Rail to the Grand Canyon

CHICAGO, IL- March, 2011- The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top vacation destinations, drawing nearly 5 million visitors from around the world annually. You can create a truly magnificent vacation experience around this national treasure when you pair it with travel aboard some of the United States' most iconic trains . These are the hallmarks of a Vacations By Rail tour to the southwest, of which the Chicago-based tour operator offers seven specifically to the Grand Canyon.

"Without a doubt, our two most popular rail vacations to the Grand Canyon are our Rails to the Rim Adventure and the Southwest Chief & the Grand Canyon ," said Todd Powell, president of Vacations By Rail.

Powell explained that both vacations include travel aboard two legendary trains: Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles (or reverse) with a stop in Williams, Arizona - and the vintage Grand Canyon Railway, which makes the 65-mile journey from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. These at-your-leisure vacations include stays at historic hotels including the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams and the Maswik Lodge just a quarter-mile from the rim of the Canyon as well as a sightseeing tour of the South Rim followed by ample time to explore the area on your own.

While independent packages include rail travel directly to the Grand Canyon as well as stays of two or more nights, the company's escorted tours typically include long-distance train travel to nearby Flagstaff, continuing by motorcoach to the South Rim where a full day is spent exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Whether selecting an independent or escorted vacation package, the area's outstanding points of interest appeal to all. Popular sights include Grand Canyon Village, a National Historic Landmark featuring more than 250 buildings as well as breathtaking views of the Canyon; Hopi House, Lookout Studio, and Desert View Watchtower, stunning buildings that epitomize a true southwestern flavor designed by the renowned Fred Harvey Company architect, Mary Colter; and, Buckey O'Neill's cabin, the longest-standing structure along the South Rim.

Vacations By Rail is the leading seller of rail travel and tours in North America and the trusted authority on rail vacations. Travelers can choose from the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and luxury rail journeys around the world.

Vacations By Rail also provides virtually every European rail pass and ticket to meet customers' European travel needs. For more information on Vacations By Rail and the company's products, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or call 1-877-929-7245.

Vacations to the Grand Canyon start at $620 land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Detailed itineraries for Vacations By Rail's train packages to the Grand Canyon as well as the company's full product line can be found at www.vacationsbyrail.com .

To book a vacation to the Grand Canyon, contact a rail specialist at 1-877-929-7245.