Travel and Vacation Digest » American Train Tours

The Southwest Georgia Train Tour

Ed — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:13:01 +0000

In southern Georgia, the land below Atlanta and north of the Florida line is a pine tree filled wilderness dotted with small towns and rural farms. The rolling hills blend into flatlands until the meet the Okefenokee Swamp located near the Florida border. Southern Georgia is filled with scenic wonders and historical places. The best way to tour the area is by rail. That Southwest Georgia Train Tour offers day trips to visit historical small towns of the region and vistas of farmland and forests in between. Leaving out of Cordele, Georgia the train makes a run seven to eight hours long. The price of a ticket is $32.95 for adults and $15.95 for children under twelve. The cost is considered cheap compared to other day trips offered by competing train tours.

They train only runs on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, in Saturdays. They train tour offers breakfast to early comers but in case you are a late riser, you can get a cup of coffee or other snacks at the local café, which is across the street from the depot. The train leaves promptly at 9:30 a.m., and if you miss the train, there are no refunds. Leaving from Cordele, the train will visit Georgia Veterans State Park, the town of Leslie, Americus, Archery, and end at the birthplace of former President Jimmy Carter, Plains, Georgia. The train stops for about five minutes in each town allowing passengers to board and debark the train. If you wish to tour one of the towns, let the staff of the train know and they'll make arrangements to pick you up on the way back. Most attractions are within walking distance of the depot, but some require transportation. That Train Company does not provide transportation to the attractions but some of the attractions provide will provide shuttle service.

Southern Georgia is hot in the summer time so wear cool clothes and casual walking shoes. The train staff asks that you do not wear sandals or flip-flops without a strap attached. The passenger cars are vintage, so there are many metal outcroppings that can grab your shoe or tear loose clothing. The train allows for you to bring on picnic baskets or coolers as long as they can fit underneath the passenger seats. There are small cafés or country style kitchens around where you can grab a bite to eat as you enjoy your tour.

The main attraction of the Southwest Georgia Train Tour is the home and birthplace of Jimmy Carter. Here in Plains, Georgia, you can tour the birthplace of Jimmy Carter and even visit his Brother Billy's gas station. Peanuts are the local crop in this part of the nation and you can find vendors in about every stop. If you wish to stay overnight in Plains, just let the train staff know when and they'll make arrangements to pick you up at the next scheduled stop. Southern hospitality abounds among the train staff and they will be happy to accommodate any itinerary you wish to present them.

To tour southern Georgia by car along highways 82 or 84 is an adventure of itself, but to travel this part of the state by rail is an adventure that few have tried and one that you won't forget.

Alaska Rail Tours

Ed — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:57:01 +0000

When one thinks of Alaska, the idea of outdoor adventure and wildlife comes to mind. Many people today tour the state by cruise ship or car, but to really see the back country and view the sites in comfort and style, the Alaska railroad is the best mode of transportation. The railway offers tour packages that cover the different tastes of travelers and adventurers. The tours are reasonably priced and, at the same time, offer five star services. The days of high prices and long rail rides with little amenities are over. Rail has become an adventure, especially in the beautiful, awe inspiring wilderness of Alaska.

Selecting and reserving a tour from Alaska Railroad is as easy as doing the same for a cruise ship or other preplanned getaway. The choices are numerous and the railroad even allows you to select specific destinations and activities on your vacation. The price of the rail tours depend upon the season of the year you wish to travel. The value fares run through the last part of May and the first two weeks of September only. The time in between is considered the peak season and is almost twice as expensive. As you plan your vacation, remember that the rail rates are one way. So if you have a hotel in Fairbanks or Anchorage, you need to plan carefully to return after the day's excursion or book lodging in that days destination.

A popular destination is the Denali National Park. The rail service will provide you with information so that you can make the most of this beautiful area. A reasonable priced tour of Denali and Spencer Glacier starts at around $1600.00 per person. The tour begins in Anchorage where you will receive complimentary passage from your hotel to the train station. There you will travel by rail to Denali National Park and be furnished a cabin and tickets to attend a dinner theater performance that night. The next morning you will begin with a Wilderness Tundra tour and then have a chance to fly around Mt. McKinley before landing in Talkeetna, Alaska, where you will be given a nights rest at the Talkeetna Lodge. The following day you will tour the Devil's Gorge aboard the Denali Star Train on your way back to Anchorage. Your train tour will cover close to 150 miles of the Denali Park and the traveler will see more landscape and sites than the motor car visitor. The last day of the tour package includes a round trip aboard the Glacier Discovery Train that will let you tour Spencer Glacier and see some of the most breath taking landscapes in the world.

