Steamboats and Trains in the United States

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1 Classic American Railroads 2015 Steamboats and Trains in the United States From 3,395 per person There are three iconic Amtrak journeys on this epic adventure across America. We also enjoy a dinner cruise around Manhattan and a lunch cruise on Lake Michigan, as well as a dinner jazz cruise on a Mississippi steam boat, 22 meals in total during the tour and a live Broadway show. The itinerary for your journey Tour highlights Washington DC Chicago 3 Amtrak journeys Lake Michigan cruise New Orleans Mississippi steam boat cruise New York City Broadway show Manhattan dinner cruise Days London to Washington DC We depart from London Heathrow on our flight to Washington DC, where we spend two nights at the Phoenix Park Hotel, situated in easy reach of the city's major sights. On Day 2 we explore the USA's capital on a guided tour, seeing many of the city's iconic buildings, such as the White House, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. We also visit historic Georgetown, a protected district of the city with stately mansions and stone cottages dating back to the 18th century. Following the tour, you are free to continue exploring at your leisure. As the country's political powerhouse, there are several landmarks and monuments to previous presidents; the most sobering of these is their final resting place at the Arlington National Cemetery. Otherwise, make your way to the fantastic Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest museum complex, with 19 museums and even a National Zoo. Day 3 - To Chicago After a leisurely morning, we depart Washington's Union Station this afternoon on the Capitol Limited rail service to Chicago. Our journey takes us along the pioneering route of the Baltimore & Ohio line, running through the dramatic Potomac Valley before reaching the Allegheny Mountains. The train then continues right across Ohio, Cleveland and Indiana, passing through wonderfully diverse scenery along the route. Admire the views from the Sightseer Lounge before enjoying dinner on board and retiring for the evening. Days Chicago lunch cruise & at leisure

2 After breakfast on board, this morning we arrive in Chicago for two nights at the MileNorth Hotel. We enjoy a guided tour of the city's famous sights, such as the Little Italy neighbourhood. We also see the site of the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre. Later we take a cruise on Lake Michigan, enjoying lunch on board as we admire Chicago's skyline from the sparkling waters. The rest of your time in Chicago is free for you to explore "the Windy City". Be sure to ascend the Willis Tower, which offers thrilling views from its observation area. You could take advantage of the marvellous shopping opportunities available on the 'Magnificent Mile', and the Navy Pier should also not be missed; spanning more than 3,000ft into Lake Michigan, the pier is filled with amusing attractions. Day 6 - The Spirit of New Orleans Today we enjoy a day at leisure in Chicago. This evening we board the Spirit of New Orleans Amtrak service for a lovely journey into the 'Deep South'. As we travel southwards through Illinois, we enjoy a meal in the Dining Car. You are then free to admire the views of the passing scenery. Day 7 - Through the Deep South to New Orleans Today we continue our journey southwards, as our train takes us through Tennessee. We pass through Memphis, and take lunch in the Dining Car as the train continues into Mississippi. Travelling through Jackson, we cross the mighty Mississippi River and follow its course as it gushes into the delta. Later we arrive in Louisiana, where we pass colonialstyle whitewashed houses, followed by the marshy bayous, lined with trails of moss. We then reach New Orleans, where we spend three nights at the Sheraton Hotel - ideally situated in the heart of the French Quarter. Days New Orleans dinner cruise and at leisure Our morning guided tour of New Orleans gives us a great introduction to this incomparable city, as we discover lovely architectural flourishes and picturesque courtyards. Your afternoon is free for you to soak up the lively atmosphere of this upbeat city. New Orleans has been shaped by its myriad of cultural influences, from French to Cajun, and from Spanish to Creole and Native American - giving it a cosmopolitan feel. Tonight we enjoy a dinner cruise on the Creole Queen, a charming paddle steamer that still navigates the Mississippi.

