Optional Pre Tour Hotel
Call us for special hotel rates at with the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles and the Marriott Hotel El Paso on your American Orient Express extravaganza.

Day 1 — Los Angeles
This afternoon, we meet at the Marriott Downtown Los Angeles for a welcome orientation and are transported to the historic Union Station to board the train. Once on board, we begin our rail journey east toward the Grand Canyon. (D)

Day 2 — Grand Canyon National Park
The unparalleled majesty of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River greets us this morning. With its unfathomable dimensions - 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep - this geologic wonder is perhaps the nation's most spectacular. We spend the day at the South Rim, where the constant play of light and shadow profoundly changes the colors of the plateaus and mesas within the chasm. From a stop at Yavapai Point, we are given the option to hike to El Tovar, a landmark hotel built in 1905, or continue on to Mather Point Visitor Center for breathtaking views of the canyon. We lunch at the canyon, with time to stroll along the South Rim from the Hopi House to historic Bright Angel Lodge and Kolb Studio. After lunch we enjoy views from the train as it glides across the Painted Desert - which glows red and orange against the rock formations at sunset. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Santa Fe, New Mexico
Today, we awake to stretches of rocky desert, with low growing shrubs and cactus. Rich in Spanish colonial charm, the city of Santa Fe and it's surroundings are a virtual haven for artists. Santa Fe is distinguished by an incomparable quality ... one of ambiance. The city embraces its natural environs unlike any other in the United States. It is a place where beautiful, brown adobe architecture blends with the high desert landscape, all the while being one of America's great art and culinary capitals. Present day Santa Fe is renowned for its modern culture, art, unlimited outdoor activities and traditions. Beyond breathtaking vistas of mountains, canyons and gorges — museums, quaint shops and restaurants also await. Our day begins with a visit to the studio and home of one of Santa Fe's local celebrated artisans. We further explore this unique culture with a walk down the gallery-filled Canyon Road before lunching at the renowned Compound Restaurant. There we are treated to the flavors of Santa Fe by chef Mark Kiffin, nominated for the James Beard Award for "Best Chef of the Southwest." This afternoon we are free to browse the galleries and shops around the downtown plaza at our own pace. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Rail to El Paso
Riding the rails through stretches of southwestern New Mexico, we enjoy the amenities of the train today and the ever changing landscapes just outside our windows, including Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. The history of the Rio Grande is discovered while following its riverbed south - the route the Spanish took between old Mexico and Santa Fe in the 1600s. Following the Rio Grande, we continue on past ranch lands and enter the state of Texas. In the mid-morning, we arrive in El Paso where you are free to sightsee or transfer to the airport for individual flights home. For those of you seeking peace, quiet and nature's own version of solitude, extend your American Southwest adventure with a post-tour to Big Bend National Park. (B)

Optional Extension to Big Bend National Park

Day 4— En route to La Jitas Resort/ Big Bend National Park
Late morning, we embark on our journey via motorcoach to the luxurious Lajitas Resort. We lunch at the resort and your afternoon is free to enjoy the amenities of Lajitas including golf, spa treatments, oasis pool, tennis, shopping or a leisurely stroll around the gorgeous property. This evening we'll enjoy a true Texas barbeque dinner before retreating to our private rooms under the star-filled sky. (L,D)

Day 5 — Big Bend National Park
The Park's name is derived from the large, curved turn the Rio Grande takes in Southwest Texas. The park extends over 801,000 acres of dry plains and towering mountains. All roads within Big Bend end at the Rio Grande, the boundary between the United States and Mexico. Many of the park's sprawling vistas mix scenic panorama belonging to both countries. Big Bend lays claim to geologic wonders, unique wildlife, and plenty of room for hikers and campers to spread out. The park includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert, and the entire volcanic Chisos Mountain range. The Indians thought of this land as the rock storage facility of the Great Spirit; the Spaniards referred to it as "El Despoblado," or "the uninhabited land." Today you'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your full day tour of Big Bend National Park by raftor jeep. Lunch will be provided while on tour. You'll have time to unwind in your private room before joining the group again for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — El Paso
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast before we begin our motorcoach ride back to the El Paso airport. Explore El Paso on your own, or make individual arrangements for flights home. (B)

Optional Tour Pricing $1,150 per person double occupancy $1,490 single