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A up to Seven Day, Six Night Rail and Ground Tour to Niagara Falls and surrounding attractions
Trip # ARE-09-I-1
Millions of newly weds, families and school groups have for many years
visited this outstanding natural attraction. It is still one of the world's
greatest natural wonders and continues to be a magnet for tourists from
all over the world. Our tour is very complete and includes sightseeing
at Niagara Falls, ride on the Maid of the Mist, Table Rock House, the
Great Whirlpools, Canadian Duty Free Store, Cave of the Winds, Goat Island,
Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Whirlpool State Park, visits to
casinos and more. Fare also includes rail travel, your private bedroom
on board, one night in deluxe hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario and meals
and premium beverage service as per itinerary.
Tour Highlights:
-Two convenient departure cities,
St. Louis, MO. or Chicago, IL.
- Ride eastward and westward on the famed "Lake Shore Limited"
route.
- En-route travel, dine and sleep aboard historic privately owned railcars.
- Included deluxe motor coach transfers from/to our train and hotel as
well as escorted tours of the greater Niagara Falls area including, Maid
of the Mist, Table Rock House, Niagara Falls, Cave of the Winds, Goat
Island, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island and Whirlpool State Park.
- Included overnight lodging at the largest and most luxurious falls view
accommodations in the Niagara Falls, Canada, "The Sheraton on the
Falls Hotel".
- Included tour of greater Albany, NY and surrounding area.
- Transfer and luncheon at Jack's Oyster House. For nearly a century,
Jack's has been an integral part of Albany NY's landscape, with ambiance
reminiscent of the clubby New York style restaurants.
- Included onboard en-route meals with up to five breakfasts, one dinner
and two Bon Voyage celebrations, based on your itinerary.
- Included onboard complimentary premium beverage and snack service throughout
the trip.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 (Day 1)– St. Louis Boarding Passengers
only
4:00pm- 5:15pm – Passengers wishing to join our Niagara Rainbow
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 will transfer your luggage directly
to your accommodations. After our onboard 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
"Niagara Rainbow"
With the "all aboard!" called by the conductor, our Niagara
Rainbow 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 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 our Niagara Rainbow's overnight party location.
Night: Occupy railcars overnight parked in Chicago.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 (Day 2 St. Louis Passengers)(Day
1 Chicago Boarding Passengers)
7:30am – 9:30am: 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 (formally 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 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 Niagara Rainbow.
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 Niagara Rainbow.
Our onboard staff welcomes all our Niagara Falls 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 "Niagara Rainbow") 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 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
Thursday, September 24, 2009 (Day 3 St. Louis passengers)(Day 2
Chicago Passengers)
6:30am – 8:30am: Breakfast served onboard and en-route
Rise and shine this morning! We'll have a very full day of travel and
sightseeing! Enjoy a tasty hearty breakfast, freshly prepared by our onboard
chef, and guaranteed to satisfy your appetite! You'll want to make sure
you have a small overnight bag packed that can be easily taken with you
off the train. Plan on clothing for one night in the hotel. Dress for
the weather (be prepared) and don't forget your medications if you take
any!
8:30am: Arrive: Buffalo, Depew, NY.
Our Niagara Rainbow will arrive at Amtrak's Buffalo-Depew Station, 55
Dick Rd, Depew, NY. 14043. All passengers and their overnight bags will
transfer directly to our awaiting motor coach and begin our Niagara Falls
area touring adventure.
8:35am: Our train will depart for now but we'll rejoin tomorrow evening.
8:40am(approx.):
Our deluxe motor coach departs Depew, NY and heads to Niagara Falls, Canada.
Morning: Today we'll cross the bridge to Canada – NOTE:
All passengers must have valid passport and government issued photo identification.
Morning and Afternoon: Escorted motor coach tour including Maid
of the Mist, Table Rock House, the Great Whirlpools, Canadian Duty Free
Mid day – Lunch on your own while touring the Niagara Falls area.
After 4:00pm(approx.): We'll check in to The Sheraton On the Falls
Hotel 5875 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, ON. This hotel is not only the largest,
but it is also the most luxurious falls view accommodations in Niagara
Falls, Canada.
Evening: With so many attractions and restaurants located both in and around the hotel, dinner and this evening's adventure is on your own tonight.
Night:
Occupy your included room at The Sheraton On the Falls Hotel overnight.
Friday, September 25, 2009 (Day 4 St. Louis passengers)(Day 3 Chicago
passengers)
Morning: Breakfast as you choose on our own. Check out of hotel.
10:00am(approx.): Depart The Sheraton On the Falls Hotel by motor
coach for touring
Morning and Afternoon: Today we'll cross back bridge to USA–
NOTE: all passengers must have valid passport and government issued
photo identification.
