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Amtrak passenger train
AMTRAK
5 Iconic Amtrak Vacations
Railroads helped shape America, and now you can trace those historic routes and discover the country by train.
By Zachary Laks
Get cozy in your plush seat and prepare to be swept away by the timeless treasures of train travel. Harkening back to a bygone era when the journey was as exciting as the destination, train travel has long stirred the imaginations and hearts of travelers. The soothing rhythm of the train eases you into a meditative state as your panoramic window becomes the most captivating, ever-changing screen.
Whether you’re winding among the rugged peaks of the Rockies or gliding through urban cities rich in culture, train journeys provide a stress-free way to see memorable domestic destinations. Here are five iconic Amtrak Vacations routes you can take, from sensational national parks to legendary music hubs. All aboard for a journey on the rails!
Muir Woods National Monument preserves ancient redwood forests.
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Ultimate Grand Canyon to Yosemite with Muir Woods
No matter how many photos you’ve seen, witnessing the Grand Canyon in person defies all expectations. Behold the quiet beauty of the crimson, gold and violet rock stretching as far as the eye can see, conjuring a spine-tingling sense of awe. Arrive here easily, with all logistics and travel taken care of as part of the Ultimate Grand Canyon to Yosemite With Muir Woods nine-day train getaway. The trip begins with an overnight in quaint Williams, Arizona, the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” The following day, take the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for a two-day visit. After returning to Williams, board Amtrak’s Southwest Chief for an overnight to San Francisco. Enjoy a night’s stay in this charming, quirky city, and the next day hop on a motorcoach and watch the scenery change en route to Muir Woods. Here, hundreds of 700- to 1,000-year-old redwoods stretch up to 250 feet into the sky. Meandering through this ancient forest isn’t just beautiful, it’s profound. The day also includes a visit to the seaside village of Sausalito, home to many artists, eclectic shops and great restaurants. The following day, enjoy a comprehensive tour of majestic Yosemite National Park, with highlights that include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. This itinerary introduces you to some of the country’s most remarkable natural wonders, ending with more time in eclectic San Francisco.
The view along the Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana
Glacier National Park Express
An unforgettable escape to the vast, untouched splendors of Glacier National Park awaits on the 10-day Glacier National Park Express tour. After two days spent enjoying the cultural riches of Chicago, board the Empire Builder on a westward journey that follows the footsteps of the early pioneers. Arrive at Glacier rested and refreshed, ready for a three-day adventure showcasing the highlights of the national park’s sprawling 16,000 square miles. The Big Sky Circle Tour offers a comprehensive park experience as you drive through the park’s notable landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. Be on the lookout for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and even the occasional black bear, visible from a distance. Embark on a scenic boat cruise in Two Medicine Valley, one of the national park’s best-kept secrets, renowned for its towering peaks and meditative stillness. The journey continues with an overnight train to Seattle, which you can enjoy exploring for two days.
Travelers can experience the beauty of the American West through Amtrak Vacations.
Grand National Parks of the Southwest
Kick back, relax and let Amtrak take you on an unforgettable adventure to Utah’s "Mighty Five" national parks. This eight-day getaway originates in Chicago’s Union Station via Amtrak’s legendary California Zephyr on an overnight trip to Grand Junction, Colorado. Delight in Grand Junction’s outdoor adventures—notably golfing at many of Colorado’s top public golf courses—and excellent shopping and dining options. What follows are days spent discovering the natural, unspoiled treasures of Utah’s five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. The trip immerses you in the striking landscapes of red rocks and the dramatic geological formations of each unique park. Enjoy another day in Grand Junction before boarding an overnight train back to Chicago, which leaves you plenty of time to reflect on your visits to some of the country’s most celebrated national parks.
Aerial view of Beale Street in Memphis
Jazz Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Set off on a nine-day rail adventure that gets your toes tapping and your hips swaying. The niche Jazz Blues and Rock ’n’ Roll rail getaway is for music lovers and begins with two days in Chicago, renowned for its blues scene. Relax in the comforts of an Amtrak sleeper car aboard the city of New Orleans train as you head south to Memphis, Tennessee. Disembark onto the storied streets of the Home of the Blues for two nights on the town. Beale Street is the center of the action, where hopping music clubs are the spots where the genre’s giants like B.B. King and Muddy Waters made their names. While there, don’t miss the adorable ducks of the Peabody Hotel as they parade through the lobby. Your stay in Memphis also includes one of the city’s most famed attractions, a tour of Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. The next and last stop is New Orleans. Enjoy three nights reveling in Louisiana Creole culture, as lively jazz echoes throughout the French Quarter’s cobbled streets. Highlights of your extended stay include a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant and a scenic Creole Queen paddle-wheeler cruise. Music lovers delight in the extraordinary music history brought to life throughout this rail journey.
The fountain in Forsyth Park is a well-known icon in Savannah.
Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Orlando
Experience the finest Southern hospitality on a six-day, roundtrip rail journey from Orlando aboard Amtrak’s Silver Meteor. Roll north through Florida’s wetlands and dense forests to Charleston, South Carolina. Spend two full days getting to know this Southern storybook-like city. The itinerary includes many can’t-miss highlights, such as the Joseph Manigault House, The Citadel, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The journey continues with two nights in hauntingly beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is one of America’s most romantic cities, with cobblestone streets and public squares lined with live oaks and Spanish moss. Explore all the city’s charms with the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of top attractions, including the Davenport House, Forsyth Park and River Street, along with a relaxing riverboat cruise of Savannah’s harbor.
Ready to plan your memorable rail adventure? Get exclusive member benefits and take the hassle out of trip planning when you work with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent. Visit AAA.com/TravelExpert today.
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