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A 5 Day 4 Night Private Railcar Adventure Trip # AR-09-C-1 Are you Irish? Well, everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Come on with us to the city that Mrs. O'Leary's cow made famous... Chicago. We'll take our private railcar on an overnight adventure right into the heart of downtown Chicago. You can celebrate at O'Malley's Pub, watch the world famous St. Patrick's Day Parade up close and front on State Street, see the Chicago River turn green. All of these events and more are just a wishing stone's throw from our private rail car. But wait...there is more! We'll accent our stay in Chicago with a quick overnight jaunt to Grand Rapids, MI to seek that perfect shilaley. En-route you'll enjoy a traditional St. Patty's day dinner of corned beef and cabbage with some freshly baked Irish soda bread! Of course there's much more to do in Chicago, so climb aboard! Bring a leprechaun friend or two along with you! Come search for a "Chicago" four leaf clover. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: - Visit historic St. Louis
Union Station Thursday, March 12, 2009: (Day 0) St. Louis Amtrak Station Welcome aboard! For those passengers who will be embarking from St. Louis, MO, you may board our private railcars at 4PM or later. The railcars will be near Amtrak's St. Louis Station, located at 550 S. 16th St. St. Louis, MO. After you and your luggage are settled in, may we suggest you stroll over close by historic St. Louis Union Station. Every vacation starts at the station and St. Louis is no exception. St. Louis Union Station was, at one time, the world's largest and busiest railroad terminal. There is a self guided tour covering this National Historic Landmark's 100 years of history through an award-winning collection of letters, memorabilia, and exhibits.
Today the hustle and bustle around the station is the special charm that this unique shopping and dining destination offers. Take some time out this evening and try anyone of the many exciting restaurants located in and around the station. After exploring Union Station return to our railcars and enjoy a complimentary premium beverage and a light snack as you relax. When you feel it's time, retire to your room aboard the railcars which have been readied for your sweet slumber tonight. Night: Occupy rail cars overnight in St. Louis & en-route.
Friday, March 13, 2009: (Day 1)
Early morning - Although you should be fast asleep in your comfortable room, our railcars will be readied for their 4:35am departure from St. Louis on Amtrak #300 The "State House". No need to rise early. Those guests wishing to join us from other cities The "State House" hails between St. Louis and Chicago will gladly be accommodated. Welcome Aboard! 7:30-9:30am - Breakfast served en-route Our onboard chef has been busy during the wee hours of the morning preparing a delicious breakfast for your enjoyment. Full size showers will allow you to freshen up before our arrival in Chicago. 10:00am - Arrive: Chicago Union Station 225 Canal St. Chicago, IL. 60606. As our train thunders into the cavernous Chicago Union Station, the squeal of the brakes and the woooossshhh of air, signal "we have arrived'! May we suggest all passengers take this opportunity to alight from the rail cars and explore the "Windy City" Chicago on your own. Chicago has a diverse amount of attractions for all to enjoy. Close by Sears Tower features a bird's eye view of the city. State Street, that great street, showcases many of Chicago's retail stores including Macy's (formally Marshall Field's) with it's faired "Walnut Room" dining room. The Magnificent Mile, Watertower Place, Navy Pier, Art Institute and Museum all will captivate your interest!
Late Afternoon: Ultimately, our hotel on steel wheels will be parked in Amtrak's 1400 S. Lumber St. coach yard. Note: Most cab drivers do not recognize Amtrak's 14th and Lumber Street address. Instead, tell them "Canal Street and Roosevelt Road", the intersection just east of the yard. Once you are at that intersection, have them continue east on Roosevelt Road (the bridge over the yard) and turn right (south) at the bridge tender's house. Call us at 312/909-5128 for final location of the rail cars. Evening: Tonight enjoy dinner on your own at any of Chicago's finer restaurants. When you return enjoy a nightcap before retiring to your room. Your accommodations will be ready for sweet dreams aboard our rail cars tonight. Night: Occupy railcars overnight parked in Chicago
Saturday, March 14, 2009: (Day 2) 7:30am-9:30am: Breakfast served onboard, parked in Chicago. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee sneaks through our cars this morning. A hearty breakfast will be served in our dining area this morning. Enjoy an eye-opener from the lounge if you like! Morning: After breakfast its off to explore the Windy City on your own. The choices are endless! The day is yours to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and then afterwards sip green suds in an Irish pub. 10:45am: Saturday March 14th.
Dyeing the Chicago River:This is scheduled for 10:45, Saturday March 14th and can be best viewed from the upper level bridges at Michigan Ave. or Columbus Drive
Afternoon:
The parade begins at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 14th, which is
not Saint Patrick's Day this year! A little background is in order
here. The parade has been held the Saturday before the actual calendar
date of Saint Patrick's Day. This allows families to participate in
the festivities without having to remove their children from school.
We know this causes confusion and problems for those of you visiting
our city specifically for this grand holiday.
4:00pm(approx.): As the afternoon's events wind down, it's time to make your way back over to Chicago Union Station 225 Canal St. Chicago, IL. 60606. 4:30pm: American Rail Excursions Inc. onboard service manager will meet all our Chicago re-boarding Shamrock Special passengers in the beautiful Chicago Union Station. We will meet all passengers adjacent to the Amtrak ticket counter, by the water fountain located under the escalator. As soon as all passengers are accounted for, we will re-board our awaiting rail cars, which will be on the rear of today's Chicago departing Amtrak #370 the "Pere Marquette". Upon boarding complimentary premium beverage and snack service will commence.
