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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation
California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco
Explore both big city culture and natural wonders with this trip from Chicago to San Francisco, traversing through the Rockies, Sierra Mountains, and the beautiful Yosemite National Park.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the city at your leisure with a hop on/hop off tour. See Millennium Park, the theatre district, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Observatory, Willis Tower and other important city landmarks.
- Day 2overnight: Chicago
Chicago Sightseeing
Admire the architectural gems of Chicago during this 90-minute River Architecture tour. See the city with unobstructed views from a boat cruising along the river. Learn about over 130 years of the city's history and sightsee from a new angle.
- Day 3railovernight: Train
Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
Arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station for your 1:50 pm departure and prepare for your train adventure. Once onboard the iconic California Zephyr, settle into your onboard accommodations for the 2,400+ mile journey across the country to San Francisco. As the train chugs across the Midwest, make sure to visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet some new friends and admire the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you cross the mighty Mississippi River.
- Day 4overnight: Train
California Zephyr and the Rockies
Stunning views of the Colorado Rockies await you this morning as the Zephyr climbs the front range of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from your onboard accommodations, or opt for a more panoramic setting in the Lounge Car. During the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the area through which you're traveling during a Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer rangers as you travel from Denver to Grand Junction.
- Day 5railovernight: San Francisco
San Francisco
The train arrives in Reno, Nevada mid-morning and continues across the border into California, climbing through the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The California Zephyr is scheduled to arrive in Emeryville around 4:10 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival, hop a shuttle for your transfer to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can get a taxi to your hotel located near Fisherman's Wharf.
- Day 6overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the "City by the Bay" on an included guided tour. Learn about San Francisco's history from the early Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush to today. Passing through the country's largest Chinatown and the popular Fisherman's Wharf, your journey continues to Pacific Heights and Fort Point - an ideal spot to take that perfect photo of the Golden Gate Bridge. After viewing the ancient trees of Muir Woods National Monument, your tour concludes at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater. There is an option to add a visit to Alcatraz on the end of your guided tour. Alternatively, opt to swap the city sightseeing tour to join a walking food tour of the Mission District or enjoy a half-day tour of the Sonoma wine country.
- Day 7overnight: San Francisco
Yosemite National Park
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park on a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoias. Visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Inspiration Point before driving to a lesser-traveled part of the Park for a chance to hike in the evergreen forest to see the world's largest living things: a grove of Giant Sequoia trees!
- Day 8rail
Return Home
Your California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park vacation comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your return travel home.
Included
- Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
- Rail travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
- Meals on train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights and Airport transfers not included
