Ring in the New Year like Never Before!!
December
28th, 2007 - January 3rd, 2008
Trip # AR-07-L-2
American
Rail Excursions is offering this rare opportunity to enjoy a very exclusive
& unique way to ring in the New Year and to visit one of our
nation's center of entertainment and fun. You can experience the
kind of deluxe travel enjoyed by movie stars, politicians and big
businessmen of years gone by. Our New Orleans New Year Sunshine
Special Tour will originate from St. Louis's
Amtrak Station and
Chicago's Union Station, with private rail car travel in comfort and
style right into the heart of the "Crescent City", New
Orleans, LA.
The package includes all transportation,
lodging aboard our private rail cars. En route, lounge,
beverage and snack service on
our rail cars. First-class en-route meal service as per itinerary,
prepared fresh by our on-board chef and served by our attentive wait
staff. Additionally an included 2-hour tour of New Orleans plus a
2-hour Mississippi Riverboat
cruise.
Here Are The Highlights:
Y’all take some time and enjoy good old southern hospitality as our
nostalgic private rail car transports you down the main street of
mid-American aboard the train they call "The City Of New
Orleans".
New Orleans is alive with cool jazz, hot ‘n spicy Cajun food, and lively
Zydeco entertainment until
the wee hours, New Orleans is still one of America’s most exciting cities.
If you are New Orleans bound, you’ll want to take
advantage of the many unique parties, and special events taking
place in The Big Easy for this New Years celebration... But New Orleans
offers more than just partying.
New Orleans has plenty of other attractions… The French Quarter,
Bourbon Street, spontaneous jazz concerts on the street corners, the
architecture, sidewalk artists, horse-drawn carriages, and the Mighty Mississippi to name just a few!
Travel by private railcar… No other mode of transportation between
St. Louis, Chicago and New Orleans can treat you to such a good time.
Welcome Aboard!!!
Itinerary:
Friday, December 28, 2007 (Day 1)
2:00-4:00pm: St. Louis, MO. For those
St. Louis boarding passengers wishing to
pre- board our private rail car for this trip, our private railcar will be located about 300 yards west
of Amtrak's St. Louis Facility, located at 550 E. 16th St., St. Louis,
MO., 63103. You may pre-board your luggage to your accommodations at
this time. May we suggest you enjoy dinner on your own at one of the
many fine restaurants located at close by St. Louis Union Station. After
dinner, return to our private railcar, your transportation and hotel on the rails for
this evening's trip to Chicago, IL.
4:30pm: Passengers who did not pre-board
Silver Quail, may board as soon as Amtrak train #306 pulls down to the
station platform, our first class on-board staff will greet you and assist our St.
Louis boarding passengers. Your luggage will be brought
right to your accommodations. As soon as you are settled and you have received
the on-board and safety information, complimentary premium beverage and
snack service will begin.
5:00pm: Depart; St. Louis, MO. Amtrak #306
"Lincoln Service. As our train slowly tip toes away from the
station, we gradually climb up and over the mighty Mississippi River.
With the Gateway Arch silhouetted by the bright lights of downtown St.
Louis, we'll race northward towards Chicago.
Early Evening: While enjoying the first leg
of our trip to Chicago, our first class on-board staff has a tantalizing
array of hor d'oeuvres and tasty sweets to quell your appetite and
complimentary premium beverage service to quench your thirst. Enjoy!
We'll whistle through small town mid-America this
evening. Peering through your window it seems that.. in some towns, time
has stood still! With a bright glow of light reflecting off the night
sky and the tops of sky scrapers now visible on the horizon, it won't be
long before we reach our interim destination, Chicago, IL.
Late Evening: When you decide it's
"time", our on-board staff will transform your accommodations from it's comfortable daytime configuration, to it's night time mode for
sweet slumber tonight.
10:40pm: Arrive: Chicago Union Station. As
our train gently rocks through the maze of switches in the cavernous
Chicago Union Station, the wooossshhhh of the air brakes signal our
arrival. Those passengers who wish to seek out some of Chicago's night
life may alight from our rail car now. For those passengers remaining
on-board, complimentary premium beverage and snack service will conclude
at midnight.
*Please note: After the arrival of our train
Amtrak #306 Lincoln Service in to
Chicago, our private railcar will be inaccessible for a few hours until it
is moved to the yard for service and overnight parking. Please plan your
return to our train with our on board service manager.