3 A jazz band provides the authentic soundtrack to this classically Southern evening. On Day 9 you are at leisure in New Orleans. You might like to relax in the French Quarter. As the oldest part of the city, the bohemian French Quarter is still New Orleans' spiritual core; here writers, artists and musicians can be found in the delightful cafés and bars. Whilst in the city, be sure to ride the famous streetcars or, should you wish to venture further afield, take an optional tour of the nearby swamps. These muddy enclaves are part of a landscape home to alligators, herons and even bears. Days Through the South to New York This morning we leave New Orleans, joining the Crescent Amtrak rail service for the journey to New York. We pass along Lake Pontchartrain and travel towards Alabama. Relax in the Lounge Car as we skirt the coast. Our journey continues across the idyllic, sprawling rural countryside of Georgia before darkness falls. After travelling through North and South Carolina during the night, on Day 11 our journey continues through Virginia and into Washington DC. From here the train travels through Pennsylvania, passing the lively cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia. After our wonderful journey across nine states, we arrive in New York City in the early afternoon. We spend three nights at the Beacon Hotel in the Upper West Side. Days A Broadway Show and Manhattan This morning we discover more of this frenetic metropolis during a guided tour, with sights including the vast green expanse of Central Park, and the famous Fifth Avenue with its attractive boutiques. Your afternoon is then free to continue exploring the 'Big Apple' at your own pace. This evening we enjoy a cruise around Manhattan harbour. We have dinner during the cruise, as we admire the landmarks of the city, including of course the Statue of Liberty. On Day 13, enjoy free time in "the city that never sleeps" - an adrenaline charged city which holds an immense appeal for any visitor. You could visit the huge Empire State Building, and see the glorious view over the city from its 102nd floor. Tonight we meet on Broadway - where some of the world's most acclaimed theatre work originated - to see an incredible live show. Days Return to London Today we transfer to the airport for the overnight flight back to London Heathrow, arriving in the morning of Day 15. Please note Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above. Departure Dates 7 May 2015 From 3, May 2015 From 3, September 2015 From 3,475 1 October 2015 From 3,445 All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room. Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability. Trains Amtrak trains

4 Amtrak trains provide the passenger rail services in the USA, and relaxing on board one of its comfortable long distance trains is simply the best way to discover this vast country, its great cities and ever-changing landscape. On overnight journeys, accommodation is in a Superliner Roomette, with two comfortable reclining seats beside a large window, which convert to upper and lower berths at night. Each cabin has individual climate control, a fold down table, fresh towels and complimentary bottled water. WC, shower and washroom facilities are located at the end of each carriage. Roomettes are located on both the upper and lower levels of the double-deck carriages. On some Amtrak trains a limited number of bedrooms are available at a supplement. These cabins have a daytime sofa that converts to a wide lower berth and a comfortable upper berth at night, and the added benefit of their own en suite shower, washbasin and WC. During daytime journeys we travel in comfortable seats with plenty of legroom. On tours involving journeys on overnight sleeper services, passengers enjoy a meal in the restaurant car if they are travelling during a mealtime. Passengers travelling during the day may purchase meals from the restaurant car where this service is provided. Many Amtrak trains also have Lounge, Dinette and Café cars where passengers can buy snacks, meals and beverages and take advantage of the comfy seating. Capitol Limited Washington to the Allegheny Mountains Our overnight journey on board the Capitol Limited takes us 764 miles (1,230km) from Washington DC to Chicago. We begin at Washington's beautifully restored Union Station and as we leave the city we catch glimpses of landmarks such as the blue and gold dome of the largest Catholic cathedral in the US. The train soon enters the state of Maryland and we begin our climb through the Appalachians, which offers us wonderful views of the Allegheny Mountains along the way. Across the Appalachian Trail to Harpers Ferry The Capitol Limited crosses the famous Appalachian Trail, the world's longest continuous footpath, and travel over the Potomac River into West Virginia. The train then carries us along the beautiful Potomac River Valley and through the historic town of Harpers Ferry, renowned for its pivotal role in the American Civil War, before continuing through the peaceful, rolling countryside - once the scene of huge battles during the Civil War. Through Maryland and Ohio to Cleveland On leaving Martinsburg, the home of the oldest working railway station in the US, the Capitol Limited re-enters Maryland and heads through Cumberland towards the Cumberland Gap - a pass through the Appalachian Mountains. We quickly reach the Maryland/Pennsylvania State Line and travel towards Pittsburgh, arriving in the city at nightfall. Soon after leaving Pittsburgh we cross another State Line into Ohio and continue through the state's farmlands to Cleveland. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Erie, the city of Cleveland has been called home by many famous Americans - including political leaders, John D Rockefeller and Superman! To Chicago

