DAY 1 Wednesday 3 July, 2024 Departure/San Diego
This morning we depart on our flight to Los Angeles. As we cross the
International Date Line we arrive on the same day. Upon arrival we transfer
to San Diego for a sightseeing tour. We will see Balboa Park, the cultural
heart of the city and the Gaslamp Quarter, the centre of downtown. We
also visit the Old Town, site of the original Spanish settlement near the
San Diego River. More than twenty buildings have been restored to form
the interesting Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. We check into our
hotel late afternoon.
DAY 2 Thursday 4 July, 2024 San Diego
This morning we visit the USS Midway Museum. Aboard this enormous
aircraft carrier we will see 29 restored aircraft and over sixty exhibits.
The self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors brings the aircraft
carriers history to life. This afternoon we visit the Pacific Southwest
Railway Museum in La Mensa. The La Mesa Depot Museum is La Mesa’s
oldest building in its original form and is the sole surviving San Diego and
Cuyamaca Railway Station in existence. We will see the steam locomotive
and a string of freight cars on the nearby track and pass through the
ticket/waiting area and view the telegrapher’s station and a small exhibit
area in the baggage room. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner to meet
the group.
DAY 3 Friday 5 July, 2024 Los Angeles
Today we board the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and travel along the
Californian coast to Los Angeles. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels
351 miles through a six-county coastal region in Southern California. The
route offers breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, rolling hills and
canyons. We overnight in LA.
DAY 4 Saturday 6 July, 2024 San Francisco
We start a new journey today on the famous Amtrak Coast Starlight. A
grand west coast train adventure travelling daily between Los Angeles
and Seattle, the Coast Starlight train passes through Santa Barbara
towards the San Francisco Bay Area and onwards. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the
greatest cities on the West Coast. The scenery along the Coast Starlight
route is unsurpassed. The dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, fertile
valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a stunning
backdrop for your journey. We arrive into San Francisco late evening.
DAY 5 Sunday 7 July, 2024 San Francisco
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco, including
key sights such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and a ride
on a cable car. This afternoon visit the Niles Canyon Railway, a heritage
railway running on the first transcontinental railroad alignment through
Niles Canyon, between Sunol and the Niles district of Fremont across the
bay from San Francisco.
DAY 6 Monday 8 July, 2024 San Francisco
A full day of rail travel as we visit Roaring Camp railroad. In the morning
enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach train. Departing from the Santa Cruz
Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the
scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and
through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
In the afternoon we board the Redwood Forest Steam Train. Travel over
trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrowgauge
grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the
history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest. In the 1880s, narrowgauge
steam locomotives were used to haul giant redwood logs out of
the mountains. Roaring Camp’s steam engines date from 1890 and are
among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam
engines providing regularly scheduled passenger service in America.
DAY 7 Tuesday 9 July, 2024 Sacramento
We transfer to Sacramento today. Along the way we will enjoy a
spectacular lunch and rail experience on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
A decadent journey aboard an elegant vintage train through the Napa
Valley and back to another time with an included gourmet lunch. After our
rail experience we continue onto Sacramento.
DAY 8 Wednesday 10 July, 2024 Sacramento
This morning we enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Sacramento
including a visit to the California State Railroad Museum, home to rail
exhibits and beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives which
illustrate railroad history in California and the West. This afternoon we
visit River Fox Train Line for a Railbike experience (subject to availability).
Pedal your way down the tracks on a journey unlike any other! We cruise
along the Sacramento River and the Yolo Countryside.
DAY 9 Thursday 11 July, 2024 Denver
There is free time this morning in Sacramento before we fly from
Sacramento to Denver, the capital of Colorado. We enjoy a panoramic
sightseeing tour of Denver upon arrival before transferring to our hotel.
DAY 10 Friday 12 July, 2024 Silverthorne
This morning we transfer to Golden, CO, by coach to explore the Colorado
Rail Museum. A tour through its featured exhibits, extensive collection
of rolling stock and Roundhouse restoration facility offers an insider’s
perspective of this fascinating site. Departing the museum, we immerse
ourselves in the mining history of the Rocky Mountains aboard the
Georgetown Loop Railroad. This narrow-gauge, two coil loop railway was
completed in 1884 and takes us on the original 4 1/2-mile loop between
Georgetown and Silver Plume. An included lunch is served in Georgetown
before a scenic drive through the rugged landscape to the resort town of
Silverthorne.
DAY 11 Saturday 13 July, 2024 Silverthorne
Step back in time and discover the mining and railroad past of Leadville,
CO, today as we join the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. We
follow a course through San Isabel National Forest, traveling into thick
groves of alpine trees as we follow alongside the Arkansas River. Views
of Colorado’s tallest peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, come into view
as the train continues through the lush valley, and we even cross the
Continental Divide during the 2 1/2-hour tour. Photo opportunities abound
along the scenic route - as do the conductor’s ghost stories and lore that
highlight the colorful history of the region. Upon return to Silverthorne,
take the remainder of the day to enjoy the wild surroundings of the town.
There are endless hiking trails to embark upon, including some that
feature waterfalls.