This tour is not all inclusive. Some meals are provided, but on some days you are on your own. If you come during the peak time the weather changes with elevation and the time of day. Carry in a day bag either shorts or long pants to change into if the weather turns. It is also advisable to bring rain gear due to the powerful weather systems that come off the mountains. Mosquito repellent is a must. Without it you will still have wonderful memories of your rail trip to Alaska, but you will take home some painful memories from the bites.

Grandluxe Rail Journeys A New Way To See The Southwest

Ed — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:10:01 +0000

Have you ever traveled across the American Southwest in an automobile? You are pretty much restricted to what you see along I-10 and Route 66. If you want to do or see something off the main drag, you drive hours there and back to accommodate the distance. There is a better way. Grandluxe Rail Journeys, formally The American Orient Express, offers Southwest tours that are not only exciting and adventurous, but easy on the traveler as you sit in luxury accommodations aboard a train built to allow spectacular vistas viewed through glass doomed, air conditioned tour cars. All the beauty that was once confined to automobiles is now broadened as you travel through the desert on rails that few motorists have ever seen.

The Grandluxe Rail Journeys offer many packages that will either spark the interest of the casual passenger or spur the inspiration of the seasoned traveler. If you book at least six months in advance, the fares range from $3250.00 per person for a seat in a classic Pullman car or up to $4890.00 for the Gold Suite that contains two beds, two sinks, a shower and a private toilet. Most meals are provided in the five star dining car presented by world renown chefs. The train has an itinerary that makes stops in Santa Fe, Scottsdale, the Grand Canyon National Park, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Taking seven days to make the journey, each traveler will find time to explore each stop, shop, or go on prearranged excursions to see the local attractions.

The Southwest Tour begins in Santa Fe where you begin your stay overnight at a local luxury hotel. Dinner will be provided and you will have time to visit shops or taste the nightlife of this beautiful mountain town. The next day you have a choice to visit premium art museums, unique southwestern shops, and sample the local cuisine. You will board the Grandluxe that afternoon where you will be greeted with a Champaign reception and a welcome aboard dinner. The next day you will be awed by the train trip that follows the Santa Fe Trail through the Glorieta and Raton passes. You will receive all three meals on board as you rush toward your next destination Albuquerque. You can spend your day visiting historic old town or sample the unique Mexican spirit that is served in most of the shops and restaurants.

You board the Grandluxe that afternoon and head toward the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you can choose from traditional canyon activities like hiking around the South Rim or taking a mule train down to the bottom. Lunch will be served at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim with breath taking views and plenty to do until you board the train that evening. On to Sedona where, in addition to many other excursions, the Pink Jeep tours are available for you to cruise the town or surrounding country side. You finish up Sedona and climb aboard for your farewell dinner. You wake to find yourself in Scottsdale, Arizona where you may depart the tour.

Some things to remember while traveling the Grandluxe Rail Journeys are to be prepared for the desert environment. Though hot during the day, the nights cool down to a point that some should bring a sweater to outings. Remember you are in the desert. If you wander off the beaten trail be sure to keep your eyes out for snakes and scorpions. Even with these mild discomforts, the trip will be one to talk about for years. The memories of your Southwest tour aboard the Grandluxe will last a lifetime.

The Heritage Tour 3 Cities By Rail In Seven Days

Ed — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:23:01 +0000

Traveling in the eastern United States is challenging. Bad weather, traffic, and sprawling urban centers can turn a much anticipated vacation into a not so fun event. This can change by taking the Acela Express, America's only high speed train, on a seven day tour of three of the East's must exciting cities. You will tour New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. without the hassle of driving the congested freeways that link each. The package is called the Heritage Tour and it is an affordable way to visit the sites of New York, the museums and history of Philadelphia, and the monuments and parks of Washington.

