American Orient Express
Rockies & Sierras
October 16-22, 2005
With IRT host Karl Zimmermann
ITINERARY
DAY 1 -- SAN FRANCISCO / BOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS
We meet this early afternoon at the Westin St Francis Hotel for a welcome reception. We are then transported to the station and board the train. This evening we enjoy our welcome dinner as we begin our adventure on the rails. (D)
DAY 2-- SACRAMENTO / YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
We awake this morning in Sacramento, the capital city of California. We arrive in Yosemite after a motorcoach tour that brings us to 5,000 feet in elevation. Yosemite is known for its spectacular granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, unique rock formations, giant sequoia forests and pristine wilderness. Native Americans, particularly ancestors of the Southern Miwok tribe, have inhabited the region for 8,000 years. Today we tour the visitor's center, Ansel Adams Museum and the Native Village. Enjoy dinner at Ahwanee Hotel and overnight at the Yosemite Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 -- YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting Yosemite Valley as an
inalienable public trust. And in 1890, with the efforts of naturalist John Muir, Yosemite National Park was created. This morning we tour the valley floor, with stops at Half Dome, Royal Arches and Bridal Veil Falls. We have lunch en route back to the train. Tonight we dine on board as we rail into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 --THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS & LAKE TAHOE
The Sierra Nevada Mountains form the foundation for a vast bioregion that includes magnificent forests, rivers and lakes. Its serene mountain vistas are home to over half the plant species found in California and 400 wildlife species. Within various habitats -- chaparral, ponderosa pine, riparian and alpine meadow -- live wolverine, lodgepole chipmunk, Pacific fisher and big horn sheep. This area is also the site of California's historic Mother Lode of Gold Rush fame. Cupped at the top of a volcanic mountain, the waters of Lake Tahoe are so clear that objects at 75-foot depths can be seen from the surface. Thin mountain air allows the crystalline liquid to reflect the brilliant blue sky or the red sunset. Created by lava, the lake -- the third deepest in North America -- never freezes due to the natural rise of warm water from the bottom. Fed by snow, rain, rivers and water from area marshes, Lake Tahoe and its surrounding basin, create beautiful natural scenes, which attract outdoor enthusiasts year round. We explore the lake via a guided boat cruise. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 -- ARCHES & CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARKS
This morning we head into Utah to experience the wondrous beauty of two national parks. Geologic activity and the effect of swift river action have created the diverse landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. The red desert ecosystem here is punctuated with fins, pinnacles, spires, balanced rocks and arches -- created from eroding sandstone. The Green and Colorado Rivers cut through Canyonlands, creating three distinct terrains: The Needles, the Maze and the Island in the Sky. Late afternoon, we return to the train for dinner.(B,L,D)
DAY 6 -- RAIL THROUGH THE ROCKIES
The rugged expanse of Colorado's mesas and mountains sets our backdrop this morning as we begin our journey through the daunting, breathtaking Rockies. Take in the impressive wilderness landscape as we ride the rails east. Our lecture series begins, and the day offers ample opportunity to explore the train and to enjoy the amenities. This afternoon, our onboard pastry chef presents a lavish tea in the lounge car -- sample the freshly baked delicacies as you get to know fellow passengers. This evening we enjoy our farewell cocktail reception and dinner on board the train and roll into Denver. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 -- DENVER
After breakfast, our adventure comes to an end mid-morning in Denver. Stay on for further exploration on your own, or arrange for individual flights home. (B)
OPTIONAL PRE-NIGHT HOTEL
American Orient Express has negotiated special rates with the Westin St. Francis Hotel for the evening before the train is scheduled to depart. Please call (800) 478-4881 for information and pricing.
Tour Prices
Retail Price 90-179 Days Prior 180+ Days Prior
Vintage Pullman $3,790 $3,490 $3,290 Single Sleeper $5,290 $4,990 $4,790 Parlor Suite $5,590 $5,290 $5,090 Classic Presidential $5,890 $5,590 $5,390 Grand Suite $6,190 $5,890 $5,690
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.
Parlor Suite
Larger cabin with two lower beds, and an extra upper converted bed, full couch, seat, private sink and water closet. Hand-held shower.
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, pull-out table, private sink, water closet and shower.
Terms & Conditions
Included
Nights on board the American Orient Express as indicated in the itinerary o welcome and farewell receptions on the train o all meals as described in the brochure o soft drinks, bottled water and house wine with dinner on board the train o all excursions and other group activities as described in the brochure o complete program of lectures and presentations o qualified tour managers throughout the trip o baggage handling o gratuities to local guides, escorts and drivers o amenities package.
Not Included
Airfare and taxes o accident / baggage / cancellation insurance o airport or hotel transfers o personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax charges and taxis o liquor o traditional gratuities to train staff.
Group Discount Incentive
Save $500 per person when you make a reservation with The Society of International Railway Travelers. Please note this discount is capacity controlled, subject to availability and cannot be combined with other American Orient Express offers.
