American Legends

Travel:: By Train and Riverboat
Duration:: 10 Days
Priced From:: $2495 per person
Book Now:: And enjoy complimentary shore excursions in every port!

American Legends

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A Special 4th of July Holiday with the country’s largest fireworks display, the Chicago Hilton Hotel, the ‘Texas Eagle’ to St. Louis, and the fabled Steamboat American Queen.

Only a few decades ago, savvy travelers looked forward to a trip in 'Club Car' comfort aboard streamliner trains like the Broadway Limited, City of San Francisco and El Capitan. With roomy lounge seating, large windows and an attentive staff to bring drinks, this was considered the apogee of overland travel. We have included a wonderful art deco club car on this trip, originally from the Santa Fe Railway as a stylish and nostalgic way for our guests to travel to Saint Louis and the grandest, most opulent riverboat ever, the American Queen.

For this holiday, titled, quite appropriately, 'American Legends' and celebrating not only two of America's greatest cities: Chicago, but also taking in the largest 4th of July Fireworks display in St. Louis, we thought an appropriate mode of travel would be a vintage streamliner traiin, complete with open bar, delicious meals and deft service, our very own 'Steamboat Express'. As you will soon find out, this is just one of the hugely appealing features of this uniquely American holiday.

We begin in Chicago with two night's deluxe accommodation at a classic hotel that has timeless elements of both history and location, conveniently situated at Grant Park. We have scheduled two full days at this glorious address with plenty of free time for exploring all that the Windy City has to offer. And, we make it easy for you to enjoy Chicago and meet your fellow travelers at a casual cocktail reception the second evening of our stay in the Windy city.

After two nights in Chicago, we board our own special train, the 'Steamboat Express' bound for St. Louis for the high speed ride west over the Union Pacific Railroad. Of course, all meals, wines & spirits onboard are included, making the journey even more enjoyable. Upon arrival at St. Louis, fine accommodations await at the superb Hilton in Downtown, just blocks from the famed Arch and the perfect vantage point for the grand fireworks show later tonight!

On July 5th, we have an in-depth tour of St. Louis with visits to Forest Park, the Cathedral of St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Gardens before the highlight of the trip, boarding the legendary AMERICAN QUEEN and steaming south, down the Mississippi to the Ohio River, a journey back in time to a gentler, slower time, a front porch seat on a small-town America unspoiled by strip malls, highways and traffic jams.

Once aboard the Steamboat, in addition to fine dining, some of best entertainment afloat, mint juleps on deck and all of the other delights of 'Steamboating', there are special parties and events for our guests, both aboard the boat and ashore - one of the many nice features of a holiday with a professional tour manager. Naturally, at the end of the Steamboat passage, deluxe hotel accommodations await along with sightseeing and a special Farewell dinner. This special departure is offered only once, will not be repeated and will sell out quickly. We invite you to join us.

Highlights

Complimentary train travel to Chicago from any Midwestern city when booked early. Guests living in the West or East may take advantage of our special $99.00 train fare to Chicago when booked early.
Fully hosted by professional tour manager from start to finish to handle all of the details. Also, special cocktail parties and events, both on the boat and ashore are included.
Two-night deluxe hotel stay in the heart of downtown at the historic Chicago Hilton, located right on South Michigan Avenue at Grant Park.
Travel aboard the Steamboat Express, our own classic 1940's Streamliner train between Chicago and St. Louis with complimentary meals and drinks while aboard. A beautifully restored Club Car originally built for the Santa Fe Railroad, this is a great start to the holiday and evokes the heyday of grand train travel.
Overnight hotel accommodations in St. Louis at the superbly located Hilton at the Ballpark. We have left plenty of time free for exploring St. Louis including the famous Arch and Union Station.
St. Louis sightseeing tour on sailing day by its most acclaimed historian, Nini Harris, including Forest Park, the Cathedral of St. Louis and the Euclid District. Many of guests consider this in-depth brilliant tour one of the highlights of the entire vacation.
Rare six-night Steamboat cruise from St. Louis to Louisville aboard the Steamboat American Queen with ports of call including Cave-In-Rock, Henderson, and Brandenburg. All meals while aboard are included, with wine at dinner nightly with our compliments.
Special $99.00 train fare home to any US city after the tour with motorcoach transfer to Indianapolis to connect with the train (Amtrak does not serve Louisville).

Day 1: Arrive Chicago

Guests arrive in Chicago today and check in to the Historic Chicago Hilton Hotel and begin a two-night stay in this choice location, just blocks from the Museum Campus of the Shedd Oceanarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum. Overnight at the Chicago Hilton.

