American
Orient Express:
Antebellum South & Jazz Program
March 15-22,
2004
8 days, 7 nights
New Orleans · Vicksburg · Savannah · Charleston · Richmond · Washington D.C.
DAY 1 -
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
After independent arrivals at the hotel, we meet for our private
welcome dinner. We take this opportunity to introduce the train
staff and other guests who will be joining us on our journey.
This evening we overnight at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans. (D)
DAY 2 - NEW ORLEANS / BOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS
After breakfast in the hotel, we board motorcoaches for a morning
tour of New Orleans-a city consumed with cool jazz, steamy nightlife,
and Cajun and Creole cooking. The tour includes a stop at Mardi
Gras World to view the floats and costumes that have become synonymous
with New Orleans. Lunch will be enjoyed at Muriel's famous restaurant
overlooking Jackson Square. This afternoon, we partake in a walking
tour of the French Quarter and are treated to a jazz session
with the resident musicians at Preservation Hall, a landmark
in jazz history. This evening, dinner is served in the dining
cars before we overnight en route to Jackson, Mississippi. (B,L,D)
Live Jazz
DAY 3 -
VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI
This morning, breakfast is served on the train before traveling
by motorcoach to Vicksburg. During the Civil War, Vicksburg was
the fortified city on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi
River. It was the vital link that kept the western states of
the Confederacy in contact with the eastern states. We spend
the day touring this city with professional guides, who provide
insight into the western campaign, which centered on Vicksburg.
In the morning, we stop at the Vicksburg Military Park and the
U.S.S. Cairo Museum for a comprehensive tour before returning
to the train for lunch. This evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight
on board as we continue our journey to Savannah. (B,L,D) Live
Jazz
DAY 4 - EN ROUTE TO SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Spend the day on board the American Orient Express as we travel
through the Deep South, passing by small rural towns and great
old plantations, en route to Savannah. Enjoy lectures, lunch,
tea, dinner and overnight as we make our way to our next destination.
(B,L,D) Live Jazz
DAY 5 -
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
America's first planned city, Savannah has preserved the Georgian
row houses and public squares that anchored its founding vision.
After breakfast on board, we tour Savannah's historic district,
including Bonaventure Cemetery, and make a special call at the
1816 Owens-Thomas House, an English Regency structure. After
a progressive lunch, we absorb the charm of this river town at
our leisure or join an excursion to historic Fort Pulaski, a
moated fortress that played roles in the Revolutionary War, War
of 1812 and the Civil War. We transfer back to the train to enjoy
dinner and overnight in Savannah. (B,L,D) Live Jazz
DAY 6 - CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
After breakfast on board, we explore Charleston's diverse historic
district by horse and buggy as our knowledgeable guide explains
the history of old homes, their inhabitants and the steps taken
to preserve these historical treasures for future generations.
Passing by the "battery" that overlooks Charleston
Harbor, we journey to Magnolia Plantation and its lovely gardens.
This early home to the Drayton family offers an outstanding collection
of antiques, a wildlife sanctuary and a history that dates back
13 generations to the pre-revolution period. We return to the
train for dinner and overnight en route to our next destination.
(B,L,D) Live Jazz
DAY 7 - RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
This morning, we enjoy breakfast on the train before boarding
motorcoaches to Charlottesville, located at the base of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. It is here that Thomas Jefferson realized his
architectural genius with his innovative home - Monticello. We
tour both his home and creative gardens. Lunch is served at the
historic Michie Tavern. In the late afternoon, we transfer back
to the train, located at the recently renovated Richmond rail
station, which also houses the Science Museum of Virginia. This
evening enjoy a farewell cocktail reception, dinner and final
overnight on board. (B,L,D) Live Jazz
DAY 8 -
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The American Orient Ex press pulls into Washington, D.C. this
morning. Continue sightseeing or make individual arrangements
for transfers to the airport. (B)
This tour includes:
- Overnight
at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel with welcome cocktail reception
and private dinner on the first night
- Deluxe rail accommodations for 6 nights
- 7 dinners with complimentary wine, 6 lunches, 7 full American
breakfasts and optional continental breakfasts
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Professionally guided tours of Washington, D.C., Monticello,
Richmond, Charleston, Savannah and Vicksburg
- Comprehensive lecture series
- Live piano music nightly
- Personal service by rail car attendant
- Farewell cocktail reception
2004 Rates
| Special group rate | Retail price | |
| Ventage Pullman | $2,690 | $3,190 |
| Single Sleeper | $3,990 | $4.490 |
| Parlor Suite | $4,190 | $4.690 |
| Delux Suite | $4,490 | $4,990 |
| Presidential suite | $4,790 | $5,290 |
Sleeping Accommodations
Vintage
Pullman
Upper and lower beds, converted full-size couch, private sink
and water closet.
