 |
|
|
|
|
Transcontinental Rail Journey
PLEASE NOTE: Grandluxe Rail Journeys, formerly the American Orient Express, ceased operations effective August 28, 2008.
Sign up to be notified of other luxury rail journeys from around the world.
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:
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.
The Transcontinental Rail Journey can be described as a train tour through the heart of American history and culture. Starting in Washington DC, tour members are given the opportunity to see the nation's capitol in all its glory. You will have the chance to experience sites like the National Mall, the White House or countless museums first hand.
All aboard the luxurious GrandLuxe train for the start of a once in a lifetime, cross-country excursion that will highlight magnificent cities like Charleston, New Orleans, Santa Fe and Santa Barbara. Tour members will also be able to marvel at such natural wonders as the Grand Canyon and the rich and vibrant landscapes of the United States. The tour ends in America's "City By The Bay," San Francisco. Here tour members can take their time exploring this historic town, or make their way home via plane or train. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to experince some of the keystones of United States history by train.
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.
Day 1 - Washington, DC
Welcome aboard. Today you will arrive in the nationas capital early, and explore Washington DC on your own. Enjoy a welcome aboard champagne reception and dinner. Overnight GrandLuxe Express. (D)
Day 2 - Richmond, Virginia
Explore living history in one of the South's most charming cities. Choose from the following tour options: Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlottesville), or a tour of Civil War battlefields at Fredericksburg. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Charleston, South Carolina
One of America's most well-preserved cities. All will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of this historic town. Tour members can also choose from a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shot of the Civil War was fired. Another option is the Magnolia Plantation and America's Oldest garden, or a stop at the H.L. Hunley, a restored Civil War era submarine. Be sure to set aside some of your free time to shop. Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Savannah, Georgia
The Belle of the South. Today you will enjoy a historic trolley tour of grand public squares and oaks draped with Spanish moss. Afterwards take the fameous home and garden tour including the home of Dr. Metts, the Savannah resident made infamous in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Other visits include the Fort Pulaski National Monument and free time at River Street's historic shopping district. Overnight GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Rail Day Through the South
Marvel at the ever-changing scenery of the South as you spend a day on the rails. Travel expers will provide informative lectures on the passing landscapes. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 6 - New Orleans (Night In Hotel)
Explore New Orleans' French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Bourbon Street. A guided tour of New Orleans will fill the day with interesting sights, sounds and smells as you get to know "Sin City." Take a break for lunch at local restaurant before continuing the tour with the rest of the group. Overnight luxury hotel (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Rail Day Through the Heart of America
Enjoy at the scenery of the Mid-West as you spend a day on the rails. Informative lectures will help you get to know the heart of America a bit better. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Kansas City
The city synonymous with midwestern heritage. Today travelers get to choose from a visit to the WWI Memorial Museum, Shopping at the elegant Plaza, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or a stop at the Truman Presidential Library. Enjoy a famous Kansas City BBQ lunch. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Santa Fe
One of America's great art and culinary capitals. Travelers can choose from an Abiquiu tour featuring private tour of the Georgia O'Keeffe museum and lunch, or free time with lunch in Santa Fe. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Grand Canyon
Your luxury train brings you to one of the world's most spectacular geologic wonders. Various activities at the South Rim including guided hikes or a historic tour. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Santa Barbara
The perfect place to stroll, shop, and admire the Pacific Ocean. Tour, wine tasting and lunch at Demetria Estate and Winery. Scenic afternoon rail journey along the Pacific Coast. Overnight on the GrandLuxe Express (B,L,D)
Day 12 - San Francisco
Your GrandLuxe Rail Journey comes to a close. If time allows, enjoy the City by the Bay on your own before departing for home (B)
Meals Included: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
Optional Tour packages
Enjoy one of the optional extensions or additional hotel nights before or after your journey. Contact Vacations By Rail for more details.
|
