Discover America’s most iconic sights, cities and natural wonders on this epic journey from laid-back San Francisco to dynamic New York state 

Your cross-country vacation begins today as you arrive in San Francisco on the West Coast. This city is beloved for its bohemian atmosphere and endless cultural offerings; however, it is also a haven for historians and a sightseer's dream, making it the ideal starting point for this grand journey.

Make your own way to our four-star hotel on the iconic Fisherman's Wharf, our base for the next two nights. We are ideally placed between San Francisco's city center and the relaxed waterside, and the rest of the day is yours to get your bearings. You might like to wander along the charming harborside to spot seals or begin exploring the history that lies along the bay.

Tonight is free to dine independently, and you could order the catch of the day at one of the family-owned seafood restaurants serving locals and tourists for decades. Overnight San Francisco.

We are introduced to San Francisco on a guided tour this morning. Among other landmarks, we see the Golden Gate Bridge, built in the 1930s. Our tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf, where we join a cruise to the island of Alcatraz. Here, we take a self-guided tour of this public museum, once an "escape-proof" maximum-security prison housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and the "Birdman of Alcatraz."  

Back on land, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You could wander around the city's Maritime Museum, the "Little Italy" area around historic Washington Square or experience the colors and flavors of Chinatown. 

You could also ride on a heritage streetcar or cable car from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square - a historic hub since the San Francisco Gold Rush. Telegraph Hill, a few blocks from our hotel, is recognizable by the slender Coit Tower, which crowns the park and has panoramic views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. This evening, you are free to continue experiencing the city's culinary offerings on your own. Overnight San Francisco.

With an early start this morning, we transfer by coach to Emeryville station. Here, we board an Amtrak train for our route inland to Merced, the "Gateway to Yosemite." Continuing by coach, we reach El Portal at the entrance to Yosemite National Park and meet our guide for a tour of its sights.

One of America's most stunning areas of natural beauty, Yosemite is known for its distinctive rocks, tumbling waterfalls and ancient redwood trees. Our guide shows us the National Park's main highlights: Half Dome, a well-known rock formation with a distinctive shape; the 3,000-foot El Capitan - a huge rock face popular with climbers; and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls.    

We return to Merced, where we check in to our hotel in the heart of the town for the night. Tonight, you are free to dine independently. Our hotel offers an in-house restaurant that is highly rated, and there is a good choice of places to eat a short distance away.  Overnight Merced.

Setting out early this morning, we board the Amtrak service to Bakersfield, an area of orchards and agricultural fields in California's Big Valley. From Bakersfield, we continue by coach, passing the Sierra Nevada Mountains before traveling into the vast and atmospheric expanses of the Mojave Desert toward Las Vegas. 

On arrival, we check into our four-star hotel, the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, for two nights. Ideally situated on the glittering Las Vegas Strip, our hotel provides an incredible base for our time here. With outdoor pools and an incredible choice of restaurants, Planet Hollywood is everything you might expect from a Las Vegas hotel and more. It is also directly connected to the "Miracle Mile" of upscale shops, restaurants and live theaters on the Strip. With the remainder of the day and evening at leisure, you are free to begin soaking in the many allures of Sin City. Overnight Las Vegas.

The day is yours to explore the incredible world of Las Vegas at your own pace - and, of course, there is plenty to discover. The Las Vegas Monorail system is a quick and easy way to explore the four-mile Strip of resorts and sights, with top-class shows, excellent restaurants and a dazzling selection of entertainment. 

Among the Strip's most famous sights are the Fountains of Bellagio and the Pyramid at the Luxor, recognizable by its piercing beam of light and Skypod observation tower. You might also like to seek out the replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino or the Campanile at the Venetian Resort, a glamorous tribute to the architecture of Venice with Baroque-inspired murals and colonnades of solid Botticino marble. You could also spend the day trying your luck in the city's many casinos or seeking out upscale dishes in restaurants owned by famous chefs. Overnight Las Vegas.

Today, we leave the fantasy cityscape of Las Vegas for Arizona, stopping at the Hoover Dam viewing point along the way. Harnessing the power of the mighty Colorado River in Black Canyon, the dam is an impressive example of American hydropower and a feat of engineering. 

Entering Arizona, we take the legendary Route 66, stopping with free time for lunch and then following this famous road until Flagstaff. We spend two nights at the Little America Hotel set in a mountainous area amid 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest. After checking in, there is time to look around the scenic grounds and dine independently this evening. The hotel has tempting eateries on-site, though venturing into town provides access to music venues, coffee shops and restaurants offering diverse dishes. Overnight Flagstaff.

