Reminiscent of an era when luxury train travel was as much about the experience as the destination, several authentically restored trains are ferrying passengers to great American places. Ideal for travelers who can spare the time for a slower pace, scenic long-distance train trips provide first-class dining experiences, outstanding service and comfortable accommodations while crisscrossing our landscape on rails. These train journeys can be packaged with deluxe hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing and private guides to create exceptional vacation experiences. A day trip or overnight luxury train excursion is another option for a brief nostalgic journey.
Uncommon Journeys operates private train tours aboard sleek, restored Pullman cars with Vista Dome skylights that afford riders a wide-open view of some of America's most majestic scenery. The gleaming carriages -- named Houston, Los Angeles and City of Angels -- date back to 1954. Passengers have panoramic views of Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier national parks among the destinations offered on the two dozen departures year-round. Journeys last from seven to 21 days, some connecting to the American Queen or Queen of the Mississippi river cruises. An upscale dining experience includes fresh flowers, white linens, the chef's daily menu with cocktails and wine, plus afternoon tea. Private accommodations range from single roomettes to an entire carriage of private, curtained suites, all of which have turndown and 24-hour room service.
Pullman Rail Journeys takes it easy and in style from Chicago to New Orleans. Or if you prefer, head north from the Big Easy as your starting point. Other available rails trips include a fall foliage tour from Chicago to New York state, Christmas shopping and Broadway theater in Manhattan or a December holiday package to the famous Greenbrier Resort. Train carriages authentically restored in the classic Pullman style provide open sections of sofas beside picture windows for scenic views. Lounge cars are always open for snacks and small bites served between meals or delivered upon request by attentive porters and stewards. Following a complimentary cocktail service, meals freshly prepared on board are served by smartly uniformed wait staff. Accommodations range from traditional upper- and lower-berth sleeping arrangements to master suites with private bathrooms.
Passengers dine, sip and savor along a three-hour, 36-mile journey through the heart of Napa Valley's world-famous vineyards north of San Francisco. Nine meticulously restored carriages include a 1915 Pullman and a 1952 Vista Dome dining car; all trundle along tracks built in the 1860s. Three onboard kitchens
produce a movable feast of gourmet meals based on fresh local produce. Attentive white-linen service equals that of any top California restaurant. In addition to the lunch and dinner wine selections, a tasting bar is stocked with more than 30 boutique Napa Valley wines. Themed excursions include murder mystery tours, full moon five-course dining departures, private winery visits and overnight trips with luxury Napa hotel and inn partners.
Sign on for scenic trips on restored vintage trains that recall the golden age of rail travel and include regional day excursions. Premier Rail Collection owns and operates the Mount Hood Railroad in Oregon, Key Holidays to Reno and Tahoe, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad through the Colorado Rockies, Texas State Railroad into the Piney Woods, Saratoga & North Creek Railway along the mighty Hudson River and leafy Adirondacks, Cape Cod Central Railroad for a seafood outing over Buzzards Bay and California's Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway. Whether it's a casual brunch accompanied by live musical entertainment or an elegant private dinner under a glass-domed ceiling, all trips maintain top-drawer standards for first-class comfort, food quality and service.
