2003 Society Tours

Custom-Designed Rail Tours

Sierra Madre Express Copper Canyon Tour
February 6-13, 2003
Take an excursion through Mexico's beautiful Copper Canyon aboard the U.S.-owned and operated Sierra Madre Express. 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. Meet the Tarahumara people, one of the most isolated tribes in North America. We've blocked space for 25 IRT members to travel with Karl Zimmermann as our host/lecturer.

Enjoy overnights on the train and at remote hotels, as well as a number of off-train side trips such as hiking, horseback riding, shopping and sightseeing. Rate per person: $2,895, double occupancy.

What IRT members have said: "The Sierra Madre Express is a wonderfully well-managed tour. Most anything I could have wanted was provided. Their people are professional, courteous and accommodating." - Bob Vinsec of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, concerning the Society's 2001 SME excursion

Rail Highlights of Northern Italy
May 5-18, 2003
Due to popular demand, we are developing our first rail tour to Italy! Werner Schorn, German native and longtime railfan, will lead members on a discovery of Italy's vast rail network: from the wonderful railway museum of Trieste to a ride on the snazzy Eurostar Italia to jaunts on several small, lesser-known branch lines. Visit unforgettable Venice, take in the beauty of Florence and Tuscany and explore Milan. Optional add-on: a 2-day trip on the VSOE from Venice to Paris.

What IRT members have said: "We found Werner to be entirely charming and competent. We are just wondering: when is the next tour he is going to lead?" - William Douglass of Jericho, Vt., who traveled with Werner Schorn to Switzerland in 2002

A Railfan's Trip to Germany and More: From High-Speed to Steam
May 22-June 6, 2003
Combine your love of trains and mountains! IRT's popular European tour leader, Werner Schorn, invites you to join him on our new itinerary. The tour includes Duesseldorf's trams, rides on the plush ICE trains, the Railway Museum of the Netherlands, The Steam Engine Museum, Berlin by S-Bahn and U-bahn and beautiful Wernigerode in Germany's Harz Mountains, with its antique steam engines. Also featured: the narrow-gauge Selketalbahn and Brockenbahn and a private tram tour of Dresden, its tram museum and narrow-gauge steam lines around Dresden. We will once again offer separate cultural events.

What IRT members said: "It was a wonderful trip. It was everything that I expected and so much more. I was truly in train heaven." - Ed Thompson of Benicia, Calif., who took IRT's Germany tour in 1999 and 2001

Trains & Treasures of Wales
June 20-July 4, 2003
This tour is designed for railway travelers who want to enjoy the trains and the gorgeous sites of Wales. Trains take up about half of each day, with visits to places of interest taking the remaining half, including castles, gardens, canals, craft centres and time to explore interesting towns, villages and harbors. The tour includes charming hotels that typify Welsh hospitality in their own special ways. It will be led by the affable and knowledgeable Geoff Cooke, who escorted our 2001 South Africa tour to great acclaim and now lives in the United Kingdom.

The tour includes: Severn Valley Railway; Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, with a tour of its locomotive depot and workshops; the narrow-gauge museum in seaside Tywyn; Taly-llyn Railway; Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top of the highest mountain in Britain; Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog-the only complete railway spiral in Britain-as well as great scenery through the Tan-y-Bwlch National Park; the Llanberris Lakeside Railway; the West Highland Railway to Waunfawr; Llangollen Railway up the wooded Dee River Valley to Llangollen. This 8-mile line is the only standard gauge railway that we will ride; all of the others are narrow-gauge. Cultural experiences include the Powis Castle and Garden, 18th century world-famous garden and vast art museum, a cruise on the Montgomery Canal, Corris Craft Centre and Caernarfon Castle-possibly the most famous of Wales's many castles, with its sheer scale and commanding presence. When the tour is over, add on the Northern Belle (see below for details).

