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Private railroad cars now allow travellers the option to step back in time, recapturing the Romantic era of train travel that Amtrak cannot provide.
A small number of railfans have purchased and refurbished California Zephyr rail cars; originally crafted in the mid 20th Century. We will have the Silver Solarium, a vista dome/lounge/sleeper car coupled with the Silver Rapids sleeper car; as the setting for one of the grandest tours we have ever offered to the public.
This Grand Transcontinental rail adventure begins in Emeryville, near San Francisco, on California's beautiful Pacific Coast and will run cross-country to Washington, DC. You will experience First Class service, gourmet meals, complimentary wine, beers and spirits; while relaxing in the Vista Dome with 360 degree views or settling into the comfortable chairs of the rear observation lounge. Our " Travelling Treasures" will whisk you along the tracks with sweeping vistas of this wonderful and diverse land by day and the lull you to sleep at night, under the stars. Evenings, you will find the bed made up in your sleeping quarters, most of which include private facilities.
Prepare to be pampered by our attentive staff as we see California's Bay Area, Denver, Chicago, Washington DC-and many sights between, on this very special and exclusive tour.
OUR VINTAGE PRIVATE RAILCARS
Silver Rapids, a 1948 Budd roomette-bedroom sleeper, also built for the Pennsylvania Railroad as its contribution to the California Zephyr equipment pool for transcontinental service. Silver Rapids features eight roomettes accommodating one person each, and six double bedrooms, each accommodating 2 persons. Bedrooms each have an annex containing a toilet and sink; roomettes have a sink in the room. If two couples or a family are traveling together two rooms may be opened ensuite. A shower room has been added. Limited hot and cold beverage service is available.
Silver Solarium, a 1948 Budd Vista-Dome sleeper-lounge-observation car built for the California Zephyr. The observation lounge in the boat-tail of the car is a pleasant place to enjoy the passing scenery as we hurry on our way through the west. Silver Solarium accommodates 24 guests in its Vista-Dome. Sleeping accommodations include 3 double bedrooms, each accommodating 2 guests, and 1 drawing room, accommodating up to 3 guests. The drawing room and bedrooms each have an annex that includes toilet, sink and shower. Under the dome is a bar, which is an excellent spot to gather for a late-night libation.
DAY 1 THURSDAY, JULY 2: (B-L-D) Amtrak's California Zephyr originates across the bay from San Francisco in Emeryville, where we gather to await its appearance with our private cars on the rear. Amid the hustle and bustle of passengers seeking their assigned cars our professional staff greets our group and assists with luggage. A light breakfast will be served upon departure from Emeryville. Members of our group get acquainted with each other in the domes and lounges as the train meanders along the shore of San Francisco Bay, on its way to Martinez and Sacramento. Luncheon will be served as we begin the ascent of the Sierra, along the route of the Central Pacific, founded in 1863 as one of the two companies tasked to build the first Transcontinental Railroad. Our route over the Sierras takes about 4 hours to complete, and includes breathtaking scenery as the railroad follows a continuous ridge high above the American and Yuba Rivers. After Donner Summit is reached, at approximately 6,900 ft altitude, we emerge high above Donner Lake, and we begin the descent to the high desert of Nevada along the course of the Truckee and Humboldt Rivers. Hors d' Oeuvres and Dinner are served as we head east past Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Lovelock, and Winnemucca. Night owls may enjoy a libation in our two lounges, while those wishing to retire early will find that their rooms have been made down for the night by our attentive staff. Be sure to set your watches ahead one hour when you retire for the night.
