The American Flyer

A Private Railcar Tour Traveling from Chicago, IL to Washington, D.C., Via the Cardinal Route through the New River Gourge

Chicago-Washington DC-Chicago
March 24-29, 2009
Six Days - Five Nights

Trip# AR-09-C-2

The "American Flyer", a nostalgic private rail car trip, aboard our vintage streamliner, turning back time to a period when life was a little slower, more simplified with time for fun and enjoyment.

Travel with us...experience a most memorable overnight rail journey aboard our art-deco train, featuring classic, comfortable Pullman accommodations, fine dinning, complimentary premium beverages, beautiful scenery and first class service reminiscent to that of the Golden Age of rail travel!

All Aboard!

If you haven't experienced overnight train travel, in a while then the "American Flyer" should be your choice. Our train will become your transportation, restaurant, nightclub and hotel...all on the silver rails. Our train will summon the romance of the Golden Age of rail travel. Smiling and pampering first class onboard attendants, delicious meals served by uniformed wait staff, on tables adorned with flowers and crisp white linens. Enjoy the sleek styling of our "Lookout Lounge" meticulously refurbished,, creating that special place for passengers to meet socially and relax. Just imagine for a moment...your enjoying the sights from your comfortable lounge seat and a dapper waiter pops by to freshen your drink. Pampered and relaxed while this great land of ours passes by the rear of our train.
Travel with us the care free, car free way...no airport hassles...no checking in and out of hotels...just great comfortable rail travel at see level.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- We'll begin our trip in the "City that Works" Chicago, IL
- Travel eastward on Amtrak's Cardinal route through New River Gorge,
  "The Grand Canyon of the East"
- Travel, dine and sleep aboard historic, privately-owned railcars making up our vintage art deco streamliner
- Enjoy pampered first class service, by our attentive onboard staff
- Complimentary premium beverage, snack and meal service (as per itinerary)
- Visit Washington DC and explore our Nation's Capital, just footsteps from our railcars. Enjoy Washington DC Union Station, one of Amtrak's premier stations, including dozens of restaurants, shops, and a multiplex movie theater and direct access to the heart of DC
- Ride westward on Amtrak's Capitol Limited route, the original B & O line
  through the beautiful Potomac River Valley, historic Harper's Ferry, the Allegheny Mountains, and the cornfields of Ohio and Indiana
- Tour Washington DC on your own taking in the famous sights like, the US Capitol Building, The Jefferson Memorial, The Washington Monument. The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam Memorial and the Smithsonian, to name just a few

Itinerary

Day 1- Tuesday March 24, 2009:

"Welcome Aboard!"

4:45 PM :     American Rail Excursions Inc. on-board service manager will meet all our Chicago boarding passengers, with their luggage in  Chicago Union Station. We will gather under the escalator adjacent to the Amtrak Ticket counter, by the fountain.

Complimentary baggage handling is provided by American Rail Excursions Inc. in Chicago. Please do NOT check any bags with Amtrak! 

As soon as our pre-boarding  check-in is completed, our on-board service manager will escort our group to our awaiting train.

5:00 PM :     Pre-board our American Flyer, an extention of today's Chicago departing Amtrak's # 50, the "Cardinal".  Our first class onboard staff welcomes all our Washington DC bound travelers.  Your luggage has already been placed on you room.  After a review of your accommodations, amenities, and safety instructions, we invite all to our lounge to get acquainted, enjoy complimentary premium beverages and  snacks. An included dinner will be served just after our departure from Chicago.

5:45 PM:   Depart: Chicago  Amtrak's # 50, the Cardinal (our American Flyer) As our conductor calls "All Aboard, " our train gradually glides out of the configures of Chicago Union Station. The distinct Downtown Chicago skyline gradually disappears behind us.  With the city giving way to the suburbs, and the more rural surroundings now in view through the windows. The buzz of exhilaration is in the air as our passengers get acquainted. Premium snack and beverage service continues.