Our day starts with a drive along Route 66 to Williams, Arizona. Here, we board the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders in carriages hauled by historic locomotives. 

On arrival at the South Rim, we have free time over lunch to bask in the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon. Created millions of years ago by the power of the Colorado River, this awe-inspiring canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. There are restaurants for lunch and a gift shop overlooking the canyon. You could stroll along a section of the paved South Rim Trail to enjoy the views from lookout points, such as Mojave Point. 

The Grand Canyon is a spiritual place for the Hopi people, who consider it a gateway to the afterlife. You can learn more about their history in the adobe building, which showcases Hopi arts and crafts. We return to Flagstaff by coach in the late afternoon with a free evening to find dinner locally or unwind at our hotel. Overnight Flagstaff.

We set off early by coach this morning, traveling through Navajo country to Utah's Monument Valley. We stop for a short break in a town called Cameron, where there is a chance to see the soaring Tower Butte before continuing through Monument Valley's stunning desert landscape, the backdrop of many American Western movies.  

The entire region has the feeling of a bygone era, where cowboys still spend months herding cattle across miles of untouched hills, and Native Americans perform age-old rituals. After around two hours of driving, we stop at the Monument Valley Visitor Center with free time for lunch.

We continue from here to Gooseneck State Park, recognizable by its long, narrow river that forms a bowl. Enjoy a stop at a scenic point before driving toward the Colorado mountain town of Durango. Our route makes a final stop at Bluff Fort Historic Site, and we arrive in Durango late this afternoon. We have a free evening after checking in to our hotel for the night. Overnight Durango.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the depot to board the Durango and Silverton Railroad* for a journey through breathtaking canyons and past emerald-green rivers and dense forests. The line connects Durango with the mining town of Silverton and, incredibly, has been in continuous use since its inception more than 130 years ago. 

We have free time over lunch in the "Old West" town of Silverton, surrounded by the impressive San Juan Mountains - part of the Rocky Mountains. Our journey continues by coach from Silverton to Grand Junction, a city nestled in Colorado's fruit-growing area, where we arrive this afternoon to spend the night. 

Staying in a downtown hotel, you are free to try one of the many restaurants on Main Street for dinner. Grand Junction is known for its locally grown produce and regional wines. Overnight Grand Junction.

*Please note: During the early part of the season, the Durango & Silverton Railroad operates a winter timetable. We enjoy a journey from Durango to Cascade Canyon by rail during this period. 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before our journey continues to the Grand Junction Railway Station. Here, we join one of America's most famous rail journeys aboard Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr. This historic train was first launched in 1949 and ran along three railroads - the Burlington, the Rio Grande and the Western Pacific - until 1970. Today's California Zephyr service follows the same spectacular route.  

With a whole day and overnight on the train, you could spend some time in the Observation Car as we travel through dramatic scenery from Colorado to Chicago in the Midwest. We settle in for the night as our picturesque journey takes us into the Rocky Mountains, through the heart of Colorado's wine region and toward Nebraska. Meals and refreshments are available onboard for your convenience. Overnight train.

Our journey toward Chicago continues this morning and through the early afternoon. Watch as typical scenes of America's Heartland pass the tracks as the California Zephyr passes through Iowa. A few hours before arriving in the city, we cross the landmark steel bridge spanning the mighty Mississippi River, marking our arrival in Illinois. The train pulls into Chicago's historic Union Station this afternoon, and we are transferred by coach to our hotel in the heart of the city.  

Once we have checked in, you are free for the rest of the day to start exploring this diverse city. Our hotel is in River North near the Magnificent Mile, which stretches along the Chicago River and features an outstanding range of city attractions, high rises, shops and restaurants. You might like to seek out a famous Chicago-style pizza for dinner this evening. Overnight Chicago.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a cruise along the Chicago River. As we sail, we view some of the city's most historic skyscrapers, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, which was the world's tallest building until 1998. Our cruise boat offers an interesting perspective as we glide through a canyon of glass and steel on a fully narrated tour, hearing about the city's history and tales of the people who helped shape Chicago's skyline.    With an afternoon and evening at leisure after the cruise, you could visit the Willis Tower's Skydeck to view Chicago from above. Alternatively, take the train to Wrigley Field for a tour of the baseball stadium, enjoy a riverside walk, or shop along the Magnificent Mile or East Oak Street. Overnight Chicago.

Our train rolls into Buffalo this morning, and we are transferred by coach to our hotel on the American side of Niagara Falls. After checking in, we wander down to Niagara Falls State Park nearby to see this awe-inspiring natural wonder. 