What IRT members have said: "I think Geoff Cooke was just fabulous. He was the ultimate tour guide. It is like having your history professor along with you...He was just incredible." - David Minnerly of Dallas, Texas, who traveled with Geoff Cooke in South Africa in 2001

Across Siberia by Private Train
June 7-21, 2003
In June, 2001, the Society sponsored one of our most successful tours to date: The Trans-Siberian Railway by Private Train. We plan to repeat this tour in the summer of 2003. Society CEO Owen Hardy will again lead this adventure on the longest and most famous railway journey in the world. Once you take it, you will doubtless agree with author Eric Newby: "The Trans-Siberian is the big train ride." You will travel for 14 magnificent days exploring the vast and fascinating countries of the former USSR, from the Orient to Europe. There is no better way to see this country than by traveling and sleeping on a fully equipped private hotel-on-wheels! Think of it as a cruise, which travels through spectacular scenery and makes at least eight stops along the way for sightseeing off-train. Think of it as a traveling hotel, with all the services of a first-class establishment - everything from elegant meals in the restaurant cars, a bar car and first-class sleeping cars, each with nine twin compartments, all with two lower berth beds that convert to couch seating for daytime use. And, new this year: luxury suites with private bathroom facilities.

While the train is hauled mostly by electric or diesel locomotives, steam is used on some particularly scenic sections. In 2001, IRT members enjoyed cab rides in several 1950s-era 4-8-4 P36 steam engines and an open-air ride along the railing of one of the diesel locomotives as the train passed the shore of Lake Baikal. The route for our tour is westbound: Vladivostok to Moscow. We are proud to offer this journey in partnership with GW Travel of England, the largest operator of private trains in the region. We have blocked limited space on this wonderful train, including many of the new deluxe suites, and expect another quick sell-out. So we urge you to book early! Price starts at $4,495, double occupancy. Book by Dec. 15 and save up to $400!

What IRT members said: "I gained a perspective on this part of the world not obtainable in books or movies. It was a broadening experience." - Harrison Price of Palm Springs, Calif., who took this tour in 2001

A Deluxe Rail Journey Across Canada
August 11-19, 2003
Two of IRT editors' picks for "Top 20 Rail Experiences in the World" - the Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer - are featured on this itinerary across the vast and beautiful country of Canada. IRT contributing editor Karl Zimmermann will lead the way. Beginning in Toronto, we will board VIA Rail's Canadian in the deluxe "Silver & Blue" class. Settle in to your comfortable compartment where you'll spend the next two nights as the train travels west to Jasper. Meals on board the Canadian are a memory not soon forgotten, with delicious food and a beautiful setting, followed by after-dinner drinks in the Park Car. Upon arrival in Jasper, spend two nights at the luxurious Jasper Park Lodge. Next rail treat: the Rocky Mountaineer with its panoramic views from the GoldLeaf dome car and open-air observation platform. It, too, boasts delicious meals beautifully served in the dining car. Trip ends in Vancouver. Optional pretour Halifax-Toronto. We've scheduled the tour to fit perfectly with Clipper's cruise around the Hidden Fjords of Alaska ­­ a big hit in May, 2002. See below for details on the cruise.

What IRT members said: "W...O...W...!!! What an exhilarating experience! We completely relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The scenery was breathtaking. The weather delightful. The hotels were excellent. And the service provided by the [Rocky Mountaineer] organization was without equal." - Mr. and Mrs. Richard Perry of N.J. of their 2002 Rocky Mountaineer journey

20th Anniversary Journey: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
August 29-September 3, 2003
Help us celebrate 20 years of The International Railway Traveler® on one of the world's most famous routes: Paris to Istanbul on the elegant Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Owen and Eleanor Hardy, co-owners of the Society, will join 40 members on this historic venture. A private compartment of gleaming wood, marquetry and antique polished brass, soft, fluffy towels and crisp linen will be your home for the journey, interspersed with lovely hotels every other night. Service is among the best in the world: You will be attended by your own Personal Steward. Dinners are unforgettable in the restored dining cars with their Lalique crystal fixtures and meals prepared by French chefs. The historic itinerary starts in Paris and includes three nights on the train and two overnights in the finest hotels in Budapest and Bucharest and fascinating tours in both cities. Delicious meals from breakfasts to teas, luncheons and dinners are included. Rate per person: $5,745 based on double occupancy. Very limited availability.

What IRT members said: "The Orient-Express was one of the most delightful things I have ever done in my life. I booked it with a friend, and we both we had the times of our lives." - David Woods of Wheaton, Ill., of his 2000 VSOE trip

Portugal: Vintage Steam Tour
September 10 - 19, 2003
We will have the delightful opportunity to sample everything from wine to steam, from narrow-gauge trains to trams on this week-long tour. Highlights include: a visit to Port Quinta for a guided tour of the vineyard and winery followed by a tasting and lunch; steam trip with vintage train along the Douro valley; river cruise along the upper Douro; steam trip on the narrow-gauge Corgo valley line from Regua to Vila Real and back. Visit the famous Mateus Palace and gardens. And take a trip up spectacular narrow gauge Tua line to Mirandela. We'll enjoy tram tours in both Lisbon and Porto and the guidance during the entire tour of Portugal rail expert Graham Garnell. We have chosen a great time to go when the weather should be the most perfect. This is the tour you have been waiting for and asking for. Don't miss it!