Reservations / Initial Deposit
To reserve your place on this program, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers' Tour Desk at 800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277 and place a deposit of $500 per person with a major credit card. Alternatively, you may send a check, made payable to The Society of International Railway Travelers. Please indicate your trip name and departure date and reservation number.
Final Payment
Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Checks and most major credit cards are accepted for final payment.
Cancellation, Refunds & Transfer Fees
Deposits are refundable, less a $250 per person cancellation fee, until 60 days prior to departure. Less than 60 days prior to departure, no refunds can be made (including, but not limited to, additional components such as hotel nights, airfare and optional tours). "Name changes" are considered a cancellation and applicable fees and / or penalties apply. We highly recommend travel insurance.
American Orient Express has many contractual and financial commitments with hotel properties, transport operators, guiding services and restaurants. Due to these commitments and the costly charges that result from cancellations and / or transfers from passengers, the full cancellation penalty will apply regardless of the reason, or whether the booking is transferred to another tour departure. Cancellation and applicable penalty will be based on the date that the notice is received in the American Orient Express Downers Grove office.
Insurance
The Society of International Railway Travelers provides optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. This insurance covers participant cancellations, emergency medical evacuation, accident and sickness coverage. It also covers other reasons you may need to cancel: strike, weather and burglary, among others. Also, this insurance provides a pre-existing condition waiver if you purchase full coverage within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit. We will send you a brochure upon confirmation of your booking, or in advance if requested.
Eligibility
We consider these trips mildly physical programs, involving some walking, stair climbing and elevations over 8,000 feet. Life on the train is relaxed and casual. All members of the trip are expected to be in good health and able to either walk on own or with the assistance of a traveling companion, and enjoy traveling as part of a group. Please advise us of any special medical or dietary conditions.
ADA Policy
The American Orient Express was refurbished before the American Disabilities Act; and therefore, it does not comply with ADA standards. Certain safety regulations affecting the design of the train may cause difficulty for persons with limited mobility. The carriages cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. The hallways in the sleeping carriages are 24 inches wide, and doorways leading into the cabins are 18 inches wide.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is limited to vestibule areas only. Smoking is not permitted in the train's sitting, dining or sleeping carriages or on any motorcoaches.
Currency
Fares are quoted and payable in U.S. dollars.
Photography
American Orient Express reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any tour and while on the train. These photographs may be used in the future by American Orient Express for the use of promotional materials. By booking a reservation with American Orient Express, passengers agree to allow their image to appear in such photographs. Passengers who prefer that their image not be used are asked to notify the tour leader at the commencement of their tour, once on the train.
Meals
Meals that are included in the tour packages are noted at the end of each day's itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Special Diets
Special diets should be specified either at the time of booking or on the Personal and Health Information Forms included in your Preliminary Document Package in order that we may do all that is possible to accommodate your request.
Optional Tour Disclaimer
Excursions, transportation and other services arranged for American Orient Express passengers on optional tours are provided by independent contractors, not American Orient Express, as further defined in your Passage Agreement. American Orient Express acts as an agent only with respect to these optional services; it does not control or operate and is not responsible for actions of the operators providing the services. Tickets for these optional services and refunds, therefore, are subject to the terms and conditions set forth by these operators. American Orient Express passengers using the optional services agree that American Orient Express is not liable for any loss, death, injury or other damage to person or property arising out of or in any way connected with the optional services. Passengers should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the optional services provided by the independent contractors.
Air and Hotel Supplement Program
Extra hotel nights and round-trip air from a variety of gateways in the 48 contiguous United States can be arranged. Please call IRT for more information. The availability of the Air Supplement Program may be limited from each gateway. American Orient Express reserves the right to withdraw any gateway without prior notice. Air prices are based on airfares in effect at time of printing and are subject to change. American Orient Express reserves the right to schedule air itineraries in accordance with tour schedule and flight availability. Air date deviations are subject to additional air charges. Seat assignments and special requests such as meals and wheelchairs are the passenger's responsibility and must be made directly with air carrier(s). Airline tickets issued by American Orient Express have restrictions and cannot be exchanged for an alternate carrier or routing. Cancellation or change fees may be assessed by an airline for any changes made to an itinerary; any changes incurred by voluntary itinerary changes are the responsibility of the passenger. American Orient Express is not liable for any penalties, costs or losses incurred to persons holding air tickets not issued by its air department in the event of changes in airline or tour schedules, airline irregularities, space availability or acts of God.
Responsibility
The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and American Orient Express act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and hotels and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship motorcoach, train or other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make alterations to this published itinerary. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline or accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. The price of the program is based on tariffs and rates in effect in October, 2004, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate or fuel surcharge will be passed on to the participants. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk. It is understood that the air ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. The Society of International Railway Travelers and American Orient Express accept no liability for the carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of non-refundable tickets connected with the tour.
Complaints
The stated mission of The Society of International Railway Travelers is to offer the very best in rail travel around the globe for our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to your tour leader right away. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205. Our desire is to set things right. We cannot accept liability for any claims not made to us in writing within two months of completion of your journey. We also cannot tender any refunds for any reason outside the terms set forth above. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881
www.irtsociety.com
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
