The Denver-based American Railway Explorer (ARE) will offer a luxury train experience showcasing much of the country and several national parks.
When it becomes fully operational in summer 2011, ARE will offer an exclusive “rail cruise” experience combining "world-class food, comfortable on-board accommodations and memorable on- and off-train experiences while traveling through spectacular scenery throughout the country, some accessible only on ARE excursions," says their press release.
“This will be the most luxurious train in the United States and comparable to other high-end experiences found worldwide,” said Hans Desai, vice president of the American Railway Explorer. “From the complete overhaul of the well-appointed railcars to the development of itineraries displaying some of the country’s finest destinations, everything is being done with the idea of making this an unforgettable trip.”
ARE will operate four-, eight- and 11-day tours featuring accommodations, meals, entertainment, off-train transportation and interpretive guides. The itineraries will be developed to ensure that the American Railway Explorer travels mostly through the night and allows guests to disembark for day excursions. At each stop passengers will have opportunities to participate in various guided tours or to set their own itineraries.
Southwest
The eight-day Southwest Explorer will operate between Napa, Calif. and Santa Fe, N.M. This excursion will include guided Napa tours; Yosemite National Park; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Grand Canyon National Park; Williams, Ariz.; Albuquerque, N.M. and Santa Fe, N.M.
Northwest
The Northwest Explorer, also an eight-day trip, will travel between Napa and Jackson, Wyo. with stops in Crater Lake National Park; Glacier National Park; Helena, Mont.; Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. This excursion will also include a narrated daytime run through the Columbia River Gorge along the Oregon-Washington border.
Transcontinental
The Transcontinental Explorer will be an 11-day tour operating twice in 2011 between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. with stops in San Francisco, Sacramento, Denver, Chicago, Niagara Falls, Shenandoah National Park and Washington, D.C. This excursion will also feature narrated daytime runs through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Rocky Mountains through Utah and Colorado and along Lake Erie.
Westcoast
The four-day West Coast Explorer will operate between Napa and Los Angeles with Napa Valley winery tours and stops at attractions along the way, including the Hearst Castle and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Historic railcars turned into luxury sleeper cars
Last year the American Railway Explorer purchased 1950s-era vintage railcars that are undergoing a comprehensive transformation to restore and improve upon the high standards of the original train. The equipment will feature 11 sleeper cars, one lounge/piano car, two dining cars, two dome cars and one observation car. The train will also include accommodations for crew members.
An executive chef will prepare meals on board using sustainable and locally produced ingredients. With three Explorers originating or ending in Napa Valley and the fourth traveling through California’s agricultural belt, chefs will have abundant fresh food sources.
Rates per person will start at approximately $900 per day for the West Coast Explorer up to $1,500 per day for the Transcontinental Explorer. The capacity for the Explorers is 130 guests.
Passengers meet the first night at a designated hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight stay. They are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the originating city and from the final destination.
Reservations may be made through a travel agent, online at www.aretrain.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-9-THE-ARE (1-888-984-3273). Reservations will be accepted in summer 2010.
OffbeatTravel