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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.