The Society of International
Railway Travelers presents:
American Orient Express'
Pacific Coast Explorer tour
8 Days, 7 Nights
May 13-20, 2002
Seattle · Portland · Feather River Canyon · Napa Valley
San Francisco · Hearst Castle · Los Angeles
Day 1 - Arrive in Seattle, Washington
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 Renaissance Madison Hotel. (D)
Day 2 - Seattle / Board the American Orient Express
After breakfast in the hotel, we take a guided tour of the city
before continuing on to the station. After boarding the train,
we begin our journey south into Oregon. This evening, dinner
is served in our dining cars and our first overnight on board
is spent en route to Portland. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Portland, Oregon
The Columbia and Willamette rivers converge at Portland, an incredibly
well planned community known for cultural richness, microbreweries
and gardens. After breakfast on the train we depart by motor
coaches to Mount Hood and visit the Timberline Lodge
located mid-way to the summit of the mountain. This afternoon
we travel along the Columbia River by motorcoaches to explore
Multnomah Falls, allowing for frequent photo stops along the
way. We meet back on board for dinner and overnight en route
to Northern California. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Through the Feather River
Canyon
Awake this morning and enjoy breakfast on the train. A leisurely
day is spent on board as we traverse one of America's most scenic
rail routes - the Feather River Canyon. The stunning landscape
around us - cascading waterfalls, deep canyons and mountains
- began with earth-shaking geologic activity. Our day is spent
enjoying the amenities of the train and our lecture series. An
afternoon tea is presented as the train continues through the
Feather River Canyon toward our next destination. This evening,
we enjoy dinner and overnight as we travel into northern California.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 - Napa Valley
After breakfast on board, we begin our journey to Napa Valley.
The endless rows of grape arbors passing by our windows leave
no doubt - we're in wine country. Robert Mondavi popularized
the 25-mile-long Napa Valley in the 1960s, and today about 250
vineyards and wineries operate here. Our first stop is Domaine
Carneros, owned by the Taittingers of France, where we savor
a glass of sparkling wine while enjoying the view from the terrace
or relaxing in the elegant tasting salon. Dean & Deluca is
next on the itinerary, made famous for their special olive oils
and mustards. In the afternoon, we transfer to a third winery
to enjoy lunch and wine tasting. After a full day of touring,
we transfer to the Huntington Hotel in the heart of San Francisco.
The evening is ours to explore the city, shop and dine on our
own before overnighting at the Huntington Hotel. (B,L)
Day 6 - San Francisco, California
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a spectacular guided
tour of Muir Woods. This afternoon, we transfer back to the Huntington
Hotel for lunch and checkout. We then depart for a guided city
tour of San Francisco with stops at Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown
and other cultural areas. This evening, we transfer back to the
train for dinner and overnight en route to our next destination.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 - San Simeon / Hearst Castle
We enjoy breakfast this morning while traversing the beautiful
California coastline to Paso Robles, where we cross one of California's
coastal ranges, over high bridges and through several tunnels.
We travel by motorcoach to San Simeon and tour Hearst Castle.
Atop a mountain that overlooks the Pacific, this 165-room, 127-acre
estate was built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
An extensive collection of art and antiques fills the estate.
After our tour, we transfer back to the train for dinner and
overnight en route to our final destination - Los Angeles (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Los Angeles, California
The train rolls toward Los Angeles, our final destination on
this American Orient Express journey. After a leisurely breakfast
on board, we are free to explore this great city or to make individual
arrangements for flights home. (B)
This tour includes:
· Overnight at the Renaissance
Madison Hotel
· Welcome cocktail reception and private dinner
· 6 dinners with wine while on board the train, 6 lunches
and 7 full American breakfasts with optional continental breakfasts
· Non-alcoholic beverages throughout
· Napa Valley wine tasting
· Professionally guided tours of Hearst Castle, Muir Woods,
Mount Hood and Multnomah Falls
· Comprehensive lecture series
· Live piano music nightly
· Deluxe rail accommodation
· Porterage
· Farewell cocktail reception
2002 Tour Price
| Early Booking* | Retail | |
| Vintage Pullman | $2,590 | $2,890 |
| Single Sleeper | $3,890 | $4,190 |
| Parlour Suite | $4,090 | $4,390 |
| Deluxe Suite | $4,390 | $4,690 |
| Presidential Suite | $4,690 | $4,990 |
Prices per person, double occupancy.
*SAVE $300 BY BOOKING SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE DATE!
Itinerary, hotels and prices subject
to change.
Other dates may be available. Please call for details.
Description of Accommodations
Vintage Pullman: Upper and lower
berths, full-size couch, private sink and water closet.
Single Sleeper: Lower berth, single sofa seat, private
sink and water closet. For singles only.
Parlor Suite: Two lower berths, one upper berth, couch,
single sofa seat, private sink and water closet.
Deluxe Suite: Two lower berths in "L" configuration,
table, private sink, water closet and shower.
Presidential Suite: Two lower berths, two single sofa
seats, private sink, water closet and shower.
- Voted by the editors of The International Railway Traveler® as one of the
top twenty rail experiences in the world -
The 1940s and '50s represented an era of romance
and glamour. It was a time when passengers boarded the great
streamliner trains bound for points across North America. Today,
after $15 million in renovations, these beautiful cars once again
ride the rails, glistening with polished mahogany and brass and
designed to reflect the style of the golden age of travel - when
traveling was meant to be relaxed and savored - not rushed.
The fifteen vintage carriages, painted
in their signature blue and gold, carry approximately 100 passengers,
who are attended to by a highly trained, professional staff and
crew. Their sole purpose is not just to meet, but to surpass
your expectations of the quality and service befitting the honored
tradition of the great luxury streamliners.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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AOE Pacific
Coast Explorer |
