in the spa, whirlpool, and saunas.

Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, Williams (1 night)

Travel back in time when you step into this hotel that models after a centuries-old railway depot. The hotel has 297 rooms and is one block away from downtown Williams and the famous Route 66. With the combination of numerous facilities, such as an indoor pool, whirlpool, restaurant options, and comfortable rooms, this hotel will be a place where you can unwind after a busy day of adventures.

Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon (1 night)

Maswik Lodge dates back to 1960 and still hasn’t lost its charm. The 250 rooms are in various lodges in the middle of the Ponderosa pine forest, not far from the Grand Canyon. Facilities include a reception, a souvenir shop, a food court, and a pizza pub.

Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles (2 nights)

This hotel is probably the finest and most famous hotel you will stay in during your trip. What better way to end your train adventure? In all 683 rooms, you will discover modern comfort paired with classic European style, ensuring a unique feel-good atmosphere.

Duration of the trip: 14 days / 13 nights

Including

• Transportation onboard the Amtrak Acela

• 1 night's accommodation and transportation aboard the Amtrak Capitol Limited

• 2 overnight stays and ride aboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief

• Round trip aboard the Grand Canyon Railway

• 10 hotel nights in the mentioned hotels

• 2 meals onboard the Amtrak Grand Canyon Railway (meals included on additional trains if upgraded to Roomette or Bedroom)

• Sightseeing tours in New York, Chicago, & Washington D.C.

• Grand Canyon Freedom Tour

• Universal Studios Pass

Excluding

• International flights

• Admission to additional attractions

• Optional tour of Williams

• Personal expenses

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Transfers not mentioned

• Insurance

• Visa

Notes

• You can also book the tour from Los Angeles to New York

• Would you like to extend your trip with a stay before and/or after the train journey? Talk to your travel advisor, and we will help you plan.