Home World’s Top 25 Trains Journeys Latest News Membership Contact Us
Click on map to enlarge

 
       Join Our Email List
       Book NOW
       Terms & Conditions
       Email to a friend
       Print this page
Glacier Park Discovery Escorted
9-day Escorted Tour

Trains:  Various

Train Type:  First-Class

The Tour
2010 is the year to visit Glacier National Park to help celebrate its 100th anniversary! Travel on Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago on the northern route to the West Coast. En route you’ll travel via St. Paul/Minneapolis, through the plains of North Dakota and into the mountains and forests of Montana.  Central to your tour is the magnificent Glacier National Park and its rugged mountains carved by glaciers. It is America's fourth-largest park and one of IRT's favorites. Travel the “Going to the Sun Road” in a vintage red "jammer." Visit the picturesque Prince of Wales Hotel located across the Canadian Border in Waterton Lakes National Park. Overnight by the spectacular Swift Current Lake at Many Glacier. The journey ends in Seattle.

This was one of our family's all-time favorite train trips: The Empire Builder to Glacier Park. The most relaxing part was delicious meals on the train.  Plus, the scenery, not to mention service from our car attendant, was spectacular. The most exciting part was at Many Glacier: after the lovely cruise, we spotted a giant grizzly on a hill munching berries and a mother moose and her baby swimming across Swift Current Lake. -- Eleanor Hardy

The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile for world-class shopping, dining and attractions. A reception will be held to meet your guide and fellow travelers.
Overnight in Chicago: Palmer House Hilton

Day 2: Chicago to Glacier on board Amtrak’s 'Empire Builder'
Enjoy a free morning in Chicago before transferring to Chicago’s Union Station to begin your rail journey aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. (B D)
Overnight on train

Day 3: Enjoy the day on board the train
Enjoy the day on board the train as you arrive Glacier Park in the early evening. All meals are included on the train. Upon arrival, we will check into the rustic Glacier Park Lodge.  (B L D)
Overnight in East Glacier: Glacier Park Lodge

Day 4: International Peace Park Tour
After your included breakfast, take a full-day tour inside Glacier National Park, and cross the Canadian Border to Waterton Lakes National Park. Lunch is on your own. We suggest afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world.  (B D)
Overnight in East Glacier: Glacier Park Lodge

Day 5: Glacier National Park
After breakfast, you will depart for the Many Glacier Hotel along the “Going to the Sun Road” on board our red, 17-passenger, 1930s-era buses with black fenders and canvas roll-back tops,
called "jammers." You will also be treated to a spectacular boat cruise on Swift Current Lake followed by entertainment by singer/storyteller David Walburn after dinner.   (B D)
Overnight in Glacier Park: Many Glacier Hotel

Day 6: Many Glacier Crown of the Continent Tour
Your journey continues aboard red bus jammers on the rugged eastern slopes and follows the glacially carved valleys of the St. Mary’s region. Continue down the west side of the park for an optional lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge.   (B D)
Overnight in Glacier Park: Many Glacier Hotel

Day 7: Last Day In Glacier

Enjoy your final day of relaxation inside Glacier National Park. After breakfast, you will transfer back to the Glacier Park Lodge and board Amtrak’s Empire Builder to Seattle.   (B D)
Overnight on train

Day 8: Day 8: Seattle
Arrive Seattle this morning and enjoy a city tour. Free time to explore before farewell dinner atop the Space Needle. (B D)
Overnight Crowne Plaza, Seattle

Day 9: Tour ends in Seattle
Tour ends after breakfast in your hotel. You have the option to depart for home or extend your stay in Seattle. Or continue north to Vancouver and explore the Canadian Rockies. We would be happy to accommodate your request. (B)

2010 Dates:
June 19-28
July 3-11
August 14-21

Non-escorted tour also available May 28 through Sept. 26.

The Prices

  
Double
Single
  Land only tour
$2,950
$3,850^

Other:
Upgrade to bedroom on train: $500 per person, double; $1,000 single.
^Supplement payable on July (peak season) departure: $100 (single occupancy only).

$200 nonrefundable deposit required.

*Sample prices are per person based on double occupancy, tax included. Amtrak travel is for Roomette accommodations. Prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at time of booking.

Prices do not include transportation to Chicago and from Seattle to start/end your journey; gratuities to tour guide, sleeping car attendant or motorcoach driver.

Non-escorted tour also available May 28 through Sept. 26. Please inquire for pricing.


to top

Glacier Park Discovery Escorted (Length:9 days)
The Highlights
Two nights on Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier Park; Glacier Park to Seattle
Four full days to explore Glacier National Park
A visit to the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world
Ride on the "Going to the Sun Road," one of America's most scenic highways
Boat cruise on Swift Current Lake
Wine and cheese reception in Chicago
Meals in the dining car on Empire Builder and elsewhere as indicated in itinerary
Services of full-time tour guide included, with a maximum group size of 20 passengers

Glacier Park Discovery Escorted
2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204  •  (800) 478-4881  •  (502) 454-0277   •  fax (502) 458-2250  •  email: tourdesk@irtsociety.com  • ©The Society of International Railway Travelers®