Big Sky Montana
6 days / 5 nights Independent Holiday Package
Departs daily
From Chicago or Seattle
Download a printable PDF of this tour
From Seattle WA, Portland OR, Vancouver BC, Chicago IL or Minneapolis MN you can take this overnight train journey aboard the famous Empire Builder. During the journey you can trace parts of the Lewis and Clarke route. Glacier National Park is noted for its rugged mountains built by powerful plate tectonics and carved out by glaciers. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring extensive hiking trails, varied wildlife and stunning vistas. In the winter, explore the wonderful ski trails Whitefish has to offer.
Itinerary 1 from the East
Day 1 – Chicago IL / Amtrak
All Aboard. Board the Empire Builder in Chicago IL and commence your journey westwards. Overnight on the train.
Day 2 – Amtrak
All day on the train aboard the Empire Builder while you enjoy the central plains as you head towards the rugged Rockies. Overnight on the train.
Day 3 – Whitefish MT area
Arrive early morning and transfer to your hotel and prepare for your day. If you are staying in Whitefish, you can enjoy new high-speed quad chairs whisking you to the Summit House of Big Mountain and providing sightseers breathtaking views in both summer and winter!
Guests staying in Belton or West Glacier in the summer or winter will enjoy their sojourn at the first lodge built by the Great Northern Railway for Glacier National Park.
If you choose Essex, this hideaway village of 30 people features the Isaak Walton Inn, a converted railroad bunkhouse. Guests enjoy home cooked meals in the original historic railway setting. This is a popular stopping off point for cross country skiers and railway fans alike. In the summer the ski trails double as hiking trails. Anyone for staying in a converted caboose? Overnight at your resort or hotel.
Day 4 – Whitefish MT area
Continue your Big Sky Montana experience. Overnight at your resort or hotel.
Day 5 – Whitefish MT area / Amtrak
Another day of enjoying nature before your early evening departure on the Empire Builder back home. Overnight on the train.
Day 6 – Amtrak / Chicago IL
Arrive at the train station in Chicago IL and then depart for home.
Itinerary 2 from the West
Day 1 – Seattle WA / Amtrak
All Aboard. Board the Empire Builder later in the day in Seattle WA and enjoy the Cascade Range as you head towards the rugged Rockies. Overnight on the train.
Day 2 – Amtrak / Whitefish MT area
Enjoy all the facilities on the train including the full service dining car and the sightseer lounge car for all the amazing scenery. If you are staying in Whitefish, you can enjoy new high-speed quad chairs whisking you to the Summit House of Big Mountain and providing sightseers breathtaking views in both summer and winter!
Guests staying in Belton or West Glacier in the summer or winter will enjoy their sojourn at the first lodge built by the Great Northern Railway for Glacier National Park.
If you choose Essex, this hideaway village of 30 people features the Isaak Walton Inn, a converted railroad bunkhouse. Guests enjoy home cooked meals in the original historic railway setting. This is a popular stopping off point for cross country skiers and railway fans alike. In the summer the ski trails double as hiking trails. Anyone for staying in a converted caboose? Overnight at your resort or hotel.
Days 3 and 4 – Whitefish MT area
A leisure day in San Francisco to shop and experience the uniqueness of the city, including Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, SF street cars and much more. Overnight San Francisco.
Day 5 – Whitefish MT area / Amtrak
A morning departure on the Empire Builder back to Seattle WA. Overnight on the train.
Day 6 – Amtrak / Seattle WA
Arrive at the train station in Seattle WA and then depart for home.
Price includes
- Transportation and transfers, as described.
- Select sightseeing, activities, and admissions, as described.
- Meals as described.
- Accommodation as described.
- Not included – any items not listed such as but not limited to meals (other than listed); baggage handling; gratuities; travel insurance; personal expenses; custom tour add-ons.
- Please read Things To Know Before You Go for further information.
Options
- Our Tour Coordinators can arrange flights or Amtrak connections. Please advise at time of booking.
Info to know
- Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of $250 CDN per person deposit.
- A complete self-guiding itinerary and vouchers are provided after receipt of full and final payment, due no later than 60 (sixty) days prior to date of Day 1 of your itinerary. (VISA, Mastercard, AmEx, bank draft)
- All monies paid are non-refundable. Ask your John Steel Tour Consultant about travel insurance, its coverages, conditions, and limitations
- If applicable, pack an overnight bag for all overnight rail journeys. Safety rules limit carry-on luggage.
- Please do not make closely connecting travel arrangements before &/or after tour. John Steel is not responsible for missed connections.
- All products &/or services are subject to John Sharpe's Rail Tours Ltd., operating as John Steel Rail Tours' (JSRT), "General Conditions & Waiver."
- Please ask your John Steel Tour Consultant for family pricing.
Prices and inclusions are subject to change without notice and vary by season. Prices shown have been adjusted where necessary to reflect seasonal availability of sightseeing and attractions.
PRICE DETAILS: 2010 Canadian dollar prices — per guest, double occupancy in hotels • Senior prices available
(60 years and better)
• Pricing does not include Amtrak or air costs
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