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We are contemplating going traveling from Chicago-Williams Junction-Grand Canyon on the Southwest Chief. Anyone have experiences (+ or -)with using AMTRAK VACATIONS in connection with Grand Canyon touring? How about the Grand Canyon Steam Train? Suggestions? Thanks, D.M.
CHATTER Member # 1185
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I did not use Amtrak Vacations specifically for the Grand Canyon, but they handled my transcontinental trip six months beautifully. Even though my westbound Sunset Limited was annulled due to a freight derailment, Amtrak Vacations came through and assisted me with re-adjusting my itinerary at the last minute! Bravo for them!
Eric Member # 674
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I've never used the Amtrak Vacations package, but from what Chatter wrote, and from others I've talked to, it sounds like you should try it. It's a great trip on the SW Chief, and the Grand Canyon Railway trip is also fun. It takes a few hours, and there are various types of accomodations (from coach to club car to first class). The scenery is beautiful all the way up (even in the winter) and there is some on-board Southwestern entertainment, but I'll let you be surprised... You will get to the Canyon in the early afternoon and have a chance to go for a hike, visit the museums/gift shops, etc. The train departs for Williams around 3:30 PM. You can visit http://grandcanyonrailway.com and http://grandcanyonrailway.com/rail.cfm for more info. Hope you decide to go!
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 02-09-2003).]
RRCHINA Member # 1514
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If you have not been to the Grand Canyon before I suggest you either rent a car at Williams (or Flagstaff) so you have enough time to really see the many spectacular things; or if you take the steam train, then plan to say a night or two before training back to Williams. The web sites previously shown should help you work out the details, and perhaps Amtrak can also assist.
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