Fall Colors Rail Tour 

New England, Colonial Williamsburg,  Washington D.C., The Potomac River Valley & Allegheny Mountains

Embarking on this trip, you are about to discover the magnificent beauty this great country has to offer all.. eyes to behold! We'll travel the famed "Water Level Route" past Lake Erie, through New York's beautiful Hudson River Valley through New England, as well as the historic colonial Williamsburg, Washington D.C., the Potomac River Valley and Allegheny Mountains from a truly unique perspective- through the windows of our legendary, private rail cars. Relive the romance of first-class travel in our refurbished, stainless steel, art deco styled cars. We look forward to ensuring that your trip will be comfortable, relaxing, and memorable. Traveling on board a train is not about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. It is a journey of the senses, of reflections, of camaraderie, or solitude; it is about the simple pleasures of traveling through the landscape, about appreciating the beauty outside and the comforts within.

Tour Highlights:

All Aboard!

Friday October 9, 2009 (Day 1)– St. Louis Boarding Passengers only
4:00pm- 5:15pm – Passengers wishing to join our Fall Colors rail tour in St. Louis, please meet our onboard service manager at Amtrak's new Gateway Transportation Center, 430 S. 15th St., St. Louis, MO. 63103. Prearranged cell phone contact numbers will allow our onboard staff to guide you to our private railcars, and we will transfer your luggage directly to your accommodations. After our first-class staff has reviewed the amenities of your accommodations and you have read the onboard information packet, feel free to step on down to our lounge and enjoy a complementary premium beverage and snack while getting acquainted with other passengers.

5:30pm: Depart: St. Louis, MO Amtrak #306 Lincoln Service our "Fall Colors Tour"
With the "all aboard!" called by the conductor, our Fall Colors Tour eases out of the station and begins our climb out of St. Louis across the mighty Mississippi River. Peering through the windows of our train, the Gateway Arch gradually disappears as we pick up speed. The rolling hills, forest and occasional small towns create the ever-changing scenery along with the train's gentle sway, the rhythm of the rails sing their song!

7:00pm: Dinner served en-route
As our train races northward on our trek for Chicago and beyond our onboard chef has freshly prepared a delicious dinner for your enjoyment! During dinner we'll pass through Springfield, the capitol city of Illinois. The beautiful capitol dome will be visible to all as we pass it.

Evening: With the sun settling on the Illinois prairie the last glimmer of light silhouettes the trees and farms that dot the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary after dinner drink in the lounge while enjoying the sights from the comfort of your chair.

Late Evening: Our first-class onboard staff has transformed your accommodations from it's daytime configuration to one set for sweet slumber tonight. When you decide...retire to overnight comfort of your private room.

11:10pm: Arrive: Chicago, IL. Chicago Union Station
As our train thunders in to Chicago Union Station the squeal of the brakes stopping our train and the whooossshhh air, signal "we have arrived", we'll pause here for awhile. First to discharge passengers from Amtrak's Lincoln Service train then after a switch crew will move the train to the yard for servicing and ultimately where our Fall Colors tour will park overnight.

Night: Occupy railcars overnight while in Chicago.

Saturday October 10, 2009 (Day 2 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 1 Chicago Boarding Passengers)

7:30am – 9:30am St. Louis Passengers:
Breakfast served onboard while parked in Chicago
A "Good Morning!" to the travelers who arrived with us from St. Louis last night. As you rise this morning, the enticing aroma of a freshly prepared breakfast greets you. A cup of coffee and a refreshing hot shower is all it takes to "get up and at em!"

Morning: After enjoying breakfast may we suggest you take this opportunity to step off the railcars and begin your free day in Chicago! Today is yours to enjoy the Windy City Chicago on your own. Why not try nearby Sears Tower, where a trip to the "Sky Deck" will give you a birds eye view of Chicago. If you like to shop try the famous "State Street"... that "Great Street" with Macy's (formerly Marshall Fields) and many more shops galore! If that's not enough The Magnificent Mile, north Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place will provide the proverbial "shop til you drop" venue!