Night: Occupy railcars overnight
in Chicago.
Saturday, December 29, 2007 (Day
2)
7:30-9:30am: Breakfast
served aboard while our railcars are parked in Chicago.
Morning: Today is a free day in Chicago yours to enjoy as you
wish on your own. May we suggest the nearby Sear Tower Skydeck for a
bird's eye view of Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of
Natural History or the Adler Planetarium, all great indoor activities
located just minutes away from our train. For those who are still in
the mood to shop, how about Chicago's famous "State Street"
that "Great Street" with Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's.) Head on
over to Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile" for shops
galore. And while you are on the "Magnificent Mile" don't
forget Water Tower Place.
Noon: Lunch will be on your own this afternoon while touring
Chicago.
Afternoon: The key to the "City That Works",... Chicago
is yours to enjoy!
Dinner:
On your own today while you are out and about Chicago.
7:00pm: Chicago boarding passengers and St. Louis re-boarding
passengers meet
American Rail Excursions Inc. on-board service manager in the beautiful Chicago Union Station,
225 S. Canal St. Chicago, IL 60606 adjacent to fountain under the escalators by the Amtrak ticket counter for
special check-in. For our passengers just joining us in Chicago, DO NOT check any luggage
with Amtrak! Our on-board service
attendants will transfer your luggage directly to your accommodations.
7:15pm(approx): As soon as all passengers are checked in, we'll
pre-board our private rail cars located on the rear of this evening's
Chicago departing Amtrak #59 the "City Of New Orleans" our
New Orleans New Year's Sunshine
Special. After receiving instructions on the amenities
of your on-board accommodations, Let the party begin! You
may take this opportunity to head to our lounge and get acquainted with
other travelers over complimentary
cocktails and hor d'oeuvres.
8:00pm Depart Chicago: Amtrak #59 The City Of New Orleans
(Our New Orleans New Year's Sunshine Special)
The conductor calls, "All aboard!" As our
group of rail
adventurers settle in. The gentle sway of our private rail cars indicate
we’re on the move! A special complimentary
Bon Voyage Party complete with a champagne toast, hor d'oeuvres and your
favorite beverage, will provide the atmosphere.
If you haven't already, now is the perfect
time to join us in our lounge while we watch Chicago's bright lights vanish into
moonlit evening from our windows.
As the big city lights fade away, we’ll make a quick stop in a
quaint suburb of Chicago called "Homewood". As the diesels
roar and the whistle blows, this I.C. (Illinois Central) Main Street of
Mid-America rail line will carry us through many a small town in our
southbound quest to reach that Crescent City, New Orleans.
Late Evening: After your exercise in pre-New Year's Eve
reveling, our first-class service staff will have your room ready for sweet
slumber tonight.
Our on-board service attendant has readied your beds for this
evening. In the solitude and darkness of your room, you tune into the
rhythmic beat of the rails. As you gaze out your window, the darkened
sky is illuminated by hundreds of stars and the occasional light of a
farm building reminds you that you are still in Illinois. The gentle
sway and music of the rails are too much… you fall asleep in safety
and comfort aboard our private rail car tonight. Sleep in safety and the comfort of your private
room.
Night: Occupy railcars overnight en-route.
Sunday, December
30, 2007 (Day 3):
7:30am-9:30am: Breakfast
served en-route. The excitement of our trip has made you stir early this morning. As
you raise the shade and peer out the window this new day, you rub your
eyes in disbelief! A PYRAMID?!? What the…. Now if you saw Elvis, then
I would worry! Yes... it is Memphis, TN. If you look hard, you can catch a
glimpse of Beale Street, birthplace of the blues. Memphis is also home
to Sun Records and, of course, Elvis’ Graceland estate. Our train will
pause here at the beautiful new station for 25 minutes or so. With the
aroma of freshly brewed coffee teasing you, it is time to satisfy that appetite.
Our on-board chef has prepared a delicious breakfast for your enjoyment
this morning.
Morning:
As we continue our southward trek, our train will almost turn back
time. We’ll travel through small towns rich in history and virtually
untouched, harkening back to the days when cotton was king. Some stately
colonial mansions can be seen through the trees. Lumber is the other
prevalent commodity harvested along this route.
12:00noon - 1:30pm: Lunch
served en-route. You’ve been so busy peering out the window that lunchtime has
almost slipped by. Not to worry though, our attentive first-class on-board service attendant reminds you that it is noon and lunch is served. As you
enjoy a tasty lunch and peek through your window to
the world, the first vestiges of French influence can be detected in the
curlicue and trelliswork adorning the homes.