The first three days will be spent in New York City where you can visit the Statue of Liberty or tour Central Park. An all day pass is provided for the traveler to utilize Manhattan's famous double-decker buses. This will save a lot of money on cab or subway fares. You can visit a Broadway performance or sample the night life in the city that never sleeps. Accommodations for overnight stays in New York are up to the traveler to choose, but the train tour organizers will be happy to book accommodations for you in a hotel near the train station. This is not an all-inclusive rail tour, so all excursions and meals will be at the expense of the passenger.

You will board the Acela Express the afternoon of the third day for a quick two hour train ride to Philadelphia. The train runs at speeds outside of stations from 75 to 150 mph. The passenger cars are equipped with a tilting mechanism which allows to train to take the sharp curves without applying G-force pressure to travelers. The train is pulled and pushed by two 6000 horse power engines. The landscape whizzes by as you sit in comfort waiting for the next destination. It is wise to bring your own snacks and beverages on board because, like airports, the food is expensive.

You will spend two nights and one and a half days in Philadelphia where again you are responsible for your own lodging and meals. Here you can explore historical places that most have only read about in school history text books. You can go to Independence Hall or visit a dinner and enjoy the famous Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Take a glimpse at the Liberty Bell and soak in the history of our nation's birth. You will leave Philadelphia mid morning on the fifth day and the Acela Express will, within a few hours, deliver you at Washington D.C.'s historic Union Station. After dropping your bags at the hotel the next two days are yours to explore the nation's capital and view all the museums and monuments your hear desires.

You are responsible for air travel to and from your home city. Bring plenty of clothes to cover seven days and nights of your tour. During the summer it is advisable to wear light clothes and shoes. The Acela Express is air conditioned and your baggage will be handled by the handlers at each train station. This rail experience is a little expensive but can be brought within reason with the opportunity to pick your lodging and excursions.

The Lobster Land Train Tour Seeing Maine By Rail

Ed — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:22:01 +0000

From the Appalachian Mountains to the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Maine is a beautiful state. It has been a tourist destination for decades. The gentle summers coupled with spectacular beauty create dazzling landscapes and surreal surroundings. Acadia National Park is a destination that many tourists want to visit when touring Maine. The majestic a rocky cliffs and the pounding Atlantic Ocean combine with forest covered mountains that drop to the seashore. Though a drive along Highway 1 through the state is a venture within itself, one can make more of their time in Maine if they take a trip by rail.

The Lobster Land Train is an excursion by rail offered by the Eastern Maine Railroad. This excursion can be a day trip but if you have time on your hands you might enjoy an overnight experience. The passenger rail service in Maine is offered along the coast between Brunswick and Rockland. The train also stops in the villages of Bath and Wiscasset. The train's claim to fame and historical significance is that all the cars have been restored to their original luster. Stepping onto the train is like stepping into history as passengers feel the ambience of days gone by. The decor echoes memories of the 1940s and 1950s, while you sit in leather bound seats surrounded by a wood grain interior. The train features a first-class, parlor type observation car in which you can watch the surrounding countryside unveil itself before you as you travel between rocky crags of the seacoast and the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains. The passenger car features large windows in which to view the vistas as they go by. The dining car presents a variety of snacks and small meals to feed the passengers along their journey.

The cars can hold approximately 54 to 57 people. The seats are arranged in a theater arrangement so that the passengers can feel that they are part of the community of travelers. The excursion organizers will accommodate individual passengers but they are happy to take large groups as well. The Lobster Land Train cost about $125.00 per person, double occupancy. The tour includes the passage either one way or round-trip from Brunswick, Maine to Rockland. Included within this tour, you'll be able to see the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Farnsworth Museum of Art, and a trolley ride to the Owl Head Transportation Museum. You will receive a free tour for each attraction by showing your train tickets. During the evening you'll be presented with a lobster bake dinner and each morning you'll be awakened with a full breakfast buffet. The highlight of the Lobster Land Tour is the Rockland Harbor Cruise. Here you will see lobster boats going out for the day and the many tourist boats that travel here from the lower states.