12:00noon: With all there is to see and do in Chicago, no visit would be complete without a great luncheon destination. For an enjoyable lunch on your own today why not try one of the Windy City's legendary restaurants: The Berghoff or the Walnut Room in Macy's (formerly Marshall Fields) on State St. and Randolph St.

Afternoon: Enjoy a fun filled afternoon on Navy Pier and Chicago's lakefront. Try a cruise on Lake Michigan. For those with a more refined taste, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium or the Alder Planetarium.

Dinner: After touring Chicago the "City That Works", enjoy a wonderful leisurely dinner on your own. After dinner return to Chicago Union Station 225 S. Canal St. Chicago, IL. 60601 to reboard our Fall Colors Tour.

7:45pm: American Rail Excursions Inc. onboard service manager will meet all our Chicago boarding passengers, with their luggage in  Chicago Union Station 225 S. Canal St. Chicago, IL. 60601. We will gather under the escalator adjacent to the Amtrak Ticket counter, by the fountain. St. Louis re-boarding passengers will also meet here too!

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 onboard service manager will escort our group to our awaiting train.

                                     

8:15pm (approx.): Board our Fall Colors Tour.  Our onboard staff welcomes all our New England 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 Bon Voyage celebration with hot and cold hor d' oeuvres awaits all our Chicago departing passengers!

9:00pm:   Depart: Chicago  Amtrak's # 48, the Lake Shore Limited (our "Fall Colors Tour) 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.

Late Evening :    While passengers have been 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

Sunday October 11, 2009 (Day 3 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 2 Chicago Passengers)

Very early morning:
The sun may be peeking around the drawn shade, or maybe the roar form a trio passing locomotives has lifted an eyelid and you begin to rustle in the comfort of your bed. No matter, we are just departing Cleveland, OH. Sleep in, or wake up for breakfast and some train watching. You'll enjoy awe-inspiring views through your windows that you didn't think belonged here. Traversing the busy mainline, the cities seem to get closer and closer together until we reach New York's capitol city, Albany.

7:30-9:30am: Breakfast served en-route. Our onboard chef has prepared a delicious hearty breakfast for your enjoyment this morning. Complimentary wake-up coffee is available in each rail car.

12:00 Noon -  Lunch will be served on board en-route.

2:40pm – Arrive: Albany, Rensselaer, NY

As our train arrives in Albany, it will be divided up into two sections. The first section- Amtrak #48 will continue on to New York City. The second section, our private rail cars, will be switched off the train and parked for the remainder of the day. After our arrival, those guests who would like to do a little exploring on their own may do so.  Taxis and ground transportation are available at the station. Have fun exploring on your own, but remember to return to our railcars in time for our dinner outing this evening. 

Transfer to Jack’s Oyster House for dinner and mini-tour included

5:00-7:30pm(approx.) - Tonight, we have included a transfer / tour for our group from the station to Jack’s Oyster House and back. Jack’s is renowned for its superb seafood cuisine and has been in existence at the same location since 1913. Dinner and your round trip transfers are included with this rail tour. Alcoholic beverages at Jack's will be on your own account. After dinner, our group will be whisked back to our rail cars for the evening. 

Early Evening: Complimentary premium beverage and snacks service will continue aboard the rail cars this evening as you reflect with newfound friends on the past day's travel.

9:05pm - Depart: Albany/Rensselaer, NY Amtrak #288 Once again you can enjoy the fine rail sights! Relax as our train travels over the famed "Water Level Route" paralleling the Hudson River to New York City. Although we're in no hurry to end our journey, our train races eastward for the Big Apple. Relax in your private rooms solitude tonight and enjoy a good book.

11:35pm:Arrive Penn Station: New York City, NY. For our adventurous travelers, you might be able to alight from our rail cars at this time for night time exploration of the "Big Apple", New York City, on your own.

*Please Note: our rail cars may continue on to Amtrak's Sunnyside yard with No passenger access for necessary servicing and will not return to Penn Station until 1:30-2:00am (Monday morning Oct 12th). Please plan accordingly!