Afternoon:
The catfish ponds and pecan
groves of the Mississippi Delta country slowly transform into the bayou
country. Lake Pontchartrain is now visible… New Orleans is just ahead.
Complimentary premium beverage and snack service continues.
3:40pm Arrive:
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
As our Mardi Gras Party Express glides into the station, you’ll
notice a huge landmark, the Louisiana Superdome just adjacent to our
final stop. Our private rail cars will remain parked here for the next
two nights. Our passengers will be able to stay
aboard, using our cars as your hotel on the rails. Breakfast
will be served daily. Lunch and dinner will be on your own until
after our departure on Tuesday January 1, 2008. Our
lounge will be open in the late afternoon and evening for your enjoyment.
Late Afternoon and Evening: We suggest
for the remainder of the afternoon and evening you experience the
culture and cuisine New Orleans has to offer. May we suggest you dine on
your own tonight at many of the finer establishments, New Orleans has some of the greatest
restaurants in the country. With dining seen as passion by locals your
dining experience, with the dishes prepared by world renown and award
winning chefs, will make your visit to New Orleans an unforgettable
event. Restaurants like Brennen's, A legend or Broussards, Arnaud's or
Antoines's all located in the French Quarter are just a few that have
been around since the late 1800s. Bon Appetite!
Late Evening: After an
enjoyable dinner, let's not forget Bourbon Street for some late night
entertainment. From jazz to contemporary rock Bourbon Street has
something for everyone! Don't worry...we'll leave the vestibule light
on for you tonight.
 
Night: Occupy railcars
overnight parked in New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
*Note- Upon our arrival in New Orleans and
due to repositioning movements for service, our private rail cars may not
be readily accessible or repositioned back in the station until approximately
9:00pm. Our on-board service manager will advise you.
Monday, December 31st, 2007 (Day 4)
7:30am-9:30am: Breakfast served aboard rail cars.
Our on-board chef has prepared a hearty breakfast
that will energize you for today's fun-filled adventure. For those who
prefer touring the city on your own, may we suggest your morning
in New Orleans begins with a languorous stretch and steaming cup of
café au lait. Ease into the day with an elegant breakfast of Eggs
Hussarde and Bananas Foster… or sample hot beignets and Café au lait
at Café Du Monde and watch the artists begin to gather at Jackson
Square. Meander through the French Market or stroll down Royal Street.
You’re sure to see everything from fine antiques and rare books to
precious gems, prints and posters. Peek past narrow passageways into
Italianate courtyards with sculpted fountains, or view the unique
architectural designs of some sprawling Victorian mansions and
plantation homes.
9:30am(Approx): Depart for
an included
escorted two hour motor coach tour plus a two hour riverboat cruise. We'll travel through three
centuries of history, legends and romance as you encounter "The
City That Care Forgot!". Absorb the sights and sounds of
the world famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square,
home of the Cabildo and Presbytere Museums. Visit one of our historic cemeteries,
referred to as "Cities of the Dead", and learn about this
unique above ground burial system. Marvel at stories of voodoo and
piracy on Bayou St. John, the water way used by Jean Lafitte and his
band of pirates, as we make our way to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
View the longest bridge over water in the world, the Lake
Pontchartrain Causeway. Our tour follows the path of the St. Charles
Avenue streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway
system in the world, past the homes of former Kings and Queens of
Mardi Gras, steely mansions and the world famous, exclusive Garden
District. View Tulane and Loyola Universities across from Audubon Park,
home to one of the top five zoos in the nation, The Audubon Zoo.
Upon completion of the city tour
we'll transfer and board the historic Steamboat Natchez, one of six
authentic Steamboats left on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a Steam
Calliope Concert daily. Tap your feet to Live Jazz (seasonal) on every
cruise. This two hour day cruise takes you back to a time when cotton
was king and life was as slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi
River. Enjoy the Captain's narration of the highlights of one of the
world's busiest ports. Tour the Historic Stem Engine Room and learn
how steam powers the engine to turn the Paddlewheel and provide the energy
for the delightful tunes of the calliope. Cruise past the Chalmette
Battlefield, where Jean Lafitte and his buccaneers joined forces with
Andrew Jackson to defeat the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
Enjoy an included Creole lunch.
