The Pacific Northwest is known for plenty of things: gorgeous national parks, breathtaking mountain peaks, lush green landscapes, open spaces, volcanic vistas, waterfalls, and vibrant cities. During this nine-day Portland and Seattle Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago, you’ll have the opportunity to experience why so many people fall in love with this upper-left-hand corner of North America. Spend two nights aboard the Empire Builder and take in views of a portion of the Lewis and Clark trail, the great Mississippi, the North Dakota plains, and Glacier National Park in Montana. When you arrive in Portland, you’ll have two days to explore the city’s charms and crowd-pleasing attractions. In Seattle, take time to shop, dine, and enjoy—from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, there’s no telling what you’ll discover before heading back to Chicago!
PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
*Portland hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour is seasonal from June to October. A sightseeing Cruise of Portland will be substituted.
Disclaimer:
Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
DAY 1 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK
Your journey begins aboard the Empire Builder as it departs out of Chicago at 2:15 PM and heads toward Portland, Oregon. The route will first head north through Wisconsin and Minnesota, offer amazing views of the Mississippi River, and introduce you to the city lights of Minneapolis and St. Paul. (Overnight aboard Amtrak)
DAY 2 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK
When you awake the next morning, you'll be greeted by the North Dakota plains and traverse the Gassman Coulee Trestle near Minot. After passing the Missouri, you'll arrive in Montana in the early evening as the train makes its way through Glacier National Park. During certain months of the year, National Park Service (NPS) guides are onboard the Empire Builder to connect you with the sights you see out of your window. (Overnight aboard Amtrak)
DAY 3 PORTLAND
Welcome to the City of Roses! Whether it's your first trip to Portland, or you simply want to experience this incredible city a second (or hundredth) time, you're going to want to get outdoors! The air is fresh, the streetscapes are lively, the neighborhoods are extremely walkable, and the locals are friendly. You don't have to venture very far from your hotel to enjoy the tranquility of a secluded bay or forested hiking trail. There will be plenty of time to explore on your own and as well as visit famous attractions with your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour such as Pioneer Square, the Pittock Mansion, or Tom McCall Waterfront Park. (Overnight in Portland)
DAY 4 PORTLAND
The day is yours to enjoy the city as you wish with your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Visit the Oregon Zoo and see African wild dogs, black bears, Amur leopards and tigers, and the black rhino. Other popular attractions include the Chinese Garden, Washington Park, and the Oregon Historical Society. Feel free to hop off at any stop to further explore the area at your leisure. (Overnight in Portland)
DAY 5 SEATTLE
Welcome to Seattle! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Get to know the city by exploring the best attractions with your included CityPass, including the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59, Chihuly Garden and Glass museum to brose a comprehensive collection of world-renowned art, the Woodland Park Zoo, and more! When the sun shines overhead, you'll understand why Seattle is called the “Emerald City.” (Overnight in Seattle)
DAY 6 SEATTLE
On your second day in this gem of a city, spend some time at the Space Needle. From the observation deck, take in incredible views of Puget Sound, the city skyline, Elliot Bay, and even Mount Rainier. If you happen to be a coffee lover, you'll definitely want to check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room on Capitol Hill for exclusive beverages, coffee library, and more. A visit to the Pacific Science Center lets you explore faraway galaxies in the planetarium and enter the Tropical Butterfly House. And no trip to Seattle would be complete without wandering and eating your way through the iconic Pike Place Market! With its famous fish tossing and over 225 local artisans selling their goods, you could easily spend an entire day here. (Overnight in Seattle)
DAY 7 - 8 OVERNIGHT ONBOARD AMTRAK
Enjoy the morning and early afternoon exploring more of Seattle before boarding the train for your return journey to Chicago. You'll spend two more nights aboard the Empire Builder, where you'll get to take in the sights and scenery you may have missed on the way to Portland. (Overnight aboard Amtrak)
DAY 9 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN CHICAGO
LEGEND FOR MEALS: B - Breakfast, BR - Brunch, L - Lunch, D -Dinner
Explore all Portland has to offer from one of the city’s most treasured historic landmarks. Founded in 1913, The Benson features elegant European design with a host of modern amenities. See why U.S. Presidents and CEOs have made The Benson their home away from home for a hundred years—and why The Oregonian voted us Best Portland Hotel in 2012.
Perfectly located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the award-winning Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle – Downtown offers an exceptional blend of service, style and comfort..
Union Station is located just outside 1 minute walking distance. Hotel is located a block east for easy access to attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place. Features a heated indoor pool, sun deck, cardio and weight equipment in the health centre. Enjoy free breakfast and our complimentary evening reception.
One of the city’s most celebrated historic landmarks and a premier luxury hotel in Seattle, Fairmont Olympic Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Seattle, close to Pike Place Market and many local attractions.
Located just three blocks from the Space Needle, Chihuly Glass Museum, Monorail, the Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly EMP), Hyatt Place Seattle is conveniently located close to all major attractions. Complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to Pike Place Market, downtown shopping, and the waterfront! Complimentary hot breakfast buffet for all Amtrak guests. Complimentary shuttle service to Westlake Station for Link Light Rail service directly to Pioneer Square (5 minutes) and the Stadium Station (9 mins) for T-Mobile & CenturyLink Stadiums. Our Gallery menu has food and beverage options available 24/7 plus lots of amazing restaurants just a few steps away.
Warwick Seattle is an elegant hotel located in downtown Seattle and within walking distance to most Seattle attractions such as the Seattle Center, home of the Seattle Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and MoPOP (formerly Experience Music Project), and the Seattle Opera, Pike Place Market, world-class shopping and a multitude of dining and entertainment options
Disclaimer:
Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.