Yulia - Travel Expert
- From Chicago to Los Angeles aboard legendary trains
- Cinematic scenery: Rockies, deserts and the Pacific
- A rail journey between culture and vast open landscapes
A real adventure through the vastness of the Grand Canyon’s landscapes. This legendary route takes you along the most iconic road in the world: Route 66.
Chicago
Arrival in Chicago. Private transfer between the airport and the hotel.
After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, you can already set off on your own to explore the city.
Chicago is renowned for its architecture and boasts some of the tallest buildings in the world. In the late afternoon, take the time to stroll along the “Magnificent Mile” and its well-known shops.
Overnight at the hotel in Chicago.
Chicago
In the morning, you will join a group for a 3.5-hour guided tour in French of “The Loop” that will also give you a glimpse of today’s Chicago (with its renovated institutions, its multi-level transportation system, its food courts, organic markets…), as well as a city with a long, scandalous past that keeps reinventing itself—driven by a remarkable spirit of resilience and the relaxed, easy pace of life of the Midwest.
Free afternoon for personal discovery.
Think of the most iconic stops such as Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Skydeck Chicago, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, 360 Chicago and much more. Discover the city’s history and its importance in the country’s industrialization. During the weekday tour, entry to certain iconic buildings is scheduled.
Overnight at the hotel in Chicago.
Chicago
Free morning. Make your way to the central station on your own.
Your train departs in the early afternoon toward the state of Arizona. On board, you will have full-board service.
Overnight on the train.
Flagstaff
Day on board the train. Enjoy the varied and spectacular landscapes, from the desert to the mountains, passing by unique rock formations. Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining car.
Arrival in Flagstaff in the evening. You can reach the hotel by public transport or even on foot if you’d like to stretch your legs after this train journey. (about 20 minutes).
Flagstaff is a picturesque town in northern Arizona, at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks mountains. It is known for its breathtaking natural surroundings, with Ponderosa pine forests, canyons, and mountains.
Overnight at the hotel in Flagstaff.
Sedona
On this excursion day, you will explore Sedona’s red rocks departing from Flagstaff.
Discover the city of Sedona’s mystical “energies”, travel through the scenic Oak Creek Canyon before spending a few hours learning more about the city’s alleged “vortex” sites. You will have the afternoon to explore the many art galleries and lunch options at your own pace.
Overnight at the hotel in Flagstaff.
Grand Canyon Village
From Flagstaff, depart by bus to the Grand Canyon to reach your hotel located in the heart of the national park.
For this day, you can leave your suitcases at the hotel and take only a backpack. Explore the area by walking along the rim, from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. Highlights of this day trip to the Grand Canyon: The South Rim — This is the deepest, widest, and most scenic part of the canyon.
Overnight at the hotel in Grand Canyon Village.
Grand Canyon Village
Free morning in front of the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon. The contrast of the colors between the reddish rocks and the blue sky is striking at sunrise. Whether hiking along rugged trails, taking a helicopter flight, or simply enjoying the view from the viewpoints, the Grand Canyon reveals the power and beauty of nature.
In the afternoon, depart by bus to the town of Flagstaff.
Overnight at the hotel in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff
Downtown Flagstaff is full of charm, and one of its best-known treasures is the Lowell Observatory. The observatory offers visitors spectacular views of the night sky and runs educational programs to uncover the mysteries of the universe.
In the early evening, make your way to the station on your own. Your Amtrak train departs toward Los Angeles.
Overnight on the train.
Los Angeles
Your cross-country journey ends in Los Angeles, the “City of Angels”. Train arrival in the morning.
You’ll make your way to your hotel on your own. Welcome to the most welcoming hotel in Hollywood.
Start your exploration day with Beverly Hills. By wandering through palm-lined streets, you can admire the magnificent villas and gardens, symbols of Hollywood luxury and glamour. Take a tour of the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel with its iconic pink architecture. Then head to the heart of elegance: Rodeo Drive.
Overnight at the hotel in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
In the morning, depart for a group guided tour of Hollywood Boulevard. You will begin at the famous Walk of Fame, where thousands of stars pay tribute to the biggest film, music, and television stars. The tour will also take you past the legendary Chinese Theatre, with the hand and footprints of immortal stars embedded in the cement.
Free afternoon to explore the city. For a stunning view over the city, head to the Griffith Observatory. Not far away, for an even better view of the Hollywood Sign, we recommend going to the Lake Hollywood Park!
Overnight at the hotel in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Free day for personal sightseeing.
Start your day at Venice Beach, where art, culture, and the beach come together. You can watch street artists, browse unique shops, and see skaters riding through the iconic skatepark.
Head out to discover the charming Venice canals. Inspired by the Italian city of the same name, these canals provide a calm and picturesque setting for a stroll on foot.
Next, make your way to Santa Monica with the famous Santa Monica Pier, featuring its iconic ferris wheel and seaside theme park. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean—especially if you ride the big wheel.
Overnight at the hotel in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Transfer arranged with Discovery Trains to the airport, depending on your return flight times.
- Night train tickets Amtrak Chicago – Flagstaff and Flagstaff – Los Angeles in a Superliner Roomette Cabin
- Airport-to-hotel transfer in Chicago
- Hotel-to-airport transfer in Los Angeles
- Accommodation according to the itinerary: 4* hotel, breakfast included
- Meals on board the night trains
- Guided group tour in Chicago (French-speaking)
- Sedona group tour from Flagstaff (English-speaking)
- Guided group tour in Los Angeles (French-speaking)
- Round-trip bus tickets Flagstaff–Williams–Flagstaff
- The travel journal in electronic format
- International transport
- The ESTA electronic visa
- The single supplement in hotels
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the program
- Private transfers between stations and hotels
- Any insurance
- The travel journal in paper version sent by post (+ €12)
Amtrak Southwest Chief Train runs along the iconic route of approximately 3,645 kmand crosses eight states (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California). The route follows part of the former historic route of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (ATSF), once used by settlers. During the journey, the train offers breathtaking views from the panoramic car of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, as well as the desert in Arizona. The dining car provides full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Chicago > Flagstaff (31h44)
Flagstaff > Los Angeles (11h42)
- Superliner Roomette Cabin:
Ideal for one or two passengers, with two comfortable reclining seats on either side of a large picture window bay. At night, the seats turn into a comfortable bed, and an upper bunk folds down from above. The Roomettes are located on both the upper and lower levels of the two-level Superliner cars.
A washbasin, a shower, and restrooms are available to share at the end of each car.