Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail
11 Days
5 Destinations
Trip Itinerary
Take a leisurely ride from Chicago to the Pacific Coast on this scenic rail journey that allows you to explore two famous national parks: Yellowstone and Yosemite. Discover Chicago on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Enjoy a narrated sightseeing city tour of Salt Lake City. See the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone National Park and get up close and personal with famous sites, like Old Faithful and the Continental Divide. Spend an entire day soaking up the nature and scoping out the towering redwoods in Yosemite National Park. This rail journey promises stunning landscapes that you will never forget.

Welcome to Chicago! Breeze into the "Windy City," and after you are all settled in, take some time to explore all this amazing city has to offer. You can start using your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Or, if you are in the mood to shop, take a leisurely stroll down the Magnificent Mile, which offers world-class shopping, dining, and other great attractions. If you are a fan of music, check out one of the many famous blues clubs in the area. There is so much to do and see in Chi-Town, you will not run out of great places to scope out. (Overnight in Chicago)
Accommodation Options

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Drake

Continue to explore Chicago with your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city tour and head to any landmarks you did not get a chance to see yesterday. While you tour everything from underground streets to internationally-acclaimed skyscrapers, the tour guides are excited to share their in-depth knowledge. Tonight, enjoy your included dinner at a popular restaurant in Chicago. (Overnight in Chicago) D
Accommodation Options

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Drake
Travel to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak to Salt Lake City. Enjoy America's majestic landscapes as you travel on the California Zephyr® through the Great Plains. Experienced travelers say this train route is one of the most beautiful in all of North America. Sit back and relax as you climb through the heart of the Rockies to continue your journey out to the West Coast. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Continue to take in the stunning views of Utah's Wasatach Mountains as you complete your train ride west to Salt Lake City. Upon your arrival in Salt Lake City, you will travel on your own to your hotel for a relaxing evening before your busy day tomorrow. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)
Accommodation Options

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown,Tapestry Collection Hilton

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Sheraton Salt Lake City

Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

The Little America Hotel - Salt Lake City

Early this morning, hop on your included shuttle service that will take you to West Yellowstone. Yellowstone is widely held to be the first national park in the world and is home to the most impressive geothermal features in North America. The sights here are simply stunning and will not disappoint. After you arrive in the early evening, you can settle into your hotel for a good night's sleep. You have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you tomorrow! (Overnight in West Yellowstone)
Accommodation Options

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Grant Village

Lake Lodge Cabins

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's lower loop. Highlights of this tour include Old Faithful Geyser, the Old Faithful Inn, Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, and many more stunning landmarks. After your tour, you will have time to grab lunch on your own at the Old Faithful Village. (Overnight in West Yellowstone)
Accommodation Options

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Grant Village

Lake Lodge Cabins

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Today, take a leisurely cruise back to Salt Lake City aboard the included shuttle. Then, the evening is yours to spend enjoying this gorgeous city. (Overnight in Salt Lake City)
Accommodation Options

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown,Tapestry Collection Hilton

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Sheraton Salt Lake City

Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown

The Little America Hotel - Salt Lake City
Discover all Salt Lake City has to offer on a guided sightseeing city tour of all of Salt Lake City's hot spots. You'll see the magnificent Salt Lake Mormon Temple and even hear the renowned Tabernacle Organ. You'll also visit Pioneer Park, Brigham Young's Territorial Governor's Mansion, and, of course, the Great Salt Lake! Make your own way to the Amtrak Station and board the train west to California. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

Upon your arrival at Emeryville Station, you will board your included transfer to San Francisco. After you check into your hotel, the evening is yours to start exploring the "City by the Bay." Take a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and sample the delicious local cuisine, like fresh seafood and crusty sourdough bread. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Accommodation Options

InterContinental San Francisco

Kimpton Alton Hotel - On the San Francisco Waterfront

Fairmont San Francisco

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Parc 55 San Francisco - a Hilton Hotel

Spend the entire day exploring one of America's most iconic landmarks, Yosemite National Park. Your day will kick off with breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco as you cross over the Bay Bridge at sunrise. The rest of your drive to Yosemite will offer stunning scenery as well, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and lush Central Valley. Once you arrive in Yosemite National Park, you will have 2.5 hours to hike and shop in Yosemite Village. You will arrive back at your hotel just in time for a spectacular San Francisco sunset. (Overnight in San Francisco)
Accommodation Options

Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite Cedar Lodge

Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station

Trip Details
Trip Highlights
- Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago
- Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park*
- Sightseeing city tour of Salt Lake City
- Dinner at The Roof Restaurant in Salt Lake City
- Sightseeing tour of Yosemite National Park
*Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour is seasonal. During winter months, Old Faithful Explorer Tour will be substituted.
What's Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr® Roundtrip shuttle transfer from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals included (2 dinners)