In the hectic rhythm of today’s world, Vacations by Rail invites you to swap airplane hours for scenic routes and embark on a leisurely, 14-day journey across the American West, where you will visit five of the nation’s most breathtaking national parks, each a jewel in the crown of the United States’ awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
The adventure starts from the historical Chicago’s Union Station, where travelers board the venerable Amtrak’s Empire Builder train. Here, in the heart of the Windy City, you’ll settle into cozy accommodations and anticipate the nocturnal ride to the first official destination: Glacier National Park.
Waking up to the entrancing landscapes of Glacier National Park is an experience to cherish. Here, guests will have ample time to explore the park’s rugged wilderness, wander through its majestic terrains, marvel at the remnants of 25 ancient glaciers, and become enamored by its hundreds of crystalline lakes and cascading waterfalls.
An evocative mid-morning ride on the vintage open-air Red Jammer bus along the renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road will take travelers across the Continental Divide, offering an unmissable, panoramic spectacle.
From Glacier’s icy elegance, the journey unfolds into the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Here, travelers will find themselves enveloped in a world where earth, fire, and water intertwine, exploring iconic landmarks such as the thunderous Upper and Lower Falls, the wildlife-rich Hayden Valley, the iconic eruptions of Old Faithful, the bubbling beauty of Fountain Paint Pots, and the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
The tranquil charm of Grand Teton National Park awaits next, where a serene float along the winding Snake River promises up-close views of the imposing Teton mountain range and potential wildlife sightings, including the regal bison, graceful elk, and secretive moose.
The concluding chapters of this epic journey unfurl in the enchanting landscapes of Utah, where the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks boast a rich tapestry of astounding natural arches, formidable red rocks, and some of the most vibrantly colorful sunsets that nature has to offer.
Inclusive of all rail travel and 12 nights of hotel accommodations (with optional stays at the rustic Glacier Park Lodge or the exquisite Grouse Mountain Lodge, and two exclusive nights within the heart of Yellowstone National Park), this package ensures travelers are enveloped in comfort throughout their journey.
Moreover, all excursions and national park entrance fees are covered, and guests upgrading to private sleeping accommodations will also be indulged with all meals aboard the train.
Embarking on a 14-day journey starting at $5,495 per person, travelers can join this exquisite adventure with limited spots available for the departures during 2024. For those seeking alternative dates, the 2025 calendar generously offers options from June through August, providing ample opportunity to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
So, let the train gently rock you through the vast, diverse landscapes of America, and immerse yourself in a voyage where every day brings a new adventure, and every night promises peaceful slumber under the starlit western skies with Vacations by Rail.
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