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