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 air and rail fares and schedules
from your city to and from Los Angeles.

• 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.
• Complimentary air travel back to Southern or Northern California or, for those guests who prefer not to fly, motorcoach travel to Los Angeles.

Day One, Monday, December 29
Guests depart Los Angeles Union Station tonight aboard the Southwest Chief bound for Santa Fe. Guests may also board in Orange County this evening. Dinner is served upon departure from Los Angeles and later tonight you ascend Cajon Pass. Passengers also depart Chicago this afternoon aboard the Southwest Chief. St. Louis and Kansas City departures are this evening as well.

Day Two, Tuesday, December 30 (B,L)
Passengers from the West arrive in historic Winslow this morning 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 Three, Wednesday, December 31 (L)
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 Four, Thursday, January 01 (L)
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 Five, Friday, January 02 (L)
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.

Day Six, Saturday, January 03 (L)
All morning to sleep in with a casual hosted lunch this afternoon at the famous PF Changs Restaurant. 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 Seven, Sunday, January 04 (CB,L,D)
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 Eight, Monday, January 05 (B,L,D)
Guests depart by air for Southern or Northern California points and for those guests who prefer not to fly or are making connections with Amtrak trains in Southern California, complimentary motorcoach transportation is offered to Southern California. Regardless of direction, our passengers leave with newfound friends and memories and visual images to last a lifetime. Welcome Home!

   

   

   

 Departure Dates:

• Dec 29, 2008 - Jan 5, 2009

 Per Person Rates:

• $1,995 per person (double occupancy)
• $2,495 per person (single occupancy)