American Orient Express:
Antebellum South ProgramApril 13-19, 2006
7 days, 6 nights
DAY 1— SAVANNAH / BOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS
We meet at the Forsyth Park Hotel in the early afternoon for a welcome orientation, after which we board the American Orient Express.
DAY 2 — SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Regarded as "the Belle of the South," the port city of Savannah exemplifies antebellum grandeur from its planned public squares and ornate architectural details, to the sprawling live oaks draped with Spanish moss. A local guide escorts us through historic Bonaventure Cemetery, the final resting place for both the famous and not so famous. We visit the Owen Thomas house, an in-town home built in the Regency Style with a beautiful English-inspired par-terre garden. We enjoy mint juleps on the veranda before beginning our progressive southern-style lunch in the private home of Dr. Metts, the county coroner made infamous through the best-selling "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." We then board the train and begin our journey through the Old South. As you settle into your accommodations on board, you’ll marvel at the beauty and elegance of the train. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 — CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Traveling further north, past sweet magnolias and sleepy rural towns, we arrive in Charleston. Experience the warm salt air, the sweet smells of southern gardens in bloom and the architectural splendor as the city unfolds before you. Charleston is one of the South's loveliest and best-preserved cities, where the residents tend to their homes and gardens in much the same style as their ancestors did over 300 years ago. We tour Charleston by horse-drawn carriage, riding over the cobblestone streets and through the charmingly restored neighborhoods. After lunch in the city, enjoy free time in the historic marketplace, and an antebellum garden tour of the downtown area. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
After breakfast on the train, today we visit Magnolia Plantation, home to America's Oldest Garden. You’ll be amazed with the Horticultural Maze planted with over 500 large camellia bushes. Take in the grand bridges and beautiful natural swamp - a setting of many a movie and romance. After our tour, we motorcoach back to the train, to enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon riding the rails to Richmond. Our lecturer presents programs on Southern history and culture and we are treated to afternoon tea. Enjoy the amenities of the train as we traverse through the countryside. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 & DAY 6 — RICHMOND/WILLIAMSBURG / CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
With the Blue Ridge Mountains as our backdrop, we offer you two options during our two day stop in the area. Take one day and travel to Williamsburg, our country's largest living history museum. The city is known not only for its Colonial reproductions and influences, but also its cool green spaces, tidy flower gardens, fenced pastures, trimmed boxwoods, and large shade trees. On day two, or day one – if you prefer, visit Charlottesville, where Thomas Jefferson realized his architectural and inventive genius at Monticello. A guide reveals the many innovative aspects of this founding father's home, and we are free to stroll the grounds and experimental gardens. Our farewell cocktail reception and dinner will be held this evening on the train as we enjoy the moonlit scenery from the dining car. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — WASHINGTON, D.C.
The American Orient Express pulls into Washington, D.C., our final destination. After breakfast on board, we are free to explore our nation's capital or you may make individual arrangements for transfers to the airport for flights home. (B)
Pricing:
Type of accommodations Retail Rate 90-179 Days Prior 180+ Days Prior Vintage Pullman $3,490 $3,190 $2,990 Single Sleeper $4,490 $4,190 $3,990 Classic Presidential Suite $5,190 $4,890 $4,690 Grand Suite $5,490 $5,190 $4,990 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.
Classic Presidential Suite: Double-size cabin with two lower beds, two converted single sofa seats or a converted couch, private sink, water closet and shower.
Grand 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.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
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