revised 10/29/08
Join us for a great circle rail journey to New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston and Chicago.
We will be traveling aboard the Pullman Sleepers, “Salisbury Beach” and “Pacific Sands”. These refurbished and modernized streamlined cars are both comfortable and pleasant reminders of the famous trains of yesteryear.
Friday, July 3rd • Our departure will be at 2:30pm attached to the head end of the “Sunset Limited”. This placement of our cars will allow easy access to the Amtrak diner and lounge cars. Light snacks and beverages will also be available throughout our journey in our private cars. The initial portion of our journey today will take us to Palm Springs, the Salton Sea and Yuma, Arizona.
Saturday, July 4th • We arrive in El Paso, Texas on the anniversary of our country’s independence. We will observe the occasion with an informal party with the appropriate decorations. This evening will find us in San Antonio for a couple of hours as the train is serviced and inspected.
Sunday, July 5th • We are expecting to arrive in Houston just before breakfast. A continental breakfast will be available or you may wish to enjoy a breakfast in the Amtrak diner. After departing from Houston we cross Louisiana to New Orleans, arriving about 4PM. The evening and the next day are available to enjoy the sights and sounds of the “Big Easy”. Our Pullman sleepers are available as your hotel, parked in New Orleans Union Station.
Monday, July 6th • You are on your own today. Your meals and sightseeing are also on your own.
Tuesday, July 7th • We depart New Orleans at 7:10 AM attached to Amtrak’s “Southern Crescent” train bound for our next stop in Washington, D.C. Today, we traverse Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, arriving in Atlanta about 8 PM. After our departure from Atlanta, we continue to cross Georgia into the Carolinas, arriving in Charlottesville, VA about breakfast time.
Wednesday, July 8th • We leave Charlottesville and proceed to Washington, D.C., arriving just after 10AM. Our cars will be serviced and placed on a track in Washington Union Station, just a few steps from the U.S. Capitol. We will be here for two days prior to our departure for Boston on Friday. This will be a great opportunity to visit the magnificent Union Station, the Capitol and the numerous museums within easy walking distance from the station. Washington’s extensive transit system is accessible in the station for trips to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery and other attractions. Union Station has numerous restaurants and shops and these facilities will be within easy reach of your Pullman car.
Thursday, July 9th • Take the opportunity to visit additional locations in the Nation’s Capitol city. Tonight we will leave for Boston at 10 PM attached to Regional Train #66 (formerly the “Night Owl” ) on an overnight journey up the Northeast Corridor through cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and New Haven. Arrival in Boston is expected to be at 8AM the next morning. After servicing, the car will be parked in South Station for the next three days, allowing ample time to see the sights of Boston and beyond.
Friday, July 10th • After our arrival this morning, enjoy the beauty of the Boston Garden, the majesty of the sailing warship, USS Constitution, and perhaps one of many famous restaurants for a leisurely meal.
Sat. & Sun. July 11 & 12th • Enjoy the weekend in Boston and perhaps consider a scenic trip on the “Downeaster” to Portland, ME
Monday, July 13th • Departure from Boston is at Noon today, attached to the end of the “Lake Shore Limited”, bound for Chicago. We will have a daytime journey through the Berkshires to Albany, where we will join the New York section of the “Lake Shore Limited”.
Tuesday, July 14th • Arrival in Chicago is scheduled 9:45AM. We will be in the Windy City for two days, allowing plenty of time to visit Navy Pier, many outstanding museums, or other attractions that may suit your fancy. Your Pullman berth is your hotel. We will be parked in the Amtrak yard with easy access to taxis and public transportation.
Wednesday, July 15th • Relax and enjoy the city and its’ attractions.
Thursday, July 16th • Our train leaves at 3:15PM so you will have several hours after breakfast to complete your tour of the city.
Friday, July 17th • We are en route across Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. A highlight of today’s journey will be the daylight crossing of Raton Pass, the highest point on our Chicago to Los Angles trip. We reach Arizona late in the evening and enter California shortly after midnight.
Saturday, July 18th • Arrival in Los Angeles is scheduled at 8:15AM. The end of a long, but exciting journey across the United States with memories that will last a lifetime.
Roomettes and Double Occupancy of Bedrooms : $2,295 per person
Lower Section Berth: $2,095 per person