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First Class Holidays · Independent Tour

Route 66 by Rail

Amtrak and Grand Canyon Railway from Chicago to Los Angeles in 14 days

Illustration of Route 66 by Rail

First Class Holidays operates a 14-day independent rail journey from Chicago to Los Angeles following the spirit of Route 66. The trip combines train travel on Amtrak with overnight private roomette accommodation and five guided excursions at major stops: a bus tour and architecture walk in Chicago, the St. Louis Gateway Arch with priority access, the historic Grand Canyon Railway and a guided freedom tour of the South Rim, and the Hollywood Celebrity Homes tour in Los Angeles. Between guided segments, you have free time to explore Albuquerque's adobe architecture and craft breweries, Williams' Route 66 charm, and Los Angeles at your own pace. The journey crosses plains, deserts, and mountain landscapes over 14 days and 13 nights, with hotel stays in each city and two nights aboard the train. Return economy flights from the UK are included. This suits independent travellers seeking a mix of comfort and self-guided discovery, as well as first-time Amtrak users and couples looking for romance and Americana.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure published (September 2026); confirm availability before committing
  • Return UK flights are included, but meals between guided meals and sightseeing are not; budget for additional dining in Chicago, Albuquerque and Los Angeles
  • The final hotel transfer in Los Angeles is independent, not included; you arrange your own transfer from the airport on arrival day

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chicago

    UK - Chicago

    Arrive in Chicago today and be transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the Windy City and its impressive architecture.

  2. Day 2overnight: Chicago

    Chicago

    A bus tour of Chicago is included today. Explore Navy Pier, shop on The Magnificent Mile, and marvel at the ever-changing architectural styles that define the city and learn more about Chicago's history.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Louis

    St. Louis

    Board your Amtrak service today for the journey to St. Louis. This afternoon, arrive at the 'Gateway to the West' and spend the rest of the day in this vibrant and modern city characterised by its iconic Gateway Arch and green spaces.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Louis

    St. Louis

    Discover St. Louis' Gateway Arch on a VIP tour with priority access to stunning views. Your journey begins at Kiener Plaza behind the Old Courthouse, a significant site in American legal history. As you walk through Gateway Arch National Park, your guide will share insights about America's westward expansion.

  5. Day 5overnight: Aboard Amtrak (overnight train)

    Amtrak

    This afternoon, board the Amtrak for an overnight service to Albuquerque, New Mexico in a private roomette. As you leave the central states behind and head into Kansas and eastern Colorado, the landscape flattens into broad plains. Crossing into New Mexico, gaze at the wide open spaces and mountain silhouettes.

  6. Day 6overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque

    In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Albuquerque, with its spectacular backdrop of the Sandia mountains, Rio Grande and desert landscape. The rest of the day is yours to discover the Old Town and its adobe architecture and rich Native American cultural influences.

  7. Day 7overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque

    A full day for you to explore the museums, art galleries and numerous craft breweries and restaurants that the city is known for.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Williams

    Williams

    Board the train again this afternoon for the journey to Williams, Arizona. A lively mountain town along historic Route 66, Williams is the southern gateway to the Grand Canyon Railway and is surrounded by pine forests, retro diners and Wild West charm.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon

    Board the historic Grand Canyon Railway this morning that has taken travellers to the fabled canyon since 1901. On arrival, the Freedom Tour of the Canyon is included where your guide will explain the scenic viewpoints of the South Rim as you look across this natural wonder.

  10. Day 10overnight: Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon

    Today is a free day to explore Grand Canyon Village.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Aboard Amtrak (overnight train)

    Amtrak

    Travel back to Williams on the Grand Canyon Railway, before boarding your Amtrak Service overnight to Los Angeles.

  12. Day 12overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Arrive in L.A this morning and transfer independently to your hotel to check in for a 2-night stay. Explore the city of Angels, known for its movie industry, the iconic Hollywood sign and beaches for the rest of the day.

  13. Day 13overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Included today is the Celebrity Hollywood Homes tour. Drive along the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills spotting world-famous sites and hopefully some celebrities along the way.

  14. Day 14

    Departure

    A private transfer is included taking you to the airport in time for your departing flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: VIP tour of St. Louis Gateway Arch with priority access and views across the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch National Park
  • Day 5Day 5: Overnight aboard Amtrak in a private roomette crossing Kansas and Colorado plains into New Mexico's mountain silhouettes
  • Day 9Day 9: Historic Grand Canyon Railway journey to the South Rim, followed by a guided Freedom Tour of scenic viewpoints
  • Day 13Day 13: Celebrity Hollywood Homes tour along the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills

Included

  • Return economy flights from the UK
  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 13 nights' accommodation
  • Bus tour of Chicago
  • St. Louis Gateway Arch guided tour
  • Grand Canyon Railway and Grand Canyon Freedom Tour
  • Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Private roomette accommodation on board overnight Amtrak services

Not included

  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included
  • Gratuities

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?
Yes. The package includes Amtrak services (Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Albuquerque, Williams to Los Angeles) and the Grand Canyon Railway. You travel in private roomettes on overnight Amtrak services. Return economy flights from the UK are also included.
Is this a fully guided tour or independent?
It is an independent tour with guided excursions at specific stops. You have guided tours in Chicago, St. Louis, Grand Canyon and Hollywood. Between guided segments, you have free time to explore cities on your own, such as in Albuquerque and Los Angeles.
What accommodation is included?
Thirteen nights in hotels: two nights in Chicago, one in St. Louis, two in Albuquerque, one in Williams, two at the Grand Canyon, and two in Los Angeles. Two nights are aboard Amtrak in private roomettes.
Which trains will I travel on?
You will travel on Amtrak from Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Albuquerque, and Williams to Los Angeles in private roomettes. You will also travel on the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon and back.
What is the physical demand?
The trip involves guided city walking tours and exploration of towns on foot. The Grand Canyon Freedom Tour is a guided walking tour of scenic viewpoints. Most days allow independent exploration at your own pace.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included except where shown in the itinerary. Budget for dining in the cities and towns you visit.

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