May 5 - May 13 Double/Twin: $2800 No GST on US tours *LAND ONLY PRICES*
Day 1
Home City - Seattle, WS
Plan a leisurely day as you wing your way west to Seattle, Washington, arriving in the late afternoon
Day 2
Pike Place Market is a shopper’s paradise featuring everything from antiques to art and fresh flowers to the famous “flying fish.” A guided tour of the "Emerald City" ends with free time in the famed market and an included lunch on the waterfront. The Empire Builder departs for Chicago at 4:45pm. You will spend the next two nights on the train. Roll across Washington, through the Cascades as the sun sets.
Day 3
Arise early this morning, as your ride through Glacier National Park begins about 8am. Sunset finds you on the prairies of North Dakota, approaching Minot.
Day 4
You’ll awaken in Minneapolis, then wind your way through the Wisconsin Dells region to Milwaukee and Chicago, arriving at 4pm. Our accommodations, a beautifully restored historic property, are just blocks from Union Station in downtown Chicago. We’ll gather and dine together tonight, sharing tales of our travels.
Day 5
The morning features a narrated city tour, giving an opportunity to learn about the infamous fire that nearly wiped out the town, how it was reborn and has perhaps the most amazing architecture of any city in the United States. An afternoon visit to Shedd Aquarium, with its many exhibits and a comfortable theatre where you can watch the creatures of the seas, rounds out your day. Of course, should you prefer to join us only for the morning or afternoon activities and have a portion of your day at leisure, you are welcome to make that choice. Dine tonight at one of Chicago's most famous eateries: Lawry’s Prime Rib.
Day 6
The morning is free, before an early lunch at a Chicago landmark, Pizzeria Uno. Then board the California Zephyr for the second leg of your rail adventure. Cross central Illinois as afternoon turns to evening. Spend the next two nights on the train.
day 7
Arrive in Denver at breakfast time. Your passage through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains is done during the day. The sun sets on the plains of Utah. Pass through Salt Lake City at 11pm and cross the desert during the night
Day 8
You’re in the home stretch now. Welcome to California where you'll scale the Sierra Nevada at Donner Summit, arriving in Sacramento at 3:40pm. Celebrate your final night with a visit to Old Sacramento, a historic riverside collection of restaurants, saloons and shops.
Day 9
Sacramento, CA - Home City
Following breakfast, return to your home city from Sacramento International Airport.