DAY 12 Sunday 14 July, 2024 Durango
We depart Silverthorne this morning and enjoy a leisurely day of travel by
deluxe motorcoach bound for Durango near the Colorado/New Mexico
border. Our route includes inspiring vistas of the Rockies, lush National
Forests and protected Grasslands. We pass through quaint mining towns
and make several stops to stretch our legs and to admire the scenery on
foot. First stop is South Park City in Fairplay to see an amazing authentic
restoration of a Colorado boomtown. Our route continues south, passing
through the Rio Grande National Forest before we arrive in Durango
late this afternoon. The evening is yours to explore Historic Downtown
Durango, which is brimming with Wild West history, restaurants and
unique shops to explore.
DAY 13 Monday 15 July, 2024 Durango
This morning, we board one of the most scenic railroads in the Southwest,
the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This journey takes us
on a route along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton. Sights of
canyon country, San Juan National Forest, protected wildlife areas and
beautiful mountain vistas overtake the landscape during the ride, and it
is not uncommon to see wildlife. Bring your camera! A true highlight of
this journey is the ride through the Animas River Gorge. The train travels
above the gorge on a manmade ledge on the side of a canyon, offering
spectacular views of the gorge down below. Silverton, CO, an 1874 mining
town located high in the San Juan Mountains, is our destination. While
this locale is now a hotspot for tourists and winter sports, its gritty past
is still visible in its historic buildings and adventurous atmosphere. After
returning to Durango, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 14 Tuesday 16 July, 2024 Alamosa
An unforgettable journey lies ahead today as we set out on the Cumbres
& Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam
railroad in North America and voted the #1 Top Attraction in Colorado and
New Mexico by USA Today. The Southwest’s scenes are on full display on
this 64-mile ride, including glimpses at steep canyons, colorful meadows,
ranches, grassy hills, beautiful mountain ranges, rushing waterways and
brilliant blue skies. We cross over Cascade Creek Trestle and pass through
charming mountain towns and abandoned villages. This route crosses the
Colorado/New Mexico border 13 times and allows passengers to get a feel
for what a daily train ride would have been like in the heyday of steam train
travel. As the tour concludes, we continue our heritage rail voyage through
Colorado into the San Luis Valley, the oldest settled area in Colorado, en
route to Alamosa. We enjoy an included lunch and dinner today.
DAY 15 Wednesday 17 July, 2024 Colorado Springs
Find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Gorge
on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. We board our coach this morning and
travel to the station in Canon City - a route that offers another look at the
stunning forests and mountains that make Colorado so beloved. We get
a unique perspective of the stunning scenery from our seats in the train’s
first-class vista-dome car. Travel along the Arkansas River and see the
Hanging Bridge at the narrowest point in the chasm. We enjoy lunch in
the train’s dining car. The excursion concludes with a stop underneath
the soaring Suspension Bridge from the rim to the river’s edge. After our
journey, we continue by coach to Colorado Springs, a hub for culture and
adventure. Spend the rest of the day exploring the offerings of this lively
city, perhaps checking out the exciting dining options or visiting one of
the local museums.
DAY 16 Thursday 18 July, 2024 Colorado Springs
Take in incredible 360-degree vistas from 14,115 feet above sea level
today as we travel to the summit of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired
the song “America the Beautiful.” Our rail excursion is aboard the newly
re-opened Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway. The nine-mile journey to the
top passes Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon, Minnehaha Falls, Deer
Park and a wide range of wildlife. At the summit there will be time to take
in views from every angle, visiting the gift shop and sampling worldfamous
doughnuts. Just as with the trip up the mountain, the ride down
is also narrated by a knowledgeable Conductor who is chock-full of facts
about Pikes Peak, the Rockies and Colorado as a whole. Before returning
to Colorado Springs, we visit Garden of the Gods – a National Natural
Landmark site - for a drive through the dramatic red rock formations that
reach up to 300 feet tall. The remainder of the day is at leisure
DAY 17 Friday 19 July, 2024 Departure
After breakfast we are transferred to Denver Airport for our return flight
to Australia.
DAY 18 Saturday 20 July, 2024 Arrival
We arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $11,890 | $15,390 |
You can stay longer in the USA for minimal extra cost Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. The rail component in Colorado is organised by Vacations by Rail.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $1200 per passenger should be sent with a booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed (usually within 24 hours) a cruise confirmation advice will be forwarded to the client. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to all payments by credit card. If fares and air taxes change due to government and airport regulations and currency fluctuations Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts. All passengers must complete the Vacation by Rail booking form as well as a Travelrite International booking form.
Cancellation Charges:
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | Loss of deposit |
| 90 - 65 days | 50% of full fare |
| 65 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements that do
not allow for any refunds in respect to accommodation,
meals or other services not utilised after the tour has
commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a
valid passport .If not an Australian passport holder,
check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover tour members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the tour and for cancellation fees which could result from such events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the tour.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/tour/stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by rail, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/tour/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/tour/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/tour/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the fly/tour/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Vacations by Rail passage contract, detailed on Vacations by Rail website.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage
Travelrite to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for the
purpose of making contracts between you and the
various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite
may without reference to you provide or make available
to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to
provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably
believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the
tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which
the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason.
You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose.
You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you
indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this
regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance
generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1200 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd(ABN 64 005 817 078) is a wellestablished travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has a fully licensed (ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn which is accredited with IATA. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