We have designed this tour to go perfectly in tandem with a 10-day INTRAV cruise on the Duoro River and/or a trip on Al Andalus, the famous train covering Southern Spain (details below).

 

Royal Canadian Pacific Golden/Crowsnest Excursion
September 25 - 30, 2003
Savor the unparalleled beauty of western Canada coupled with the glamour of the wonderfully restored Royal Canadian Pacific. This luxurious train, which has played host to such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth, is limited to 22 pampered passengers. Enjoy glorious meals, impeccable service and comfort as you roll through the country's pristine landscape. Travel through the Spiral Tunnels; visit Fort Steele Heritage Town and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump; enjoy a private, guided tour of Spruce Meadows. This tour begins and ends with overnights in Calgary's famous Palliser Hotel. Fully-inclusive tour: $5,100 per person + tax .

 

Rail/Small Ship Cruises

Clipper Cruise's "Exploring the Yachtsman's Caribbean"
January 18-25, 2003
Explore the beautiful, white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear blue waters of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands aboard the 138-passenger Yorktown Clipper. The shallow draft and easy maneuverability of the ship will allow us to journey into secluded bays, marinas and coves where larger ships cannot venture. Snorkel off the back of the specially-designed ship into the clear water-packed with coral, colorful reef fish and other fascinating marine life. An experienced marine biologist will accompany the ship to enhance your understanding of the Virgin Islands' unparalleled undersea environment. Beginning in St. Thomas, we'll also take in Virgin Gorda, Salt Island, Norman Island and St. John. Relax on palm-fringed beaches on seldom-visited islands like Tortola, with its lush rain-forest terrain, friendly inhabitants and pristine shores. You'll also visit Christmas Cove, a wonderful haven for seabirds, sea turtles and plenty of unusual fish. Prices start at just $2,020 per person, double occupancy. IRT members receive a $400 per cabin discount!

The JingPeng China Orient Express
February 26-March 9, 2003
Journey on the China Orient Express from Beijing to the Ji-Tong line for five days, including three days on the JingPeng Pass. Plus a trip on the narrow-gauge system at Weihe and four steam-worked branch lines from Tiefa. Visit the Great Wall of China; choose the Beijing extension and see the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. This all-steam tour covers 1,800-miles and will offer many stops for railfan photographers! Price starts at $3,895 per person, double occupancy. Operated by GW Travel Ltd. of England. Some say China steam only has three years left. Don't miss your chance!

Royal Derby Train
April 30-May 6, 2003
Arrive at the Kentucky Derby in style -- in a private train, the Royal Canadian Pacific. Eleanor and Owen Hardy, owners of The Society of International Railway Travelers, are dreaming up another IRT 20th Birthday bash, and would like to welcome you to their home city of Louisville. There's no place like Kentucky the first Saturday in May!

Tour includes gourmet meals, top accommodations on board, private tours of elite horse farms, excellent guides throughout and of course ­­ box seats at the 2003 Kentucky Derby. Just about everything will be included - except the bets you place on your favorite Derby horse! If this tour appeals, call IRT's Tour Desk NOW to express your interest. Space will be extremely limited.

(Photo courtesy of Louisville CVB)

American Orient Express' National Parks of the West
June 18-25, 2003
This unique eight-day journey takes you to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Accompanied by a team of experienced naturalists and guides, visit historic sites, study native plants and wildlife and learn about the ancient people who inhabited these remarkable places. And best of all: travel between parks aboard the 100-passenger American Orient Express-beautifully restored to rekindle the romance of the streamliner era. Tour begins in Santa Fe and ends in Salt Lake City. Prices start at $3,490 per person, double occupancy. Book six months prior to departure and take off $300 per person.