Late Evening: For passengers remaining onboard in New York, complimentary premium beverage and snack service continues through midnight. The beds of our silver carriages await your return… sleep tight!

Night: Occupy rail cars overnight, parked in New York City and en-route.

Monday October 12, 2009 (Day 4 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 3 Chicago Passengers)

Wee hours of the Morning: Our rail cars are repositioned from Amtrak's NYC Sunnyside yard to Penn Station and added to the rear of this morning's Amtrak #66 "The Federal"

3:15am: Depart: New York City Amtrak #66 "The Federal"
Although you should be fast asleep in your warm comfortable bed, we'll whisk our way through the New York tunnels as we travel northward for Boston, MA.

6:00-7:30am:Breakfast aboard railcars en-route. This morning rise to an early breakfast as our train skirts the Atlantic coastal harbors en-route to Boston, MA.

7:52am: Arrive: Boston, MA. South Station.
Today is yours to enjoy touring the historic city of Boston, MA. As soon as our train arrives we ask all passengers to quickly alight from our rail cars.

*Please Note: Our rail cars will be inaccessible for most of the day. You will need to carry with you any items that you may need during the day, so please plan accordingly. Our rail cars will not return to the station until after approximately 7:30pm this evening.

9:00am: An included step-on step-off trolley  tour departing from just outside the south station allows our passengers to explore the greater Boston area at your own pace. 

Afternoon & Evening: While touring, lunch and dinner will be on your own today.

8:30pm (approx.): Re-board our rail cars in Boston's South Station. Our rail cars will be attached to the rear of today's Boston, MA departing Amtrak #67 "The Federal". Please check the Amtrak departure board for the correct track number.

Welcome back to our railcars, your hotel on on the rails! It has been a long day! Take a moment to freshen up before heading down to our lounge for a relaxing cocktail and some snacks. Your rooms have been transformed to night mode, in anticipation of weary travelers.

9:45pm: Depart: Boston, MA. South Station Amtrak #67 "The Federal".
Tonight our train carries us on Amtrak's famed Northeast Corridor. We'll travel at a fairly fast pace as we pass through New York City, Philadelphia and ultimately arrive in Washington, DC

Late Evening: Complimentary premium beverage and snacks will be served through midnight for those who wish to keep the party going. For those who have had enough, your bed has already been turned down and you may retire to the quiet solitude of your hotel room on the rails.

Night: Occupy rail cars overnight  en-route.

Tuesday October 13, 2009 (Day 5 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 4 Chicago Passengers)

2:10am: Arrive: New York City Penn Station.

3:00am: Depart: New York City on Amtrak #67- The Federal.

                                  
In the next 4 hours or so, we will be whisked along 225 miles to Washington DC  The furious clickety-clack gives way to a soothing quiet ride.  The brilliant blue flash and rush of air just outside your window is not an approaching storm, it is just our train on the northeast corridor reaching 110mph but you'll probably never hear it in your sound sleep. Occupy railcars overnight en-route.

7:00am:Arrive: Washington DC As Amtrak #67 arrives in Washington DC the faint first early light of the morning welcomes us.  Although you will probably be fast asleep, we have arrived directly into the heart of Washington DC.  Early risers may know there is nothing like watching the sun peek around the dome of the Capitol building dawning in a new day   ...Another chance of a lifetime! Our train will dwell here as Amtrak switches locomotives.

7:00-9:30am: Breakfast served aboard railcars en-route.

7:30am: Depart: Washington DC Amtrak #67 "The Federal"
Departing Washington DC our train immediately is plunged into darkness as we duck into the tunnels on our sub-terraining route under Washington DC We'll pop back above ground in time to look back at the Capitol in the dawn of early light. Picking up speed our train steps lively over the Potomac River as we race towards Williamsburg.