Second day motor coach tour including Cave of the Winds, Goat Island Terrapin
Point, Three Sisters Island and Whirlpool State Park.
Lunch: On your own while touring the Niagara Falls area.
Late Afternoon: After two whirlwind days of touring the greater Niagara Falls area our deluxe motor coach will transfer passengers back to Buffalo, NY 75 Exchange St. where our Niagara Rainbow passengers will re-board our train.
6:15pm(approx.):
Re-board/Depart Buffalo, NY Amtrak #281 Empire State Express our Niagara
Rainbow
Upon boarding we'll begin the first of two seatings for dinner served
aboard our train. Complementary premium beverage and snack service commences
upon boarding.
7:10pm: Arrive Niagara Falls, NY. Train parks overnight.
8:00pm: Second Seating for dinner (if necessary).
Evening: Our lounge will remain open until midnight local time
for those who wish to relax. Once again rooms have been readied for overnight
rest in anticipation of weary travels. Retire to the comfort of your private
room at anytime.
Night: Occupy railcars overnight parked in Niagara Falls, NY.
Saturday, September 26, 2009 (Day 5 St. Louis passengers)(Day 4
Chicago passengers)
4:00am: Depart Niagara Falls, NY Amtrak #280 Empire State Express our
Niagara Rainbow
Our train will depart for Albany, NY although you should be sound asleep
in your warm cozy bed. During the wee hours, our crew will be busy preparing
the railcars for departure. No need to rise early... enjoy your rest.
After all... you're on vacation!
Morning: As the sun tries to peek around the drawn shade, the aroma
of freshly brewed coffee awakens your senses. If you desire, our first-class
onboard staff will deliver that wake-up coffee right to your room...Just
ask!
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast served onboard en-route
While enjoying breakfast, today's promise of adventure stretches out before
your window. Gaze at the array of natural wonders, stately homes, historic
sites and rural visitors that pass by.
9:45am: Arrive: Albany, NY/ Rensselear, NY Station, 525
East St. Rensselear, NY 12144
As our Niagara Rainbow gently
comes to a halt at Amtrak's Albany,
NY/ Rensselear, NY Station, we'll alight from our railcars and visit this
new and tenth busiest station in the nation.
Note*: While we are off the railcars, Amtrak will remove them from our arriving train, service and place them in a special spot until it's time to add them to our departing train this evening. During this operation our railcars will be inaccessible for several hours. Please plan accordingly.
10:30am (approx.): We'll gather at the front of the station for an included transfer over the Hudson River to Quackenbush Square, where our city tour of Albany, NY begins.
10:45am (approx.): Arrive: The Albany Area Heritage Visitors Center. Corner of Broadway and Clinton Ave, located in the Historic Quackenbush Square. You'll be able to begin the included Albany Trolley tour here. This is Albany's 400th Anniversary. The fully narrated tour takes about an hour or so getting an overview of Albany. Your ticket is good for the whole day allowing you to revisit your areas of specific interest.
2:00pm: Three of the
Albany Trolley tour stops are located near Jack's Oyster House. We will
all meet and enjoy an included luncheon at Jack's Oyster House, 42 S.
State St. Albany, NY 518-465-8854.
Note*: Alcoholic beverages are on your own account. While enjoying
the historic sites of the greater Albany area, join your fellow travelers
for this included delicious luncheon at Jack's Oyster House... an Albany
landmark restaurant for nearly 100 years.
4:00pm(approx.): After a delicious relaxing lunch we'll transfer back as a group to Rensselaer,NY station and our awaiting railcars. Passengers wishing to remain in Albany a little longer may do so on your own. Return transportation to our train would be on your own account. Don't be late!!! Our train departs at 7:05pm.
4:30pm(approx.): Returning to our Niagara Rainbow railcars our first class onboard staff welcomes all back aboard! Enjoy a complementary premium beverage and snack in our lounge or just plain relax in the privacy of your own accommodation, the choice is yours!
7:05pm: Depart: Albany/Rensselaer
NY, Amtrak #49 The Lakeshore Limited our Niagara Rainbow.
As our train slips over the Hudson River, we gather speed as we head west.
Our onboard chef has prepared a tasty array of hor d' oeuvres for your
enjoyment. Bon Appetite!
Evening: Enjoy lively conversation and complimentary premium beverage or snack in our lounge as the quaint towns and pristine landscapes of... yes! New York pass by our windows. With the sun now setting over the rolling hills the picturesque scenery conjures images of Norman Rockwell's works.
Night: Another memorable
day comes to a close. Tonight sleep in the safety and comfort of your
cozy private room. Good Night!
Occupy railcars overnight en-route.
Sunday, September 27, 2009 (Day 6 St. Louis Passengers)(Day 5 Chicago
Passengers)
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast served onboard en-route.
