Von West nach Ost durch die USA mit dem Zug

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Sacramento is the star on the map of California - where you will find cultural attractions to inspire you, cutting-edge cuisine to impress you, history to enrich you and surprises to put a smile on your face. Venture out in any direction and you'll see why we're so fond of saying, "California begins here. Sacramento is the perfect place to explore the outdoors, soak up the California sun, go wine tasting or attend sporting events. But the things to do here aren’t limited to the outdoors. World-class museums, performing arts groups and other family fun activities make every day unique in California’s capital.

About the destination: Located in the beautiful north-west region of the State of Nevada, right at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range' and about an hour from Lake Tahoe, Reno is a destination with something to offer for everyone. Reno is the second largest tourist destination in Nevada, after Las Vegas. Activities available in Reno include gaming, family entertainment, outdoor activities, festivals, museums, fantastic cuisine, shows for everyone, art and culture.

About the destination: What Mecca is to the Muslims and Rome is to the Catholics, is what Salt Lake City is to the Mormons. Salt Lake City is the capital of the U.S. state of Utah. Four mighty walls surround the 4 hectare area in the middle of the old town, the centre of the Mormon Church that is Temple Square. It is decorated with flowers and contains the most important sacred buildings of the Mormon community, such as the Salt Lake Temple, The Tabernacle and the Conference Centre. The largest sanctuary and centre of the Mormon faith is the Salt Lake Temple. Constructed of stone, its use is restricted to the Mormon religion. It was built between 1853 and 1893 in grey granite and New Gothic style with six towers, its main one being 68 metres high. Construction of the Cathedral of the Madeleine began in 1900 and was completed in 1909, a Christian building whose exterior is of Romantic design and with a Gothic interior. Salt Lake City has become the centre of a hugely successful religious empire. The prosperous city also contains many of those of other faiths but the highly influential Mormon Church makes most of the region’s political decisions. But less than half the town's population are church members, the university and spectacular setting have attracted a wide range of residents that has filled the city with a diverse array of restaurants, nightlife, art and culture. Nonetheless, if one gets bored with the city, there is amazing natural spaces just a short drive away. The Bonneville Salt Flats are located next to Great Salt Lake, a huge area covered by salt that is one of the flattest areas in the world. Zion National Park contains several archaeological sites of great importance and offers an opportunity for exceptional hiking. Endless horizons, deep canyons and vast open spaces surround this truly blessed city.

About the destination: Denver is the largest city and the capital of the state of Colorado. Denver is a young and vibrant city located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. A highlight of the Denver skyline is the Colorado State Capitol Building that looks like the US Capitol Building. Its shining gold dome commemorates the Colorado gold rush. Built in 1932, the Denver City Hall is an elegant and beautiful building, specially known for its grand display of lights during the Christmas season. Denver downtown, called the mile high city because of its closeness to Rocky Mountains, is a bustling commerce and cultural metropolis. Towering skyscrapers surround you and excellent restaurants abound. Step outside the city and soak in the fascinating Garden of the Gods. Massive rocks and unusual formations are sure to mesmerize you. Located close to Denver, the Rocky Mountains are one of the great mountain ranges of this planet offering an immersive experience with nature. This combination of urban sprawl and proximity to nature is what gives Denver its unique character and sets it apart as a destination.

About the destination: Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska. This river city is an eclectic and cultural city that has something for everybody. The city and suburbs boast an impressive array of shopping, culture, and historic buildings and sites.The historic market place has been renovated and offers great places to eat and shop. The Old Market has been converted into a fun nightspot with tons of restaurants and shops. On almost any given night, you can find something fun to do in Omaha. The city has several waterparks, an impressive sports stadium, several casinos and one of the most impressive art museums in the American West, the Joslyn Art Museum. If you are looking for a fun weekend visit, or perhaps a nice place to break up the trip, Omaha has much to offer.

About the destination: Chicago, once a small trading post on Lake Michigan, has grown into one of the country’s most famous cities. Visit “The Windy City” and chow down on deep dish pizza for a truly unique vacation experience. Follow “The Loop,” the city’s primary business district, and marvel at its array of high-rise buildings, consulates, and universities. Shopping and fine dining abound in this area. If you’ve worn yourself out in the city proper, set a more sedate pace at the Riverwalk, a pedestrian path along the Chicago River, or visit the many museums and parks the city has to offer. You’ll never believe you’re actually downtown when you walk through the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Art Institute of Chicago will allow you to appreciate creative works from around the world. The most important places to visit in Chicago are: the Willis Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, the Millennium Park, a great urban park, among the most famous landmarks of Chicago and a site for many major city events, the Shedd Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums. Called the front lawn of Chicago, the Grant Park is a wonderfully landscaped park and offers many sites for an urban escape, the Navy Pier, situated right on Lake Michigan, has a festive atmosphere with entertainment, shops and restaurants. No Chicago tour is complete without a mention of the nightlife, so close out your day at a jazz lounge and let the sweet sound of music carry you away.

