Private railroad cars now allow travelers the option to step back in time and recapture that romantic era of train travel that Amtrak cannot provide.
Once upon a time rail barons and wealthy socialites traveled the country on luxurious private railroad cars, dining on fine china and crystal and being pampered by the onboard staff. Now this form of luxury rail travel is being offering to everyone at a very reasonable price.
A small number of rail fans have purchased and refurbished private rail cars familiar to the first half of the 20th century. This was the Golden Age of passenger rail travel. These rail fans have spent around a million dollars on each private rail car, to refurbish and restore them to their original glory; in efforts to bring back this Golden Age of travel.
All onboard meals are prepared fresh and made to order by our gourmet chefs. Passengers can sip on cocktails and nibble on hors d'oeuvres while relaxing into deep leather sofas in lounges paneled in rich mahogany or gazing at the beauty of passing scenery from a restored California Zephyr vista dome car. Those booking a Private Pullman room on an overnight excursion may enjoy being lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the train wheels rolling down the track. Pullman rooms may also be reserved for day trips-for celebrations or simply for private rest and relaxation during your journey.
These private luxury rail cars are coupled onto the rear of scheduled Amtrak passenger trains, all over the country. Our first class passengers are separate from the Amtrak cars, by locked doors. However, you may step out into the vestibule between cars for fresh air, and an exciting rail experience-this is not allowed on the regular Amtrak cars.
We provide our own onboard staff; including our chef who will dazzle you with gourmet menus. All drinks and food are included in the ticket price from the time you step onboard, until you detrain. Everything is first class with every detail included; be it a day journey- or an excursion running for a week. This is passenger train travel at it's finest.
THE ITINERARY
SATURDAY MAY 23: (L) The excitement and fun begins as you board several of our private railroad cars in Emeryville coupled to Amtrak's "California Zephyr" . The journey starts as the eastbound train pulls out of the station at 8:05AM. Arrival in Sparks is scheduled for 3:16PM. You are welcome to board our excursion at Martinez, Davis or Sacramento. Once onboard the party will begin with plenty of food, drink and first class award winning personal service from our staff along with the great scenery. As we head eastbound from the Bay Area the train runs alone the water's edge of the San Francisco Bay with a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. After a fast ride across the Sacramento Valley we start the steep climb into the High Sierra Mountains with scenic views of towering mountains, deep canyons, lakes, rivers, and remote forests. You will see several old gold mining towns from the train. We are traveling over the first Transcontinental Railroad which was completed in 1869. At the summit of Donner Pass our train reaches 6,891 feet and starts down the eastern slope following the Truckee River all the way to the Reno-Sparks area. Once we arrive in Sparks you will check-in to the five
star John Ascuaga's Nugget Resort Hotel Casino. The
rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the excitement and
comfort that the Nugget has to offer. 24-hour non stop
casino action, top name entertainment, indoor pool/spa,
health club and eight award winning restaurants. You
also have the entire Reno-Sparks area to visit and explore
with endless attractions. Enjoy the night life!
SUNDAY MAY 24: Free day to relax in the Reno-Sparks area.
MONDAY MAY 25: (L) We reboard our dome cars at Sparks with a scheduled departure of 10:10am and an arrival back in Emeryville at 6:11pm. A gourmet lunch and unlimited drinks will be served as we travel over Donner Pass.