While all passengers have been getting settled and enjoying complimentary premium beverages and snacks in the lounge, our first class onboard chef has been busy preparing a scrumptious dinner for all to enjoy.

6:00 PM (Approx): First seating for dinner.

8:00 PM (Approx): Second seating for dinner (if necessary)

Late Evening :    While all are enjoying conversation, camaraderie and the next sights, rooms have been readied in anticipation of weary travelers. The gentle sway and rhythm of the rails are a night time lullaby coaxing you to retire. Enjoy the night. Sweet Rail Dreams!

Night:      Occupy railcars overnight en-route.

D Day 2- Wednesday, March 25, 2009:

     7:30-9:30 AM     Breakfast Buffet: Served en route.

     Morning:          As you rise this morning, the sun is trying to peek around the 
     drawn shade.  The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee awakens your
     senses.  A refreshing shower is all you need to get your motor running.  Our
     onboard chef has prepared a delicious breakfast buffet for your enjoyment this
     morning.  Enjoy!  The scenic Ohio River and Kentucky farmlands grace our
     windows this morning.  

Noon-1:30 PM   Luncheon: Served en route.  You've been so entranced by the beautiful natural scenery, wild springs, white water rivers and waterfalls of West Virginia, that you forgot it is lunch time.  Well, we won't interrupt, you'll continue to see all the sites as can only be seen by train.  Relax, enjoy a enticing luncheon prepared by our onboard chef, just for you!

Afternoon:            Complementary premium beverages and snacks service continues.  The New River Gorge, The Allegheny Mountains, famed Green Briar Resort, and Shenandoah Valley are just some of the scenic vistas you'll be able to see.  As our American Flyer comes to a halt in one of many remote small towns, you'll feel you have turned back time.  Our arriving train is heralded by the trumpeting horn's of our diesels, and it seems the town has turned out to welcome our arrival!

                                          

Late Afternoon:  Passing through Charlottesville, VA, we are once again reminded about this rich city (Monticello), home of Thomas Jefferson, is just another significant piece of our eastward rail adventure.


5:00 PM          Approximately: First seating for Dinner.  The sun has set over the mountains, and the silhouettes of the Shenandoah Mountains have all but faded into the night.  The culinary talents of our onboard chef have once again been called upon to satisfy the appetites of our passengers.  Enjoy a glass of wine and friendly conversation over dinner.

7:00 PM          Approximately: Second seating for Dinner (if necessary).

Evening      Complimentary premium beverage and snacks service continues after our arrival into Washington DC  And when you feel "it's time", retire to your room once again, where our first class onboard staff has it transformed from a comfortable day room, to its restful nighttime configuration.  Goodnight!

Night:  Occupy railcars overnight while parked in Washington DC

Day 3-  Thursday, March 26, 2009:

7:30-9:30 AM     Breakfast Buffet: Served.                   
After enjoying breakfast onboard, may we suggest you take this opportunity to alight from our railcars and explore Nation's Capitol on your own.  A favorite is the step-on, step-off trolley tour, with it's desk located just inside the main entrance to the station.

Afternoon:  With nearly three full days to spend in Washington, you should be able to take in a good number of the sights.  Lunch will be on your own today.

Late Afternoon   As our passengers return to our railcars after a pleasant day exploring Washington DC our staff is ready to quench your thirst with the beverage of your choice and tantalizing snacks should temporarily quell your appetite.  Freshen up; Enjoy a hot invigorating shower to re-energize before this evening's quest.

:

Day 4 - Friday, March 27 , 2009:

7:00-9:00 AM     Breakfast Buffet: Served.

All Day:                  Enjoy the Smithsonian, The Capitol Building, Washington Monument, or the Lincoln Memorial. There is so much to see! The choice is yours.  Lunch and dinner will be on your own today as you tour Washington DC.

Late Afternoon:   Complimentary premium beverage and snacks service once again continues throughout the afternoon & evening

Late Evening:       Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge, topping off a busy day in Washington DC Your rooms have once again been readied for sweet slumber tonight.

