|
|
|
|
American Rail Excursions, Inc. |
Presents |
The "Texas Special"
|
|
*Note: American Rail Excursions, Inc. is a provider of private
railcar transportation to and from Fort Worth, TX and the NRHS Convention,
but is neither an agent nor agency for any NHRS function. Please
visit www.LoneStarRails2008.com
for any NRHS convention and registration information. Trip # AR-08-F-1 |
|
Welcome Aboard!
Ready for a Texas Adventure? Join us on a historical and colorful private rail car trip. We'll travel down the Texas Eagle route, that runs between the skyscrapers of Chicago and St. Louis to the historic echoes of the great southwest, where the Cherokee and Comanche Indians raided cattle drives headed for Fort Worth. Enjoy the panoramic pleasure, as our nostalgic streamliner winds it's way through the "Land of Lincoln" with it's prairies and small towns. Crossing the Mighty Mississippi at St. Louis, will remind us of the great explorers Lewis & Clark, who wintered just a few miles north up river at Alton, IL before heading on their westbound trek. From your comfy seat, watch the piney woods, lakes and streams of Arkansas, give way to the plains and cattle country of Texas. Dallas and Fort Worth are two richly diverse American cities, which over the years have become a melting pot of cultures, religions and lifestyles.
The cities offer a unique blend of southwest warmth, cosmopolitan flair and old west charm.
Our trip begins at the beautiful and Historic Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal St. Chicago, IL 60606. Over the next few days our nostalgic private rail cars will be your transportation, hotel, restaurant and night club. Our trip begins with a bon voyage party as you board our rail cars in Chicago. You will enjoy included meals while train is en route. Enjoy full complimentary premium beverage and dry snack service throughout the trip. Beverages include coffee, tea and milk, a variety of soft drinks, imported & domestic beer, excellent wines and mixed drinks to your order. Our nostalgic private cars have been updated to modern standards of heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing without losing any of their vintage charm. Our crew is serving because they love trains and train travel, not because it's just a job. This tour will be a trip of a lifetime. Bring your video and still cameras. You will have many, many photo opportunities. *Note: Although membership in the NRHS is not a requirement to travel with us, we strongly suggest all passengers not only join but also register for the LoneStar Rails 2008 convention and pre-order any and all of the great rail related event tickets to fully enjoy your stay in Fort Worth, TX.
|
|
|
Itinerary: |
|
|
Sunday June 15, 2008 (Day 1): |
|
| 12:45-1:15pm
Passengers embarking on this rail adventure will meet in Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., Chicago IL 60606. All passengers will meet and check-in with American Rail Excursions Inc.'s on-board service manager at the fountain, under the escalators adjacent to the Amtrak ticket counter. Note: Please do not check any baggage with Amtrak! Your luggage will be transported right to your room aboard our awaiting private rail cars. Our "Texas Special" will be part of today's departing Amtrak train #21 The Texas Eagle. |
|
|
1:15pm (approx): Passenger pre-board our "Texas Special". As soon as the onboard staff familiarizes our passengers with the amenities of their accommodations, all are invited to partake in our "grand bon voyage celebration", complete with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, your favorite beverage and an array of snacks. All complimentary of course!
1:45pm: Depart Chicago Union Station. As our "Texas Special "(Amtrak #21 the Texas Eagle) gently glides out of the dark cavernous confines of the station, we burst out into the bright daylight, and view the silver skyline of Chicago through our rear windows. Picking up speed, the dazzling skyline seems to shrink away as the passengers gently sway to the rhythm of the rails. Soon the suburban sprawl disappears and the Illinois prairie, farms and small towns are all that fill the windows, as our streamliner whisks us on our southward trek. Before you know it, it's time for dinner. |
|
|
6:00pm(approx) First Seating for Dinner: 7:21pm : Arrive St. Louis, MO. We will cross the mighty Mississippi River just before our arrival in St. Louis, MO. The familiar Gateway Arch welcomes us! We will dwell here for about 39 min. and board additional passengers departing from the Grater St. Louis, MO. area.
(Welcome Aboard St. Louis passengers! 8:00pm(approx) Second Seating for Dinner: |
|
|
|
|
|
Evening: After dinner enjoy complimentary premium beverage and snack service in the lounge 8:00pm: Depart St. Louis, MO. With the familiar "All Aboard" shouted by our conductor, and a blast of the locomotive whistle, we are on the move again. We welcome our St. Louis boarding folks to join up with the other passengers for dinner. After dinner catch up with those folks already enjoying their favorite beverage and snack in our lounge. Our first class on-board attendants will deliver your favorite drink right to your seat. Enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of new found friends.
Late evening: Your room has been magically transformed by our on-board staff this evening so you may sleep in safety and comfort tonight, as the rhythm of the rails gently sways you to sleep. Night: Occupy railcars overnight, en-route. Monday June 16, 2008 (Day 2):
Early Morning: As the morning sun tries to peek around the drawn shade, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee tantalize your sense of smell, you rustle in the comfort of your bed. Go ahead roll over and get a few more winks of sleep. After all you are on vacation! When you are ready to rise, a refreshing hot shower will get the ole motor running. Oh.. and don't forget the freshly brewed coffee. Our first class on-board staff will be happy to bring it right to your room! Just Ask!