What IRT members have said: "I would highly recommend this trip. The train is just beautiful. The food was outstanding...It was a lovely trip." - Ruth Chandeysson of her 2000 AOE journey

 

Northern Belle: England, Scotland and Wales
July 4-10, 2003
Take an exclusive grand tour of Great Britain aboard the Orient-Express' Northern Belle. From the comfort of this train marvel at the beauty of the land - the patchwork green fields of England and the heather-clad hills of the glens and lochs of Scotland. Enjoy the diversity of lifestyles: visit the head of a Scottish clan, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and join a farmer training his sheepdog. These exclusively arranged visits allow you to see the country's heritage first hand and understand just what it is that makes Britain great. The Northern Belle is designed to guarantee your every comfort, while at the same time imparting an elegant sense of style and history. The superb service and cuisine are enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort where you can relax in cozy armchairs beside large picture windows. Sumptuous food, complemented by a selection of fine wines, is freshly prepared by expert chefs and served among settings of fine linen and sparkling crystal. The tour closes with a special run from Bath to London behind the world-famous steam locomotive, The Flying Scotsman. Cost: $4,995 per person, double occupancy.

"Service aboard [the Northern Belle] is of the level that you would expect of the VSOE. You are ushered aboard, often with a live musical accompaniment, in a wave of luxury." (Robin McKelvie, The International Railway Traveler, No. 131, May 2001)

INTRAV's La Belle France
July 15-27, 2003
This cruise begins with three nights in Paris - the social, artistic and intellectual center of Europe. Visit some of the city's myriad attractions and take a day trip to Giverny, home of Claude Monet. Enjoy a ride on the high-speed TGV train to Dijon for exploration, and embark the brand-new 46-passenger Provence in Andance. Cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers, stopping at bustling ports, intimate vineyards, and historic towns; Viviers, Avignon and Arles are just a few of the places we'll visit. Our cruise ship is ideal for navigating France's rivers and waterways. All cabins are outside with twin lower beds and two private baths. On board, enjoy the culinary artistry of skilled French chefs who coordinate the riverboat's daily menu to reflect the region's specialties. After six nights of cruising, you will spend two fabulous nights in Aix En Provence with plenty of time to explore the local sights and markets. Price begins at $6,095 per person. Discount of $500 per cabin for IRT members.

 

 

Clipper Cruise's "Exploring the Hidden Fjords and Glaciers of Alaska's Inside Passage"
August 23-30, 2002
Optional Rail Pre-tour: August 19-23
This unique Alaskan itinerary is designed to give you an in-depth, close-up perspective of America's last frontier. The pre-tour begins in Fairbanks and includes an extended stay in Denali National Park, more than 9,000 square miles of wilderness. If the weather cooperates, see Mt. McKinley, at 20,320 feet. Here you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, mountain ranges draped in snow and glaciers. Then, take the McKinley Explorer, with its glass-domed cars with diners, to Anchorage. Experience spectacular views of the tundra, seemingly endless mountain ranges and deep river canyons visible only from the train. Pre-tour is $1,590 per person.

Step aboard the Yorktown Clipper in Juneau, and then venture to wilderness areas where no large ship can navigate, to secluded places beyond the reach of ordinary travel. Experience the wild and free spirit of Alaska - its bald eagles, pods of humpback whales, vast glaciers, and hidden fjords where puffins and kittiwakes nest in the rocky walls. We'll visit the small towns and picturesque communities whose hardy residents embody the Alaskan spirit. By sailing with fewer than 140 passengers, we are able to experience daily life in these small communities without "invading" them. This cruise makes a nice add-on to our tour across Canada (see page 4 for details). The Society has blocked space on this departure because of the popularity of this trip - it often sells out a year in advance. Cruise only starts at $2,410 per person. $400 per cabin discount for IRT Society members.

What IRT members said: "It was marvelous. We loved it...I personally wouldn't go to Alaska any other way." - Karen McConnell of West Lafayette, Ind., who took the Alaska cruise in 2002

Portugal's River of Gold: Cruising the Douro with INTRAV
September 5-13, 2003
Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the spectacular Douro Valley - one of Portugal's great scenic gems, endowed with bold expansive panoramas that reach all the way from the stately old city of Porto into Spain. Flanked by steeply terraced vineyards on hillsides dotted with white manor houses, the 600-mile Douro is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful rivers in Europe. The intimate, comfortable 80-passenger Douro Princess offers all outside, spacious staterooms with private bath facilities; an intimate dining room where delicious meals are served; a panoramic lounge and an ample open deck from which the lovely scenery can be observed. The week-long cruise begins with two nights in Lisbon, Portugal's lively and colorful capital. Prices start at $2,595 per person. IRT members receive a $500 discount per cabin! Suggested add-ons: Al Andalus Express (see below) and/or Portugal: Vintage Steam Rail Tour (details above).

