Grand Canyon • Zion • Yellowstone Grand Teton • Cedar Breaks

Spectacular rose and gold-hued rock formations, fragrant alpine forests, Native American cultures and the continent's magnificent wildlife. The unfathomable beauty and intricate details of five national treasures.

OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR HOTEL
American Orient Express has negotiated special rates with the Marriott Pyramid North for the evening before the train is scheduled to depart. Please call American Orient Express Reservations for information and pricing.

ITINERARY
DAY 1 — ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO /
BOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS
In the early afternoon we gather at the Marriott Pyramid North for a welcome reception and are transported by motorcoach to the train. On board the American Orient Express, we traverse New Mexico's colorful, arid landscape and cross the Continental Divide, the first of five times! (D)

DAY 2 — GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA
The unparalleled majesty of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River greets us this morning. With its unfathomable dimensions –– 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep –– this geologic wonder is perhaps the nation's most spectacular. We spend the day at the South Rim, where the constant play of light and shadow profoundly changes the colors of the plateaus and mesas within the chasm. From a stop at Yavapai Point, we are given the option to hike to El Tovar, a landmark hotel built in 1905, or continue on to the Mather Point Visitor Center for breathtaking views of the canyon. We lunch at the canyon, with time to stroll along the South Rim from the Hopi House to historic Bright Angel Lodge and Kolb Studio. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT, UTAH
Geologic erosion and uplift have created this deep canyon of rock walls, fins, spires and columns that spans three miles and is over 2,000 feet deep. Cedar Breaks National Monument, situated at an elevation of 10,400 feet on the Colorado Plateau, serves as a colossal natural amphitheater of variegated pink, orange and peach-colored cliffs. We devote the afternoon to exploring its magical landscape, with stops along the rim and the visitor's center at Point Supreme Overlook. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH
The "Heavenly City of God," or Zion, was named by early settlers, and park visitors still find the reference appropriate. Millions of years of unrelenting erosion have formed this primeval wonderland of red sandstone buttes, domes and sheer canyon walls. Select morning adventures at the Temple of Sinawava on the Virgin River; or hike to Weeping Rock where water seeping from the rock creates a surreal garden paradise in a desert canyon. The afternoon is free to stroll the visitor's center and surrounding area. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
The two-million acres of protected land at Yellowstone National Park is inhabited by bears, bald eagles, and herds of bison and elk. More than 10,000 boiling springs, mud pots and geysers –– including Old Faithful are testimony to the geothermal activity rising unusually close to the earth's surface. Today, guides lead us to the Fountain Paint Pots, and Old Faithful –– where we enjoy a picnic lunch –– and finally to West Thumb Geyser Basin. After a full day's journey, we check into a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
Pine forests and delicate strands of aspen decorate the valley at the base of the serrated Teton Mountains. This morning we explore this range –– perhaps the most abrupt and breathtaking in America, with Grand Teton towering at 13,770 feet. Centuries ago, Native Americans hunted the great elk herds that gathered here. We explore Jenny Lake –– majestic, yet tranquil, a favorite site for photographers and sightseers –– and the Church of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel. An optional excursion begins with an early breakfast, then a gentle, scenic float trip on the Snake River, meeting up with the group later. We spend time enjoying the collection at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which overlooks the elk refuge. Later, after free time in Jackson, we transfer to the train for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Our American Orient Express journey ends mid-morning. Stay on in Salt Lake City for additional sightseeing or make individual arrangements to return home. (B)
 

Upon request, American Orient Express can arrange transfers and hotel for a pre- or post-tour visit to Santa Fe. Please call American Orient Express for more information and pricing.