Mit Amtrak durch die USA: von Kalifornien über Utah nach Nevada

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: Las Vegas is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada. Nicknamed the Entertainment Capital of the World or Sin City, it is situated in the Mojave Desert and is surrounded by dry mountains. Las Vegas is famous worldwide for its consolidated casino–hotels and associated entertainment. The city houses many mega-hotel complexes decorated with lavish care and attention to detail creating a fantasy-like environment. All hotels have a unique style, there are special sights everywhere, and every hotel has its own casino. Most of the hotel casinos are in the city's downtown area, along The Las Vegas Strip. The Strip is a world of its own. Where else can you go to visit Egypt, New York, Venice, Disneyland, Hollywood, and much more all on one street? The fact is that all the action that Las Vegas is famous for is happening on this one and only street. Bellagio could be considered unofficial centre of the Strip, one of the reasons being the free displays of musical fountains which go off at every half an hour with different choreography accompanied by different music. Bellagio is one of the more stylish venues with a superb flower garden and for those with gourmet inclinations, it offers arguably one of the best buffets in town. The Venetian is another point where one might linger longer due to its fabulous attempt of recreating Venice in the desert. The main square of Venice is filled with gondolas ply the waters channels and opera singers entertain their captive audience on board. The opposite end of the Strip is closest to the airport starting with the funny rendition of Egypt with its Luxor casino despite the fact that there are no pyramids in Luxor, but everything is possible in Las Vegas.