PLEASE NOTE: Grandluxe Rail Journeys, formerly the American Orient Express, ceased operations effective August 28, 2008.

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Private Rail Car Tours are a great alternative to the American Orient Express. Relive those days of first-class service, superb cuisine, and comfortable appointments. Travel in comfort and style aboard historic privately owned railcars.

Alternatives to Grandluxe Rail Journeys. The tours below go to some of the same great destinations using Amtrak:

• Best of the West
• Canyonlands
• National Parks of the Northwest
• Wonders of the West

If you are interested in a luxury rail experience in North America consider The Royal Canadian Pacific.

Please contact a Vacations by Rail Specialist for alternatives to Grandluxe Rail Journeys, formerly the American Orient Express.

This peaceful, educational journey takes you through the mansions, gardens, and battlefields of the South. From Spanish moss in Savannah, to horse drawn carriages in Charleston, and Civil War sites and the home of Thomas Jefferson, you’ll experience the enchanting culture of the Southeast. And you’ll be there during one of the best times to visit – the spring blooming season. Be pampered you all the way, aboard the belle of the rails, the GrandLuxe Express (American Orient Express).

This charming seven day rail journey takes you through the history and beauty of the Antebellum South, all with the pampering of the GrandLuxe Express. By night, indulge in five- course dinners, your favorite tunes played on the baby grand, and the comfort of your private cabin as you journey towards the next day's destination with all the flowers in bloom!

Breathtaking scenery is the backdrop that glides by as you relax on board the restored Vintage Pullman, Single Sleeper, Single Sleeper Grand Class, Triple Suite, Parlor Suite, Classic Presidential Suite, Grand Suite and Gold Suite Carriages enroute to the national treasures of America.

• Route Map
• View Itinerary
• Tour Images

Day 1 - Washington, D.C.
Arrive early and explore D.C.’s monuments and museums on your own. Welcome Aboard Champagne Reception and Dinner • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (D)

Day 2 - Monticello, Williamsburg or Fredericksburg
Explore living history. Choose from the following: • Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Charlottesville • Colonial Williamsburg, the nation’s largest living history museum • Civil War battlefields at Fredericksburg • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Charleston, South Carolina
One of America’s most well-preserved cities. Choose from: • Horse-drawn carriage tour • Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shot of the Civil War was fired • Magnolia Plantation and America’s Oldest Garden • U. S. S. Hunley, a restored Civil War-era submarine • Free time to shop • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Savannah, Georgia
The Belle of the South. Historic Trolley tour of grand public squares and oaks draped with Spanish moss • Home and garden tour including home of Dr. Metts, the Savannah resident made infamous in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” • Fort Pulaski National Monument • Free time at River Street’s historic shopping district • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Savannah, Georgia to Jackson, Mississippi
Rail day. Full day of riding on the train • Entertaining lectures • Afternoon tea featuring pastries made onboard the train • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Vicksburg or Natchez, Mississippi
Civil War history or mansions & plantations. Choose from: • Vicksburg National Military Park and the U.S.S. Cairo, a preserved Union ironclad gunboat • Mansions and plantations of Natchez, one of Mississippi’s oldest cities • Lunch in a historic mansion • City tour • Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)

Day 7 - New Orleans, Louisiana
Your GrandLuxe rail journey comes to a close. If time allows, explore New Orleans on your own before departing for home. (B)

Meals Included: B=Breakfast  L=Lunch  D=Dinner

Optional Tour packages
Currently being developed is an optional golf program for this journey. The program could include days at some of the world's best courses, such as Kiawah Island and Harbour Town.

This itinerary is also available in Reverse.