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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 Washington DC and will run to Emeryville, near San Francisco, on California's beautiful Pacific Coast.
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. 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 Washington, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco-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 FRIDAY, JULY 10: (L-D) The excitement and fun begins with a Champagne reception, as we depart Washington's magnificent Union Station late morning; attached to Amtrak's "Cardinal" train. Lunch will be served in the Silver Solarium dome as the train heads through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. In the evening a 4-course gourmet meal will be served under the stars in the dome lounge. You may then relax for the rest of the evening over one of your favorite drinks in the upstairs dome /lounge, the bar/lounge downstairs, or in the privacy of your own Pullman room. The Silver Rapids sleeper car six double bed-rooms with private baths, also, there are eight roomettes with sink. This coach has a shared shower. The Silver Solarium has five double bedrooms with a bath/shower combination in each.
You can begin your tour in New York City by riding aboard the private rail car Greenwich Harbor to Washington DC on Thursday July 9
Later in the day the train runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
DAY 2 SATURDAY, JULY 11: (B) After a buffet breakfast we will arrive in Chicago. Transfer to the Monaco Hotel, with the rest of the day to sightsee. Perhaps take a cruise on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan or take in the sights from the top of the Sears Tower.
DAY 3 SUNDAY, JULY 12:(D) Morning at leisure before rejoining our private cars attached to the rear of Amtrak's "California Zephyr". An Afternoon Tea will be offered along with your favorite beverages at the bar. Enjoy your 4-course evening meal as you cruise past the farms of Iowa.
DAY 4 MONDAY, JULY 13:(B-D) We will arrive at Denver's Union station where our cars will be taken off the train and parked in a siding. After breakfast there is a private sightseeing tour of downtown Denver the "mile high city", before driving into the Rockies and visiting the Red Rocks Park, a historic Gold Mine and the steam operated Georgetown Loop Railroad. Afternoon return to our private cars parked at the station for an evening meal with wine, before settling down for the night.
DAY 5 TUESDAY, JULY 14: (B-L-D) Today, take in the views from the dome lounge as the train climbs high above Denver into the heart of the Rockies clinging to a ledge above deep chasms before diving through Moffat Tunnel. More scenery as lunch is served in the dome lounge. The train will traverse Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons. As dinner is served, we will pass high rock walls en-route to Green River. Once again, you may relax over complimentary drinks visiting with fellow passengers in the two on-board lounges.
DAY 6 WEDNESDAY, JULY 15: (B-L) Breakfast will be served as we cross the wide open spaces of Nevada. After the Reno stop, the train climbs high into California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, crossing Donner Summit with superb views of Donner Lake. Enjoy a very special lunch in the dome lounge as we descend through California's Mother Lode and into Sacramento, where the California gold rush began. Afternoon tea-or a preferred beverage will be served as the train skirts the shores of San Pablo Bay, scheduled to arrive at Emeryville late afternoon. Private transfer by road over the Bay Bridge into downtown San Francisco for 3 nights stay at the Handlery Hotel, Union Square.
DAY 7 THURSDAY, JULY 16: Enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of the sights of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, including a cruise to Sausalito, where there is a break for lunch. Many uniquely California style menus are available as you enjoy vistas of the "City by the Bay". The rest of the day is at leisure- ride one of the famous cable cars, visit Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown or stroll along the Embarcadero Waterfront.
DAY 8 FRIDAY, JULY 17: Full leisure day in San Francisco to enjoy this famous city
by the Bay. There are so many things to do and see. The San Francisco Muni Railway has the most rail transportation available in any city in the western part of
the United States. Get a day pass and ride the hundreds of miles of light rail
in operation.
San Francisco and the Bay Area is a railfan paradise with hundreds of miles of rail lines on street cars, trams, cable cars,
rapid transit and passenger trains to ride. The options are endless.
DAY 9 SATURDAY, JULY 18: Morning at leisure before hotel check-out.
PRICES PRICES ARE PER PERSON
DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY................................$4998
ROOMETTE AND SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT..................$ 598
DEPOSIT TO HOLD SPACE................................$2500
FINAL PAYMENT DUE APRIL 8, 2009
TOUR INCLUDES:
*11 MEALS
*FULLY ESCORTED
*9 NIGHTS LODGING
*BEVERAGE SERVICE
*SIGHTSEEING PER ITINERARY
ADD-ON TOUR.........................JULY 9, 2009
NEW YORK CITY TO WASHINGTON, DC ON BOARD THE "GREENWICH HARBOR",
PRIVATE RAIL CAR INCLUDING A PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF WASHINGTON,
DC, LODGING INCLUDED WITH CHECK IN AT THE WASHINGTON COURT HOTEL
PRICE........................................$398
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT............................$ 98
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