Day 2: Overnight Chicago

All day to enjoy everything Chicago has to offer. Great shopping in the form of Bloomingdales, Marshall Field’s and Barneys is nearby as is a perfect beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. Guests have all day and evening to enjoy the Windy City. Tonight features a special evening cocktail reception, a nice time to meet your fellow travelers. Overnight at the Chicago Hilton. (R)

Day 3: Arrive St. Louis

All Aboard! We depart the hotel this morning and board our train, the ‘Steamboat Express’ bound for St. Louis over the route of Union Pacific Railroad. Upon arrival in St. Louis, we transfer to the superbly located Hilton St. Louis, a block from the St. Louis Arch and a perfect location for viewing the spectacular fireworks show tonight! Overnight at the Hilton St. Louis. (CB, L)

Day 4: All Aboard!

All morning to sleep in or explore St. Louis at your own pace before we depart this afternoon for a complete sightseeing tour by noted historian Nini Harris taking in Forest Park, the lovely Cathedral of St. Louis and the Euclid District. Later today, we board the AMERICAN QUEEN docked right under the Arch, and at 7:30pm the calliope plays, the big red paddlewheel turns and we set sail on our voyage of Discovery through America. (D)

Day 5: On the River

All day Steamboating with plenty of time to catch up on reading, enjoy lunch on deck, fly a kite or perhaps nicest of all, a cool drink in the Calliope Bar as the American Queen toots her way down the Mississippi River towards the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers with the world's largest calliope playing merrily. Entire towns turn out along the riverbank to see her steam past and unlike an ocean cruise, there is great scenery around every bend in the river. Tonight is also our welcome cocktail party as we steam down the mighty Mississippi. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cave-In-Rock

Few natural formations are as awe-inspiring or intriguing as a cave. The deep, dark recesses immediately conjure up images of adventure, mystery, terror, robbers and pirates. At Cave-In-Rock in southern Illinois, you can experience this fascination for yourself. Sitting atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Trails winding along the riverbank offer views of riverboats, barges and other river scenes. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Henderson

Quaint Henderson, Kentucky greets us this morning, an old city dating from 1784 and the home of naturalist John Audubon whose home may be toured. Reminders of his famous bird paintings are around every corner. See if you can find all eight of the town’s bronze bird statues. Tonight is the Captain's special Welcome dinner, a treat followed by Jazz in the Engine Room Bar offering great views, cold drinks and a delightful atmosphere. (B,L,D)

Day 8: On the River

All day Steamboatin' on the Ohio River, a great day to sleep in, attend a lecture by the Riverlorian, drink mint juleps at the 'top of the boat' Calliope Bar or snap some pictures as we literally sail through cornfields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Today is also the wonderful 'Southern picnic' onboard with platters of fried chicken, baked ham, gumbo, mud pie and other southern specialties. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Brandenburg

The historic downtown area, located in a fold of land between two high cliffs, hosted General John Hunt Morgan and his troops as they crossed the Ohio River into Indiana in 1863. The home where Morgan watched the troop crossing stands proudly overlooking the Ohio; although almost completely destroyed by the 1974 tornado that devastated Meade County, it was rebuilt to its original state and is now a private home. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Louisville

The American Queen ties up in Louisville this morning and Guests return home by air or train today. For guests that would like to return to by train, we offer low-cost $99 return rail fare home with included motorcoach transfer to Indianapolis to connect with the train. For guests wishing to linger longer in Louisville, we offer special post-tour hotel rates at the opulent Seelbach Hilton. (B)

Accommodations

Streamliner Style

Travel back in time with us to a more elegant and civilized manner of travel aboard the Steamboat Express. A beautifully restored Club Lounge car, originally built for the Santa Fe Railroad and their 'El Capitan' Streamliner, this vintage car makes travel fun again with big windows, comfortable 'club car' seating, fresh flowers, an attentive staff and, naturally, all meals, wines & spirits while aboard are included, a wonderful start to your Steamboat holiday! This is a special amenity we offer, available only from Uncommon Journeys-Train Holidays. All Aboard!

The American Queen

She's the largest steamboat ever built, a soaring triumph of American ingenuity yet a river lady as gracious and congenial as her older sisters. Woodwork glistens and antiques fill her spaces, and outside, lacy filigree evokes the memory of the many grand river steamers that both preceded her and inspired her designers. Select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat's library. Enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, or tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant show place on the river. You'll find your own favorite nook aboard the grand American Queen. With superb cuisine overseen by famed chef Regina Charboneau, a choice of dining venues including a new casual outdoor restaurant serving dinner, acclaimed entertainment and more, there is simply no better way to see America, then up close in comfort and style.

Aboard the grand American Queen, you can relax in a warm, inviting atmosphere of Victorian charm.

Appointed with the most luxurious amenities, all suites and staterooms feature plush bedding and fine linens, large mirrors, ample storage space, wall-to-wall carpet and a private bathroom with a shower. All accommodations enjoy nightly turn-down service and in-room Starbucks coffee along with complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit. Room size, decor and layout may differ within a particular category.