It is possible to book a Maid of the Mist boat cruise for an exhilarating trip to the base of the powerful falls, hearing the thunderous roar and feeling the fine mist on your face. You could also stroll along the walkway to a scenic viewpoint and soak up the natural beauty of the location. The Top of the Falls restaurant has a view of the Horseshoe Falls, one of the most dramatic sections of the Falls, and is open for you to have lunch and dinner independently. Overnight Niagara Falls.

We begin our day with an early breakfast before transferring to Buffalo by coach, where we board the train to New York City. The route takes us east from Buffalo to New York State's capital, Albany. From here, we follow the course of the Hudson River into New York City. Arriving at Penn Station, we are taken to our hotel in the city's heart, Times Square. With its revolving dining room offering spectacular views of the famous Manhattan skyline, it's easy to understand why this four-star hotel is our customers' favorite North American hotel. 

The evening is free to unwind or head out into the "city that never sleeps." Times Square is the beating heart of New York's entertainment district. A colorful display of billboards cast their glow across the square while an array of famous theaters line Broadway. In such a global city, your dining options are virtually unlimited. Overnight New York City.

Today, we set out on a guided tour of the "Big Apple" to discover some of New York's most familiar sights. As part of this excursion, we take a harbor cruise around the iconic Manhattan Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the entry point for more than 12 million immigrants searching for the American Dream. 

Returning to land, we transfer to Grand Central Station, where there's free time to look around before an afternoon tour of Manhattan's renowned sights. We visit Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Theater District, the World Trade Center site and New York City's famous neighborhoods.

The rest of your day is at leisure. In nearby Midtown Manhattan, you'll find New York's impressive Museum of Modern Art and the shops of 5th Avenue. To mark the final night of our Grand Tour of America, you could catch a show on Broadway, a dance performance at the New York City Ballet or see live jazz music at the Lincoln Center. Overnight New York City.

More than two weeks of travel comes to a close today as your journey through America's epic scenery and distinctive cities concludes. From Yosemite National Park to Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado Rockies and Niagara Falls, there has been no shortage of incredible sights to behold. You are free to check out of our Times Square hotel and make your way home at leisure.

Approximately 300 Amtrak trains depart daily throughout the United States, connecting more than 500 destinations on 21,000 miles of track.

Some of these trains are commuter services that connect nearby cities, while others are long-distance trains that connect states near and far. In fact, Amtrak offers 15 thoughtfully planned overnight journeys.

Journeys to each unique region depart throughout the year, and because Amtrak traverses remote stretches and places where roads do not travel, there is no better or more relaxing way to see the hidden details of North America.

Amtrak offers several travel classes from which to choose.

Coach Class is the standard level of service. Passengers travel in wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom. There are trays, reading lights and electric outlets at each seat, with restrooms at the end of each car. There are no included meals in Coach, but food can be purchased in the onboard Café.

Roomettes are private rooms with two comfortable seats that transform into upper and lower bunks at night. A large picture window in the room ensures great views of the passing scenery can be enjoyed, while each car has shared restrooms and showers. Meals are included in the Dining Car for passengers who have upgraded to this level of service.

Ensuite Bedrooms are spacious private rooms with in-room sink, restroom and shower. Twice the size of a Roomette, these contain a large picture window, a sofa and a separate chair during the day. At night, the sofa transforms into upper and lower bunks. Meals are included in the Dining Car for passengers who have upgraded to this level of service.

The number of meals is dependent on the length of the journey. Full dining service is only available on select long-distance trains, including but not limited to, the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and Empire Builder.

From the heart of the Midwest to the stunning Pacific coast, the California Zephyr reveals the ever-changing landscapes of the United States, one mile at a time. This is one of the most popular of Amtrak's overnight rail journeys, traveling from  Chicago, IL, to Emeryville, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The route encompasses over 2,400 miles and includes fantastic views of the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, Byers and Glenwood Canyons, the deserts of Utah, San Pablo Bay, and many other scenes that can only be captured from the rails. 

Service between Chicago and New York City, through South Bend, Cleveland and Buffalo, along some of the prettiest shorelines of the USA. You'll travel along the south shore of Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the Erie Canal, following a famous Native American Highway.

The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad weaves a tale of human ingenuity and natural beauty as it travels on its 45-mile route between Durango and Silverton in Colorado. Aboard fully restored steam trains that are original to the line and open-air gondolas that offer uninhibited views of the surrounding scenery, passengers relive the region's mining past and marvel at panoramic vistas of the Animas River and its gorge.  

Amongst scenery that is seemingly frozen in time, the historic Grand Canyon Railway follows a 65-mile course through the Old West, connecting Williams, Arizona, with one of the world's great wonders, the Grand Canyon. The train operates daily except Christmas and offers an experience unlike any other. Passengers can look forward to storytelling and old-fashioned entertainment and enjoy spectacular views of the high desert, steep-sided dry creeks, and Ponderosa pine forests. At the end of the journey, one of the last remaining log depots in the country greets guests at the magnificent Grand Canyon.  

