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Southwest Spirit Escorted Journey

Hot air, canyons, red rocks and stars all in one incredible journey

  • Grand Canyon>
  • Sedona>
  • Los Angeles

The Southwest Spirit Escorted Rail Journey takes one through the Southwest highlighting some of the most sought after sights and destinations our country has to offer.  Start your trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the world-famous "Balloon Fiesta" and witness one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the World, followed by a trip aboard Grand Canyon Railway with an overnight stay on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Off to Lake Powell for a relaxing float trip down the Colorado River before continuing on to Sedona, called the most beautiful place in our country by USA Today.  We finish in Santa Monica with some relaxing fun in the sun plus we'll check out where all the stars live!

For more information or to make a reservation,
call our rail vacation experts at 1-800-AMTRAK-2

Package Includes:

  • Eight nights' hotel accomodations
  • One Way minicoach from Albuquerque to Williams
  • One Way Amtrak from Flagstaff to Los Angeles in sleeper accomodations
  • Meals included in dining car
  • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Events and special dinner
  • 21 meals (9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners)
  • Grand Canyon Railway excursion in Luxury Parlor Class
  • Tours of Albuquerque, Grand Canyon, Sedona Area, Lake Powell Area and Los Angeles
  • Amtrak Vacations Escort throughout your journey
  • Travel Portfolio
  • All Taxes

Special Programs

Map of Southwest Spirit Escorted Journey train vacation Click to Zoom The Map

  • All Gratuities aboard the Amtrak Train (sleeping car attendent and dining car)
  • Amtrak Vacations Tour Escort Gratuity
  • Transportation to Albuquerque and from Los Angeles to start or end your journey

Day 1 - Arrive & Explore Albuquerque, Welcome

Welcome to New Mexico.  Meet your tour escort and fellow traveles at tonight's wine and cheese welcome reception.  (Overnight at Hotel Andaluz)

 

Day 2 - Balloon Fiesta

Rise and shine!  We are up early to take in the some of the best moments one can experience at the Balloon Fiesta followed by a tour of Albuquerque.  We will go back at night for the evening glow.  (Overnight at Hotel Andaluz) B,D

 

Day 3 - Minicoach transfer to Williams

Today we will depart Albuquerque, and travel to Williams, AZ and the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Along the way, we will visit the Petrified Forest and/or the Painted Desert with a lunch stop included.  (Overnight in Williams) B,L,D

 

Day 4 - Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim

After breakfast at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, we will board the train in Luxury Parlor Class for the 2-hour journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  After arrival we will do a South Rim Tour and have lunch. There will be plenty of free time to meander around the South Rim and it's scenic vistas. (Overnight at the Thunderbird Lodge) B,L,D

 

Day 5 - Grand Canyon to Sedona via Lake Powell (Page, AZ)

Transfer by comfortable 12 passenger conversion vans to Lake Powell to enjoy an incredible float trip down the Colorado River. Following the tour, we will have dinner at the Cameron Trading Post before ending our day in Sedona. (Overnight  at the Amara Resort & Spa) B,L,D

 

Day 6 -  Sedona

After breakfast, we will enjoy a 2-hour jeep tour of Sedona, which has been called the "Prettiest place in our country" by USA Today. You will have the afternoon free to explore Sedona's beauty on your own. (Overnight at Amara Resort & Spa) B,D

 

Day 7 - Sedona Area Tour Enroute to Flagstaff for Amtrak Departure

Today we will see some more sights en-route to Flagstaff to board Amtrak for our journey to Los Angeles.  The famous Rt. 66 goes right through Flagstaff.  (Overnight aboard the train) B,D

 

Day 8 - Arrive in Los Angeles

Wake up refreshed, have breakfast before arriving in Los Angeles, The City of Angels.  We will transfer from the Los Angeles Amtrak Station to Santa Monica with a short afternoon activity.  The rest of the day will be on your own.   (Overnight at Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica) B,L,D

 

Day 9 - Los Angeles Area Tour

After breakfast, we will depart for a complete tour of Los Angeles.  Photo opportunities at the famous Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and movie stars homes to name a few.  We will return to our hotel to prepare for our finale dinner. (Overnight at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica) B,D

 

Day 10 - Your Tour Ends

The tour concludes with breakfast at your hotel.  At this point you will have options to extend your vacation.  Here are some ideas:

 

  • Stay additional nights in Los Angeles
  • Continue North to see Hearst Castle, Yosemite and San Francisco
  • Head South towards San Diego.  Stay at the L'Auberge Del Mar or the Estancia Resort on the California Coast  B

 

Legend for Meals:
B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner

Map of Southwest Spirit Escorted Journey rail trip Click to Zoom The Map
Not Included:
  • All Gratuities aboard the Amtrak Train (sleeping car attendent and dining car)
  • Amtrak Vacations Tour Escort Gratuity
  • Transportation to Albuquerque and from Los Angeles to start or end your journey

New 2012 date and itinerary is now available

 

2012 Dates Double Single Save Up To:
October 11-20, 2012 $5,790 $6,990 $600pp
Upgrade to Bedroom $250pp $450pp

 

**Prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at time of booking. Prices above do NOT include the Early Booking Discount. (EBD) EBD will reduce as customers book each departure.  The earlier one books, the greater chance of receiving the highest EBD.  If at any time, the price of any escorted tour is reduced, the price will be adjusted for ALL existing bookings. Amtrak, Amtrak Vacations, City Of New Orleans Train are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

 

Payment Terms
$300 Per Person Non-refundable Deposit

Full-payment due 90 days prior to departure.

Map of Southwest Spirit Escorted Journey rail vacation Click to Zoom The Map
Not Included:
  • All Gratuities aboard the Amtrak Train (sleeping car attendent and dining car)
  • Amtrak Vacations Tour Escort Gratuity
  • Transportation to Albuquerque and from Los Angeles to start or end your journey

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

Sleeping & Seating

Sleeping Accommodations

Amtrak trains traveling on long-distance routes typically use either two-level Superliner or one-level Viewliner train car equipment, each of which include bedrooms arranged in various configurations and private and public bathrooms and showers.

Superliner

To learn more about Superliner room amenities and to view room schematics and QuickTime Virtual Tours, click on the links associated with each bedroom type below. Or launch the 3D tour to interactively explore the rooms in greater detail.

 

Superliner 3D Tour

 

Viewliner

To learn more about Viewliner room amenities and to view room schematics and QuickTime Virtual Tours, click on the links associated with each bedroom type below. Or launch the 3D tour to interactively explore the rooms in greater detail.


Viewliner 3D Tour

 

Seating Accommodations

The availability of these options varies depending on your route and the kind of train equipment in use.

Coach Class

Coach class seats are available on all Amtrak trains except Acela Express trains.

On most long-distance trains, we provide extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.