Amtrak Vacations
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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Heart of Texas Roundtrip from Chicago
Independent roundtrip rail vacation from Chicago through Texas via Texas Eagle
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 9-day roundtrip rail vacation from Chicago into the heart of Texas and back, all aboard the Texas Eagle in Coach class. The trip opens with an overnight train journey from Chicago to Fort Worth, with meals served onboard, then settles into 2 nights each in Fort Worth and Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," and 3 nights in San Antonio, staying at the Hilton Fort Worth, the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, and the DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Downtown. Day 2 brings Fort Worth's twice-daily cattle drive and a stop at Billy Bob's Texas, an included Real Austin van tour covers landmarks, local favorites and historic neighborhoods, and a grand tour of San Antonio visits the Alamo, the Pearl District, and the Majestic Theatre, followed by admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museums. The Texas Eagle then carries travelers back to Chicago to close the loop. This suits independent travelers who want an overnight train experience bookending a self-paced Texas city tour.
What to know before you look closer
- This is an independent rail vacation: most sightseeing in Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio is on your own, aside from the Real Austin van tour and the San Antonio grand tour.
- The itinerary describes the overnight Chicago to Fort Worth leg on day 1 in detail but says little about the return San Antonio to Chicago journey on day 9, beyond noting it is included in the roundtrip fare.
- The evidence lists no specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: onboard Amtrak
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Board the train today for an overnight journey from Chicago to Fort Worth, Texas, on the Texas Eagle. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and incredible views!
- Day 2overnight: Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
Welcome to the City of Cowboys and Culture! Check into your hotel and explore. Meet a Texas Longhorn on Main Street, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, watch the twice-daily cattle drive, and enjoy Billy Bob's Texas.
- Day 3overnight: Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
Continue appreciating the city and exploring on your own. Dine at Fort Worth restaurants, relax near the Water Gardens, visit the Kimball Art Museum and Fort Worth Zoo, or check out a free outdoor concert.
- Day 4overnight: Austin
Fort Worth to Austin
In the afternoon, board the Texas Eagle and head toward Austin! Check into your hotel in the "Live Music Capital of the World." The evening is free to enjoy as you please.
- Day 5overnight: Austin
Austin
Climb aboard a comfortable Mercedes van for your included Real Austin tour, taking in landmarks, hidden gems, local favorites, and historic neighborhoods. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.
- Day 6overnight: San Antonio
Austin to San Antonio
Spend the morning on your own before boarding the Texas Eagle to San Antonio in the evening. Check into your hotel for a three-night stay and enjoy the rest of the day exploring on your own.
- Day 7overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Embark on a grand tour of San Antonio, visiting the Alamo, the tree-lined Pearl District, and the historic Majestic Theatre.
- Day 8overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Included admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museums, featuring a cafe, gift shop, shooting gallery, and saloon. Spend the remainder of the day on your own in San Antonio.
- Day 9
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
Journey concludes back in Chicago.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1An overnight journey from Chicago to Fort Worth aboard the Texas Eagle, with meals served onboard.
- Day 2Fort Worth's twice-daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue and a stop at Billy Bob's Texas.
- Day 7A grand tour of San Antonio taking in the Alamo, the tree-lined Pearl District, and the historic Majestic Theatre.
- Day 8Included admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museums in San Antonio.
Included
- Roundtrip onboard Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Fort Worth to Austin; Austin to San Antonio to Chicago on the Texas Eagle®
- 7 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, a roundtrip on the Texas Eagle in Coach class, from Chicago to Fort Worth to Austin to San Antonio and back to Chicago.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation; travelers make their own way around each city, aside from a few included tours.
- Is there an overnight train?
- Yes. Day 1 is an overnight journey from Chicago to Fort Worth aboard the Texas Eagle, with meals served onboard.
- What hotels are used?
- The Hilton Fort Worth (2 nights), the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown (2 nights), and the DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Downtown (3 nights).
- What is included besides rail and hotel?
- An included Real Austin van tour, a grand tour of San Antonio, and admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museums.
