États-Unis | Bespoke travel

Panorama of the West: Chicago – Los Angeles

Yulia

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.

Day 1 - CHICAGO
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.

Day 2 - 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.


Breakfast

Day 3 - CHICAGO - FLAGSTAFF (Amtrak Train)
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.


Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - FLAGSTAFF
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.


Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 - SEDONA - 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.


Breakfast

Day 6 - FLAGSTAFF - GRAND CANYON VILLAGE
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.


Breakfast

Day 7 - GRAND CANYON VILLAGE - FLAGSTAFF
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.


Breakfast

Day 8 - FLAGSTAFF - LOS ANGELES
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.


Breakfast

Day 9 - LOS ANGELES
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.


Breakfast

Day 10 - 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.


Breakfast

Day 11 - 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.


Breakfast

Day 12 - LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles

Transfer arranged with Discovery Trains to the airport, depending on your return flight times.


Breakfast

12 days
From 3499 €
Culture
Nature
Family
  • 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.

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olivier D.
1 year ago
Un voyage formidable, merci à Romane et Salomé pour nous avoir préparé un programme personnalisé sur 11 jours dans de belles ville d'Europe : Vienne/Venise/Rome/Florence/Milan avec des trains de nuits , de superbes Hôtels idéalement placés, de précieux conseils de visite ou de restauration, une réactivité exceptionnelle. Bref un voyage l'esprit tranquille, réglé au millimètre avec un rapport qualité prix très attractifs. C'était notre première expérience et nous projetons déjà les voyages suivants avec eux. Je recommande vivement cette agence. Olivier et Coralie
Gérard N.
2 years ago
Le voyage était superbe, merci vraiment pour ce beau programme que vous nous avez concocté. Les hôtels, toujours très proches des gares, étaient très pratiques et de très bonne qualité. Tous ont proposé de superbes petits-déjeuners appréciables. Les paysages traversés sont magnifiques et nous en avons pris plein les yeux. Seul petit bémol, je ne comprends pas pourquoi vous ne nous avez pas commandé le beau temps !! Il aurait fait un beau ciel bleu pour le Bernina Express, je pense que les paysages auraient été superbes, mais la neige au col de la Bernina avait quand même un certain charme au mois de juin !! Super moment sur le bateau avant d'aller prendre le Gothard Panorama, et merci pour la réservation de la table, c'était top. Pour les villes, nous avons surtout apprécié Lucerne qui est une ville magnifique. Peut-être que Lugano par très beau temps est également agréable, mais du coup nous n'avons pas pris de train à crémaillère pour admirer le paysage, le ciel était trop bouché. Voila de bonnes raisons de revenir dans ces coins une autre fois ! Merci encore pour tout, et pour le professionnalisme de votre société que nous recommanderons. Au plaisir pour une autre escapade.
Damien D.
2 years ago
Nous venons de terminer le circuit Transsibérien Aventure de Moscou à Pékin, adapté avec soin selon nos préférences, et nous en sommes ravis ! Un grand merci à Tatiana pour ses conseils avisés et pour avoir rendu ce voyage inoubliable. Les explications étaient claires et l'organisation était parfaite, tout s'est passé exactement comme prévu. Nous avons vécu des moments magnifiques et sommes très reconnaissants pour la disponibilité et l'investissement de toute l'équipe, organisateurs, guides et chauffeurs. Nous recommandons vivement cette agence pour quiconque cherche une expérience de voyage personnalisée et bien organisée. Merci encore !
Valérie T.
2 years ago
Nous venons de faire le circuit "glacier express"a travers la Suisse, en passant par Montreux, Zermatt, Coire et Zurich. Une organisation parfaite avant et pendant le séjour, avec de très bons conseils.Un voyage très paisible à travers des paysages magnifiques. Il n'y a rien à redire, aussi bien concernant les hôtels que les trains, le Travel pass qui permet de prendre tous les transports, le programme détaillé sans mauvaise surprise. Merci pour votre sérieux et votre amabilité. Un très belle première expérience de voyage en train, à refaire sur une nouvelle destination dès que possible.
Sandrine W.
4 years ago
Nous revenons tout juste du "grand tour des sommets " en Suisse, ce fût fabuleux, les paysages sont à couper le souffle, les trains du programme sont spacieux et le personnel aux petits soins, avec une préférence pour le Bernina et son fantastique bus avec la belle découverte du lac de Côme. Nous avons apprécié tous les trains et l'organisation du voyage. Yulia a tout bien organisé et m'a rassurée sur tout le déroulement du séjour, de ce traintrip, une façon bien originale et agréable de découvrir et parcourir la Suisse qui est magnifique ; Malgré tous les voyages faits, celui-ci tient une place particulière pour un voyage si particulier. Sans oublier les hôtels, très propres avec une bonne literie. Notre voyage n'aurait pas été aussi réussi sans Yulia que je remercie. Je recommande vivement ce circuit, rien à redire.
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