11:15am: Arrive Williamsburg, VA. Alighting from the rail cars, we'll transfer to historic Colonial Williamsburg for an included tour taking us on a journey back to a time in American History, to the eve of the American Revolution! We'll step into the oldest building in Williamsburg, visit a classroom where three presidents of the United States went to school. The tour will make the best use of your time by our guides personal introduction of the history,and events of Williamsburg's past, plus interesting stories about persons and events that helped shape our country's history. All is intended to provide an exciting overview of what is available to see and do allowing some time to revisit items of personal interest on your own. Our included guided walking tour of Williamsburg will encompass most of the afternoon. Lunch will be on your own while touring.

4:42pm: Depart Williamsburg, VA Amtrak #66 "The Federal".
With all our travelers back on board, enjoy a complimentary premium beverage and snack in our lounge as the bright vivid colors of fall wisk by our windows!

5:30pm(approx.): Dinner served en-route. (First Seating) The crisp fall air and walking tour has created a hearty appetite for all our passengers. While enjoying the colorful fall sights, our first class onboard chef created a delicious feast fit for a President, Bon Appetite!

7:30pm (approx.): Second seating for dinner if necessary

8:45pm: Arrive Washington DC
Upon arrival in Washington DC our private rail cars making up the Fall Colors Tour will be dropped from our arriving train and will be relocated to our special parking spot, where we will remain until our departure tomorrow. Those passengers who wish to do a little exploring on their own may do so.

Late Evening: With our Fall Colors Tour train now safely tucked away for the night, you may want to enjoy a night cap in the lounge before retiring.

Night: Occupy rail cars overnight in Washington DC

Wednesday October 14, 2009 (Day 6 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 5 Chicago Passengers)

7:30-9:30am: Breakfast served aboard railcars while parked in Washington DC

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, which is included and departs just outside the main entrance to the station.

Afternoon:  With a full day 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.

Evening:   Enjoy dinner on your own this evening at one of the fine dining restaurants located right in the station or step away to any of the close by great ethnic restaurants. The choice is yours. Bon Appetite! And when you return enjoy that favorite beverage.

Night:   Occupy railcars overnight parked in Washington DC

Thursday October 15, 2009 (Day 7 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 6 Chicago Passengers)

7:30-9:30am:Breakfast served aboard railcars while parked in Washington DCFor those who have slept in, feel free to join us for a scrumptious breakfast  before heading out to see our capitol in its morning glory.

Morning: After enjoying breakfast onboard, may we suggest you take your last opportunity to alight from our railcars and explore Washington DC on your own.  You will have the better part of the day to see DC

Afternoon: Lunch and exploration of the greater Washington DC metropolitan area will be on your own.  

Note*: Due to switching operations, our private railcars may not be accessible for a few hours. Please plan accordingly.

3:00pm(approx.): Our rail cars will be back in the station ready to re-board. Please check the monitors for the track number assignment (usually track #16) for Amtrak #29 - The Capitol Limited.  Take another stroll down to our lounge for snack and beverage service.  By now, our attentive staff will probably know your preferences and have your favorites waiting for you.

4:05pm: Depart Washington DC Amtrak #29 - The Capitol Limited. 

5:30 & 7:30pm Seatings (approx.): A tasty dinner will be served en-route as we travel through the Potomac River Valley, Harper's Ferry and other historical cities.

             
Evening: Snack and beverage service continues in our lounge until the day's events catch up with you and your body tells you it is time to find that comfy bed you have called home for the last several days.  

Night: Occupy rail cars overnight  en-route. As you rock to sleep to the gentle sway of rail travel, we hope you dream of silver rails and the memorable trip that will soon come to a close.

Friday October 16, 2009 (Day 8 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 7 Chicago Passengers)
6:30-8:30am: Breakfast served on board en-route as we race through the countryside of Ohio and Indiana with the steel mills of northwest Indiana rapidly approach the familiar skyline of Chicago will not be far away. You may take this time to exchange good-byes with your newfound friends.

8:40am: Arrive: Chicago. Detrain Chicago guests and luggage.
Passengers continuing on to St. Louis can once again step off the railcars and explore Chicago. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today as you visit Chicago sights. *Note: Due to switching operations, to park our train in its special parking spot, our railcars may not be accessible for several hours or so. Please plan accordingly. Our onboard service manager will inform you.

