Ffestiniog Travel

Thursday 6 September to Sunday 23 September 2012

This tour is an unforgettable journey through the remarkable landscape of Western USA. We travel on some of the country’s pioneering railroads to see the raw beauty of its canyons, valleys, deserts, ridges and National Parks. You will be amazed by the sheer grandeur and spectacular scenery you encounter.

Day 1   Flight to San Francisco

We fly to San Francisco and transfer to the Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel where we stay for 3 nights.

Day 2   At leisure in San Francisco

A day to relax, unwind or explore San Francisco. The hotel is ideally situated for this wonderful city’s star attractions, the iconic cable cars, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. A day ticket for all San Francisco’s public transport is available so you can hop on a historic tram on route F outside the hotel entrance and see the sights at leisure.

Day 3   Logging trains and giant redwoods

We journey south by private coach to Roaring Camp, a reconstruction of a typical old-time settlement. The trip includes a ride through the high redwoods on the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railway which uses famous Shay steam logging locomotives. Later we catch a typical American “short line” train down to the Pacific Coast and Santa Cruz.

Day 4   The San Joaquin Valley

After a short transfer to Emeryville station, Amtrak’s “San Joaquin “ service takes us on a comfortable journey through California’s fruit growing region to Merced where our coach will take us up to Fish Camp, 5000 feet above sea level and situated on the edge of the Yosemite National Park. We settle in for a 2-night stay at the Tenaya Lodge.

Day 5   Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

A 3ft gauge former steam logging rail line is a fabulous way to see the beauty of the Sierra National Forest. Further natural wonders are on offer later when we visit the famous Mariposa Grove with its incredible Giant Sequoia Redwoods.

Day 6   Yosemite Valley

After a short transfer into Yosemite Valley, we enjoy a day of leisure with time to explore. A free “hop on and off” bus service operates in the valley to all points of interest. An interpretation centre and IMAX theatre explains the origins of this beautiful area. Onwards to Sacramento for a 1-night stay on the Delta King – a genuine riverboat which plied the Sacramento River until 1940 – now an extremely well appointed floating hotel.

Day 7   Through the High Sierras

Amtrak’s “California Zephyr” train takes us into the Wild West over the Donner Pass and across the Utah Desert. All meals are included on the train and its comfortable lounge and bar cars make it easy to sit back and enjoy the panoramic views. Comfortable two berth roomettes or, for a supplementary charge, two berth bedrooms with private facilities, will be your accommodation for the night. It is possible to have either type of cabin for single occupancy by paying an additional charge.

Day 8   Bryce Canyon

Arriving at Green River, we travel by coach to Bryce Canyon for a 2-night stay. Our journey is via the petroglyphs, switchbacks and petrified sand dunes at Torrey, then over the spectacular Highway 12 past the razor-thin Hogback Ridge.

Day 9   At leisure at Bryce Canyon

You have a full day to explore the awe inspiring sandstone features which cover a large area of the canyon. Shuttle buses operate on three routes within the park to all major viewpoints.

Day 10   Onwards to Grand Canyon

We continue by road to the Grand Canyon South Rim Village for a 2-night stay. We will stop en route to view the 710 foot high dam at Glen Canyon before a lunchtime break at Page followed by a guided walk through the eerie beauty of the Navajo’s Antelope Canyon.

Day 11   Free day at Grand Canyon

Once again there are free shuttle buses to take you to the many viewpoints along the South Rim – a truly memorable and breathtaking experience.

Day 12   Monument Valley

Heading east, we reach Monument Valley where we encounter all those familiar scenes made famous in countless western movies. We continue to Bluff, a sleepy little village where a small family run motel will make us welcome.

Day 13   Mesa Verde

En route to Durango we take time to visit Mesa Verde, a high plateau some miles from the main road and inhabited from AD600 to AD1300 by Pueblo People who lived in cliff dwellings. 600 such dwellings remain and can be viewed. We overnight in Durango.

Day 14   Durango and Silverton Railroad

We take a morning narrow gauge steam train through the Animas Canyon to Silverton, an old mining town now beautifully preserved as a reminder of the Wild West. There is time for lunch here before returning by train to Durango.

Day 15   Cumbres and Toltec Railroad

Onwards to Chama, New Mexico, where we join the narrow gauge steam train on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. The long climb to the summit at Cumbres Pass (10,015 feet) offer tremendous views down the valley. After lunch at Osier (included), we continue to Antonito from where our coach will transfer us to the nearby town of Alamosa.

Day 16   Royal Gorge Railroad

We now head north to Canon City and the Royal Gorge Railroad. Following the raging Arkansas River upstream through the gorge - once part of the transcontinental main line -our train will be hauled by one of the iconic U.S. streamlined diesel locos. After the return journey and weather permitting, we will take the coach to the top of the gorge where, for a very modest charge, we can walk across the valley on a suspension bridge, ride across on a cable car or take a funicular down to the bottom to photograph the afternoon train going through. We overnight at Woodland Park.

Day 17   Denver

A leisurely drive takes us to the Colorado state capital of Denver where there is time for a little sightseeing or shopping before a final transfer to the airport for our evening flight home.

Day 18   Arrive London

Lunchtime arrival at London Heathrow.