For our Chicago bound passengers this will be our last meal together.
The sunny bright Sunday morning sky sets the tone and an appetite pleasing
breakfast quell the hunger in your tummy!
Morning: With our train racing towards Chicago, we see the sparkling blue water or nearby Lake Michigan, a tell tale sign the Windy City Chicago is close. Soon the towering city scape heralds our arrival back into Chicago.
9:45am: Arrive: Chicago
Union Station.
As our train trundles into the bustling Chicago Union station the squeal
of the brakes and the wooosh of air signal our arrival. Our first-class
onboard staff bid farewell to our newfound friends detraining in Chicago.
Morning: Passengers continuing on to St. Louis with us are encouraged to step off our Niagara rainbow while our train is in the station and once again enjoy the "City That Works" Chicago on your own. *Note: Usually within an hour or so of our arrival our train will be moved to the yard where it will be inaccessible for several hours as the equipment is serviced. Please plan accordingly.
Afternoon and Early Evening: Enjoy summer fun at Navy Pier. There is no better way to enjoy a bright sunny Sunday afternoon in Chicago than the Pier. While touring enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.
Early Evening: After a fun filled day afternoon in Chicago return to the friendly confines of our Niagara Rainbow private railcars. We'll now be located at Amtrak's 1400 Lumber St. coach yard. Use directions we have printed before.
Evening: Once back on board our first-class onboard service staff probably knows just what will "hit the spot" for you. Enjoy that complementary nightcap in the lounge as Chicago big city lights illuminate the night.
Night: Accommodations
have once again been magically transferred by our staff in anticipation
of your need for rest! Enjoy this last night aboard our railcars while
we're parked in Chicago.
Occupy railcars overnight in Chicago.
Monday, September 28, 2009 (Day 7 St. Louis Passengers)
7:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast
served onboard.
The tantalizing aroma of fresh hot coffee, coupled with our onboard chefs
special creation this morning beacons all to breakfast.
9:25am: Depart: Chicago
Union Station Amtrak #303 Lincoln Service our Niagara Rainbow.
As our train bursts out of Chicago Union station into the bright
sunny day our train heads out on our sprint to St. Louis!
Morning: We'll leave the bustling city and sprawling suburbs of Chicago behind allowing you unparalleled miles of Illinois that can only be viewed through the window of our train.
12noon-1:30pm: Lunch served onboard en-route As small America and the Illinois prairies grace our window we'll enjoy this last meal together. Reflecting back on our rail adventure while enjoying a delicious lunch, passengers recount the majestic sights that have been enjoyed by all!
3:00pm: Arrive: St. Louis,
MO.
Before you know it our train crosses the mighty Mississippi River past
the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch and glides
to a halt. As passengers all exchange good-byes, newfound friends go their
separate ways as our rail adventure concludes.
Accommodations:
Every room is furnished with adjustable climate controls, individual reading lights, fold-down table, garment rack, wall mirror and an electrical wall 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, if you would like. All sleeping cars are equipped with a shower and changing areas just down the hall.
Double Occupancy Double Bedroom: Round
trip double bedroom
St. Louis boarding: $1,999.00 per person
Chicago boarding: $1,999.00 per person
2 people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night,
One private bathroom, 1 large sofa and an oak table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and an oak table by day. Your shower is located at the end of the hall.
Single Occupancy Double Bedroom: Round
trip double bedroom
St. Louis boarding: $3,499.00
Chicago boarding: $3,299.00
1 person, 1 room, 1 lower bed at night.
One private bathroom, 1 large sofa and an oak table or 1 short couch, 1 lounge chair and an oak table by day. Your shower is located at the end of the hall.
Costs:
St. Louis Boarding:
$1,999.00 per person Double
Occupancy
$3,499.00 single person in Double Bedroom
Chicago Boarding:
$1,999.00 per person
Double Occupancy
$3,299.00 single person in Double Bedroom
May we make your reservation today?
The Niagara Rainbow
Trip # ARE-09-I-1 September 22/23 – 27/28
(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.
Important Information - Please Read
American Rail Excursions, Inc. welcomes everyone who wishes to travel with us on our public trips. However, because this is vintage railway equipment produced in the 1940's and 1950's, there are no special facilities available for those passengers that might have a disability.. We welcome those passengers that are disabled , but please consider the suitability of these trips carefully. We encourage you to call us at 708-758-6680 or e-mail us at roger@americanrail.com for additional information for your specific situation.
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.
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., The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown Rail, Mid America Rail Car Leasing, Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C., or IFE Leasing Company 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.
Payments are not refundable unless the trip is canceled. 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. Smoking is not permitted on these cars (except in vestibules between cars and on the ground at the longer station stops). 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.
Travel insurance is recommended for any extended trip to protect your interest.
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