Easy access to all the history, art, culture, and gorgeous mountain views of downtown Durango, Colorado, awaits at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn. This hotel is a mere 1.5 blocks from all the action, including the renowned Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station. If it is relaxation travelers want, the Best Western Plus offers plenty of that, too, with its heated indoor pool, hot tub, and daily happy hours with two complimentary alcoholic drinks per guest. Grab-and-go breakfasts are available each morning, as are oatmeal packets guests can make in their room's microwave. Further amenities, including mini-fridges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions, are found in each of the 102 private rooms for a convenient and comfortable stay.

The 3-Star Little America Hotel in Flagstaff stands in 500 acres of ponderosa pine forests at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. The hotel benefits offers a full-service restaurant, a lounge bar, a gym, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Guest rooms are ensuite and feature a flatscreen television, mini-fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a safe.

Situated on historic Main Street in downtown Grand Junction, this 3-Star hotel enjoys a prime location within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, museums and theaters. Facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and fitness center. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a television, a hairdryer and a coffee maker.

This large, modern 4-Star casino hotel sits at the heart of Las Vegas' Strip near the Bellagio. There are two outdoor pools and hot tubs overlooking the boulevard, as well as a spa and fitness center. With an incredible array of restaurants and bars directly connected to the hotel, you could dine at Gordon Ramsay's American-style restaurant or taste Japanese cuisine. Evening entertainment is provided by world-class entertainers. The air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with TVs and movie memorabilia, plus a desk, a hairdryer, a safe, a microwave and a fridge.

Conveniently placed on Merced's Main Street, the 4-Star El Capitan Hotel is a comfortable and convenient base close to the natural splendors of Yosemite National Park. On-site, there are dining options, a gym and complimentary Wi-Fi, and the hotel is within walking distance of the great shopping and dining options in Merced. Guest rooms are well equipped and stylishly furnished and come with a flat-screen television, a mini-fridge, air conditioning, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Situated in the buzzing epicenter of New York's Times Square, the 4-Star New York Marriott Marquis is ideally located to experience the magic of New York City. Situated just steps away from a multitude of attractions, including the theatres of Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, Madame Tussauds and the Rockefeller Centre, the hotel boasts several restaurants and bars, including the city's only revolving restaurant and lounge. Guest rooms feature stylish marble bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and tea & coffee making facilities.

The unimaginable beauty of Niagara Falls is within reach at the Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, a 3-Star hotel on the border of Niagara Falls State Park. Guests can have breakfast daily at the Breakfast Bar or grab a drink in the bar. Other on-site facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and a saltwater lap pool. The air-conditioned guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe, a minifridge, a coffee maker, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf is located close to Pier 39, one of the most iconic parts of San Francisco, and it offers the best services so that you can enjoy an unforgettable stay. Its complete facilities include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, gym and conference rooms. This hotel in San Francisco has more than 500 rooms that are perfectly equipped to offer you maximum comfort. Each of them has satellite TV, a mini-fridge, coffee machine and air conditioning, and many more amenities. The facilities at Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf also include a pool with sun loungers and umbrellas where you can enjoy the Californian climate throughout the hottest months. The food at this hotel in Pier 39 won't disappoint you. At the bar/restaurant, we offer American buffet breakfasts with live cooking stations and a la carte lunches and dinners so that you can choose the dishes you like the most. In addition, you also have the option of the snack bar, open all day, where you can try delicious snacks and appetizers. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco has a gym so sports-lovers have the space to practice their favorite activities. What's more, if you like enjoying entertainment int he evenings, you can listen to live music. If you're in San Francisco for business, this hotel in Pier 39 provides conference rooms where you can hold your meetings and events. Our staff will take care of offering you all the services you need. To make your stay in San Francisco truly unforgettable, we suggest you visit the city's most iconic spots. Don't miss the Golden Gate Bridge, the famous 'Painted Ladies' Victorian houses, ascend the legendary hills with the Cable Car or visit Alcatraz Prison. If you want to find out more, you can visit our San Francisco destination guide and get an idea of everything that awaits you.  

The Fairfield Inn & Suites has a fantastic location in the heart of downtown Chicago. Set in the heart of the city centre, the hotel is five minutes' walk from restaurants and the luxury shops of Michigan Avenue and the banks of the Chicago River. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with a tea & coffee maker, a refrigerator, a flatscreen TV with HBO film channels, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and ironing facilities.