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Independent Amtrak Tours
Escorted Amtrak Tours
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This is a truly special New Years holiday that features one of the most stunning places in all North America to welcome the New Year, the magnificent Grand Canyon, in all of its pristine winter glory, without crowds and with brilliant sunlit days.
You will travel out to Arizona aboard the famous Southwest Chief train, from either Southern California or Chicago (whichever is closer), an overnight journey. Then Enjoy a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway right to the edge of the South Rim, overlooking the World's deepest chasm. You will ride in comfort and style in 'Club Class' over this historic, now restored after an almost 25-year gap, railway first build by the Santa Fe railroad in 1901, the ultimate way to arrive at this, a most magnificent example of the World seven wonders. You will enjoy two night's hotel stay right at the South Rim at the Maswik Lodge as well as, naturally, special New Year's eve festivities.
Also included is a tour of the South Rim by coach, allowing you to see even more. After two nights at the Grand Canyon, you travel to Las Vegas for a three-night stay at the lavish Bellagio Hotel and Casino. With over eighteen restaurants, including famed Le Cirque, the Bellagio is one of the World's greatest resorts and offers the Bellagio Spa for additional pleasure. Even if one does not gamble, between elegant shops, the spa, dining, lounges, and more active choices such as golf, tennis, or swimming, the Bellagio is a superb choice to include in this holiday.
Call 877-929-7245 for rail fares and schedules to and from your city.
- Travel aboard the Southwest Chief train in coach accommodations from Southern California (or from Chicago and the Midwest), a one-night journey on this train that features full observation lounge and dining car service. Guests may opt to upgrade to sleeping car accommodations for this journey, details upon request.
- Special Welcome breakfast in historic Winslow, AZ at the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel, built by Fred Harvey for the Santa Fe Railroad along with a scenic drive through the Painted Desert en route to Williams, AZ.
- Overnight stay in Williams, AZ the evening of December 30th at the wonderfully restored Grand Canyon Hotel with welcome dinner and breakfast the following morning.
- The Grand Canyon Railway right from the hotel in Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a stunningly beautiful trip at this time of the year, in 'Club Class' accommodations.
- Two nights at the Maswik Lodge, located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with New Years Eve Festivities and breakfast daily. There is simply no more beautiful place to ring in the New Year.
- Scenic coach drive from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas on January 2nd via the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Three-nights in luxury accommodations at the Five-Star Bellagio Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in a deluxe room. A city within a city the Bellagio has over a dozen restaurant including Le Cirque and Michael Mina.
Day One - Chicago, Illinois
Depart Chicago this afternoon aboard the Southwest Chief at Chicago’s historic Union Station. Settle in your comfortable reclining seat with leg rest for a mid-afternoon departure. Relax, read or listen to music. Be sure to see the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car with its swivel seats and expansive views. Have a glass of wine and toast to the marvelous journey ahead. You’ll pass through the prairie, the plains and the mighty Mississippi River. St. Louis and Kansas City departures are this evening as well.
Day Two - Winslow Arizona
As you head west, you’ll notice the changing scenery, where snow-capped mountains and lush valleys come into view. Relax as you spend the day riding the rails over Raton Pass, elevation of 7834 feet, through New Mexico and Arizona. Arrive in Winslow in the late evening.
Day Three - Winslow/Williams Arizona
You will awake at the wonderfully restored La Posada Hotel followed by a magical day that includes sightseeing through the hauntingly beautiful Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest, you will want to have your camera handy. Later today, an afternoon arrival at the Grand Canyon Hotel in Williams, AZ where a welcome dinner and overnight stay awaits in this original Fred Harvey Hotel. (B, D)
Day Four - The Grand Canyon
All Aboard! A wonderfully scenic ride awaits this morning as you depart right from the hotel aboard the Grand Canyon Railway bound for the Grand Canyon. This historic and fabled line was abandoned for decades and is now happily restored. The vintage train travels through forests of pine with a midday arrival just steps away from the South Rim. No matter how many times one has seen the Grand Canyon it never fails to inspire awe and included is a short sightseeing tour today, leaving the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure in this magnificent setting. Overnight at the Maswik Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Tonight is your special New Years Eve party at the South Rim, a glorious place to ring in the New Year. (B)
Day Five - The Grand Canyon
All morning to sleep in and to take in the stunning vistas from our hotel on this, the first day of the New Year. The Grand Canyon is blessedly uncrowded at this time of the year and with plenty of time to further enjoy this stunning setting. All day at leisure to relax, catch up with a new book or socialize. (B)
Day Six - Las Vegas Nevada
We depart after breakfast on the very scenic drive to a spectacular site of a different type, Las Vegas, with lovely scenery en route. You arrive at the Five-Diamond rated Bellagio Resort this afternoon to begin our three-night stay. This evening can be spent at your leisure. Guests are able to enjoy some of the great ammenities las Vegas offers, like the Bellagio and its two fabled restaurants, Le Cirque and Michael Mina, which are sure to delight. (B)
Day Seven - Las Vegas Nevada
All morning to sleep in with a casual hosted lunch this afternoon at the famous PF Changs China Bistro. An afternoon of leisure is yours for relaxing around one of the many swimming pools, golf, tennis or taking in the Bellagio Spa. (L)
Day Eight - Las Vegas Nevada
A final full day to enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer: time by the pool, golf, riding, great shopping or even gambling. The Bellagio is such a great resort that there is little need to ever leave it but just in case, everything including The Bellagio, is right nearby. Tonight is our special Farewell Dinner hosted by Uncommon Journeys. (D)
Day Nine - Homeward bound
Plan to stay in Las Vegas for another day or two or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Departure Dates:
- Dec 28, 2009 - Jan 5, 2010
Per Person Rates:
- Twin $1,995
- Single add $500
This program price includes comfortable coach seat travel on Amtrak to this tour. Guests may opt, at additional cost, to upgrade to First Class sleeping car accommodations aboard Amtrak which also include meals while aboard. Fares vary depending on the number of people traveling and the type of accommodations chosen. We strongly encourage guests wishing to upgrade to sleeping car accommodations to do this at the time the holiday is booked since these accommodations are extremely limited and usually sell-out well before departure.
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