During the train ride you will roll past serene, white, and quaint New England villages. Without the occasional traffic light or lumber mill, you will think that you have traveled back hundreds of years. The train will run between rolling hills and picturesque pasture land that is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. The climate during the summer in Maine is often cool but when temperatures rise, humidity sets in. No worries though, the cars are air-conditioned and the temperatures are cool, even on a hot day, along the seacoast and surrounding areas. The Lobster Train Land Tour of Maine will surely be a highlight in your vacation experiences.

Reno Nevada Fun Train

Ed — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:39:01 +0000

They say Los Vegas has it all, but one has not lived until they have traveled the Reno Nevada Fun Train. This is adult decadence at its finest. The fun train steams round trip through Emeryville, Martinez, Sacramento, and Reno. You can be picked up at any of these locations though you are responsible for fares to these departure towns. Meals are provided the train on Friday evening and brunch on Sunday morning. Otherwise you are free to bring your own food and beverages on the train. If you wish to purchase food during your journey there is a Café\Bar car that offers light snacks and adult beverages. There is also a Piano Lounge with top notch entertainment. Sit in overstuffed leather bound chairs as you sip on a cocktail, listening to the Night Club Crooner. If you are traveling for the scenery, go into the Dome Car where you can see panoramic views of the Nevada desert as you travel from town to town. If the themed cars are not appealing to you, the passenger cars offer a more quiet and private ride.

The Fun Train offers a package with two night's accommodations at some of Reno's finest hotel. You can stay at the Eldorado, Harrah's East or West Tower, Circus Circus Mini Suite, or Eldorado's Players Spa. Each hotel has a casino within the building or on the grounds close by. Most offer five star service and present top restaurants as well. You are in Reno so the traditional buffets and free shrimp cocktails are still available. Most casinos offer free meals or cocktails while you are gambling. The tour also offers free ground transportation to your hotel. These transports are only to and from the train station. Additional transport is at the traveler's expense. As you visit the casino's the train's staff will provide you with the 'Winner's Book" which is filled with coupons for food, drinks, and gaming tokens.

The Fun Train offers themed tours which occur only on specific dates. There is a murder mystery tour which includes dinner and wine tasting. The Mardi Gras theme happens in February and is sold out quickly. Other novelty tours include a Country and Western theme and a Hawaiian 'Aloha' tour. Don't be surprised to see an Elvis impersonator or two on board during these party trips. Most of these tours are sold out early so plan far in advance to reserve your seat.

You must be 21 or older to go on the Fun Train Tour. It is adult oriented and may be inappropriate for the young ones. The cars are air conditioned and the seats are spacious and comfortable. If you wish to bring along your own alcoholic beverages the train staff will provide with glass, ice, and you may purchase the mixer of your choice. This is definitely a party train. Though the scenery and the romance of a train ride is there for those of them that look, most passengers let their hair down for a wild weekend in Reno.

The Polar Expresstrain Tour Christmas At The Grand Canyon

Ed — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:22:01 +0000

The Polar Express is alive again. Take a train to see Santa as the Grand Canyon Railway presents a Christmas Train Tour that will delight both children and adults. The fare for an adult is $174.00, while children ride for only $24.00 apiece. This is a great way to spend time with the family as you ride the rim of the Grand Canyon in an historic train. Way before there were helicopter and rafting tours of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway was the most elite way to view the majestic vistas that was created by the Colorado River. Making it's first run in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has offered for more than a hundred years, a relaxing, fun filled adventure.

The Polar Express is a specialized tour during the holiday season that has a Christmas theme that is sure to bring the joy of season out of the bitterest Grinch. As you board the train at Williams Depot, each child is handed a sleigh bell to rattle along with the Christmas carols that are sung. There is a instant camaraderie with other passengers as you quietly wind along the canyons rim singing the songs of the season. Riding in one of the six restored Pullman passenger cars, visitors will enjoy a fully restored interior replicated in the décor of the 1920s. Each car is authentic to the class the passenger wished to travel in. Seating up to 88 people the coach car has reversible seating so loved ones or strangers could converse easily with one another. The Budd Coach is more streamlined with one way seating in large windows to watch the desert go by. The Club Coach comes complete with a mahogany bar that is fully stocked with its own full time bartender. The First Class Coach lives up to its name by providing complimentary hot chocolate and soda on the way to see Santa and free champagne on the way back. One of the two First Class Coaches has a glass doomed upper deck where visitors can view either side of the train at the same time. This allows the passenger to view both the Grand Canyon and the desert that surrounds at the same time. The Parlor Car is truly luxurious. It features decadent seating with both a wet bar for adult travelers and a snack bar for the young ones. It also has a back porch where photo opportunities abound as you look back where you have been.

