GrandLuxe attaches private train to Amtrak trains on three routes

Washington, D.C. and Evergreen, Colo.-Beginning this fall, passengers traveling on select Amtrak routes will have the option of lingering over five-course dinners, sleeping in luxurious suites and enjoying personal butler service.  The premium service is being made possible by a new partnership between GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, the country’s premier, private rail tour operator, and Amtrak, the national passenger rail service.

This is the first time in history that luxury accommodations have been offered on multiple Amtrak routes throughout the country.

Called GrandLuxe Limited, the new service uses a separate, private, seven-car luxury train attached to several regularly scheduled Amtrak trains.  The GrandLuxe train, which features Dining, Lounge and Sleeping cars appointed with elegant vintage furnishings, will be occupied exclusively by GrandLuxe Limited passengers.

With over 90 departures starting in November and continuing through the holiday season into January 2008, GrandLuxe Limited will be available on three major Amtrak routes:

   -   Between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, three days and two nights on the Amtrak
        California Zephyr;

   -   Between Los Angeles and Chicago, three days and two nights on the Amtrak Southwest Chief; and

   -   Between Washington, D.C. and Miami, two days and one night on the Amtrak Silver Meteor.

Eight additional two-day, one-night departures will be offered on four special itineraries:  Between Washington, D.C. and Chicago on the Amtrak Capitol Limited;  Denver to the San Francisco Bay Area on the Amtrak California Zephyr; Denver to Chicago on the Amtrak California Zephyr; and Chicago to Albuquerque  on the Amtrak Southwest Chief.

The unprecedented collaboration between Amtrak and GrandLuxe is an effort to increase ridership and introduce a new market to luxury train travel.  GrandLuxe Limited offers two- and three-day itineraries at more affordable prices than traditional GrandLuxe tours, which cover broader itineraries of seven to 10 days.

"This partnership allows us to write a little history by bringing luxury train travel back to routes that have not experienced it in decades," said GrandLuxe CEO Tom Rader.  "It’s a winning situation for everyone.  GrandLuxe will be able to introduce its product to a wider market, while Amtrak gains new marketing visibility.  Most important, travelers now have many more options for the mode and manner in which they travel."

"This is precisely the kind of joint venture with the private sector that is a good fit for us," said Amtrak President and CEO Alex Kummant. "Amtrak provides facilities and operating expertise while GrandLuxe offers highly specialized train equipment and service, broadening the marketing appeal of both companies."

The partnership between Amtrak and GrandLuxe is in keeping with Amtrak’s strategic initiative to explore ways to expand its business reach and find creative ways to increase revenues through innovative partnerships with the private sector.  The arrangement provides revenue for both companies in the partnership.

Prices for GrandLuxe Limited range from $789 to $2,499 per person.

About GrandLuxe Rail Journeys
GrandLuxe Rail Journeys (formerly American Orient Express) specializes in long-distance trips in which travelers sleep in private cabins aboard the country’s premier, private passenger train.  With 13 different two- to 10-day itineraries offered year-round throughout the United States, including national parks and other popular destinations, a journey aboard the GrandLuxe Express is much more than a train trip.  Passengers experience the Golden Age of Rail on the elegant 21-car train appointed with vintage furnishings.  Guests dine on delicious, upscale cuisine in the Dining Car, relax in the inviting Lounge Car, sleep in comfortable cabins, and enjoy personal service from their porters, butlers, wait staff and tour guides.  Passengers also view some of the country’s most stunning sights as the train winds through some of the nation’s rarely seen countryside.

About Amtrak
Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system.