Late Afternoon: Upon
completion of riverboat cruise, you may elect to return to the train
with the motor coach or continue to enjoy the riverfront on your own.
Returning to out private railcar our first class on-board staff has an
array of complimentary snacks and premium beverages for your
enjoyment.
Evening: Tonight once again,
all of New Orleans is at your doorstep. Enjoy New Orleans own unique
cuisine, such as crawfish entoufee, gumbo and Shrimp Creole with cool
blues and hot jazz!
Late Evening: Tonight is New
Year's Eve!! And in New Orleans enjoy the Party Party Party!!!
Night: Occupy railcars
overnight parked in New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 (Day 5)
7:30am-9:30am: Breakfast served
aboard our rail cars.
Morning:
This will be your last day to enjoy New Orleans. May we suggest you
travel on your own to the Riverwalk along the Mighty Mississippi.
Riverwalk has many shops, restaurants and is home to the New Orleans
International Cruise Ship Terminal.
Relax, have lunch and watch the non-stop action on the river or just
sleep in after a night of non-stop partying.
Afternoon:
1:00pm: Re-board our private
railcars now located on the rear of today's departing Amtrak #58 The
City of New Orleans
It is time to re-board our private rail cars and bid farewell to this
fun and famous city. The wonderful old sights and cool jazz have been
imbedded in our memories.
1:45pm Depart New Orleans Amtrak #58 The City Of New Orleans
After our departure, you might want to relax, socialize and sight see
from our lounge. Our staff will deliver your favorite snack right to
your seat or room. Maybe you’ll retire to the quiet comfort of your
room for a little snooze before dinner... it’s ok! Complimentary
premium beverage and snack service begins.
5:00pm-8:00pm Dinner
Our on-board chef will prepare a fabulous dinner for this
evening. While enjoying dinner on our northbound quest for the windy
city, the sun sinks ever so slowly in the west creating a memorable
visual post card through the window. Later we’ll have a rousting
evening as we exchange stories about Bourbon Street and the likes.
Complimentary premium beverage and snacks will be served. Our first-class
service attendant will
turn down your bed… morning will arrive too early!
Evening: Premium beverage and
snack service continue for those who wish to keep the party going. For
those who have had enough, your beds have 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.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 (Day 6)
6:30am-8:30am
Breakfast served aboard our rail cars.
This morning as you awaken, gently
raise the shade and gaze out your window, the rolling
Illinois farm fields are racing by. Before we arrive in Chicago, our
on-board chef will have prepared a light continental breakfast to curb
your appetite prior to arriving in Chicago. With the approaching skyline of downtown
in view now, this memorable private rail car trip will soon be
brought to a close.
9:00am Arrive: Chicago
Union Station
As our New Orleans New Year's
Sunshine Special rumbles into cavernous Chicago Union Station, the high-pitched squeal of
the brakes are the finale to our rhythmic rail song. For our
Chicago bound passengers, this is the end of the line.
As our passengers detrain, newfound friends
bid each other fond farewell and our first-class on-board service staff say
good-bye. At this time passengers continuing on to St. Louis are
encouraged to step off our railcars in the station for a day of
sightseeing and exploring on your own.
*Note: Usually within an hour or so
of our arrival into Chicago, our railcars will be moved from the station
to the rail yard for post trip inspection and service. This procedure
takes several hours and render the railcars inaccessible for passenger
to de-train or re-board. Please plan accordingly.
Afternoon: Lunch will be on
your own today while touring Chicago.
Late Afternoon: After a
rigorous day in the Windy City you might regenerate with a shower and a
quick change before your assault on Chicago's fine eateries for dinner.
Our on-board service manager will guide you right to our railcars
parking spot. Enjoy a complimentary beverage and snack before heading
out.
Evening: Dinner will be on
your own tonight at any of Chicago's finer eateries. Premium
beverage and snack service continues throughout the evening for guests
who remain aboard. For those of you who have been out and about, when
you return your rooms will be once again readied for a well deserved
night of rest. Good night.
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 on-board
service manger will keep you advised.
Thursday, January 3,
2008 (Day 7):
7:00am-9:00am: Breakfast served
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 work. Not you! You'll have at least
one more day of relaxing rail travel before returning to the grind.
7:00am: Depart Chicago Amtrak #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.
