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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco

Eight-day independent rail journey from Chicago to Yosemite via Amtrak California Zephyr

Illustration of California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco

Vacations By Rail's eight-day California Zephyr with Yosemite package combines independent rail travel with guided sightseeing, beginning in Chicago and concluding at Yosemite National Park. The itinerary opens with two nights exploring Chicago's landmarks by hop-on-hop-off tour and a river architecture cruise, then boards Amtrak's California Zephyr on day three for a two-night sleeper journey across the Midwest into the snow-capped Rocky and Sierra mountain ranges. Upon arrival in San Francisco on day five, guests spend two nights enjoying a guided city tour passing through Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Pacific Heights, and Fort Point before a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoia groves. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a classic sleeper experience, couples looking for an overnight mountain journey, independent explorers who prefer structure with flexibility, and families wanting a mix of cultural sightseeing and natural wonders.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 2,095 covers the package; flights and airport transfers are not included and must be booked separately
  • Meals on the California Zephyr are included only if you upgrade to private sleeping accommodations
  • Day 8 requires self-arranged transfer to the airport or railway station; no group transport is provided

Day by day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

  8. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A 90-minute river architecture tour from a boat on the Chicago River shows over 130 years of the city's architectural history from the water
  • Day 3Departure at 1:50 pm from Chicago's historic Union Station aboard the California Zephyr for a 2,400-mile journey; settle into your sleeping car and visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet other travellers
  • Day 4The train climbs the front range of the Colorado Rockies with views of mountains and wildlife visible from your accommodation or the Lounge Car
  • Day 5The California Zephyr crosses Donner Pass in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains and arrives in Emeryville around 4:10 pm, with transfer to San Francisco
  • Day 7Full-day Yosemite excursion includes El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and a guided hike through a Giant Sequoia grove

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel on Amtrak's California Zephyr for two nights is included. Meals on the train are included when you upgrade to private sleeping accommodations.
Is this trip guided or independent?
This is an independent rail vacation. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. However, Vacations By Rail includes two guided tours: a Chicago river architecture tour and a San Francisco city sightseeing tour. The Yosemite excursion is also guided.
Which train is used?
Amtrak's California Zephyr operates the journey from Chicago to San Francisco, a 2,400-mile route crossing the Midwest and Rocky and Sierra Mountains.
What hotels are included?
The package includes the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago (2 nights) and the Hotel RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (2 nights), plus two nights sleeping on the California Zephyr train.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, airport transfers, cancellation and travel insurance, and the final day's transfer to the airport or station are not included. Optional activities such as an Alcatraz visit, Mission District food tour, or Sonoma wine country tour can be added.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes a 90-minute walking tour on a river boat in Chicago, city walking during the San Francisco guided tour, and forest hiking in Yosemite to view the Giant Sequoia grove.

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