Amtrak Vacations

Grand Canyon Discovery

10-day rail trip from Chicago to Sedona via the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Discovery, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation from Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona, by way of Santa Fe and the Grand Canyon. After two nights in Chicago exploring the city on a hop-on, hop-off tour, travelers ride the Southwest Chief overnight to Santa Fe for two nights that include a guided walking tour of the historic town. The train continues to Williams Junction, where the Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers into Grand Canyon National Park for a motorcoach tour of the South Rim. The trip ends with two nights in Flagstaff, including a jeep tour of Sedona's Red Rocks on day 9. Day 3's train ride is described as passing through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself. This suits independent travelers who want a rail-based route through the Southwest built around named trains and a mix of city, historic and canyon sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 21 hotel options span multiple tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago; the specific hotel used depends on the tier and city selected at booking.
  • Only 2 meals are included across the 10 days (1 breakfast, 1 dinner).
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence; confirm availability with Amtrak Vacations before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Welcome to Chicago! Today, your journey begins with a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass, which gives you transportation to the most famous Chicago attractions. This tour covers 13 miles and includes stops at the Art Institute, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and many more popular Chicago destinations.

  2. Day 2overnight: Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Enjoy the second day of your hop-on, hop-off city tour of Chicago and explore any sites you didn't get a chance to see yesterday.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the train

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the Southwest Chief® to Santa Fe. This gorgeous train ride takes you through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself!

  4. Day 4overnight: Santa Fe

    Santa Fe, NM

    After your arrival in Santa Fe in the afternoon, take some time to get know this cultural gem of a city. Enjoy a free day exploring all that Santa Fe has to offer.

  5. Day 5overnight: Santa Fe

    Santa Fe, NM

    Today you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Santa Fe. This colorful and historic town is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Williams

    Santa Fe to Williams

    You will be transferred from downtown Santa Fe back to the Amtrak station where you will board the train to Williams Junction. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to Williams, AZ.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    This morning, dine and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Then, board the Grand Canyon Railway, which will take you right into the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy a motorcoach tour of the Canyon's majestic South Rim.

  8. Day 8overnight: Flagstaff

    Grand Canyon to Flagstaff

    Today you'll have some time in the morning to take in the fresh mountain air as you spend free time enjoying the sights of the Canyon. You'll depart later this morning and head to Flagstaff.

  9. Day 9overnight: Flagstaff

    Day Trip to Sedona

    Get ready to explore the spectacular Red Rocks of Sedona with your included Canyons & Cowboys jeep tour. Take the rest of the day to explore the astounding natural wonders of Flagstaff on your own.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Flagstaff

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Southwest Chief runs through canyon passages the evidence describes as only a few feet wider than the train itself.
  • Day 5A guided walking tour covers Santa Fe, a town the evidence describes as sitting in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
  • Day 7After breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, the Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers into Grand Canyon National Park for a motorcoach tour of the South Rim.
  • Day 9A Canyons and Cowboys jeep tour explores the Red Rocks of Sedona.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Santa Fe; Santa Fe to Williams Junction in Coach accommodations on the Southwest Chief®
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night on board Amtrak
  • 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
  • One-way shuttle transfer from Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff hotel
  • Roundtrip transfer from Flagstaff to Sedona

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak in Coach class from Chicago to Santa Fe and Santa Fe to Williams Junction on the Southwest Chief, plus a roundtrip ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Which trains are used?
The Southwest Chief (Chicago to Santa Fe to Williams Junction) and the Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to Grand Canyon National Park), both in Coach class.
Is there an overnight train ride?
Yes, 1 night onboard Amtrak, on day 3 between Chicago and Santa Fe.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 21 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago; the specific hotel depends on the tier and city chosen.
How much walking is involved?
A guided walking tour of Santa Fe and a multi-day hop-on, hop-off tour of Chicago; the Grand Canyon and Sedona portions use a motorcoach tour and a jeep tour.
What's included?
8 nights' hotel accommodations, 1 night onboard Amtrak, one-way rail from Chicago to Williams Junction, 2 meals, a shuttle from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, and a roundtrip transfer to Sedona.

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