Get ready for an amazing coast-to-coast adventure, starting in New York, New York and ending in the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco. There’s no better way to see this great country than by looking out the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows of the train. Here you’ll experience all the beauty and majesty of America’s best…from the wild prairie to the lush plains to grandiose mountains. Enjoy Amtrak’s breathtaking rail travel, tours, and comfortable accommodations as you travel aboard two famous lines. This tour features the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago and the California Zephyr to San Francisco. (Sleeping accommodation upgrades are available for an extra charge.)

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• Coach class rail transportation on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited
• 2 meals on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited (Sleeping Accommodation Passengers Only)
• Overnight accommodations at the Paramount Hotel or similar -- New York
• Coach class rail transportation on Amtrak’s California Zephyr
• 7 meals on Amtrak’s California Zephyr (Sleeping Accommodation Passengers Only)
• Overnight accommodations at the Westin St. Francis or similar - San Francisco

Day 1: Arrive in New York, New York -- the city that never sleeps
Your tour starts in sophisticated New York City where you’ll check into your hotel, near the heart of Times Square. Catch a Broadway play, see what’s happening at Madison Square Garden or take a carriage ride through Central Park. Enjoy dinner at one of New York's fabulous restaurants and be dazzled by Times Square, all lit up at night.

Day 2: City tour of New York, board the Lake Shore Limited
Take a tour of the city (not included), including the famous Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, the United Nations and Ground Zero. Then board the Lake Shore Limited at Penn Station. (Experience Amtrak’s first class service by upgrading to sleeping accommodations, which includes meals on the train.) Read, listen to music or chat with your fellow travelers. Check out a map of your journey in the Dining Car or Lounge Car as you gaze out at the passing scenery. As you head west, you’ll pass some historic points of interest such as West Point Academy, Bannerman’s Castle and FDR’s National Historic Site. You’ll then travel 130 miles along the Hudson River, also known as “America’s Rhine” for its natural beauty, passing by Albany, the NY state capitol. Continue west through Ohio and Indiana as you make your way to historic Union Station in Chicago.

Day 3: Arrive in Chicago, transfer to the California Zephyr
Your train pulls into Chicago around 10:00 a.m. and you’ll have time to explore the “Windy City” before your train leaves this afternoon. Enjoy a taste of Chicago-style pizza, go to the top of nearby Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) observatory, and see “The Bean” in Millennium Park. Then board the legendary California Zephyr for your 1:50 p.m. departure. (Experience Amtrak’s first class service by upgrading to sleeping accommodations, which includes meals on the train.) Follow the train’s route in the dining car or Sightseer Lounge with its floor to ceiling windows as you head west.

Day 4: Overnight on the train, enroute to San Francisco via America the beautiful
You’ll awake this morning as sweeping vistas of the glorious Rocky Mountains come into view. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast in the dining car. But keep your camera handy. You won’t want a miss a second of the spectacular scenery that greets you at every turn. Just west of Denver, the Zephyr will begin its momentous climb towards the Continental Divide, winding around sharp mountain curves and through the “Tunnel District.” On your way to Moffat Tunnel, you’ll reach our highest elevation, more than 9,000 feet above sea level. Other highlights include Glenwood and Ruby Canyons and Grand Junction, the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. Pass through Salt City around 11 p.m. this evening.

Day 5: Arrive in San Francisco -- where you’re sure to leave your heart
Running across the glorious snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Zephyr travels through the Truckee River, Donner Pass, onto Reno and Sacramento, then into Emeryville/San Francisco. Once in San Francisco, you’ll connect by a motor coach to the Ferry Building. Check in to your hotel for the evening. San Francisco is a cultural and culinary wonderland, so head to Fisherman’s Wharf for a sea side dinner, Ghirardelli Square or Chinatown for a great night on the town.

Day 6: The tour ends
Spend the day in San Francisco by taking a guided tour of the city (not included), where the spirit of the Gold Rush continues to fill the air. See Alcatraz, one of the most famous prisons in the country, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, the world’s most crooked street, Haight-Ashbury, beautiful Pacific Heights and more. Ride the cable cars and take a cruise around San Francisco Bay.

Pre and Post Trip Options
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights in New York and San Francisco. Vacations by Rail would be happy to make hotel and sightseeing arrangements for you.

Extend your visit with a day trip to Wine Country, Sausalito and Muir Woods, home of the California Redwoods. Take an Amtrak train back to your city of origin or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

   

   

   

	Amtrak Roomette	Amtrak Bedroom
Jan 03, 2010 - Aug 31, 2010	$1,402	$1,918
Sep 1, 2010 - Dec 31, 2010	$1,485	$2,085
Jan 03, 2011 - Aug 31, 2011	$1,402	$1,918
Sep 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2011	$1,485	$2,085