| Europe |
 **This
tour is SOLD OUT. We are accepting waitlist only.
Italy: From the Brenner Pass to
the Boot
May 8-23
This exciting, new itinerary features the country’s rail highlights,
from narrow-gauge rides around Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. Etna to speedy
Eurostar Italia trains whisking us through the beautiful countryside.
Take in Verona, Venice, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Florence, Milan and
more! Werner Schorn will lead this
fantastic trip.
|
|
|  High-Speed
Rail Exploration in France & Spain
March 15-25
We welcome you to join expert rail tour leader Werner
Schorn aboard this exploration of high-speed rail and public transport
in France and Spain. On this custom-designed itinerary created expressly
for the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, we will experience first-hand
the incredible flow between the main cities of Southwestern Europe––Paris,
Bordeaux, Madrid, Seville and Barcelona––many linked with
modern, state-of-the-art high-speed trains. Also includes city tram
systems, shops in Paris and Barcelona, as well as rail museums in
Barcelona and Madrid.
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|
| Pacific/Asia
|
|  Awesome
Australia: A Rail-traveler’s Dream
October 5-21
We’re heading back to Australia for our signature Down Under
Tour, which includes the Indian Pacific Sydney-Adelaide, The Ghan
Adelaide-Alice-Darwin, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Puffing Billy,
Melbourne trams, rain forest near Darwin, fabulous rail museum at
Adelaide, Sunlander overnight Cairns to Brisbane. Allan
Boyer leads. Optional add-on: Indian Pacific Perth-Sydney.
|
|
|
 India:
By Steam to the Hill Stations
Nov. 13-29
Travel to India on this great railfan itinerary! Highlights: streetcar
tour of Calcutta, cruise on the River Hooghly, overnight trains, visit
to the Taj Mahal and—of course—numerous steam rides to
India’s hill stations, including a trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway. Led by Peter Jordan. Optional
Palace on Wheels extension.
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|
|
| ~
Explorer Series ~
IRT's Explorer Series offers a variety of rail- and cruise-based
tours operated by travel partners who have been meticulously selected
by The Society and on which we have reserved exclusive cabins for
our members. Many offer the benefit of a full-time Society tour host
and include baggage handling; most gratuities and many meals, as well
as special benefits for our members.
|
| Russia |
|  Crimean
Express by Private Train
June 3-16
Watch the fascinating history of the Crimea unfold as you travel by
deluxe private train through Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova--visiting
each country's capital along the way. Includes three nights in an
exclusive sea-front hotel on Yalta’s breathtaking coast.
|
|
 Trans-Siberian
Express by Private Train
June 9-22
Don’t miss this private train journey on one of the world’s
longest and most famous routes: Russia’s Trans-Siberian Express.
Travel Vladivostok to Moscow—a 5,500-mile legendary trip—stopping
in remote Siberian towns along the way. And new this year: a stop in
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. |
|
| Asia |
|  China
by Private Train
October 21-31
Tour China by private train on one of our deluxe tours. Travel from
Beijing to Hong Kong, and take a three-day Yangtze cruise through
the Three Gorges. Visit Xian's Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, more!
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|
|
| North
America |
|  **This
tour is almost sold out!!
Sierra Madre Express Copper Canyon
Adventure
February 2-9
Experience one of North America's most adventurous trains: the Sierra
Madre Express to Mexico's Copper Canyon. Favorite memories of this
tour include: waking up at the Posada Mirador Hotel, seeing the canyon
in utter silence from your private balcony at dawn; relaxing on the
train's open-air observation deck; enjoying meals in the dome diner;
and hiking down into the canyon. Karl Zimmermann
will host.
|
|
|  American
Orient Express' Antebellum South Journey
April 13-19
Visit the grand cities of the Old South while traveling from Savannah,
Georgia, to Washington D.C. on the American Orient Express.