About the destination: Cleveland is a city that belongs to the US state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga. It is a working class town and is a clear example of urban renewal since the city was plagued by debt and passed a serious crisis. But years ago, they built the city, modified, arranged parks, and canals, to finally become one of the most livable cities in the United States. Lovers of art and culture should visit the famous Museum of Art Cleveland. It is the museum of fine arts and archeology of the city and is one of the most respected nationwide, with over 500,000 visitors a year. In it you will find works from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. For those who are interested in buying fresh food should visit the West Side Market, which is a big market with food of all kinds. Music lovers should visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum which is spectacular. Children can visit both the zoo and the aquarium of the city, where you will find all kinds of animals. Cleveland is also very sporty city, which has baseball, basketball, hockey and football teams. One of the world's known superstars is Lebron James, current player of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently, the combination of innovation and tradition, have become the hallmark of Cleveland. It is certainly a city with a very pleasant atmosphere, ideal to visit with family.

About the destination: Buffalo is a city situated in the US state of New York. It is the second largest city in the state and is located on the west, in the area known as Western New York area. It is also the county of Erie. As its nickname indicates "City of Good Neighbors" it is a city with a very hospitable and friendly atmosphere. Some tourist attractions in the city are the Victorian mansions that can be found throughout the city. For lovers of art and culture it is essential to visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery where you will find exhibitions of high level or children can go to Buffalo Museum of Science where they will learn all about science. Another important monument is the Buffalo City Hall building which is the seat of government of art deco, the observatory has about 30 plants where you can see spectacular views of the city. Nature lovers should visit the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo with its Victorian-style greenhouse, or the Zoological Gardens where you can enjoy from polar bear, to buffalo and gorillas and their rainforest. Don´t leave the city without trying the Buffalo chicken wings which are originate from here. Buffalo is definitely original and full of friendly and ideal for city people to visit with the family.

About the destination: Boston is the capital and largest city of the state of Massachusetts. One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists from England and it is still considered the most European of the United States cities. Boston Common and Gardens is one of the city’s main attraction and is the starting point for Freedom Trail, dating back to 1634. This central public park is loved by locals as well as visitors. The Massachusetts State Building, with its gold dome, cannot be missed. It is the seat of the Massachusetts government. Faneuil Hall constructed in 1742, was an important meeting hall. Today there's a market that offers many places to eat and shop. A famous historical neighbourhood of Boston is Beacon Hill, amidst its well preserved streets, you will feel like you've gone back in time. Trinity Church is said to be one of the greatest buildings in the country and is well worth a visit. Worldwide famous and considered to be the world's greatest academic institution, Harvard University offers tours of its campus to soak in the wonderful ambiance. Many important buildings with diverse architecture styles are located at Copley Square. It is also the site of the Boston Marathon's finish line. Boston is the perfect city for history lovers. Boston's rich colonial and Revolutionary history bring visitors to this city all year round. Exploring Boston on foot allows for new and exciting sights and adventures with every step. Each neighbourhood of Boston is different and has its own distinct style and culture.

About the destination: New York City is an international metropolis built on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants. New York City is home to eight million people, and the city receives more than 50 million visitors per year. Your New York City tour should include sampling the food of hundreds of different cultures, and you can explore it easily on foot, by taxi, or via the famous subway system. A gift from the French people to the American people, the Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and the city’s most famous landmark. Wall Street acts as the heart of big business being the home of the New York Stock Exchange. The Empire State Building looms over the Big Apple as the second-tallest building in the city, with the nearby Chrysler Building also dominates the landscape. Nearby is the headquarters of United Nations overlooking the East River and Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world. No New York sightseeing is complete without a visit to Times Square. Take in its billboards, its many people, and its food, then cross over to Central Park, which comprises 850 acres of lakes and meadows, where to get away from the city buzz. You also have your pick of art and history museums, as well as the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects to the victims of 9/11. Even though Manhattan houses most of the city’s landmarks, each of the districts of the city has its unique and distinctive personality worth exploring. From the historic streets of Brooklyn to Queens’s international cuisine, there is something for every type of person in the city. Most of all, New York is a city to have fun and indulge oneself. So, enjoy yourself, and get ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple. New York City has everything for everyone: architecture, art, cuisine, entertainment, shopping. It's all here.