Single Sleeper
Lower bed, converted single sofa seat, private sink, and water
closet.
Parlor Suite
Larger cabin with two lower beds, and an extra upper converted
bed, full couch, seat, private sink and water closet. Hand-held
shower.
Deluxe Suite
Larger cabin with two lower beds in an "L" configuration,
converted full-size couch and converted single sofa seat, table,
private sink, water closet and shower.
Presidential Suite
Double-size cabin with two lower beds, two converted single sofa
seats or a converted couch, private sink, water closet and shower.
Terms & Conditions
Included:
Hotels as indicated in the itinerary · first night private
welcome reception and dinner · introductions and briefing
· full American breakfast at hotel · hotel gratuities
and taxes · nights on board the American Orient Express
as indicated in the itinerary · welcome and farewell receptions
on the train · all meals as described in the brochure
· soft drinks, bottled water and house wine with dinner
on board the train · all excursions and other group activities
as described in the brochure · complete program of lectures
and presentations · qualified tour managers throughout
the trip · baggage handling · gratuities to local
guides, escorts and drivers · amenities package ·
live entertainment on train.
Not Included
Airfare and taxes · accident / baggage / cancellation
insurance · airport or hotel transfers · personal
expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax charges and taxis ·
liquor · traditional gratuities to train staff.
Group Discount
Incentive
Save $500 per person when you make a reservation with The Society
of International Railway Travelers. Please note this discount
is capacity controlled, subject to availability and cannot be
combined with other American Orient Express offers.
Reservations
/ Initial Deposit
To reserve your place on this program, contact The Society of
International Railway Travelers' Tour Desk at 800-478-4881 or
502-454-0277 and place a deposit of $500 per person with a major
credit card. Alternatively, you may send a check, made payable
to The Society of International Railway Travelers. Please indicate
your trip name and departure date and reservation number.
Final Payment
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Checks and most
major credit cards are accepted for final payment.
Cancellation,
Refunds & Transfer Fees
Deposits are refundable, less a $250 per person cancellation
fee, until 60 days prior to departure. Less than 60 days prior
to departure, no refunds can be made (including, but not limited
to, additional components such as hotel nights, airfare and optional
tours). "Name changes" are considered a cancellation
and applicable fees and / or penalties apply. We highly recommend
travel insurance.
American Orient Express has many contractual and financial commitments with hotel properties, transport operators, guiding services and restaurants. Due to these commitments and the costly charges that result from cancellations and / or transfers from passengers, the full cancellation penalty will apply regardless of the reason, or whether the booking is transferred to another tour departure. Cancellation and applicable penalty will be based on the date that the notice is received in the American Orient Express Downers Grove office.
Insurance
The Society of International Railway Travelers provides optional
trip cancellation and interruption insurance through Travelex
Insurance Services. This insurance covers participant cancellations,
emergency medical evacuation, accident and sickness coverage.
It also covers other reasons you may need to cancel: strike,
weather and burglary, among others. Also, this insurance provides
a pre-existing condition waiver if you purchase full coverage
within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit. We will send
you a brochure upon confirmation of your booking, or in advance
if requested.
Eligibility
We consider these trips mildly physical programs, involving some
walking, stair climbing and elevations over 8,000 feet. Life
on the train is relaxed and casual. All members of the trip are
expected to be in good health and able to either walk on own
or with the assistance of a traveling companion, and enjoy traveling
as part of a group. Please advise us of any special medical or
dietary conditions.
