American Orient Express'
National Parks of the West8 Days, 7 Nights
June 18-25, 2003
Itinerary at a glance
Sante Fe · Grand Canyon National Park · Bryce Canyon National Park ·
Zion National Park · Yellowstone National Park · Grand Teton National Park · Salt Lake City
Day 1 - Arrive in Sante Fe, New Mexico
After independent arrivals at the hotel, we meet for our private welcome reception and 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 Eldorado Hotel. (D)Day 2; Santa Fe / Board the American Orient Express
After breakfast in the hotel, we depart for a guided walking tour of the old plaza. Lunch is served at La Casa Sena with leisure time afterward to browse and shop at local galleries and museums. We then transfer by motorcoach to Albuquerque where we board the American Orient Express. This evening, dinner is served on board as we traverse the beautiful landscape of New Mexico en route to our next destination, Grand Canyon National Park. (B,L,D)Day 3 - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
We awake at the steps of Grand Canyon National Park this morning. With its unfathomable dimensions, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, this geologic wonder is perhaps the nation's most spectacular. We spend the morning at the South Rim, where the constant play of light and shadow profoundly changes the colors of the plateaus and mesas within the chasm. Nearly a mile below, the Colorado River continues its slow work, deepening the canyon a fraction of an inch every year. We return to the train to enjoy dinner and overnight on board en route to Cedar City. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This morning we enjoy breakfast and lunch on the train as we travel to our next destination. Upon arriving in Cedar City, we board motorcoaches with our overnight bags to explore Bryce Canyon National Park. Paiute Indians described this jagged strip along the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau as "red rocks standing like statues of men." Eons of rain and wind sculpted this sandstone environment into a maze of spires and arches. Layered in red, rose, orange and lavender, the stone landscape is elemental and alien - almost Gothic in its drama. We tour Bryce Canyon by coach, stopping for short hikes and stunning views along the way. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight at the Zion Park Inn. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Zion National Park, Utah
After breakfast in the hotel, we board motorcoaches and transfer to Zion National Park. Millions of years of unrelenting erosion have formed this primeval wonderland of red sandstone buttes, domes and sheer canyon walls. The "heavenly city of God," or Zion, was named by early settlers and park visitors still find the label appropriate. We explore the park on a scenic drive following a winding river, with frequent stops along the way and options to hike groomed trails. Back on board the train, we enjoy dinner and overnight en route to Saint Anthony. (B,L,D)Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
This morning, we enjoy breakfast on board the train and with our overnight bags, depart on motorcoaches to view the astounding sights of Yellowstone National Park. The park protects more than two-million acres of wilderness - a glimpse of the West from centuries past. Miles below the park's surface, water and molten rock converge, creating over 10,000 boiling springs, mud pots and geysers. After a full day of exploring, we gather for dinner and overnight in a nearby lodge. (B,L,D)Day 7 - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
After breakfast in the lodge, we board motorcoaches and set out to the Teton Mountain Range - perhaps the most abrupt and breathtaking in America, with Grand Teton Mountain rising to 13,770 feet. At the foot of these mountains lie Jackson and Jenny Lakes - these mirror lakes are majestic, yet tranquil, a favorite site for photographers and sightseers. Centuries ago, native Americans hunted the great elk herds that gathered at the foot of the range - perhaps the most abrupt and breathtaking in America, with Grand Teton Mountain rising to 13,770 feet. Today, we spend the day exploring this spectacular region, stopping for lunch at the Museum of Wildlife Art which overlooks an elk refuge. This evening, we transfer back to the train to enjoy our farewell cocktail reception and dinner. We overnight on board en route to Salt Lake City. (B,L,D)Day 8- Salt Lake City, Utah
Our American Orient Express journey ends here after breakfast. Stay on in Salt Lake City for additional sightseeing or make individual arrangements to return home. (B)
This tour includes:
- Overnight at deluxe hotel on first night
- Welcome cocktail reception and private dinner
- 7 dinners with complimentary wine
- 6 lunches
- 7 full American breakfasts and optional continental breakfasts
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Professionally guided tours of Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- Overnight stay at Zion and Yellowstone park lodges
- Comprehensive lecture series
- Live piano music nightly
- Deluxe rail accommodations for 4 nights
- Personal service by rail car attendant
- Farewell cocktail reception
2003 Tour Price
Early Booking* Retail
Vintage Pullman $3,190 $3,490
Single Sleeper $4,790 $5,090
Parlour Suite $4,990 $5,290
Deluxe Suite $5,290 $5,590
Presidential Suite $5,590 $5,890Prices 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.About the American Orient Express
- 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:
800-478-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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