Sierra Madre Express
New Year's Tour Itinerary
DAY 1, December 27
Passengers begin their rail tour with a "get acquainted" dinner at their Tucson hotel. (D)DAY 2, December 28
Guests board a motor coach for a tour of Tucson and the Santa Cruz Valley. Then they enjoy lunch at the spectacular Rio Rico Resort. After crossing the Mexican border, passengers are welcomed aboard the Sierra Madre Express with a cocktail reception. A full dinner is served in the dome car and the night is spent on the train. (B,L,D)
DAY 3, December 29
Following breakfast on the train, travelers disembark at Sufragio where they board a bus for a trip to the Bay of Topolobampo. As passengers cruise the bay, they will see dolphins playfully surround their yacht. Guests travel by bus to the Posada del Hidalgo in the colonial town of El Fuerte. After lunch there is time to enjoy the hotel's lush gardens, relax, have a cool drink by the pool, and then join a guided tour of the town. The evening begins with a reception featuring a spectacular performance by folkloric dancers and ends with a memorable dinner served in the gracious Mexican manner. The night is spent at the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, December 30
After breakfast at the hotel, passengers board the Sierra Madre Express and begin the ascent into the Copper Canyon region. The train arrives at Divisadero by mid-afternoon, and travelers are transferred to the Posada Mirador Hotel. A cocktail hour with entertainment by the Tarahumara Indians will precede dinner. The night is spent at the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, December 31
Guests depart on the Sierra Madre Express for Creel which lies in the heart of Tarahumara country. A local guide conducts a bus tour to Cusarare, an old Tarahumara village. After being transported back to Creel, passengers enjoy lunch served on the train. There is plenty of time to shop for native crafts. After returning to the Posada Mirador, there is time to relax. Later in the evening, an authentic Mexican New Year's Eve dinner will be followed by festivities to usher in the new year. The night is spent at the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, January 1
The morning is free for hiking, exploring, horseback riding, shopping or simply relaxing. After lunch, guests board the Sierra Madre Express to enjoy the magnificent canyon views for a final time as they begin the journey back to Tucson. A sumptuous farewell dinner will be served in the dome car and guests will sleep on the train. (B,L,D)DAY 7, January 2
The last leg of the journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express is spent traveling north to Nogales, Sonora. Passengers enjoy daylight views of the Sonoran Desert. Breakfast and Lunch are served on the train, and arrival in Nogales is in the afternoon. A motor coach will transfer guests back to the hotel in Tucson for an included overnight stay. Guests are on their own for dinner. (B,L)DAY 8, January 3
Departure will follow breakfast at the hotel. (B)Fares:
(New Year's itinerary 2003)All double compartments: $3,195
(Except Arizona E)
Single Roomettes (Chile Verde): $3,390Rates are per person
All compartments other than those in the Chile Verde have sinks and toilets. Compartments in the Chile Verde have sinks only. Fares are subject to change. Air fare not included.
Cancellation Fees
*Up to 60 days prior to departure.....$50 administrative fee.
31 days to 60 days prior to departure.....50% of fare plus $50
30 days or less prior to departure....100% of fareAbout the Train:
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 1940s and 1950s. Service on the Sierra Madre Express is reminiscent of rail travel of a bygone era. From offering gourmet meals to attentive 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.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