DAY 2 FRIDAY, JULY 3: (B-L-D) In the wee hours of the morning our train was serviced in Salt Lake City, and we continue our journey east through Provo, then on a spectacular climb over the Wasatch, cresting at Soldier Summit. Breakfast buffet will be served between 7 and 9 AM, so you may get up at your leisure. Our train follows the Price River Canyon through Castle Gate and the stop at Helper. Continuing eastward the train races across the desert toward Green River, where we reach the lowest altitude we'll see today as we cross the town's namesake river, the major tributary of the Colorado River. We pick up the Colorado River shortly before leaving Utah, and will follow it upstream for more than 200 miles and 5 major canyons. Our stop at Grand Junction, CO provides us with an opportunity to step off the train and to enjoy some fresh Colorado air. Our next stop is Glenwood Springs, at the west end of Glenwood Canyon, inspiration for the Vista-Dome concept in 1945. The best place yet to view this stunning canyon is from your seat in the vista-domes, where every seat is a window seat. Don't forget to look down at the river, too. Glenwood Canyon is a mecca for kayakers and rafters. We crest the Continental Divide while inside the Moffat Tunnel, which at 6.2 miles is the 4th longest railroad tunnel in North America. At a summit elevation of over 9,200 ft it is the highest railroad tunnel in active service in North America. After leaving the Moffat Tunnel we begin our crooked descent of the Front Range of the Rockies into Denver. When we pass Plainview we begin to see the lights of the city of Denver far below. We'll enjoy dinner aboard the train before we arrive at Denver Union Station, where our cars will be removed and held for the return trip. The downtown Denver area is a walker's delight and an after-dinner stroll completes a delightful day before we return to the train for the night, your onboard room will be your place of rest for the next 2 nights.
STEPPING BACK IN TIME WE VIEW THE SCENERY ACROSS UTAH
AND COLORADO ON THE FORMER RIO GRANDE ROUTE.
MOVING FORWARD IN TIME TO PRESENT PASSENGER TRAIN OPERATIONS ACROSS UTAH AND COLORADO
Our train arrives in Denver a little after sunset.
DAY 3 SATURDAY, JULY 4: (B) Today is a leisurely day and a National Holiday, so feel free to sleep in a bit-or you may want to head out early before the crowds . A buffet breakfast will be served aboard the cars until 9 AM. As part of the 4th of July Experience in Denver, you may want to take in the Cherry Creek Art Festival, with a multitude of vendors and you will be only steps away as it is located at the Cherry Creek Shopping Centre-about a mile from the station. Denver has many other activities; boasting everything from rare Butterfly Exhibits to Bison herds, from a wonderful Zoo with Natural History Museum to botanical gardens so you options for the next 2 days are numerous. Should conditions permit; a grand Fireworks display should be visible in the evening.
DAY 4 SUNDAY, JULY 5: (B) Morning brunch served between 7AM & 9AM. One last day in Denver to explore or catch something you missed yesterday. We will reboard in the evening, for our departure from Denver Union station.
DAY 5 MONDAY, JULY 6: (B-L) We will travel across the heartlands of the U.S. with an afternoon arrival in Chicago, transfer to the hotel.
DAY 6 TUESDAY, JULY 7: (B-D) Day at leisure in Chicago or you may find an excursion to meet your interests-visit the Sears Tower or take a Lake Champlain Ferry. We will meet at Chicago Union Station at 5:00PM for our 5:45 PM, departure to Washington, D.C. We will be attached to the "Cardinal" for our overnight trek.
DAY 7 WEDNESDAY, JULY 8: (B-L) Late afternoon arrival into Washington
Late afternoon arrival into Washington. Our private rail cars are available for the night when parked at Washington Union Station.
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| The above two photos are of the New River Gorge in West Virginia |
Later in the day the train runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
DAY 8 THURSDAY JULY 9: (B) End of tour. If you have booked on the New York City add-on the private rail car "Greenwich Harboar" will be attached to one of the morning trains running between Washington DC and New York City.
PRICES PRICES ARE PER PERSON
Double room Occupancy..............................................$4448
Silver Solarium Drawing............................................$5448
Roomette and singleroom at the hotels..............................$4648
New York City add-on onboard the Greenwich Harbor..................$ 298
Day trip Washington DC to New York City on the Greenwich Harbor....$ 398
Deposit to hold space..............................................$2000
Final payment due by March 25, 2009
SPECIAL ONE DAY TICKET OPTIONS
LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THESE OPTIONS
Emeryville to Reno oneway.........................................$298
Salt Lake City to Denver oneway....................................$398
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