 

Al Andalus Express
September 14 - 19 or 21 - 26, 2003; Other dates available
Enjoy a week-long journey through the Andalusia region of Spain, birthplace of flamenco and "tapas." Travel round-trip from Madrid or Seville on board this train, a 12-car deluxe hotel on wheels. Sample the best and most traditional Spanish dishes, topped off with the best wines, as prepared on board and in the best restaurants along the way. Admire the Spanish countryside - landscapes of olive trees and sunflowers, marvelous white villages and magnificent cathedrals - while playing cards or reading. Stop for interesting sightseeing daily. This train trip can be easily paired with our Portugal: Vintage Port Tour (see page 3 for details) and/or the INTRAV cruise above. RailGram No. 9

What IRT members have said: "This is a good value for your money. It was the greatest way to see southern Spain. We would do it again in a blink." - IRT member Patrick O'Leary, Terre Haute, Ind., who traveled on the Al Andalus in 1999.

 

American Orient Express' Autumn in New England & Quebec

Led by Karl Zimmermann

October 16-23, 2003
Take in the beautiful fall colors of New England and Quebec aboard North America's premier luxury train, the American Orient Express. This new itinerary journeys along less traveled routes-through mountain passes, river valleys and small towns-while also taking in the cultural centers of Boston, Montreal and Quebec City. The AOE is made up of wonderfully restored cars from the Streamliner Era of the '40s and '50s. Two dining cars offer gourmet meals in a beautiful setting while the round-end observation car and the dome car allow unrestrained views of the wondrous autumn scenery. Special members-only pre-tour to be offered in Boston, highlighting public transportation. Book six months before departure and save $300 per person.

What IRT members have said: "The accommodations were the best we've ever had." - Emmett McCoy of Texas, concerning his 2002 Pacific Coast Explorer trip on the AOE.

El Transcantábrico
Various dates available, May-October 2003
Poking along 800 miles of incredible scenery at 40 mph across the northern coast of Spain is El Transcantábrico. This meter-gauge train skirts the coast line, meanders through mountains, follows the course of rivers and runs along deep canyons. It's a route only the narrow-gauge Transcantábrico can follow. The train was completely refurbished and upgraded for 2002 to include only suites with private, ensuite facilities, shower, double bed, minibar, closet and desk. Operating since 1983, the Transcantábrico is fully air-conditioned and carries a maximum of 50 passengers. The routine includes breakfast daily on board, enjoying the train as it ambles across the countryside, being met at a number of stations by the train's motorcoach for short trips to interesting towns and sites not reachable by train, and dining at great, hidden restaurants to enjoy regional cuisine. All nights are taken on sidings for especially quiet sleep. Please note: This train is extremely popular and space is limited. We recommend booking early.

"The enchanting, meter-gauge El Transcantábrico transports travelers across Spain's northern Atlantic coast, delivering equal shares of history, gastronomy and nature...Forget your typical image of Spain. Join a week-long railroad adventure on El Transcantábrico and discover "Green Spain," a region of fjords, forest, mountain peaks and plenty of surprises." (Contributing Editor Ginger Dingus, The International Railway Traveler, No. 107, May 1999)

 

 

Great South Pacific Express

Various dates available throughout 2003

Though Australia's Great South Pacific Express does not have the reputation-yet-of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it aspires to the same high standards of luxury and service-and accomplishes these standards with pride. One of our St. Louis members recently traveled on this train and was so thrilled with it, he called us from the train! The train's 20 carriages have a vintage look but are all brand new; the air-conditioned sleeping compartments all have en-suite bathrooms with shower. Our member highly recommends the upgraded compartments. Book early if you want one.

"I looked out my [compartment] window and spotted a dozen kangaroos in a grassy meadow. Only in Australia!" (Ginger Dingus, The International Railway Traveler, No. 112, Oct. 1999)

Cuban Rail Historian Adventure
February 22-March 8, 2003; March 8-22, 2003
See the greatest remaining concentration of serviceable American-built steam locomotives in the world. They come together every year for Cuba's sugar cane harvest, and you can be there to photograph them. Spend two weeks traveling from mill to mill, with enough run-bys to please any rail photographer. Take a ride on the "Hershey Electric" interurban railway and spend three nights at the splendid beach resort of Guardalavaca. Tour by Trains Unlimited. IRT members get booking bonus.

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