NAPA VALLEY, Calif. -- The current owner of Silverado Resort has announced plans to offer luxury train trips from Napa to the Grand Canyon, the Napa Valley Register reports.
Beginning in summer 2011, American Railway Explorer will operate rail tours through several western states and national parks, according to Phil Anschutz, the Denver billionaire. Anschutz previously owned the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway and Southern Pacific, both of which subsequently were merged into Union Pacific.
Besides American Railway Explorer, Anschutz owns Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Xanterra's properties include a number of parks and lodges, as well as Napa's Silverado Resort, which is currently for sale.
According to a press release, the American Railway Explorer will offer "an exclusive 'rail cruise' experience combining world-class food, comfortable on-board accommodations and memorable on- and off-train experiences while traveling through spectacular scenery throughout the country."
"This will be the most luxurious train in the United States," Hans Desai, vice president of American Railway Explorer, said. "From the complete overhaul of the railcars to the development of itineraries displaying some of the country's finest destinations, everything is being done with the idea of making this an unforgettable trip."
The restored railcars have traveled to Napa before. Last year Xanterra acquired 25 vintage cars from the 1950s from GrandLuxe Rail Journeys. GrandLuxe used to stop in Napa during trips from Seattle to Albuquerque. GrandLuxe tours started at $5,000 per person for a 7-day trip.
Before Anschutz purchased the railcars, the rolling stock was temporarily stored in American Canyon, watched over by railroad enthusiasts.
Melody Hilton with the Napa Valley Wine Train confirmed that the American Railway Explorer will stop at the Wine Train depot in Napa. "We're really excited about the potential of bringing visitors into Napa via rail," she said.
American Railway Explorer travelers would stay overnight in Napa, spending tourist dollars on hotels, shopping and dining, she said. "It wouldn't just be a stop. They get to come and stay."
Trip dates haven't been announced yet, said Hilton. "They are still getting all of their details together."
American Railway Explorer will operate four-, eight- and 11-day tours featuring accommodations, meals, entertainment, off-train transportation and guides.
A four-day tour will operate between Napa and Los Angeles with winery tours and stops at attractions along the way, including Hearst Castle and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Santa Fe is another destination.
The equipment features 11 sleeper cars, one lounge/piano car, two dining cars, two dome cars and one observation car. The train will also include accommodations for crew members.
Rates per person for American Railway Explorer tours range from about $900 to $1,500 per day. The trains can accommodate up to 130 guests. Reservations will be accepted this summer.
(The preceding article by Jennifer Huffman was published June 21, 2010, by the Napa Valley Register.)