Off-train touring in Savannah, Charleston and Williamsburg/Charlottesville,
Virginia. Early booking discount if booked six months prior to departure!
|
|
|  American
Orient Express' Great Northwest & Rockies
July 11-17
Retrace this 19th-century rail route (Seattle-Salt Lake City) through
untamed wilderness—inhabited by elk, eagles and grizzlies. Includes
Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Karl
Zimmermann will host. Book early and save $500 per person!
|
|
|  American
Orient Express' Trans-Canadian Rail Tour
September 23-October 1
Make the famous journey across Canada by private train! Take in Montreal
and Ottawa before heading west across the Canadian Shield, through
Winnipeg and Saskatoon, and on towards the Rocky Mountains. We'll
stop at the Jasper National Park, where you can travel by Snocoach
across the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the beautiful scenery this country
has to offer in style and elegance, with wonderful meals and superb
service, as well as lectures given by IRT tour host Karl
Zimmermann. Book by March 28 and save $500 per person!
|
|
 GrandLuxe
Mexico
Various dates available, October 2006-April 2007
This exciting new itinerary takes in Mexico – from the Copper
Canyon to the ruins of Teotihuacân and the history and beauty
of Mazatlán and more. This nine-day trip begins in El Paso and
ends in Mexico City, oldest city in North America. Most nights spent
aboard the luxurious train in private accommodations. Two nights spent
at luxury hotel in Mexico City. (GrandLuxe Rail Journeys formerly
called the American Orient Express.) |
|
Royal Canadian Pacific
Various dates available
Deluxe private train out of Calgary, which offers luxury service,
meals and accommodations while taking passengers along the scenic
Canadian Pacific lines in the Rockies.
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|
|
| Europe |
|  The
Royal Scotsman
Various dates
One of the most exciting destinations in the world is Scotland, with
its gorgeous coast, rugged hills, open sky, its history and culture-they're
all the makings of legend. And what better way to experience this
grand land than on The Royal Scotsman? Board the train at Edinburgh's
Waverley Station to the familiar tune of the bagpipe. Visit romantic
castles, historic distilleries and enjoy some of Scotland's most beautiful
scenery. The sheer luxury of the train itself is overwhelming, with
its spacious cabins and lovely dining rooms, open-air observation
platform and impeccable staff. The food and wine are famous around
the world for their tasty perfection.
|
|
 The
Northern Belle Grand Tour
September 1-7, 2006
Following a circular route from London, this all-inclusive 7-day journey
passes through the spectacular countryside of England, Scotland and
Wales. Interspersed are visits to stately homes and castles, ancient
cities and monuments. While on board, guests enjoy a lively atmosphere
of fine dining, exquisite views and conversation among new friends. Overnight
stays in flagship hotels in Edinburgh and Chester. |
|
 Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express
Various dates available, March-November
This world-famous train remains an unparalleled means of exploring
the European countryside. Service and dining are among the best in the
world. Itineraries include London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Istanbul, more!
|
|
|  El
Transcantabrico
Various dates available
Poking along 800 miles of incredible scenery 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. All compartments on board are 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.
|
|
|
| Worldwide
Cruises |
| Seabourn Caribbean
Hideaways cruise
March 19-26
Discover a Caribbean that is off the beaten path—St. Thomas,
Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Barts, St. Martin—as you travel in
the comfort of a Seabourn luxury yacht. From about $2,700 p.p. with
group discount! |
|  Clipper
Cruise’s Hidden Fjords & Glaciers of Alaska’s Inside
Passage
Aug. 26-Sept. 2
Get an up-close look at America’s last frontier aboard the small
ship Yorktown Clipper. See Alaska’s bald eagles, humpback whales,
vast glaciers and hidden fjords. Optional pretour includes McKinley
Explorer train. From $2,760 p.p.
|
|
American West's Path of the Explorers
October 15-22
Follow the footsteps of Lewis & Clark as you cruise the Columbia,
Snake and Willamette Rivers aboard American West’s sternwheeler
Empress of the North. Take a white-water jet boat ride through Hells
Canyon and visit Mt. Saint Helens Volcanic Monument. Special rates
are up to $1,000 off brochure prices.
|
|  Zegrahm
Expeditions' The Antarctic Peninsula
Nov. 19-Dec. 3
The Society partners with Zegrahm Expeditions to offer our first-ever
cruise to the great wilderness of Antarctica. You’ll be awed
by dazzling icebergs and abundant wildlife—and educated by expert
naturalists. May be combined with the “Circumnavigation
of South Georgia” for a comprehensive tour.
|
| We are delighted to book
you on any cruise offered by our preferred cruise partners:
|
|
-
American West Steamboat
-
Holland America
-
Princess
-
Sea Cloud
|
-
Clipper
-
INTRAV
-
Seabourn
-
Several European barges
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|
