Trip Dates & Tariffs - 2005
Itinerary
The great oceans, Atlantic and Pacific, were connected by rail when the "Golden Spike" was struck at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869. On that historic day, transcontinental rail journeys became a demonstration of America’s industrial might. For the century that would follow, great Pacific Coast cities would be re-built around rail. Today, we once again journey across country in the tradition of great transcontinental train trips of the past. This eleven-day, 3,800-mile odyssey replicates the same great adventures our forefathers experienced long ago. Our special routing carries us across America, from coast to coast, through some of its most dramatic scenery — the coastal lowlands of South Carolina and Georgia, Louisiana's bayou country, the valley of the Rio Grande and the majestic mesas of the Southwest. Along the way, accompanied by a team of experts, we stop to explore historic sites, enjoy regional cuisine, music and cultural experiences that are uniquely American.
Optional pre/post trip Lodging
Call us for special hotel rates at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washignton, D.C.
Day 1 — Washington, D. C. / Board the American Orient Express
In the early afternoon we meet at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. for a welcome reception. After boarding the train, we head south, through the rolling hills of Virginia and into South Carolina's piney low country. This evening, dinner is served in the dining cars as we overnight in route to Charleston. (D)
Day 2 — Charleston, South Carolina
We're in the South! Thanks to exceptional preservation efforts, Charleston greets us this morning with grand restored homes and immaculate cobblestone streets. We explore Charleston’s diverse historic district by horse and buggy as our guide explains the history of the area. Passing by the "Battery" that overlooks Charleston Harbor, we drive to Magnolia Plantation and its lovely gardens. In addition to the extensive gardens, the early home to the Drayton family offers an outstanding collection of antiques, a wildlife sanctuary and a history that dates back 13 generations to the pre-colonial period. We return to the train for dinner and overnight en route to Savannah. (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Savannah, Georgia
Breakfast is served this morning on the train before we depart for the cobblestone streets of Savannah. We tour this gracious city’s historic district located on River Street and absorb its southern charm before a progressive lunch is served in private historic mansions. In the afternoon, we enjoy free-time exploring the city or optionally choose to tour Fort Pulaski, which played an important role in the Civil War. Dinner is served this evening on board the train, where we overnight en route to our next destination.(B,L,D)
Day 4 — En Route to New Orleans, Louisiana
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board traveling through the rural back-country of the South. Sit back, relax and partake in a lecture and afternoon tea. This evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight en route to New Orleans.(B,L,D)
Day 5 — New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city consumed with cool jazz, steamy nightlife and Cajun and Creole cooking. After breakfast on the train, we board motorcoaches for a city tour with visits to the Louis Armstrong Park and St. Louis Cemetery. This afternoon, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant located in the French Quarter. After lunch, choose free-time to explore this unique city or enjoy a guided walking tour of the French Quarter. This evening, we return to the train to relax before dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6 — San Antonio
The day begins with a leisurely morning and breakfast on board the train before arriving in San Antonio. Upon arrival this afternoon, we depart the train and board motorcoaches for a guided tour of the Alamo and Mission San Jose. Founded in 1720, Mission San Jose was built on the banks of the San Antonio River. It became known as the "Queen of Missions." This evening, we transfer to the Riverwalk where we board a river barge for a private dinner before returning to the train for overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — En Route to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Riding the rails through stretches of western Texas, we enjoy the amenities of the train today. We discover the history of the Rio Grande while following its river bed north — the route the Spanish took between old Mexico and Santa Fe in the 1600s. We enjoy dinner and overnight on board this evening before arriving in Albuquerque. (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Santa Fe, New Mexico
After breakfast on board, we take a guided walking tour of the Old Plaza, the heart of the original 1609 Spanish settlement, and the Loretto Chapel. The afternoon is spent exploring the Georgia O’Keefe Museum with lunch at a local restaurant in old Santa Fe and free-time to shop at our leisure. Back on the train, we head into the sunset, silhouetting unusual rock formations in the desert, as we enjoy dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
After breakfast, we board motorcoaches and tour the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, with special stops at Yavapai Observatory and Mather Point Interpretive Center, where we enjoy the spectacular views of the Canyon. This afternoon, lunch is at El Tovar. Back on board the train, we enjoy a farewell cocktail reception, dinner and overnight en route to our final destination. (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Los Angeles, California
Our American Orient Express adventure ends in Los Angeles, where we are free to sightsee or transfer to the airport for individual flights home. (B)
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