Trip# AR-09-D-1

Chicago-Washington DC-Chicago
April 7- 12, 2009
Six Days - Five Nights

Return to those days when rail travel was paramount. Travel with us in comfort and style as our historic privately owned railcars transport you on a wonderful journey from Chicago to Washington D.C. and back.  You'll enjoy the breath taking springtime views of the Ohio River Valley, Appalachian Mountains, and New River Gorge as they glide by the windows of our nostalgic streamliner.  Food, beverage, and first class service, round out this exciting tour that will ultimately deliver us to our Nation's Capitol.  And what better time to visit Washington D.C.?  Springtime and The Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual event, commemorating the famous tree's gift from Japan in 1912, when the original trees were planted by First Lady, Mrs. William Howard Taft.

Washington D.C. also has much too see.  It's a vibrant city filled with diverse neighborhoods, fabulous museums, world-class cultural events and (of course) political intrigue.  Its role as the nations' capital has given it an international character.  Chosen in 1790 for its location midway between the northern and southern states, at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, Washington became the seat of our national government in 1800.  For over 200 years, politicians, lobbyists and busloads of tourists from all over the world have converged on this marvelous city of massive buildings and broad avenues.  Mingle and enjoy!

All Aboard!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Our trip begins from the "Windy City" Chicago
- Ride eastward on Amtrak's Cardinal route through the New River Gorge,
  "Grand Canyon of the East"
- Travel, dine and sleep in historic, privately-owned railcars
- Visit Washington DC at "Cherry Blossom Festival Time" and the National Cherry Blossom Parade
- While our railcars are parked in Washington DC Union Station, one of
  Amtrak's premier stations, enjoy dozens of restaurants and shops, movie
  theaters and direct access to the heart of DC
- Explore our Nation's Capital, just footsteps from our railcars
- Ride westward on Amtrak's Capitol Limited route, the original B & O line
  through the beautiful Potomac River Valley, historic Harper's Ferry, the Allegheny Mountains, and the cornfields of Ohio and Indiana

Itinerary

Day 1- Tuesday April 7, 2009:

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

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

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

5:00 PM :     Board our Cherry Blossom Special.  Our onboard staff welcomes all our Washington DC bound travelers.  Your luggage has already been placed on you room.  After a review of your accommodations, amenities, and safety instructions, we invite all to our lounge to get acquainted, enjoy complimentary premium beverages and  snacks. An included dinner will be served just after our departure from Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

Night:      Occupy railcars overnight en-route.

D Day 2- Wednesday, April 8, 2009:

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

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

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

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

                                          

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


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

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

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

Night:  Occupy railcars overnight while parked in Washington DC

Day 3-  Thursday, April 9, 2009:

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

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

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

:

Day 4 - Friday, April 10, 2009:

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

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

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

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

Night:    Occupy railcars overnight parked in Washington DC.

Day 5 - Saturday, April 11, 2009:

7:00 - 9:00AM      Breakfast: Served.

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

And of course, the whole purpose of this tour, to witness the spectacle that has thousands of city residents, visitors from across the nation and for that matter around the world, The National Cherry Blossom Festival. A Washington DC traditional rite of spring celebrating the blooming Cherry Blossom Trees throughout the city.

10:00 AM:  We invite you to attend one of Washington's fondest traditions - the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Parade steps off at 10:00 AM and marches along historic Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW.

The parade is a spectacular event for children of all ages. Talented marching bands compete for 16 coveted spots in the parade and provide colorful and musical entertainment. Dance and drumming performance teams from Japan and the United States highlight the art of taiko drumming. Cherry blossom queens from the US and Japan add royalty to the procession. The National Cherry Blossom Festival All-Star Tap Dance Team and Choir perform musical numbers for eager audiences. Clowns, horses, antique cars and mascots all add to the merriment on parade morning.

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

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

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

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

Night:    Sleep in safety and comfort aboard our railcars tonight en-route to Chicago.
                                  
Day 6 - Sunday, April 12, 2009:

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

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

About Your Accommodations:     

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

Costs: Double Bedroom, Double Occupancy:

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

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

Cost: Double Bedroom, Single Occupancy:

1 person, 1 room, one lower bed at night

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

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

Costs: Suite:

2 people: 2 Lower beds 

Chicago boarding: $6,599.00 per suite

Roomettes:

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

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

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

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

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

Our sample menus include: 

Sample Breakfast Menu

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

Sample Lunch Menu

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

Sample Dinner Menu

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

Our onboard chef prepares all meals fresh.

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

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.

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 cancelled.  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.