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Explore
the Copper Canyon aboard the Sierra Madre Express!
Escorted by rail author/lecturer Karl Zimmermann
8 Days, 7 Nights
February 2-9, 2006
Itinerary
Thursday,
February 2: Tucson (D)
Arrival in Tucson. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers and special Society
of IRT host, Karl Zimmermann at a welcome reception
followed by dinner.
Friday,
February 3: On board the train (B,L,D)
After breakfast, passengers board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the
Santa Cruz Valley. Along the way there is a photo stop at the historic San
Xavier Mission and lunch at the spectacular Rio Rico Resort. We cross the
border and board the Sierra Madre Express in mid-afternoon. Passengers are
welcomed aboard with a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served and the
night is spent on the train.
Saturday,
February 4: Copper Canyon (B,L,D)
Breakfast and lunch are served on board while the train ascends into the Copper
Canyon region. The train arrives at Divisadero by mid-afternoon and passengers
are transferred to the Mirador
Hotel. A reception in the Mirador Lounge with entertainment by the Tarahumara
Indians will precede dinner in the dining room.
Sunday, February 5: Creel (B,L,D)
Following breakfast guests will depart on the Express for
Creel, in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide will conduct a tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara
village. Lunch will be served on the train and some time will remain for shopping
for native handicrafts. Upon our return to the Posada Mirador there will be
a reception and dinner will be served in the dining room.
Monday, February 6: Cerocahui (B,L,D)
After breakfast the morning is free for hiking, exploring, shopping or simply
relaxing. After lunch, the Express will depart on a 2 hour ride to Bahuichivo,
and then a 45 minute bus ride to the Hotel Mision in Cerocahui. Please note
that the ride can be bumpy and dusty. A reception and entertainment precede
dinner in the dining room.
Tuesday, February 7: Gallego Outlook (B,L,D)
After breakfast guests can choose to either spend a quiet morning in Cerocahui
or take a bus tour to Gallego Outlook. The Outlook provides an unforgettable
view of the remote Urique Canyon. The tour lasts about 4 hours and the road
can be bumpy and dusty. Lunch is served at the hotel with an opportunity to
visit the neighboring boarding school for Tarahumara girls before we get on
the bus for a return to the Express. After departure passengers have their
final opportunity to view the spectacular scenery as the train descends toward
the coast. A farewell dinner is served in the dome.
Wednesday,
February 8: On board the train (B,L)
The last segment aboard the Express is spent traveling north to Nogales, Sonora.
Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran Desert. Breakfast and lunch
are served with arrival in Nogales in the early afternoon. A motor coach will
transfer guests back to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay.
Thursday,
February 9: Tucson (B)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure complete the tour.
Tour
Includes:
• Meals as listed in itinerary, including "get acquainted"
cocktail reception
• Accommodation on train, 2 nights
• Accommodation
in charming inns, 3 nights
• Accommodation
in Tucson hotel, 2 nights
•
Lectures and services of full-time tour escort, Karl
Zimmermann
•
All local tours
•
Liquor on the train
•
Gratuities
Price:
$3,295 per person, double occupancy
$3,490 single occupancy (in double compartment)
$2,895 Roomette (for single use only)
Take $300 per person off the above rates if booked by August 31!
All double compartments have private sink and toilet. Roomettes have sinks only.
Click here to download our 2006 tour booking form.
About
the trip...
Imagine viewing jagged canyons, waterfalls and a vast variety of flora and
fauna. This describes the Copper Canyon, a region in northern Mexico that
only became accessible after a railroad line was completed from Los Mochis
to Chihuahua in 1961. For centuries this remote region has been the home of
the Tarahumara Indians, an indigenous group that has managed to maintain many
of its customs and traditions.
To many, the attraction
of a nostalgic trip on a vintage train is quite evident. Peter M. Robbins
founded the Sierra Madre Express in 1986 with this in mind. To date he has
gathered a fleet of five classic rail cars originally built in the 1940's
and 1950's. Service on the Sierra Madre Express is reminiscent of rail travel
of a bygone era. From offering gourmet meals to attentive room service, a
trainmaster and a crew of six look after the passenger's every need. In addition,
an experienced bilingual escort accompanies every tour. Many guests have commented
on the attention to detail that is evident in every aspect of an excursion
on the Sierra Madre Express. It is truly an extraordinary travel experience.
When traveling to the majestic Copper Canyon, guests on the Sierra Madre Express can expect the best in "soft" adventure with a feeling of security. In the Copper Canyon, passengers can experience some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable. In addition, they have the opportunity to visit a native village, purchase exquisite craft items, and stay in charming inns and hotels while they immerse themselves in the culture of the region.
About the train...
The Sierra Madre Express offers a travel experience reminiscent of the golden
age of railroading. The fleet includes four sleeping cars and a domed dining
and observation car. In addition, there are four other public areas. As the
train travels past some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable, the traveler
may choose any of these areas from which to view them.
The Arizona, a lounge car, was built in 1946. It has an indoor observation area, full bar and 5 double compartments. The Chile Verde, also built in 1946, contains eight single roomettes as well as an informal dining area. The Divisadero is a car with 9 double compartments as is its sister car, the Ing. Ballesteros. The Divisadero features an open-air deck -- a favorite place from which to watch the passing scenery. The Tucson has a comfortable lounge as well as the raised observation dome which also serves as the formal dining area.
Click here to download our 2006 tour booking form.
Click here for complete tour terms and conditions.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881
or 502-454-0277
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
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