As you visit the 'North Pole' you will see Santa and all the elves at the Christmas Village. There you can visit novelty shops and pick something out special for a loved one back home. The Christmas theme offers actors dressed in early 1900s costume and everyone is decked out in their holiday best. The Polar Express runs between November 11th and January 9th. The winter in the desert is fickle on the south rim of the canyon and you may even see snow during your holiday train tour. Take warm clothes. Though the Pullman's have air conditioning and heating, the walk outside to see Santa may be a little chilly. If it is cold, it will just add to the magic of this fantastic rail tour.

Rocky Mountain Train Tours

Ed — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:48:01 +0000

Winter driving is treacherous; so many travelers do not vacation during the cold and dreary months. These trends of staying at home during the winter are being broken by train tours of the National Parks of the Rockies. The train tour of the Rockies is offered by Amtrak and begins in Chicago, Illinois. Two trains, the Amtrak's California Zephyr and the Montana Empire Builder will take you through some of the most majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountain area. Packed full of activities and excursions the train trip will take you through Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, the lower half of Glacier National Park, and many mountain towns of historical significance.

The fare includes rail fare round-trip from and to Chicago. The fare also includes lodging for 10 days as you travel across the great West. Any excursions or sightseeing adventures that you wish to go on will also be paid for through the one-time fare. This all-inclusive train tour will include all your mails and all transportation to and from your activities. The two trains have on board a hands-on staff professional tour director who will serve your every whim in your adventure across the mountains. Of all the all-inclusive vacations out there seeing the Rocky Mountains by rail is one of the most adventurous and rewarding of them all.

Highlights of the tour include a rail ride from Denver up the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the Continental divide. You will be immersed in total darkness as you travel the six mile long Moffat Tunnel. On the other set of the divide you will see the headwaters of the Colorado River at they rage down Glenwood Canyon. The end of the this day will land you in Salt Lake City where you will spend the night at a hotel directly across from the Mormon Tabernacle. Here you will have time to visit shops, museums, and other attractions that Salt Lake City offers.

As you leave Salt Lake you'll head northeast towards the Teton in Yellowstone National Parks. There you will have an excursion into the back country using a horse-drawn sleigh which will allow you to view Elk, Buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You will see many areas of the parks that many visitors do not see including all the geysers, hot springs, and the natural wonders of nature. You'll be accommodated at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in Yellowstone Park. This will be the starting point from which you can pick from many adventures.

Leaving Yellowstone, you will cross the Montana Mountains to the lower part of Glacier National Park. You will be served lunch in a sightseeing car where you will be able to see snowcapped peaks and large glaciers moving slowly down the mountain. As you leave Glacier National Park, you will cross Montana's prairies and will be able to view the Great Plains as they really are. Eleven days from your departure in Chicago, you will have arrived back in Chicago. The trip is longer than most tours, so adequate clothing and personal effects need to be planned for during the journey. Remember that this is a winter tour, so bring plenty of warm clothes and any other winter equipment you might deem necessary for outside activities. Even though you are traveling in a warm passenger car, the excursions and the activities are usually outside. After taking this wonderful tour you'll realize that winter is also a vacation time of the year and not reserved for spring, summer, or fall.

The Georgetown Loop Railway

Ed — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:21:01 +0000

There are several narrow guage railways in the state of Colorado, but the Georgetown Loop railway is the most scenic and affordable in the state. The station is located off I-70 around fifty miles west of Denver. Take the off ramp on exit 266 into the town of Silver Plume. There is ample parking at the station but no room for recreational vehicles or campers. These types of vehicles should park at the Devil's Gate station in Georgetown at exit 228. The price for the train experience is $18.75 for adults and $14.25 for children. The trail\n ride lasts one hour and fifteen minutes. This allows the traveler time to visit the shops at both Georgetown and Silver Plume and maybe even visit the historic Lebanon Silver Mine which is owned by the railroad.

