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202420252026
5 days From $759 per person
(29 reviews)
Heritage Tour
Long considered one of the most scenic routes in the United States, the California Zephyr takes you from the beautiful city of Chicago to the City by the Bay, San Francisco, by way of the spectacular Rockies and Sierras.
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
2025 Tour code: TU-CZEW-25
About the tour
Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco,take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famedattractions such as the John Hanco*ck Observation Deck, ride theFerris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile.The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its severalmuseums and the renowned Art Institute.
After your stay in Chicago, begin your journey west as you boardtheCalifornia Zephyrtowards San Francisco. Along theway, engulf yourself in absolute beauty as you pass through thefrontier of the Colorado Rockies. As if that isn't breathtakingenough, as you continue your journey be dazzled by the naturalbeauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. When you finally do reachSan Francisco, take your final days of the journey to explore thisstriking city. Make sure to visit Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, orhop on a cable car for a classic way to experience the City by theBay.
This tour truly encompasses natural beauty so spectacular ittakes your breath away - on a dazzling ride that touches thesky!
Itinerary is available Eastbound from San Francisco toChicago based on your travel preference.
Highlights
- Hop On Hop Off Chicago sightseeing tour
- Experience the majestic Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Ride through the Moffat Tunnel
- See Colorado's Gore
- Byers and Glenwood Canyons
- Winter Park
- Truckee River
- Donner Lake
- San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait
- Call to book
- Enquire about this tour
What’s included
- Trains
- Transportation aboard Amtrak (2 nights on train)
- Accommodation
- Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
- Food & Drink
- Meals on train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
- Not Included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights and Airport transfers
Itinerary
Day 1 - Chicago
Independent arrival into Chicago. Transfer to your hotel,located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Explore the mostspectacular areas of the city with a hop-on/ hop-off trolley touror simply by jumping on the closest Chicago "L" train. Museums, thefamous Magnificent Mile, shopping and world-renowned cuisine areall within steps of your hotel. Overnight Chicago.
Day 2 - California Zephyr
Day 3 - Colorado Rockies aboard the California Zephyr
Day 4 - San Francisco Arrival
Day 5 - San Francisco
- View itinerary map
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Additional information
Pricing Plans
Please note
Departure times
Mobility information
Hotels
Palmer House Hilton, Chicago
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Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
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Train
Amtrak's California Zephyr
Enhance your holiday
Upgrades
Elevate Your Adventure
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Rail Your Way
Reviews
4.2 / 5 · 29 reviews
5 stars
(11)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
LINDA GRECO
Submitted 8/May
Wasn't an experience i expected. Crew seems new or disorganized. Air vent control not working. Had to keep door open all times like traveling in coach.
Collected by Trustpilot
REGINA TRUXELL
Submitted 3/May
The staff on train was very good and accommodating. However, expectations were not managed well at all. We did not know of "chicago hop on and off" until after we made flight arrangements. Therefore, we missed this opportunity. It was not made clear our drop-off in san francisco was a street corner. It was a Sunday night at 9pm. We were directed to a taxi stand and no taxis for 20 mins. We ended up using Lyft. An app we were not familiar with. We were not told of the added fees and taxes at both hotels. While we appreciated Amtrak's willingness to accommodate diet restrictions, the same menu for both days only allowed one and same choice for "vegan" at each meal; and not desserts were vegan. All of these mismanaged expectations impacted the full enjoyment of the trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
CRAIG CROOK
Submitted 09 Nov 2023
The roommette is spacious enough for two people for the money but would be nice for mattresses and pillows to be a little thicker.
Collected by Trustpilot
Sheila Garrett
Submitted 27 Aug 2023
Very comfortable in coach I did think the prise of the food was a bit high
Collected by Trustpilot
LEE SOURMAN STOCKER
Submitted 08 Jun 2023
great experience
Collected by Trustpilot
MICHAEL SWARM
Submitted 20 Apr 2023
Great family bonding adventure
Collected by Trustpilot
Show 6 more reviews
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