Afternoon:
Before you know it our St. Louis bound passengers catch a glimpse of the
Gateway Arch.. we'll soon be there. 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 New Orleans New Year's
Special has arrived at its final destination, St. Louis Amtrak Station.
As the on-board staff places your bags on the platform, final farewells
and good-byes are exchanged. For now... this great trip ringing in the
new year is complete! We hope to see you again... riding the silver
rails. Thank you... and goodbye!
"May your rails be
silver and your rail dreams golden"
All times shown
are subject to Amtrak's operating schedule.
What's Included:
- Attentive first-class service
provided by our American Rail Excursions, Inc. staff
- Round-trip rail and accommodations charges aboard our private rail
cars for this trip based on your reservations.
- Double Bedroom, Single or double occupancy aboard or private
rail cars (as per your reservation).
- Exclusive American Rail Excursion check-in and baggage handling St. Louis, and Chicago Union
Stations.
- Complimentary Premium beverage and snack service during our entire trip.
- Complimentary Bon Voyage Party 12-29-2007.
- Full meal service as outlined in this itinerary.
- Included guide tour of New Orleans (2 hr. Deluxe Motor Coach plus 2
hr. Riverboat cruise with a luncheon aboard.)
Accommodations:
Costs: Round Trip, Double
Bedroom:
Single Occupancy: 1 person,
1 room one lower bed at night.
St. Louis boarding: $3199.00
Chicago boarding: $2999.00
or
Double Occupancy: 2
people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night.
St. Louis boarding: $1699.00 per person
Chicago boarding: $1599.00 per person
 
Double bedrooms have space
for one or two passengers. Each double bedroom features either one large
couch or a small couch and lounge chair for comfortable private day
travel. By night, each 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.
All
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, upon
request. All sleeping cars are equipped with a changing area and
shower at the end of the hall.
A 50% deposit per person is due at
the time of booking.
Full open balance due by 12/21/07.
No refund unless trip is canceled.
Tickets are transferable to another person with prior approval.
Please reserve your
space by 12/21/07.
May we make your
reservation today?
The New Orleans New
Year's
Sunshine Special
December
28th, 2007 - January 3rd, 2008
Trip # AR-07-L-2
(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
Email: roger@americanrail.com
Roger J. Verbeeren Jr.
Responsibility
In the responsibility of their own negligence, neither American Rail
Excursions, Inc., Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C., Powhatan Rail Services, Inc., The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown
Rail Inc. or Mid
America Rail Car L.L.C. 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.
Transportation companies, Amtrak, etc.
are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during
the time passengers are not on board train or conveyances. The passenger
contracts in use by Amtrak or transportation companies and passengers
or purchasers of this tour, American Rail Excursions, Inc., Powhatan Rail Services,
Inc., The Silver
Sleeping Car Company, Crown Rail Inc., Nevada Western Rail Tours L.L.C.,
I.F.E. Leasing Inc.or Mid America Rail Car Leasing assumes no responsibility in this connection.
Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and
acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Important Information - Please Read
Payments are not refundable unless we
are able to resell your tickets. If we resell your tickets, you
will receive a refund less a $50.00/ticket handling fee. We reserve
the right to cancel a trip prior to departure, in which case your entire
payment to us will be refunded without further obligation on our part.
Your escorts are not permitted to handle occupied wheelchairs because
of potential injury to themselves or the passengers. If you are
mobility
impaired, please call and discuss available accommodations before ordering.
Smoking is not permitted on these cars (except in vestibules between
cars and on the ground at the longer station stops where permitted by
law. Because of the sliding
plates between between cars, passage between the cars when wearing open
toed shoes or backless shoes is not recommended when the train is moving.
As is the case of all travel regardless of destination, we cannot guarantee
clear weather all the time and clouds, rain or other weather conditions
beyond our control may obscure scenic highlights. We have no control
over the various transportation companies providing services for the
excursions, and thus it must be understood that changes in the equipment,
dates, routes, or other accommodations, though unlikely, can occur.
Participants in these excursions waive any claim against American Rail
Excursions, Inc., Powhatan Rail Services, Inc, The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown
Rail Inc., Nevada Western Rail Tours L.L.C., I.F.E. Leasing Inc.or Mid
America Rail Car Leasing and their officers,
members, agents or employees, for any damage to or loss of property,
or for death or injury of persons participating in these excursions/events.
We strongly suggest travel insurance to
protect your investment in any extended trip and tour.
American
Rail Excursions, Inc. Home Page
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