Deck Plan

Fares

Fares & accommodations Rates listed are per person, double occupancy
AAA	Suite The finest of accommodations, each of these lavishly furnished suites features a full-size antique bed, a sofa-bed conversational group, and a well appointed private bathroom with tub and shower. Beautiful windowed French doors open onto the deck or veranda for a commanding view of the river.	$6,095.
AA	Superior Outside These outstanding staterooms open onto the deck or veranda via windowed French doors. All offer private bath with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$5,695.
A	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$4,795.
B	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$4,395.
C	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$3,995.
D	Outside Deluxe These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from beautiful floorto- ceiling bay windows. All offer private bathroom with tub and shower and, some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$3,795.
E	Outside Stateroom These cozy staterooms feature two lower single beds, large window, a large mirror, storage space, wall to wall carpeting, and private bathroom & shower	$3,695.
F	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$3,395.
G	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$2,995.
H	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$2,895.
I	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$2,495.
Inside Single Occupancy cabins are available beginning at $3,595. Outside beginning at $6,890. Port fees are $89pp and not included in the above fares.

Request Form

Please take a moment to complete the following information so that we may process your request for enrollment in our advertised travel program. Once we have received and processed your information, we will provide a written confirmation of your reservation. All space on our tours are based on availability at the time your reservation request is received and processed.

Please insure accuracy when completing this form to assist us in handling your reservation with dispatch and efficiency. While some of this information is optional, certain information is required in order to confirm your place in our tour. If you do not feel comfortable completing this online application, please feel free to contact us at 1.800.323.5893 during our regular office hours to speak with us directly.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our travel and tour programs and very much appreciate your patronage.

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Terms & Conditions

RESERVATION INFORMATION: Fares and Itineraries listed in this brochure are those in effect at time of printing. All prices listed are in US Dollars. Upon receipt of your deposit, either by phone or by mail, your reservation in confirmed. A 35% deposit of the Total Fare is required to confirm reservations aboard any tour or program. After 5 days, confirmed reservations without deposit will be automatically cancelled by our reservations system. Final Payment is due 90 days prior to the departure date and no later than 75 days prior to tour departure. Payment by American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or check is accepted. Your verbal authorization of the use of your credit card indicates your compliance with our booking terms and conditions and confirms your reservation whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Uncommon Journeys is not responsible for payment made to Travel Agents but not received by Uncommon Journeys. Bookings are subject to cancellation if deposit or final payment is not received by the due dates.

			LATE BOOKINGS: Depending upon available space, bookings can be made up until three days prior to departure. Reservations which are made within 75 days of departure require payment in full at the time of booking.

			CANCELLATION INFORMATION: Cancellation penalties do apply and for this reason trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Trip insurance is available at a modest cost and additional information may be obtained from your travel professional or the insurance carrier of your choice. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties. The following cancellation penalties apply should you have to cancel for any reason, including medical, once deposit has been made: Cancellations after deposit has been made but prior to final payment are subject to a $750.00 per person penalty: cancellations 60-75 days prior to departure are subject to a 40% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 30-59 days prior to sailing are subject to a 80% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 15-29 days prior to sailing are subject to 90% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 14 days or less are subject to a 100% penalty of the Total Fare. Given that the resale of canceled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Name changes and departure date changes are considered cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations must be submitted in writing either by letter or by fax and the cancellation will be processed only when this notification is received. Charges for cancellation will be based on the date which cancellation notice is received. Cancellation refunds are payable to passengers in the same manner in which deposit/final payment were made to Uncommon Journeys. Please allow from 2 - 4 weeks for Cancellation refunds to be processed. Refunds cannot be issued until cancellation requests, in writing, have been received.

			ITINERARY CHANGES: Changing your itinerary after reservations have been made can result in loss of advantages gained by early planning. In addition, the results of last minute changes may be disappointing. All changes to travel itinerary once deposit has been made are subject to a $75.00 per person, per change administrative and handling fee. This includes, but is not limited to, date and itinerary changes on airline and rail tickets, name changes on documents, reissue and refund of rail or air tickets, et. al. Changes are not assessed for stateroom upgrades or for the addition of services, unless air reservations are altered and/or travel documents must be reissued.

			ROOM SHARES: Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not arrange for, nor accept room share requests.

			UPGRADE POLICY: Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays reserves the right to upgrade a guest or guests to more expensive category accommodations at no additional cost.

			FARE/PORT CHARGES AND TAXES: Fares quoted in brochures are those in effect at the time of printing. If cost factors including airline costs, dictate the need for fare increases, Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays may do so at any time prior to departure. Port taxes are neither discountable nor commissionable.