Night:    Occupy railcars overnight parked in Washington DC.

Day 5 - Saturday, March 28, 2009:

7:00 - 9:00AM      Breakfast: Served.

Morning:   Enjoy most of this last day in Washington DC. This afternoon lunch will be on your own!  

Washington DC has an all around appeal. With all our country's culture, heritage and world renowned monuments and museums, this diverse urban Spectacle should provide an endless array of attractions for your touring enjoyment. That's why Washington DC is the Capitol of the United States.

3:15 PM:       Re-board our private railcars, which have now been made part of today's departing Amtrak train #29 The Capitol Limited. Please check the Amtrak TV monitors in the station for the correct track location. Our American Flyer railcars will be on the rear of the Capitol Limited today.

4:05 PM:     As the final "All Aboard!" is called, we gently glide out of the station, and in a wink of the eye, Washington DC is just but a fond memory. Premium snack and beverage service is already underway and shortly dinner will be served. For now, sit back, enjoy the view as we follow the Potomac River Valley to Harper's Ferry.

8:00PM         Second seating for dinner (if necessary).

Evening                  We'll continue to work our way westward following the historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line paralleling  the Potomac River Valley and it's many tunnels as we travel through the Allegheny Mountains to Pittsburgh, PA and beyond.  Premium snack and beverage service continues.

Night:    Sleep in safety and comfort aboard our railcars tonight en-route to Chicago.
                                  
Day 6 - Sunday, March 29, 2009:

6:30-8:30 AM     Buffet Breakfast served en route. Chicago passengers, If you have risen early, you will have one last chance to view the beautiful natural scenery passing by our American Flyer's windows. The countryside is certainly different, as farms and cornfields dot the landscape. Soon the farm fields turn to suburban sprawl and in the distance, the towering skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.

8:40 AM:  Arrive: Chicago Union Station.
As our train thunders and clanks in to the cavernous Chicago Union Station our rail odyssey is now coming to a close. The woosshhh! of the air brakes signal the end of the line for our Chicago passengers, at least for this trip. As our staff assists all with their luggage and the good-byes are given by new found friends, we at American Rail Excursions, Inc. thank you for traveling with us. 

About Your Accommodations:     

Double Bedrooms: Double bedrooms have space for two passengers. Each double bedroom features either one large couch or a small couch and lounge chair for comfortable private day travel. Every double bedroom has a large window. By night, each double room has two beds (1-upper and 1-lower). Every room is furnished with adjustable climate control, fan, reading lights, fold-down table, garment closet and full-length door mirror. The annex (your private bathroom) has a fold-down sink; large lighted wall mirror, toilet and a 110-volt convenience outlet. Your linens, towels and soap are also provided. Best of all, your attendant will turn down your bed, arrange for a wake-up call and bring your morning tea, coffee, or juice right to your room. All sleeping cars are equipped with a hot shower.

Costs: Double Bedroom, Double Occupancy:

2 people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night

Chicago boarding: $1,799.00 per person double occupancy, double bedroom.

Cost: Double Bedroom, Single Occupancy:

1 person, 1 room, one lower bed at night

Chicago boarding: $3,299.99 per person single occupancy, double bedroom

Deluxe Suite: A deluxe suite is a combination of two double bedrooms, en-suited. The deluxe suite affords discriminating travelers twice the room and comfort. If a couple, you would occupy only the lower beds. If a family, you have room for four travelers. Each suite has two bathrooms, one large couch, one small couch, a lounge chair, two tables and two windows for your viewing pleasure.

