NEW YEARS
at the GRAND CANYON With the Grand Canyon Railway and the Venetian Resort & Spa in Las Vegas
December 29, 2005 - January 5, 2006
8 Days from $1,795
Call 888-896-3636 for reservations or to request a printed brochure.
Join us on a special New Years holiday that features one of the most stunning places in all North America to welcome the New Year, the magnificent Grand Canyon, in all of its pristine winter glory, without crowds and with brilliant sunlit days.
We will travel out to Arizona aboard the famous Southwest Chief train, from either Southern California or Chicago (whichever is closest), an overnight journey. We then feature a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway right to the edge of the South Rim, overlooking the World's deepest chasm. We will ride in comfort and style in 'Club Class' over this historic, now restored after an almost 25-year gap, railway first build by the Santa Fe railroad in 1901, the ultimate way to arrive at this, a most magnificent example of the World seven wonders. We will enjoy two night's hotel stay right at the South Rim at the Maswik Lodge as well as, naturally, special New Year's eve festivities. We have even included a tour of the South Rim by coach, allowing you to see even more. After two nights at the Grand Canyon, we travel to Las Vegas for a three-night stay at the lavish Venetian Resort & Spa, with the highest-rated luxury hotel rooms in the USA, suites, measuring over 700 squar! e feet. With over eighteen restaurants, including famed Bouchon, the Venetian is one of the World's greatest resorts and offers a branch of the Canyon Ranch Spa for additional pleasure. Even if one does not gamble, between elegant shops, the spa, dining, lounges, and more active choices such as golf, tennis, or swimming, the Venetian is a superb choice to include in this holiday.
Each year, we make it a habit of offering a new and unusual destination to ring in the New Year and from preliminary indications, there is no question as to the appeal of this itinerary and that it will sell out. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
FOR EARLY BOOKINGS, we include FREE connecting Amtrak travel from ANY US CITY to begin and end this program!
ADDITIONALLY, for a very limited number of guests we include FREE First-class upgrade to a Standard Bedroom aboard Amtrak on the Southwest Chief from either Chicago or Los Angeles. This offer is capacity controlled, so prompt response is encourage to qualify for this offer!
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
Guests depart Los Angeles Union Station tonight aboard the Southwest Chief bound for Santa Fe. Guests may also board in Orange County this evening. Dinner is served upon departure from Los Angeles and later tonight we ascend Cajon Pass. Passengers also depart Chicago this afternoon aboard the Southwest Chief. St. Louis and Kansas City departures are this evening as well.
2
Passengers from the West arrive in historic Winslow this morning at the wonderfully restored La Posada Hotel followed by a magical day that includes sightseeing through the hauntingly beautiful Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest, you will want to have your camera handy. Later today, an afternoon arrival at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, AZ where a welcome dinner and overnight stay awaits in this original Fred Harvey Hotel.
3
All Aboard! A wonderfully scenic ride awaits this morning as we depart right from the hotel aboard the Grand Canyon Railway bound for the Grand Canyon. This historic and fabled line was abandoned for decades and is now happily restored. Our vintage train travels through forests of pine with a midday arrival just steps away from the South Rim. No matter how many times one has seen the Grand Canyon it never fails to inspire awe and we include a short sightseeing tour today, leaving the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure in this magnificent setting. Overnight at the Maswik Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Tonight is our special New Years Eve party at the South Rim, a glorious place to ring in the New Year. (B)
4
All morning to sleep in and to take in the stunning vistas from our hotel on this, the first day of the New Year. The Grand Canyon is blessedly uncrowded at this time of the year and with plenty of time to further enjoy this stunning setting. All day at leisure to relax, catch up with a new book or socialize. (B, D)
5
We depart after breakfast on the very scenic drive to a spectacular site of a different type, Las Vegas, with lovely scenery en route. We arrive at the Five-Diamond rated Venetian Resort this afternoon to begin our three-night stay. We have left this evening at leisure for guests to enjoy as they like and the Venetian features two fabled restaurants, Lutece and Bouchon sure to delight.
6
All morning to sleep in with a casual lunch we host this afternoon at the famous PF Changs Restaurant. We have left the afternoon at leisure for relaxing around one of the many swimming pools, golf, tennis or taking in the Canyon Ranch Spa.
7
A final full day to enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer: time by the pool, golf, riding, great shopping or even gambling. The Venetian is such a great resort that there is little need to ever leave it but just in case, everything including Belagio, is right nearby. Tonight is our special Farewell Dinner hosted by Uncommon Journeys. (D)
8
Guests depart by air for Southern or Northern California points and for those guests who prefer not to fly or are making connections with Amtrak trains in Southern California, we offer complimentary motorcoach transportation to Southern California. Regardless of direction, our passengers leave with newfound friends and memories and visual images to last a lifetime. Welcome Home!
FARES & ACCOMMODATIONS
Double Occupancy
$1,795
Single Occupancy
$2,295
All fares listed are per person in US Dollars.
TRAIN ACCOMMODATIONS:Our program price includes comfortable coach seat travel on Amtrak to & from this tour.Guests may opt, at additional cost, to upgrade to First Class sleeping car accommodations aboard Amtrak which also include meals while aboard.Fares vary depending on the number of people traveling and the type of accommodations chosen.We strongly encourage guests wishing to upgrade to sleeping car accommodations to do this at the time the holiday is booked since these accommodations are extremely limited and usually sell-out well before departure.Additional details are available upon request.Sample (subject to change until purchased) fares ! are as follows, based on double occupancy.
Standard Bedroom
LA to Arizona, $99.pp each way
Chicago to Arizona, $159.pp each way
Deluxe Bedroom
LA to Arizona, $269.pp each way
Chicago to Arizona, $289.pp each way
The indulgent and luxurious Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.
Terms & Conditions: Featured fares shown are per person, based on double occupancy, tour only in the minimum category. Fares are in U.S. dollars and include non-discountable amounts. No additional taxes or fees. For new bookings only. Subject to availability. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified, withdrawn or sailing dates may be substituted without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Please call for full terms and conditions.
The indulgent and luxurious Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.