Years ago I took a couple of trips through the Amtrak vacations. They were really good and at that time, they were what I needed. Now I save a bundle by taking care of everything myself. Back then, I didn't know how to go about it, plus I was always working and didn't have the time to research everything.
The first trip was to Disneyland in California (from Chicago) and the Amtrak tickets, hotel, Disney tickets, Universal Studios tickets, Los Angeles sight seeing and Knotts Berry Farm were all included. We did have to take a taxi to and from the Fullerton Amtrak station, but that was all we had to do.
The 2nd trip was to San Antonio. Again, all Amtrak tickets, hotels, sightseeing, tours, etc., were taken care of. Again, we had to get the taxis.
The bottom line is that if you can do all this yourself you will save a lot. If you feel more comfortable going with a travel agency, you might be able to get to see places you would not have thought of.