YELLOWSTONE, GLACIER AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS • SEATTLE HELENA SALT • LAKE CITY

OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR HOTEL
American Orient Express has negotiated special rates with The Fairmont Olympic Hotel for the evening before the train is scheduled to depart. Please call American Orient Express Reservations for information and pricing.

2006 ITINERARY
DAY 1 — SEATTLE, WASHINGTON / BOARD THE AMERICAN ORIENT EXPRESS
In the early afternoon we meet at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle for a welcome orientation. This afternoon we board the American Orient Express and begin climbing through the rugged Cascades, over Stampede Pass, and head into eastern Washington en route to Glacier National Park. (D)

DAY 2 — GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
Glacier National Park was established at the height of romantic rail travel, and we roll into the park much as passengers did in 1913, when the train station was built. Today we journey along the Going-to-the-Sun Highway, considered by many to be the most scenic road in the country, where awesome mountain vistas, waterfalls and azure rivers wait at every hairpin turn. We lunch at the Snowgoose Grille at St. Mary's Lodge. Back on board, the train follows the south rim of the park at day's end. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — RAIL TO HELENA, MONTANA
Awaken to regionally rich scenes of rugged countryside, the Rockies, open range, and picturesque western towns like Missoula. Today we indulge in the amenities of the train as we ride the rails southeast to Helena, paralleling the Clark Fork River for miles through arid ranch land and conifer forests. Enjoy a lecture and an afternoon tea presented by our pastry chef. Dinner is served this evening in the dining cars. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — HELENA, MONTANA
Helena is the state capital, offering us a sense of Montana's history as we tour the city and its landmarks. Dedicated in 1902, the capitol building houses commemorative western artwork, including Charles M. Russell's largest painting. At the Montana Historical Society Museum, we explore permanent exhibits on this territory and its native cultures. We return to the train for lunch, then head for Holter Lake, a reservoir on the Missouri River, and board a boat for a cruise to Gates of the Mountain — 1,200-foot cliffs that create the illusion of gates opening to the mountains. Named by Lewis and Clark during their Corps of Discovery expedition, the limestone cliffs also contain ancient petroglyphs. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
The two-million acres of protected land at Yellowstone National Park are inhabited by bears, bald eagles, and herds of bison and elk. More than 10,000 boiling springs, mud pots and geysers — including Old Faithful are testimony to the geothermal activity rising unusually close to the earth's surface. Today, guides lead us to the Fountain Paint Pots, and Old Faithful — where we enjoy a picnic lunch — and finally to West Thumb Geyser Basin. After a full day's journey, we check into a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
Pine forests and delicate strands of aspen decorate the valley at the base of the serrated Teton Mountains. This morning we explore this range — perhaps the most abrupt and breathtaking in America, with Grand Teton towering at 13,770 feet. Centuries ago, native Americans hunted the great elk herds that gathered here. We explore Jenny Lake — majestic, yet tranquil, a favorite site for photographers and sightseers — and the Church of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel. An optional excursion begins with an early breakfast, then a gentle, scenic float trip on the Snake River, meeting up with the group later. We also spend time enjoying the collection at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which overlooks the elk refuge. After free time in Jackson, we transfer back to the train to enjoy our farewell cocktail reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Our American Orient Express adventure ends midmorning. Stay on in Salt Lake City for further exploration, or make arrangements to return home. (B)

*Itinerary subject to change
 
REVERSE ITINERARY
Optional Pre-Tour Hotel:
Little America Hotel & Towers
Day 1 Salt Lake City, Utah / Board the American Orient Express
Day 2 Yellowstone National Park
Day 3 Grand Teton National Park
Day 4 Helena, Montana
Day 5 Rail to Glacier National Park
Day 6 Glacier National Park
Day 7 Seattle, Washington