The train is considered a narrow gauge. This is a term used for the shortened width between the tracks to accommodate the steep terrain of mountainous areas. The passenger will see why as the train chugs its way up steep slopes with rocky walls on one side and treacherous thousand foot drops on the other. The Georgetown Loop lives up to its name as it loops from Georgetown, up a three mile stretch to Silver Plume then across the gorges and deep valleys of the Rocky Mountains. The train offers spectacular views of the mountains and wildlife that motorist of I-70 never see. Though the train parallels the freeway for a short distance, once it passes through Silver Plume it makes a sharp turn east and heads into the back country where few people beside the train's passengers have had a glimpse.

The train offers open air cars so passengers can view the majestic beauty of the scenery around them. As you ride in the fresh mountain air you will see wildlife in their natural habitat. Big Horn Sheep are almost always spotted and the train sometimes stops as they are shooed off the track. Whitetail and Mule deer are frequently seen as with the occasional Black Bear or Mountain Lion. The fauna is not to be slighted either. The train rolls through stands of Lodge Pole Pine and other evergreens. In the fall the passenger will be delighted with the many colors of foliage as the Aspens shed the summer leaves for the coming winter. Anytime of year is a joy to ride the Georgetown Loop, but the train only runs from May to September due to the heavy Colorado snow season.

Colorado weather is unpredictable so carry both summer and cool weather apparel. The weather can change every thousand foot of elevation or within a moments notice as the train twists around one valley to the next. The drive time from Denver to the station is usually underestimated due to the traffic on I-70, so it is advisable to leave early and buy your tickets at least thirty minutes before departure. There are snacks available at the station, but you may bring food and drink on board. Groups and bus tours are available with reservation. This is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railway Tours

Ed — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:12:01 +0000

The Appalachian Mountains have bee a vacation destination for decades. The majestic beauty of the lower part of the Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains, has been viewed by millions of visitors. The roads around the mountains offer spectacular views, but to visit the back country via rail is a experience of a lifetime. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers five tours that will spark interest in any traveler. Each tour is unique and is planed with a specific route that will detail scenery and wildlife in a way that many visitors by car have not seen. The fares for these tours range between $36 and $44. Children under two ride for free. The tours last from one half to four and a half hours depending on the duration you wish to be on the train. Each tour route is individualized, showcasing spectacular scenery and emphasizing the best of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a 34 mile round trip between the city of Dillsboro and Bryson City, North Carolina. The train will roll along the banks of this river for the duration of four hours. Along the way the passengers will ride in the dark as the train rolls through the 836 foot Cowee tunnel. The train will arrive in Bryson City and will have a one half hour layover. Here the passengers can depart the train and visit the many shops, restaurants, and museums the city has to offer. The train follows the same route back to Hillsboro, but going the opposite direction gives the visitors a chance to see the scenery in a new light.

Another popular tour is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Completely different than the river trip, this train tour goes for four and a half hours from Bryson City to Nantahala River Gorge. On the way to the gorge you will cross Fontana Lake. The train will rush a long 100 foot-high trestle bridge that will thrill both old and young alike. The train travels along the river and through the gorge where the passenger can view the steep rock rolls and craggy landscape. There is a one hour lay over at the Nantahala River where passengers can disembark and tour the local shops and museums.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers themed tours as well. The Polar Express is a popular Christmas run where the passengers drink hot cider and chocolate while singing Christmas carols. The train's staff is decorated in holiday attire and a good time is had by all. Another themed tour is the Dinner Murder Mystery Excursion. The passengers will have their meal on the train and try to figure out a whodunit mystery with actors and the other passengers. The most elegant outing for the railroad is the Gourmet Dinner Train. You are asked to wear dressy casual and deviance from that attire will you sitting at the station. It is an adult only run and alcohol will be available. The gourmet four course meal costs around $75.00 per person and gratuity is not added in.

No matter what tour you take, seeing the Smoky Mountains by rail is a breath taking and exciting experience for the whole family. Reservations for large groups can be found online, but usually walk ups for couples and families are never discouraged.