Your incredible rail journey of the USA begins today in the beautiful cosmopolitan city of San Francisco. Home to cable cars, world-class restaurants and a bustling cultural scene, San Francisco never ceases to amaze newcomers as wells as locals. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your premium hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Le Meridien, San Francisco

Visit the infamous island of Alcatraz, once a federal penitentiary that housed criminals such as Al Capone.

This morning after breakfast, you will enjoy an enthralling tour of San Francisco. Along the way, you will stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, said to be the most famous bridge in the world. You will also meet a community of sea lions who live at the popular Fisherman’s Wharf.

Journey by train on the San Joaquin route through California’s Central Valley, bordered by coastal mountain ranges and Yosemite National Park. At Merced you’ll board a coach to Yosemite itself to enjoy a tour of the Valley Floor, taking in views of Half Dome, the 3,000 ft El Capitan and the spectacular Bridalveil Falls.

After today’s rail journey, head to Turlock to spend the night.

Stay: Best Western Orchard Turlock

Continue the journey on the San Joaquin route southwards today.

Arriving in Bakersfield, you’ll transfer by coach across the Mojave Desert into Las Vegas in the state of Nevada.

Stay: Two Nights, Las Vegas, Park MGM

Explore incredible Las Vegas at leisure today. The monorail is a great way to discover the amazing sights and spectacles of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Absorb the atmosphere and enjoy an extraordinary selection of entertainment choices on your doorstep including the world-famous casinos.

Head across Nevada to Arizona, via Hoover Dam. Entering Arizona you’ll drive on the legendary Route 66. Arrive in Flagstaff for a two-night stay amidst 500 picturesque acres of ponderosa pine forest.

Stay: Two Nights, Flagstaff, Little America Hotel

Travel in vintage carriages hauled by historic locomotives on the Grand Canyon Railway to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, the canyon is up to 18 miles wide, and one mile deep.

Created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, the Grand Canyon is up to 18 miles wide, and one mile deep. Arrive at the South Rim and main viewpoint of the canyon to take in dramatic vistas.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of an American Western film as you drive through Navajo country and Utah’s Monument Valley. The region evokes the feeling of a time gone by, with cowboys still herding cattle across untouched hills and Native Americans performing rituals passed down through the ages.

Stay: Holiday Inn & Suites Durango

Board the Durango and Silverton Railroad for a journey across the remote wilderness of the National Forest.

Aboard your train, travel through breathtaking canyons and past emerald-green rivers to Silverton, before arriving in Grand Junction.

Stay: Grand Junction, Hampton Inn

Today your journey will take you along one of the USA’s most scenic rail routes, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.

On an Insider Experience, you will journey high up into the Rocky region, arriving in the city of Denver.

Stay: Two Nights, Staybridge Suites Denver

Explore Denver at your leisure today. The city boasts a mile-long promenade lined with cafes and shops and a mountain view down every street. It’s also home to many nationally-recognised museums and has many art districts located around town.

After your sightseeing adventure, board your overnight train to Chicago.

Explore the natural attractions of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park, with a wide array of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, eagles and hawks.

Stay: California Zephyr sleeper train

Arrive in Chicago this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Stay: Chicago, Cambria Hotel

Later this evening, you will board the Lake Shore Limited for the overnight journey to Buffalo.

Explore the ‘Windy City’, Chicago today on a tour.

Stay: Lake Shore Limited Sleeper Train

Arrive in Buffalo and transfer to Niagara Falls. You have the opportunity to explore the falls from the water on a river tour (own expense).

Stay: Niagara Falls Hampton Inn

Today, board the Maple Leaf service to New York City for a day-long train journey.

Stay: Two Nights, Manhattan The Parker Hotel

Enjoy a guided tour before a harbour cruise around Manhattan past the Statue of Liberty.

Today you will transfer to the train station for your rail journey to Washington DC.

Stay: Two Nights, Washington Fairfax Embassy Row

Washington offers visitors countless options from museums, galleries, memorials and more. Enjoy this free day to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.