7:30-9:30am: Breakfast served en-route. No need to rush, a leisurely breakfast is being served as you rise this morning. Late Morning: When you are ready, just ask our onboard service attendant to convert your room back to it's day time configuration, or if you wish, they can simply make the beds, leaving them in place for you to lye down when you wish. 11:30-1:30pm: Lunch served en-route. You are in Texas beef country! We are sure the on-board chef has prepared an appropriate "Texas " style lunch for all to enjoy this afternoon. 12:00 Noon: Arrive: Dallas, Texas With the city skyline in full view, and Reunion Square only a stones throw away, we get the up close and personal look at the big city of Dallas, Texas. We will dwell here about 20 minutes before departing for Fort Worth, Texas.
Afternoon: Before lunch has concluded we will already have arrived in Dallas, Texas. Complimentary premium beverage and snack service continues until our arrival in Fort Worth Texas. 12:20pm: Depart: Dallas, Texas. As we depart Dallas, one only has to peer out the window to plainly see how large these Texas sized cities just are. Thirty-one miles of city. 1:55pm: Arrive: Fort Worth, Texas. Our "Texas Special" will back into the Fort Worth, Texas station. We will do some switching before being parked in our special spot. Once parked, our train will remain at it's location until just prior to departure on Sunday June 22, 2008. Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon is for you to enjoy on your own. LoneStar Rails 2008 Convention Attendees are encouraged to walk over to the convention headquarters hotel (The Hilton Fort Worth 815 Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76102. Phone # 817-870-2100), just three short blocks from Fort Worth's Intermodal Transportation Center/Amtrak's Fort Worth station, register and pick up your convention materials. The convention registration desk, located on the hotel's third floor in the Citizen's Room, will be open until 9:00pm. With such a large variety of LoneStar Rails 2008 Convention activities planned, may we suggest you visit the convention's website at www.LoneStar Rails 2008.com for all the up to the minute, day to day activities.
Evening: Tonight dinner will be on your own as you explore Fort Worth, Texas. Late Evening: As you return from a night on the town, your rooms have been readied for your well deserved rest tonight. If you like, stop off for a night cap in the lounge. Good Night! Night: Occupy railcars overnight parked in Fort Worth, Texas. Tuesday June 17, 2008 (Day 3)- Friday June 22, 2008 (Day 6): 7:00-9:00am: Breakfast served on-board Every morning our onboard chef will prepare a delicious hearty breakfast for your enjoyment Morning: Daily: Yours to enjoy various LoneStar Rails 2008 convention activities or tour the greater Fort Worth area on your own. Check the weather for the day and dress accordingly. May we suggest that while you are in Fort Worth you visit the historic stockyards, then mosey on to the cultural district, home to several award winning museums which stand in the shadow of the famed Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. We will see the Botanic Gardens, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Fire Station number 1, Hell's Half Acre and other famous Fort Worth landmarks finishing up at Sundance, before heading off to Dallas.
Once you arrive in to Dallas, you can explore the hidden treasures and history of the city. From the early style of the 1800's to the dynamic skyline of today, learn how the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Dallas created the city of today. You can examine all the historical history that the" BIG D" has to offer. Explore the sites of Big D-"Old Red". Also see the Dallas Visitors Center- Pioneer Plaza, City Hall, Farmers Market and the Arts District as well as The West End. A treat everyone will enjoy. Noon: Daily: Lunch will be on your own off the rails while touring.
Late Afternoon (4:30pm or later): Daily: As our touring tenderfoots arrive back at the train, our first class onboard staff has your favorite beverage ready to wet your whistle. Relax and enjoy a snack before freshening up for dinner this evening.
Evening: Nightly: With many fine restaurants so close by, it's hard to choose! What ever your choice will be, we are darn tooting' sure ya all will have fun. Dinner each evening is on your own off the rails. After dinner, no Texas visit would be complete with out stopping at Billy Bob's Texas. A Fort Worth landmark since 1980, Billy Bob's Texas is the world's largest honky-tonk. This place is huge (three acres!), with its own indoor rodeo arena for professional bull riding, a Texas-size dance floor, dozens of bar stations, plus restaurants, arcade games, a Wall of Fame with celebrity handprints, and a general store. It is also an amazing 8-time winner of country music’s “Club of the Year.” Be sure to check the concert schedule on the Billy Bob’s Web site – your favorite performer just might be in town! (817-624-7117. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Forth Worth, TX.)
Late Evening: Nightly: Once again your stainless steel hotel on the high iron awaits your return. If a night cap is in order... well stop on down. Your rooms have been readied for a well deserved rest. Happy Trails to you! Night: Occupy railcars overnight parked in Fort Worth, Texas. Saturday, June 21, 2008 (Day 7): 5:00am: Early Breakfast Served. This morning on order to accommodate our LoneStar Rails 2008 convention passengers traveling aboard today's BNSF's Quanah Zephyr an early breakfast will be served aboard our rail cars while parked in Fort Worth.
