A superb travel extravaganza by train, Dutch Liner and fabled sternwheeler. Combining visual wonders, fine hotels and a relaxed pace.
Spring is a wonderful time to travel and for May of 2009, we have created a visual masterpiece that combines, the Grand Canyon, stunning Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia and breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, all in one relaxed and elegant trip. With a leisurely pace, fine hotels (most of our stays are two-nights long), train travel aboard such famous routes as the Southwest Chief and the Empire Builder, this fully hosted holiday will sell out. Few other holidays offer up the Grand Canyon, San Diego, the lovely Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Gorge, all in one trip, with little or no flying.
As spectacular as the scenery outside is, this holiday is also supremely comfortable and special treats abound. While many tours travel up the West Coast by bus, our guests enjoy a rare Pacific Coastal 'mini-cruise' aboard the superb ms Veendam of Holland America Line from San Diego to Vancouver with time to enjoy sea travel at its best: breakfast in bed, afternoon tea with new found friends or simply catching up with that new book. Similarly, indulgence 'ashore' is included such as a sailing day luncheon in San Diego at the fabled Hotel del Coronado, a special brunch atop the Space Needle in Seattle and much more. Naturally, there is a professional tour manager from start to finish to handle all of the details so that you may relax and enjoy your vacation.
Our holiday begins with travel from Chicago or any Midwest point aboard the 'Southwest Chief' train to Arizona, a speedy overnight ride that parallels the old Santa Fe Trail and Route 66. Upon arrival in Williams, guests enjoy an overnight stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel where, the next morning, just eighty feet from the lobby, we board the Grand Canyon Railway for the scenic trip right to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, overlooking the World's deepest chas including a sightseeing tour of the South Rim and a full 28 hour stay here, with our hotel at the South Rim. Most tours stop at the Grand Canyon for a few hours, we are here overnight allowing plenty of time for enjoying this extraordinary spectacle. We then board the Southwest Chief train again for a short overnight journey to San Diego where, before boarding sailing, we host a special bon voyage luncheon at the fabled Hotel del Coronado! Next, a blissful four-night voyage north to Canada aboard the ms Veendam, with special parties just for our guests and, in Victoria, a complimentary visit to lovely Butchart Gardens. Guests enjoy a full day in Vancouver with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park and Afternoon tea before travel south to Seattle aboard the 'Talgo Train'. In Seattle, two full nights with sightseeing, a lavish breakfast atop the Space Needle, a visit to Pikes Market and plenty of free time. We then travel to Portland aboard the 'Coast Starlight' train for a two-night stay, again with plenty of free time. Saving the best for last, on our final day, we travel east to the remarkable Columbia Gorge Hotel for a brunch, described by 'Gourmet Magazine' as the best brunch in America, followed by another visual feast, a sternwheeler riverboat cruise through the Columbia River Gorge. Later tonight, we board the Empire Builder for the journey back to Chicago and the Midwest with one final treat, a daylight passage through Glacier National Park en route! This holiday will sell out quickly so prompt reservations are encouraged.
All aboard!