5 During the night we continue through Ohio on a route which follows the shore of Lake Eyrie to Sandusky, one of the Great Lakes' major coal shipping ports, and the port city of Toledo, situated at the western end of the lake. Leaving Lake Eyrie behind us we head into Indiana and race westwards across the state, arriving at the Illinois/Indiana State Line in the morning. Shortly after entering Illinois we reach the outer suburbs of Chicago. Enjoy the excellent views of the Chicago River and the dramatic city skyline as the Capitol Limited makes its final approach to our destination, the 'Windy City' of Chicago and its imposing Union Station. Hotels MileNorth Hotel, Chicago The MileNorth Hotel, Chicago, enjoys a fantastic location within walking distance of Navy Pier, the shops of the Magnificent Mile and the lake. The hotel has a restaurant and a rooftop lounge bar and terrace offering a selection of light snacks, cocktails and wonderful views over Chicago. The spacious rooms feature contemporary furnishings as well as a telephone, television, a CD stereo clock radio, coffee maker, fridge and a hairdryer. The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is located on Canal Street, close to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. The hotel has a bistro serving typical New Orleans cuisine, a bar offering a range of drinks and light snacks and a Starbucks. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre with cardiovascular equipment, weights, steam rooms and saunas. (Please note: a fee applies for use of the fitness centre.) Rooms are air conditioned and feature a telephone, television, radio alarm clock, coffee maker, safe and a hairdryer. Many of the rooms offer views over the Mississippi or the French Quarter. Hotel Beacon, New York The Hotel Beacon is located on New York's Upper West Side, close to Central Park, the Theater District and Midtown Manhattan. There is a good selection of restaurants, cafés and coffee shops as well as supermarkets and delis within walking distance of the hotel. The rooms are generously sized and comfortably furnished, and facilities include a telephone, television, clock radio, ironing board, iron and a hairdryer. Every room in the hotel also has a fully-equipped kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker and complimentary tea and coffee. Phoenix Park Hotel, Washington DC The Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington is situated on Capitol Hill, close to Union Station, the offices of the US Congress and many of the city's most famous attractions. The hotel has a unique Irish ambience and is home to the Dubliner Restaurant and Pub, which offers inhouse brewed Irish spirit and live Irish entertainment. Guests also have use of the hotel's fitness centre. The rooms are equipped with a television, coffee maker, minibar, a safe and a hairdryer. What's included

6 The services of a professional Tour Manager throughout Virgin or BA scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Washington DC, and New York to London Heathrow Rail and coach travel as described 10 nights' hotel accommodation 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners 3 overnight Amtrak journeys in two-berth roomette (meals included) Guided tours of Washington DC, Chicago, New Orleans and New York Lunch cruise on Lake Michigan & dinner cruise around Manhattan Evening jazz dinner cruise on board the Creole Queen Mississippi steamboat Entry to a Broadway show Supplement for single occupancy in a double room throughout including sole occupancy of a roomette on overnight trains: from 1,225 (May), 1,375 (other departures) Not Included Upgrades Cancellation, medical and travel insurance: from Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) administration charge We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier! Amtrak Room Upgrade American trains are designed for comfort and most Amtrak services consist of double-deck Superliner coaches. Your accommodation on sleeper trains is a two-berth roomette with a large window and comfortable seats, which convert to an upper and lower berth at night. Washroom, shower and WC facilities are available in each carriage. Upgrade to a room with a shower/wc on Amtrak overnight trains from 425 per person (twin occupancy only). London Hotels Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End, or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home. We are able to book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. The hotels listed below are some of the more popular hotels our customers book in Central London, others are available on request.