Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Essential Grand Canyon Discovery

Rail journey from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Sedona

Essential Grand Canyon Discovery, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations operates this 7-day independent rail vacation from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona. The journey begins with a day exploring Chicago, including the Skydeck at Willis Tower, before the Southwest Chief carries travelers overnight to Williams, a self-described gateway to the Grand Canyon and a stop on the historic Route 66. From Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway makes the two-hour run to the South Rim, where around 50 viewpoints line the canyon edge. The trip continues with an included transfer to Flagstaff, a town set in the world's largest Ponderosa Pine forest, and a roundtrip tour from there to Sedona to see the red sandstone Red Rocks. Most stops last a single night, apart from two nights in Flagstaff at the end. This trip suits travelers who want to combine an overnight long-distance train ride with a short heritage railway into the Grand Canyon, followed by time in Arizona's high-desert towns.

What to know before you look closer

  • The pack lists 14 accommodation options across Chicago, Williams and Grand Canyon Village hotels in different tiers; the specific hotel depends on the tier and city option you choose.
  • Only one meal, a single breakfast, is included across the 6 nights of this trip.
  • Most stops are single-night, in Chicago, Williams and Grand Canyon Village, with only Flagstaff getting two nights.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chicago

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Welcome to Chicago! the Windy City will captivate you with its gorgeous architecture, stunning skyline, art scene and, of course, its food. Grab a bite to eat in Fulton Market, maybe a signature deep-dish pizza? Or a hot dog at Portillo's? Visit the Shedd Aquarium (one of the world's largest indoors aquariums), walk the Magnificent Mile, explore the 'burbs, snap a photo next to the Bean in Millennium Park, and if you're visiting during baseball season, head to Wrigley Field to catch a game!

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    In the morning, head 103 floors up the Willis Tower for your included admission to Chicago's Skydeck, which offers incredible panoramic view of the city. If you're feeling brave, walk out onto the Ledge, the Skydeck's glass floor balcony for a perfect photo opportunity. In the early afternoon, board the Southwest Chief and depart Chicago for your overnight rail journey to Williams, Arizona.

  3. Day 3overnight: Williams

    Williams, AZ

    Welcome to the Gateway to the Grand Canyon! When you arrive, check into your hotel for an overnight stay and start exploring. Located on the famous Route 66, the quaint mountain town of Williams, Arizona, serves as the perfect jumping off point for your journey to the South Rim. It is also just steps away from the beauty of the outdoors: hiking, fishing, and camping. Visit the Williams Visitor Center and Museum to learn about this town's past and present, stop at Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum (a time capsule full of gift shop treasures), or take a horse and buggy ride on your own through the city.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Grand Canyon Village

    Williams to Grand Canyon

    Have breakfast at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and then board the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams for your two-hour ride straight to the national park's South Rim. Seeing the Grand Canyon on a postcard or during a travel documentary will never compare to seeing it in person. This special place is truly a sight to behold. Along the South Rim, there are around 50 incredible viewpoints each with something magical to offer and 20 of which are easily accessible by vehicle. Some of the greatest viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, Grandview Point, and Hermit's Rest. Enjoy your included tour narrated by a knowledgeable guide and see all the picturesque landscapes you wouldn't have time to walk to.

  5. Day 5overnight: Flagstaff

    Grand Canyon to Flagstaff

    Today, board your included transfer from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff. When you arrive, check into your hotel and begin exploring this laid-back Arizonan landscape. Nestled in the world's largest Ponderosa Pine forest, Flagstaff features a pedestrian-friendly downtown, craft breweries, relaxing coffee houses, and street performers playing blues on the street corners. On your own, pay a visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument to see ancient pueblos built into the base of a natural canyon wall or the Wupatki National Monument, featuring stunning red rock pueblo ruins. Stop by the Lowell Observatory and do some stargazing or stroll through the arboretum public gardens.

  6. Day 6overnight: Flagstaff

    Flagstaff, AZ

    Take your included roundtrip transfer from Flagstaff to Sedona, where you'll go on a spectacular tour of this gorgeous, magical place. One of Sedona's main attractions is its stunning array of red sandstone formations, known as the Red Rocks, the kaleidoscope of wildlife, twisted juniper trees, and the many buttes and mesas scattered across the landscape. This tour is the best way to see, experience, and learn about parts of the desert you wouldn't have the opportunity to otherwise. The greatest adventures are often experienced off the beaten path.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Flagstaff

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2In the early afternoon, the Southwest Chief departs Chicago for an overnight rail journey to Williams, Arizona.
  • Day 4The Grand Canyon Railway carries passengers on a two-hour ride from Williams to the South Rim, where about 50 viewpoints line the canyon edge.
  • Day 5Flagstaff sits in the world's largest Ponderosa Pine forest, with a walkable downtown of craft breweries and coffee houses.
  • Day 6A tour from Flagstaff to Sedona covers the red sandstone Red Rocks, along with buttes, mesas and twisted juniper trees.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Williams on the Southwest Chief®
  • One-way shuttle transfer from Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff hotel
  • Roundtrip transfer from Flagstaff to Sedona
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal included (1 breakfast)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Williams on the Southwest Chief is included, along with the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim.
What transfers are included after the Grand Canyon?
A shuttle from Maswik Lodge at the Grand Canyon to your Flagstaff hotel, and a roundtrip transfer from Flagstaff to Sedona.
What hotels are included?
The pack lists 14 accommodation options across Chicago, Williams and Grand Canyon Village, in a choice of tiers.
Are meals included?
One breakfast is included; other meals are on your own.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes city walking in Chicago, viewpoint walking along the Grand Canyon's South Rim, and self-guided time in Flagstaff and Sedona.

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