Morning: For those passengers not traveling on the special, after breakfast this morning the day is yours to revisit any points of interest in Fort Worth or Dallas, on your own. Afternoon & Evening: Lunch & Dinner will be on your own today, off the rails. Sunday June 22, 2008 (Day 8): 7:30-9:30am: Breakfast served on board while parked in Fort Worth. Afternoon: This is your last chance to visit the city. While out exploring, lunch will be on your own this afternoon off the rails. 1:45 pm: Re-board our rail cars in Fort Worth. We would like to have all our passengers back onboard our rail cars by this time, prior to the arrival of #22 The Texas Eagle. 1:58pm: The northbound Texas Eagle #22 (our "Texas Special") arrives in Fort Worth. Our cars will be made part of this train today. Premium beverage and snack service commences upon boarding. 2:20 pm: Depart: Fort Worth, Texas, Amtrak #22 The Texas Eagle (our Texas Special) 3:20 pm: Arrive: Dallas Texas, Amtrak #22 The Texas Eagle (our Texas Special) 3:40 pm: Depart: Dallas, Texas. As we slip away from our two Texas cities, we have a better idea of just how the west was won!
5:00pm(approx) First Seating for Dinner. Dinner served en-route. Our onboard chef has been busy preparing a wonderful dinner for all to enjoy, bon appetite! 7:00pm(approx) Second Seating for Dinner. Dinner served en-route. Enjoy, bon appetite! Evening: After dinner enjoy complimentary premium beverage and snack service in the lounge as the eastern edges of Texas slip by our windows. 8:43pm(approx): Arrive/Depart Texarkana AR/TX Depending on where you are located in the train, you could be in Arkansas or Texas. This unique stop straddles the Arkansas/Texas state line. Late Evening: Once again your room has been magically transformed by our onboard staff so you may sleep in safety and comfort tonight, as the rhythm of the rails gently sways you to sleep. Night: Occupy railcars overnight, en-route. Monday June 23, 2008 (Day 9): 6:30-9:00 am : Breakfast served en-route. An early breakfast has been prepared for our St. Louis departing passengers. 7:39 am: Arrive: St. Louis, MO. With the downtown St. Louis skyline visible in the bright morning sun, the Whoosh! of the air brakes signal our arrival in St. Louis. Our on-board staff bids farewell to our departing passengers. Those passengers continuing on to Chicago may sleep in or wake up and enjoy breakfast, while we dwell in St. Louis.
8:30am: Depart: St. Louis. As our train once again thunders over the Merchants Bridge crossing the mighty Mississippi River, the gleaming Gateway Arch stand as a sentinel to the riverfront of downtown St. Louis. 10:30am: Looking out the left side of our train, as we arrive in Springfield, we will see Illinois Historical capital building just a block to the west. Noon-1:30 PM: A light lunch will be served en-route. Afternoon: With the Windy City Chicago, and it's magnificent skyline now visible on the horizon, we will only have a few more minutes to enjoy the camaraderie of our new found friends. All too soon we'll be arriving at our final destination Chicago Union Station, the end of the line for this trip. 2:14pm: Arrive: Chicago Union Station. As our train thunders into the cavernous confines of the station, our "Texas Special" grinds to a halt. As our on-board staff and passengers all bid a fond farewell, our Texas adventure is now just a fond memory. We remind our passengers that our trip ends here, any ground transportation or lodging will be on your own. Thank you for traveling with us!!!! We hope you enjoyed your tour and look forward to having you as our valued guests on one or more of our future tours
Thank you!
Sample Menus: Sample Breakfast: Assorted Fresh Fruits Sample Luncheon Menu: Sample Dinner Selection: Cream Soup Du Jour What is included:
*What is not included:
|
|
|
Double Bedroom (accommodates 1-2 adults): Every double bedroom has a large window and is furnished with adjustable climate controls, individual reading lights, fold-down table, garment rack, door mirror and either a large couch or a small couch and a lounge chair for day travel. Best of all, your onboard service attendant transforms your room into two beds (1 upper and 1 lower), turns down your bed, arranges for a wake-up call and brings your morning coffee or juice right to your room. Your linens, towels and soap are also provided. All sleeping cars are equipped with a hot shower.
|
|
| Costs, Double Bedroom:
Roundtrip from Chicago: |
|
| Two people in a double bedroom; $1,499.00 per person
One person in a double bedroom. $2,699.00 Roundtrip from St. Louis: Two people in a double bedroom; $1,399.00 per person One person in a double bedroom; $2,599.00
|
|
| Payment Terms | |
|
A fifty percent downpayment is due upon registration. |
|
The "Texas Special"
|
|
| 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 physical disability. We welcome those passengers that are disabled , but ask them to 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 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 Inc, Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C., Mid-America Railcar Leasing, L. L. C., or IFE Leasing Inc, 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 at any time. We strongly suggest travel insurance to protect your investment in any extended trip and tour. |