5:20pm(CT): Depart: Chicago Amtrak #370 the "Pere Marquette". As the conductor calls "ALL Aboard", our Shamrock Special slowly clanks and squeals out of Chicago Union Station. With the brightly lit and towering Chicago skyline slowly shrinking in our rear windows, the St. Patrick's Day fun continues with complimentary premium beverage and snack service for your enjoyment. 6:30pm(CT): Dinner served en-route. No St. Patrick's Day celebration would be complete with out the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Our onboard chef has been busy preparing our Irish feast, complete with freshly baked Irish soda bread, Enjoy!
Evening: Tonight friendly conversation abounds as travelers exchange stories about the pot of gold they just missed getting because the Leprechaun got it first! Our train will travel northward, skirting the east coast of beautiful Lake Michigan, through many quaint towns and villages on our quest for Grand Rapids, MI.
Late Evening: If you have been carrying on the Irish tradition today, well your room is easily accessible and ready to extinguish your exhaustion tonight.
10:20pm:(CT)(11:20pm ET): Arrive Grand Rapids, MI. After our train completes it's passenger work we'll back up through the greater Grand Rapids downtown area for about two miles until we reach our special parking spot. We will remain onboard our train parked overnight. Night: Occupy railcars overnight in Grand Rapids, MI.
Sunday, March 15, 2009: (Day 3) 7:30-9:30am(ET) (6:30-8:30am CT): Breakfast served onboard. There is no need to rise early if you do not wish to. Our onboard chef has freshly prepared a wonderfully delicious breakfast for all to enjoy this morning. Bon Appetite! 7:35pm(ET) (6:35amCT): Depart: Grand Rapids, MI. Amtrak #370 the "Pere Marquette".
Morning: This morning enjoy this years Shamrock Special added attraction, our special side trip through Michigan. The "Pere Marquette", named for the greatest explorer who discover much of the territory, takes us on our gorgeous ride through Holland, Bonjer, Near Benton Harbor & St. Joseph. Our train will hug the coast of Lake Michigan, the great lake that bears this states name. You'll be especially thankful for our big windows enjoying the rolling country side from the comfort of our train. Before you know it.. we'll be back in Chicago.
10:30am(CT): Arrive: Chicago Union Station. Once again we trundle into the cavernous confines of Chicago Union Station. As our train comes to a halt, we suggest all passengers take this opportunity to once again enjoy Chicago's sights. Our rail cars will be relocated to Amtrak 14th St. coach yard, ( Note: Most cab drivers do not recognize Amtrak's 14th and Lumber Street address. Instead, tell them "Canal Street and Roosevelt Road", the intersection just east of the yard. Once you are at that intersection, have them continue east on Roosevelt Road (the bridge over the yard) and turn right (south) at the bridge tender's house. Call us at 312/909-5128 for final location of the rail cars. We will remain here until about 10:00pm this evening. Please plan accordingly. Afternoon: Lunch will be on your own today while visiting Chicagoland. Late Afternoon: With our rail cars safely spotted back in the yards, you may take this opportunity to re-board, freshen up, enjoy a complimentary premium beverage and snack before heading out for dinner, on your own tonight. Evening: Enjoy the fun, fellowship and camaraderie of your fellow travelers over a cocktail
10:00pm approx.: Although there is no exact time at which the Amtrak yard crew will begin switching operations to add our Shamrock Special private rail cars to tomorrow's train, history dictates that all passengers should re-board at this time. Late Evening: With this last day now coming to a close, you might feel it's time to hang up the bag pipes. Night: Occupy rail cars overnight in Chicago.
Monday, March 16, 2009: (Day 4) 7:00am: Depart: Chicago Union Station Amtrak #301 Lincoln Service our Shamrock Special . As you sleep soundly in the comfort of your warm and cozy bed, our train slowly sneaks out of the station bursting into the bright light of morning. There is no need to rise though... roll over and get a few more winks of sleep, if you will!
7:30am-9:30am: Breakfast served onboard en-route. With aroma of freshly brewed coffee enticing your senses, it's time for our last meal together. Our full size stainless steel shower is ready to invigorate and stimulate you this morning. Late Morning: With our train racing through Springfield and Carlinville, IL it won't be long until we reach St. Louis, MO. 12:20pm Arrive: St. Louis, MO. With the famed Gateway Arch in full view, our train rumbles across the Mississippi River into downtown St. Louis. With the squeal of the brakes and a woooossshhh of the air our Shamrock Special comes to a halt. Our first class onboard staff assists all in de-training with their luggage. We bid all a fond farewell as this rail adventure and the celebration of St. Patrick's Day comes to a close. Trip concludes.
What's Included: - Attentive first-class service
provided by our American Rail Excursions, Inc. Staff 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.
2 people, 1 room, one upper and one lower bed at night,
Cost: $899.00 per person double occupancy _______________________________________________________________
1 person, 1 room, 1 lower bed at night.
Cost: $1,699.00
single occupancy __________________________________________________________________ 2 people, 2 rooms ensuited, you occupy only lower berths at night.
Cost: $1,699.00 per person double occupancy __________________________________________________________________
Please reserve your space by 2/11/09. May we make your
reservation today? Shamrock Special Trip # AR-09-C-1 March 12-16, 2009 (Click here for a printable version of our reservation form.) Thank you! American Rail Excursions,
Inc. 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 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. Travel insurance is recommended for any extended trip to protect your interest.
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