Costs: Suite:

2 people: 2 Lower beds Two double bedrooms en-suited

Chicago boarding: $6,599.00 per suite

Roomettes:

1 person, 1 room, 1 lower bed at night.
One short couch, one lounge chair and an oak table by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

Roomettes: have space for one traveler. Roomettes feature a small couch, in-wall fold-down sink, garment closet, large overhead luggage rack and a huge lighted wall mirror with an electrical outlet. By night, each room has one lower bed. For your added travel comfort, each room has an adjustable climate control, fan and reading/night lights. Roomettes 1-6 additionally have an in-room toilet. A general toilet is located down the hall for your use in Pacific Union. Your linens, towels, bath towels, soap and shampoo are also provided. A shower and changing room is located at the end of the car

Costs: Roomettes: $2,199.00 per person
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Dining:

American Rail Excursions Inc. nostalgic rail tour includes (as per itinerary) nostalgic rail dinning featuring traditional American cuisine, freshly prepared by our onboard chef. The combination of fine food, crisp white linens, first-class onboard service and awe inspiring scenery set the stage for a most memorable trip. Menus are ever-changing, reflecting the influences of the towns and cities we visit. Bon Appetite!

The following is just a sample of cuisine, freshly prepared aboard our rail cars.

Our sample menus include: 

Sample Breakfast Menu

- Denver Scrambled with Cheese
- Plain Scramble
- Old Fashioned Railroad French Toast
- Potatoes O'Brian
- Tender Sausage links
- Crisp Bacon
- Assorted Fresh Fruit
- Assorted Cold Cereal
- Assorted Breakfast Pastries
- Bagels with Cream Cheese
- English Muffins
- Toast & Jelly
- Assorted Chilled Juice,
- Freshly Brewed Coffee, (Regular or Decaf)
- Assorted Teas
- Milk, Hot Chocolate
- Complimentary Eye-opener from our bar

Sample Lunch Menu

- Tossed Garden Salad Served with Fresh Tomatoes, Onion
and topped with Croutons and your choice of Dressing
- Chicken or Tuna Salad Croissant Garnished with Lettuce
Or
- Grilled Virginia Honey Ham and Sharp Chedder Cheese served on 9-Grain Bread with a Pickle Spear
- Homemade Potato Salad
- Apple Pie Ala Mode
- Freshly Brewed Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
- Assorted Teas
- Soft Drinks
- Milk
- Domestic and Imported Beers, or Wine
- Your Favorite Mixed Drink from the Bar

Sample Dinner Menu

- Soup De Jour
- Mesclun salad, served with honey roasted walnuts, bosch pears, gorgonzola crumbles and topped with a Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing
- Roast Prime Rib of Beef
              OR
- Chicken Marseilles sautéed in a Marseilla wine sauce
- Idaho Oven-Baked Potato with butter and sour cream
- Rice Pilaf
- Medley of Seasonal Vegetables
- Assorted Dinner Rolls and Butter
- Chocolate Torte Cake
- Fresh Brewed Coffee, Regular and Decaffeinated
- Assorted Teas
- Soft Drinks
- Milk
- Domestic and Imported Beers, or Wine
- Your Favorite Mixed Drink from the Bar

Our onboard chef prepares all meals fresh.

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Why you should participate in this Unique Excursion - This is the comfortable, hassle-free way to see Washington DC in all its splendor.  We will be attached to Amtrak trains, but only our passengers will have use of our private cars. Your room on the train is your hotel. No checking into and out of hotels. No unexpected hotel charges. No baggage hassles. Just excellent service by a friendly crew. We make it simple and pleasant for you.  You'll enjoy up to 1,685 miles of very scenic rail travel including the New River Gorge, the Grand Canyon of the East.

Important Information - Please Read

Responsibility
In the responsibility of their own negligence, neither American Rail Excursions, Inc.,  The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown Rail Inc., Mid America Rail Car Leasing, Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C.,,  Mid-American Railcar Leasing, LLC or IFE Leasing nor their agents shall be responsible for cancellations, delays, diversions, or substitution of equipment or any act of omission whatever by Amtrak, transportation companies, of any other persons providing any of these services necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness, or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from the loss or the negligence of any person not their direct employee or under their exclusive control.

Travel insurance is recommended for  any extended trip to protect your interest.