USA Coast to Coast by Rail
- 15
- £3,099
- USA
- Travel across the USA by rail
- Stop in New York City, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco
- Experience overnight journeys aboard Amtrak long-distance trains
- Flights included
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your trains and hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Return flights in Economy Class from London to New York and San Francisco to London
- 3 overnight rail journeys in a private roomette
- 10 nights’ central hotel accommodation
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Fly into New York and check in for a 3-night stay at the Edison Hotel NYC (or similar). As an alternative, you could also head for Washington DC first and then head down the East Coast or, if you have the time, why not consider skipping the outbound flight and catching the famous Queen Mary II from Southampton instead? Give us a call to tailor make your trip.
Spend two full days enjoying the delights of the Big Apple. Take in one of a huge choice of museums, catch a classic Circle Line sightseeing cruise, browse famous stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdales, or visit the fascinating Ellis Island where immigrants from all over the world arrived into the USA. There are also fabulous views to be had from the top of the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Centre.
Spend another morning sightseeing in New York. After lunch, it’s time to make your way to Penn Station for your first overnight sleeper service bound for Chicago. You’ll be travelling aboard Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited in a Viewliner Roomette. This is a private sleeping compartment with banquette seating that converts into bunk beds when you want to sleep.
Arrive this morning into Chicago and check in for a 2-night stay at the Kimpton Gray Hotel (or similar).
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a vibrant city boasting a fabulous blend of architectural styles and attractions. Whether you want to shop till you drop, visit art galleries and museums, take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field (one of the oldest ballparks in the country) or enjoy an evening of jazz or blues, there’s something for everyone. Also not to be missed is a slice of Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza.
You have another free morning in Chicago to explore. Architecture fans can visit the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in the suburb of Oak Park or, back in the city, there’s the huge Shedd Aquarium holding around 32,000 fish and other marine animals.
After lunch, return to the station for your first journey aboard the California Zephyr, taking you overnight to Denver where you’ll arrive the following morning and check in at The Rally Hotel (or similar).
Denver is the state capital of Colorado, situated in a river valley with the Rocky Mountains as a spectacular backdrop. There are some great museums to visit here including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the US Mint and the former home of the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’. It’s also likely that you’ll be in town to catch one of the city’s monthly events from rodeos to traditional Chinese festivals. Enjoy a drink in the historic LoDo district which boasts the highest concentration of Victorian buildings in the USA.
It’s time to reboard the California Zephyr this morning for the last stage of your rail journey across the USA. You’ll head across the Rockies from Denver to Salt Lake City in Utah, founded by the Latter Day Saints in 1847 and then continue through Nevada to Sacramento, the state capital of California.
Arriving into Emeryville, there’s a connecting Amtrak bus service through to San Francisco. Here, check in for a 3-night stay at the Handlery Union Square (or similar).
You have two full days to discover the delights of the City by the Bay. You can navigate San Francisco’s hilly terrain by riding the traditional cable cars which run up and down from the Bay. Aside from the cable cars, other not-to-be-missed experiences include museums like the Palace of Fine Arts and M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park, clam chowder out of a bowl made of bread at Fisherman’s Wharf and a harbour cruise under the landmark Golden Gate Bridge. You can also stop at Alcatraz for a tour of the famous former island prison.
Depending on the time of your flight home today, you can leave your bags at your hotel and spend some more time exploring San Francisco before heading back to the airport at the end of your US adventure.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
New York
The Art Deco themed Hotel Edison is located within walking distance of Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. All bedrooms come with Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. There is also a choice of two restaurants, a concierge service and a well-equipped gym.
Chicago
Located close to Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, this boutique hotel offers contemporary bedrooms with free Wi-Fi internet access, flat screen TVS and iPod docking stations. There are a choice of restaurants on-site as well as a rooftop bar and a 24hr gym.
Denver
The Rally Hotel is a boutique gem located in the heart of Denver’s most vibrant neighbourhood. Spacious bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar and a coffee machine. There is also a 24-hour reception, roof top pool and fitness centre and an on-site restaurant.
San Francisco
Located on Union Square, this hotel provides easy access to the sights of San Francisco, with the Powell Street cable car (tram) line just a short walk away. Each classically-designed bedroom is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, mini-refrigerator, and free coffee and tea. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and sauna as well as a barbershop.
