"There isn't a train I wouldn't take, no matter where it's going!"
- Edna St. Vincent Millay

2001 IRT Society Rail Tours

Mexico's Copper Canyon aboard the Sierra Madre Express (Feb. 1-8, 2001)
Join author and rail authority Karl Zimmermann as he leads members on an excursion through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon aboard the U.S.-owned and operated Sierra Madre Express (SME). The comfortable train, voted by IRT's editors as one of the world's top 20 railway experiences, climbs up the western face of the Sierra Madre Mountain range to offer unparalleled views. You'll also meet the Tarahumara people, one of the most isolated tribes in North America. The tour includes overnights on the train and at remote but charming inns, as well as a number of off-train side trips such as hiking, horseback riding, shopping and sight-seeing.

American Orient Express Civil War and Antebellum South (March 31-April 7, 2001)
Join Society President Owen Hardy aboard N. America's premiere luxury train as we explore the South's fascinating, "Gone-With-The-Wind" past. This Washington, DC-New Orleans tour takes in Richmond, Charleston, SC, Savannah and Mobile in the bloom of spring. Among the "must-see" Civil War sites we'll see: Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Richmond's Museum of the Confederacy, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Petersburg's fantastic new Pamplin Historical Park and Museum of the Civil War Soldier and Charleston's Ft. Sumter (with a special visit to the H.L. Hunley submarine excavation). Journey also features visits to Thomas Jefferson's masterpieces, Monticello and the University of Virginia, Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, the beautiful historic downtown of Charleston and stunning Magnolia Plantation. Call or for more information at: (800) IRT-4881. Or click here to e-mail us.

In the Shadow of Mt. Fuji: Japan by Rail (March 24-April 7, 2001)
Experience Japan's extensive and efficient railway system while the famous cherry blossoms are in bloom with railfan guide Anthony Robins. Our tour begins in Tokyo, with its comprehensive network of railways and numerous cultural attractions. Using our Japan Rail Pass, we'll ride the standard-gauge Hakone-Tazone mountain line, which takes passengers into the scenic Hakone National Park, with bubbling volcanic activity and views of Mt. Fuji. Also included: a number of steam runs, a selection of street car lines, several shinkansen trips, and visits to railway museums, including the Umekoji Roundhouse in Kyoto. This tour features fine hotels and includes many meals. Robins is the Japan coordinator for the British-based Japanese Railway Society and has led several railfan tours to Japan. He loves introducing visitors to the fascinating variety of Japanese rail. Don't miss this!

Switzerland: A Railfan's First Trip (April 17-May 1, 2001)
Join fellow Society members for a glimpse into the unparalleled Swiss railway system. We'll ride two of IRT's top 20 rail experiences-the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express-not to mention an excursion to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. A ride up the Gornergratbahn, offering spectacular views of the Matterhorn, and the Brunig Line are also featured. We'll take in the Swiss Transport Museum and enjoy a meal in an elegant tram diner. Stay in the charming cities of Zurich, Lucerne, Brig, Interlaken and Chur.

INTRAV's Springtime on the Dutch and Belgian Waterways (May 2-15, 2001)
Step aboard the Switzerland II, our specially chartered riverboat, as we cruise to little-known towns, villages and calm waterways where life has remained authentically Dutch or Belgian. This time of year the countryside is awash in flowers; the fields are emerald green. Holland is at its most stunning, bathed in crisp light immortalized by the Dutch masters. Over the next two weeks, sit back and relax as we visit Amersterdam, the Zuyder Zee, Maastricht, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Middelburg and Rotterdam/The Hague. Society members receive $250 per person off the brochure price.

Harz Mountain Meter-Gauge Mysteries (May 25-June 8, 2001)
Join us as we repeat this highly successful 1999 tour to Eastern Germany. Enjoy the numerous steam trains and spectacular views this most mountainous part of Germany offers, including the Harzquerbahn, Selketalbahn and the Brockenbahn. The tour begins in Frankfurt with a delightful cruise on the Rhine, magnificent ancient castles and fortresses dotting the route. We'll spend several days steaming out of the charming cities of Dresden and Wernigerode before ending the tour in Nürnberg, reached by one of Germany's plush ICE (Intercity Express) trains.

Trans-Siberian Express by Deluxe Private Train (June 3-16, 2001)
Join the Society's first trip on the Trans-Siberian Express by Private Train. Our journey begins in Vladivostok and travels westbound to Moscow, covering the distance of America coast to coast almost three times over! This first-class train, our fine hotel on wheels, features diesel, electric and steam traction, first-class sleeping accommodations and dining. Plan to visit the Kremlin, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal and more. Society President Owen Hardy is scheduled to accompany this tour.

"American Orient Express Northwest and Glacier" (June 14-21, 2001)
Board one of the most beautiful trains in the world, the American Orient Express, for this tour of the majestic Northwest. Begin in Seattle with a tour of the city before continuing on to Montana's breathtaking Glacier National Park. A cruise on the Missouri River, Yellowstone National Park andthe Grand Teton range are just a few other highlights. The trip combines delicious meals, efficient service and gorgeous scenery for an unforgettable experience!

Southern Africa by Rail: A Deluxe Journey

This year's trip to Africa sold out many months in advance, so don't miss your chance in 2002! This train-packed journey features four of the region's best: the Blue Train, Rovos Rail, the Union Limited, and The Desert Express. Optional extension to private game reserve, five-star hotels. We expect another early sell-out, so don't wait!

American Orient Express National Parks of the West (Oct. 4-11, 2001)
North America's most prestigious luxury train - the American Orient Express - is once again our host for this magnificent tour of the Rockies. The AOE's beautifully appointed diners, lounge, sleepers and round-end observation car provide luxurious accommodation, food and service as we view our nation's natural wonders. Our itinerary takes in Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon National Parks.

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