Late Afternoon and Evening: After a day of touring Chicago, come on back to your home away from home. Freshen up with an invigorating hot shower. Enjoy a late afternoon drink and snack before heading out on the town one last time.

Evening: Snack and beverage service continues throughout the evening for guests who remain aboard. When you return your rooms will be once again readied for a well deserved night of rest. Good night. Occupy railcars overnight in Chicago *Note: Sometime during the early evening our railcars will be added to tomorrow's departing equipment and positioned back into Chicago Union Station. Our onboard service manger will keep you advised.

Night: Occupy rail cars overnight parked in Chicago, IL.

Saturday October 17, 2009 (Day 8 St. Louis Passengers)

7:00-9:30am: Breakfast served on board en-route. 
This morning you will probably be awaked by Chicago's Metra Commuter trains arriving in Chicago Union Station. As you peer out your window... throngs of people pass by headed to or from the city. You'll have at least a few more hours of relaxing rail travel before returning to the grind. 

7:00am: Depart Chicago:  Amtrak's #301 "Lincoln Service" 
As the skyline of Chicago fades to just a memory we'll race through the rural farm towns of Illinois on our quest for St. Louis.

 As our train tiptoes over the MacArthur bridge crossing the Mississippi, the St. Louis skyline welcomes us.

                                      
12:20pm: Arrive St. Louis
Just as thousands of people before have done, our private rail cars have arrived at our final destination, St. Louis, Amtrak Station. As our onboard staff places your luggage on the platform, final farewells and good-byes are exchanged. For now.. this great trip is completed. We hope to see you again... riding the silver rails. Thank you... and good-bye!

All times shown are subject to adjustment when the winter Amtrak schedule is published.

Thanks for traveling with American Rail Excursions Inc.

Accommodations:

Deluxe Suite: A deluxe suite is a combination of two double bedrooms, ensuited. 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.

Deluxe Suite: Round trip deluxe suite
2 people, 2 rooms ensuited, occupy only lower berths at night.
Two private bathrooms, lounge chair, small couch, large sofa and
Two tables by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $3,799.00 per person double occupancy, suite

From St. Louis, MO: $3999.98 per person double occupancy, Suite

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.

Double Bedroom: Round trip double bedroom
2 people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night, One private bathroom, 1 large sofa and a table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and a table by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $2,299.00 per person double occupancy

From St. Louis, MO: $2,399.99 per person double occupancy

Double Bedroom Single Occupancy: Round trip bedroom
1 person, 1 room, 1 lower bed at night, one private bathroom, 1 large sofa and an table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and an table by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $3,799.00 single occupancy

From St. Louis, MO: $3999.99 single occupancy

Entertainment is provided by a stereo CD player or a DVD player and of course, the large oversized windows for panoramic viewing.

Deluxe Suite: Round trip deluxe suite
2 people, 2 rooms ensuited, occupy only lower berths at night.
Two private bathrooms, lounge chair, small couch, large sofa and
Two tables by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $3,799.00 per person double occupancy, suite

From St. Louis, MO: $3999.98 per person double occupancy, Suite

Double Bedroom: Round trip double bedroom
2 people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night, One private bathroom, 1 large sofa and a table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and a table by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $2,299.00 per person double occupancy

From St. Louis, MO: $2,399.99 per person double occupancy

Double Bedroom Single Occupancy: Round trip bedroom
1 person, 1 room, 1 lower bed at night, one private bathroom, 1 large sofa and an table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and an table by day. Shower at the end of the hall.

From Chicago, IL: $3,799.00 single occupancy

From St. Louis, MO: $3999.99 single occupancy

A 50% per person nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of booking

Full open balance due by September 15, 2009.
No refund unless trip is canceled.
Tickets are transferable to another person with prior approval.

Trip # AR-09-J-1October 9/10-16/17, 2009

(Click here for a printable version of our reservation form.)

Thank you!

American Rail Excursions, Inc.
1701 Sauk Trail
Sauk Village, IL 60411-4955
Phone 708/758-6680
Fax 708/758-2781