ADA Policy
The American Orient Express was refurbished before the
American Disabilities Act; and therefore, it does not comply
with ADA standards. Certain safety regulations affecting the
design of the train may cause difficulty for persons with limited
mobility. The carriages cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
The hallways in the sleeping carriages are 24 inches wide, and
doorways leading into the cabins are 18 inches wide.
Smoking
Policy
Smoking is limited to vestibule areas only. Smoking is not permitted
in the train's sitting, dining or sleeping carriages or on any
motorcoaches.
Currency
Fares are quoted and payable in U.S. dollars.
Photography
American
Orient Express
reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of
any tour and while on the train. These photographs may be used
in the future by American Orient Express for the use of
promotional materials. By booking a reservation with American
Orient Express, passengers agree to allow their image to
appear in such photographs. Passengers who prefer that their
image not be used are asked to notify the tour leader at the
commencement of their tour, once on the train.
Meals
Meals that are included in the tour packages are noted at the
end of each day's itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Special
Diets
Special diets should be specified either at the time of booking
or on the Personal and Health Information Forms included in your
Preliminary Document Package in order that we may do all that
is possible to accommodate your request.
Optional
Tour Disclaimer
Excursions, transportation and other services arranged for American
Orient Express passengers on optional tours are provided
by independent contractors, not American Orient Express,
as further defined in your Passage Agreement. American Orient
Express acts as an agent only with respect to these optional
services; it does not control or operate and is not responsible
for actions of the operators providing the services. Tickets
for these optional services and refunds, therefore, are subject
to the terms and conditions set forth by these operators. American
Orient Express passengers using the optional services agree
that American Orient Express is not liable for any loss,
death, injury or other damage to person or property arising out
of or in any way connected with the optional services. Passengers
should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions
of the optional services provided by the independent contractors.
Air and
Hotel Supplement Program
Extra hotel nights and round-trip air from a variety of gateways
in the 48 contiguous United States can be arranged. Please call
IRT for more information. The availability of the Air Supplement
Program may be limited from each gateway. American Orient
Express reserves the right to withdraw any gateway without
prior notice. Air prices are based on airfares in effect at time
of printing and are subject to change. American Orient Express
reserves the right to schedule air itineraries in accordance
with tour schedule and flight availability. Air date deviations
are subject to additional air charges. Seat assignments and special
requests such as meals and wheelchairs are the passenger's responsibility
and must be made directly with air carrier(s). Airline tickets
issued by American Orient Express have restrictions and
cannot be exchanged for an alternate carrier or routing. Cancellation
or change fees may be assessed by an airline for any changes
made to an itinerary; any changes incurred by voluntary itinerary
changes are the responsibility of the passenger. American
Orient Express is not liable for any penalties, costs or
losses incurred to persons holding air tickets not issued by
its air department in the event of changes in airline or tour
schedules, airline irregularities, space availability or acts
of God.
Responsibility
The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and
American Orient Express act only as agents for the passenger
with respect to transportation and hotels and exercise every
care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury,
damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with
the services of any airplane, ship motorcoach, train or other
conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
We cannot accept responsibility for losses or additional expenses
due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather,
strike, war, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our
control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by
the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for
the time stated. We reserve the right to make alterations to
this published itinerary. The right is reserved to cancel the
tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will
be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right
is also reserved to decline or accept or to retain any person
as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused
portion of any tour. The price of the program is based on tariffs
and rates in effect in March, 2003, and is subject to change.
Any tariff, exchange rate or fuel surcharge will be passed on
to the participants. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk.
It is understood that the air ticket, when issued, shall constitute
the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned.
The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any
act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on
board their plane or conveyance. The Society of International
Railway Travelers and American Orient Express accept no
liability for the carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by
the purchase of non-refundable tickets connected with the tour.
Complaints
The stated mission of The Society of International Railway Travelers
is to offer the very best in rail travel around the globe for
our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey,
please bring it to the attention to your tour leader right away.
Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society
at its main office at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205. Our
desire is to set things right. We cannot accept liability for
any claims not made to us in writing within two months of completion
of your journey. We also cannot tender any refunds for any reason
outside the terms set forth above. All claims will be settled
by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
