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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Grand Tour of the USA

Escorted rail journey across the USA from San Francisco to New York City.

Illustration of Grand Tour of the USA

Great Rail Journeys' Grand Tour of the USA is an 18-day escorted journey from San Francisco to New York City, combining some of America's most famous train routes with guided city tours and coach travel through stunning landscapes. Starting with San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the itinerary follows coach and rail through Yosemite National Park, descends into Las Vegas for two nights, then crosses the Southwest via Route 66 to the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. From Durango, travellers board the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad before joining Amtrak's California Zephyr for an overnight journey across the Rocky Mountains to Chicago. After exploring Chicago's architecture, the Lake Shore Limited overnight train carries the group to Niagara Falls and ultimately to New York City for guided tours of Manhattan's landmarks. With a UK Tour Manager, mixed accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels, and seven included breakfasts, the tour suits couples, history enthusiasts, and first-time rail travellers seeking comprehensive American experiences without the logistics of independent travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement price (GBP 7,099) is significantly higher than half the double-room price, increasing solo travel costs substantially.
  • Two nights are spent on Amtrak coach seat sleepers, not private cabins; these offer a lying-down seat rather than a dedicated sleeper berth.
  • Maximum group size of 40 means this is a larger escorted tour; the experience will include numerous fellow travellers throughout.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: San Francisco

    Flying to San Francisco

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at London Heathrow before boarding a direct daytime flight to San Francisco. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to the hotel on Fisherman's Wharf. Evening free to dine independently.

  2. Day 2overnight: San Francisco

    Getting to know San Francisco

    Guided tour of San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. Free time over lunch before a cruise to Alcatraz for a self-guided tour of the former maximum-security prison. Afternoon and evening free to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Merced

    Exploring Yosemite National Park

    Early start by coach to Oakland station, then Amtrak train to Merced, continuing by coach to El Portal at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Guided tour of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls. Return to Merced for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Las Vegas

    Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas

    Board Amtrak service to Bakersfield, travelling through California's Big Valley. Continue by coach through the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. Check in for two nights at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Strip.

  5. Day 5overnight: Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas

    Free day to explore Las Vegas at your own pace. Highlights include the Fountains of Bellagio, the Luxor pyramid, the Skypod observation tower, the replica Eiffel Tower and the Venetian Resort. Wide choice of entertainment and dining.

  6. Day 6overnight: Flagstaff

    To Flagstaff via the Hoover Dam

    Depart Las Vegas by coach, stopping at the Hoover Dam viewing point. Enter Arizona and travel along the legendary Route 66 to Flagstaff. Check in for two nights at a hotel set amid 500 acres of ponderosa pine forest.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Flagstaff

    Route 66 and the Grand Canyon Railway

    Drive along Route 66 to Williams, then board the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim. Free time over lunch to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Return to Flagstaff by coach in the late afternoon.

  8. Day 8overnight: Durango

    Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park

    Early coach departure through Navajo country to Monument Valley. Stop for lunch at the Monument Valley Visitor Centre. Continue to Goosenecks State Park for a scenic viewpoint stop, then drive to Durango, arriving late afternoon.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Grand Junction

    A trip on Colorado's Durango and Silverton Railroad

    Board the Durango and Silverton Railroad for a journey through breathtaking canyons, past emerald-green rivers and dense forests to the Old West town of Silverton. Free time over lunch in Silverton, then continue by coach to Grand Junction.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10railovernight: California Zephyr (overnight train)

    An overnight journey on Amtrak's California Zephyr

    Transfer to Grand Junction railway station to board Amtrak's California Zephyr. Spend the day in the Observation Car enjoying views across open plains, river valleys and rugged canyons. Settle in for an overnight journey through the Rocky Mountains towards Chicago.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11overnight: Chicago

    Arriving at the great city of Chicago

    The California Zephyr crosses the Mississippi River and pulls into Chicago's historic Union Station in the afternoon. Transfer by coach to the hotel in the River North district, close to the Magnificent Mile. Evening free to explore.

  12. Day 12overnight: Chicago

    Chicago Architecture Cruise

    After breakfast, enjoy a narrated cruise along the Chicago River, passing the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and Willis Tower. Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the city, visit the Willis Tower Skydeck, Wrigley Field or shop along the Magnificent Mile.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13overnight: Lake Shore Limited (overnight train)

    A free day in Chicago

    Free day to explore Chicago at your own pace. Options include museums, galleries, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and lakeside paths around Lake Michigan. This evening, board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited for an overnight journey from Chicago to Buffalo.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14overnight: Niagara Falls

    The tremendous Niagara Falls

    Arrive in Buffalo and transfer by coach to the hotel on the American side of Niagara Falls. Visit Niagara Falls State Park for a first glimpse of the falls. Optional cruise boat to the base of the falls available to book independently.

  15. Day 15railovernight: New York City

    Arrival in the metropolis of New York City

    Transfer to Buffalo by coach, then board the train to New York via Albany and along the Hudson River into Penn Station. Transfer to the four-star New York Marriott Marquis on Times Square. Evening free to explore Times Square and Broadway.

    Meals: Breakfast

  16. Day 16overnight: New York City

    New York, New York

    Guided tour of New York including a harbour cruise around Manhattan Harbour passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visit Grand Central Station, then an afternoon tour of Central Park, the Rockefeller Centre, the Theatre District and the World Trade Centre site. Evening free.

  17. Day 17overnight: In flight

    Homeward bound

    Last morning in New York free to spend as you wish. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for a direct evening flight to London Heathrow.

  18. Day 18

    Arrival at London Heathrow

    Touch down at London Heathrow this morning. Your incredible holiday comes to an end and you are free to make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Self-guided tour of Alcatraz, the former maximum-security prison in San Francisco Bay.
  • Day 3Day 3: Guided tour of Yosemite National Park viewing Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls.
  • Day 7Day 7: Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim with free time to view the canyon.
  • Day 9Day 9: Journey on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through Colorado canyons and forests to the Old West town of Silverton.
  • Day 10Day 10: Overnight on Amtrak's California Zephyr in the Observation Car, crossing the Rocky Mountains toward Chicago.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 14 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in coach seat sleeper aboard the California Zephyr
  • 1 night in coach seat sleeper aboard the Lake Shore Limited
  • Coach seat class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Direct flights from London Heathrow to San Francisco and New York to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic
  • 7 breakfasts
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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 train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes all rail journeys on Amtrak and heritage railroads, coach seat sleeper accommodation on two overnight trains, flights from London to San Francisco and New York to London, coach travel, and hotel accommodation.
Which trains will I ride?
You will travel on Amtrak services in California, the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Amtrak's California Zephyr from Grand Junction to Chicago (overnight), Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to Buffalo (overnight), and Amtrak from Buffalo to New York.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish. The group is capped at 40 travellers.
What meals are included?
Seven breakfasts are included. Most other meals are independent, allowing you to choose dining based on your preferences.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys has six departures: September 2026, October 2026, April 2027, May 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in cities, self-guided site visits, and transfers by coach and train. Most days involve moderate walking at attractions. There are no hikes or high-altitude activities.

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