California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco

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California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park

Chicago to San Francisco



Tour Description:

EXPLORE BOTH BIG CITY CULTURE AND GRAND NATURAL WONDERS WITH THIS TRIP THAT TAKES YOU FROM CHICAGO TO SAN FRANCISCO, TRAVERSING THROUGH THE ROCKIES AND SIERRA MOUNTAINS, TOPPING OFF WITH A VISIT TO BEAUTIFUL YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK.

The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such as the Bean in Millennium Park, a Ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier, or a stop to do some shopping in one of the several fabulous stores lining the Magnificent Mile.

After you're done discovering “The Windy City”, continue on your train vacation as you board Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr for a two-night rail journey across the plains of the Midwest into the snow-capped Rocky and Sierra mountain ranges to San Francisco. During your two-night stay in the City by the Bay, spend the first part visiting famed highlights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf, or a take a ride on one of the city's classic cable cars.

Conclude your stay in San Francisco with a visit to the famous Yosemite National Park. Known for its dazzling waterfalls and vibrant evergreen forests, discovering the wonders of this National Park is the absolute ideal way to complete this unique rail adventure.
This vacation is also available from San Francisco to Chicago based on your travel preference.

Highlights:
* Rail travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
* Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
* Meals on the train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
* Yosemite National Park Tour
* Chicago Hop-on Hop-off tour
* Historic Chicago Tour
* San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour

Map for California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and spend the day exploring the city at your leisure with a hop on/hop off tour. See Millennium Park, the theatre district, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Observatory, Willis Tower and other important city landmarks. Overnight Chicago.

Day 2 - Chicago Sightseeing
Discover Chicago's South Shore on this 2-hour tour! Highlights include Grant Park, Soldier Field, the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute, Orchestra Hall, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, Jackson Park, the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry and much more! The remainder of the day is at your leisure to shop, take in a spectacular theater performance or enjoy a delicious meal. Overnight Chicago.

Day 3 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
Arrive at Chicago's historic Union Station for your 1:50 pm departure and prepare for your train adventure. Once onboard the iconic California Zephyr, settle into your onboard accommodations for the 2,400+ mile journey across the country to San Francisco. As the train chugs across the Midwest, make sure to visit the Sightseer Lounge to meet some new friends and admire the passing scenery. Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car as you cross the mighty Mississippi River. Overnight train.

Day 4 - California Zephyr and the Rockies
Stunning views of the Colorado Rockies await you this morning as the Zephyr climbs the front range of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from your onboard accommodations, or opt for a more panoramic setting in the Lounge Car. During the summer months, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the area through which you're traveling during a Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer rangers as you travel from Denver to Grand Junction. Overnight train.

Day 5 - San Francisco
The train arrives in Reno, Nevada mid-morning and continues across the border into California, climbing through the legendary Donner Pass, the high point in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The California Zephyr is scheduled to arrive in Emeryville around 4:10 pm this afternoon. Upon arrival, hop a shuttle for your transfer to the San Francisco Ferry building, where you can get a taxi to your hotel located near Fisherman's Wharf. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 6 - San Francisco Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the City by the Bay on a Hop On/Hop Off city tour. Learn about San Francisco's history from the early Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush to today. Highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, Coit Tower, Ghirardelli Square and more! Overnight San Francisco.

Day 7 - Yosemite National Park
Discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park on a full-day excursion to Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoias. Visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Inspiration Point before driving to a lesser-traveled part of the Park for a chance to hike in the evergreen forest to see the world's largest living things: a grove of Giant Sequoia trees! Overnight San Francisco.

Day 8 - Return Home
Your California Zephyr and Yosemite National Park vacation comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel and transfer on your own to the airport or railway station for your return travel home.