			NOTE ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL: Some Amtrak or VIA Rail schedules may require an overnight stay in various cities before and/or after tours. Any overnight hotel stays required due to train schedules are the responsibility and expense of the client, not Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays. Please be advised that all train schedules are subject to availability and unless all sleeping car accommodation charges are paid at the time of deposit, availability cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to pass on to tour members any expenditure occasioned by delays or events beyond our control. In the event of a marked increase in tariff rates, costs are subject to revision.

			TRIP INSURANCE INFORMATION: Cancellation insurance is available at modest cost from various insurance providers and is strongly & urgently recommended. Policies can be obtained that provide protection in the event of trip cancellation, pre-existing medical conditions, trip interruption, personal injury or damage to property. Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not endorse any particular type of policy or company but does encourage all guests to consider the purchase of some type of travel insurance. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties.

			TICKETS & DOCUMENTS: Tickets and documents will be sent via UPS promptly upon receipt from the railway, airline, or cruise company but only after final payment. This is customarily 14 days prior to departure. Documents include: ship tickets, a complete itinerary, baggage tags, helpful hints, train or air tickets (when applicable) and shore excursion tickets (when applicable). 

			PARTICIPATION ON TOUR: We reserve the right to refuse, to accept, or retain as a member of any tour any person whose deportment or condition impedes the progress, enjoyment, or operations of at any program or tour. In the event we exercise this action, Uncommon Journeys responsibility is limited only to refunding the unused tour services if a person is required to leave the tour. 

			ALTERATION OF ITINERARIES: Because of the nature of the tour programs contained in this brochure, unplanned changes in allotted space may occur. In the unlikely event that this should happen, Uncommon Journeys reserves the right to make changes in routing, visits, and tour timings at any time. Whenever practical, we will advise guests of these changes before departure date. Uncommon Journeys shall not be liable to provide compensation of any type for such operational decisions.

			HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: All hotel accommodations are for run of the house standard rooms. Some rooms will be larger or smaller and some rooms may be better than others. The Hotel Management makes all room assignments and Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays has no control over which room you will receive. If the listed hotel on an itinerary is unavailable due to space availability or other considerations, then we reserve the right to substitute hotel accommodations of a type that we have determined to be of a similar grade. If you have a specific request, we will ensure that this request is passed on to the Hotel Management, however, it may not always be possible to accommodate the request. Please note that it is standard policy in the US and in CANADA that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 4pm.

			TRAIN BAGGAGE: Luggage storage in the passenger cars is limited and as such, we recommend guests take only two pieces of carry-on luggage. Passengers will NOT have access to checked baggage while en route.

			GRATUITIES: All hotel baggage and gratuities on included meals are covered in the package price.  Driver/Guide, Host, Transfer driver, train station or pier Red Cap gratuities are not included.

			RESPONSIBILITY: All train travel included or purchased in conjunction with this program is operated by VIA Rail Canada and/or Amtrak. We cannot and will not accept any responsibility for delays and/or operational disruptions due to VIA RAIL and/or Amtrak operations and decisions. All of our itineraries have been carefully chosen to minimize any potential problem operationally, but occasionally events beyond the control of VIA Rail and/or Amtrak do occur. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays does not assume any liability for loss of or damage to or delay of perishable items, medicine, oxygen, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays will not assume any liability for and loss or damage of luggage or carry-on baggage, and will not assume any responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody contracted carriers. In addition, situations may arise which make it necessary for us to cancel, advance or postpone a scheduled departure, change itineraries or make substitutions involving hotels, restaurants, ports of call, other travel components, vessels or other modes of transportation. In that event, we do not assume responsibility or liability for any resulting losses, expenses, or inconvenience. We are not required to make refunds once travel commences regardless of the reason for passengers being unable to complete their travel. Please refer to the paragraph titled 'PARTICIPATION ON TOUR' for the only exception to this.  No person, other than a representative of Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays authorized by a document in writing issued by the Chairman, may vary, add or waive any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions.  Written notice of any claim against Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays must be received no later than fourteen (14) days after the date that services were provided to a tour participant.   All terms and conditions and schedules and rates are subject to change without notice.

			PAYMENT OF YOUR DEPOSIT ON ANY TOUR OR PROGRAM INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

I have provided this information to Uncommon Journeys & Train Holidays for enrollment in the above noted tour/cruise. I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions set forth in this document.

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American Legends

American Legends

Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Chicago

Day 2: Overnight Chicago

Day 3: Arrive St. Louis

Day 4: All Aboard!

Day 5: On the River

Day 6: Cave-In-Rock

Day 7: Henderson

Day 8: On the River

Day 9: Brandenburg

Day 10: Louisville

Accommodations

Deck Plan

Fares

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Dates

USA - American Rivers

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