Continental US Train Zephyr Adventure CA -CO - Il

It is all AMTRAK ride. No real person guide. An app is used for a general guide with a map that you manually map out. There was only a greeting about the CA Zephyr Adventure 2 minute and the rest is just a map. If you have back problem, this is not for you. The Coach class has roomy leg room much better than airline legroom :) . Emeryville was our meeting point in Oakland. So prepare to be there hours ahead 1 hour the minimum. Again there will be no guide for you. Do It Yourself kinda thing with this one. Once you ride the train, it is all smooth sailing. WE had a 7 hour arrival delay in Chicago. SO have a one day extra. Unfortunately we have to take a flight back to California because the return date was delayed a day ( instead of a Sunday Aug 10, we were told it will be delayed to Wednesday ( Aug 13) return. This was NOT on our confirmed original reservation). Due to work schedule ( must work Au 13), we have to take a flight back on Aug 11 (supposed to be returning to California as per original schedule Aug 10). SO we had to take a hotel overnight on 8/10 and take a flight on 8/11. Also 2 companies will be emailing you Viator & the actual agents for this Amtrak Zephyr adventure. You can do this adventure on you own. . Buy the Amtrak ticket, decide how you get to Emeryville. ( Amtrak, GreyHound,or Plane). It is best to probably tour during Springtime. Amtrak food is expensive. Dinner $45 ( steak or salmon: Lunch $25 (smoregasboard meals). You can bring a cooler of food, no microwave us in the train for customers. I suggest bring bottled water, yogurt for first night, fruits, granola bars, snacks. Bathrooms are very small, i mean tigh space maybe 2 feet distance from your body. So if you are a buff person it will be very cramped unless you use the sleeper restrooms. ( if you dont get caught). Bring outlet cords and a light blanket. Old newspaper for restroom floor especially if you want to gear up, floor might be wet. Think of this as a "camping adventure on wheels" get the idea??? no shower. Must bring: Lots of wipes, dry shampoo, ear phones , movies to watch/ games to play :)

Book ahead. This was a last minute booking. Just 3 days in planning. There is no actual tour guide person. You are just riding a train w/ the use of an app( Pintour app) that welcomes you & describes in general what you'll experience. There are 2 separate company sending you email. Viator & and an agency ( no name but uses the "California ZEPHYR adventure" tour which basically directs you what is going to happen: send info on ticket link: to show Amtrak people ( coz Amtrak do not know what this tour is because this "no name agency" will only buy the Amtrak tix for you. Also directs you to download Pintourapp. Your departure place is EMERYVILLE AMTRAK station in Oakland. Ca. You will need to book your Amtrak ticket from your place to Emeryville. This was a challenge because all transportation ( amtrak, greyhound, or flight) to Emeryville was too long not making it to the 8am CA ZEPHYR Adventure in Emeryville. We had to drive instead which was another problem coz we got there to Oakland but the Enterprise rental car offices ( all sfo/ oakland branches) opens at 8am and the trip starts at 820am. We had to be on-time. We were lucky that the people at Enterprize took us ti return the car early at 745pm. We had to drive 35 mins from Berkeley to Emeryville & return the rental car. All these happened before 8am. We then took Uber from the rental car place, took us 10 mins & $12 . We barely made it. No one was there at AMTRAK from this PinTour to help us. The Amtrak train was there in less than 5 mins of our arrival and if we did not asked questions. We would hv missed the CaZephyr Adventure which listed us ($600) plus all the rental& flight /hotel cost coming back ( $200 car& gas; 1$130 hotel). Almost $1000+ . Another problem was there was a change in the travel date going back to California, 1 day late. THUS: a stressful arrangement prior & after this tour. My suggestion: You can book this on your own. But prepared to plot your plan. "Hows& wheres" you going to get to the starting & End point ans how to get back to California. This DIY maybe cheaper or about same cost. The only difference is having the agency you'll have some direction ( but very confusing on PinTours,). Be prepared, book months ahead. Amtrak ricket can get pricey nearing the date of tour.