THE SOUTHWEST & MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON

8 days, 7 nights

Overnight at the Lowes Ventana Canyon – Welcome cocktail reception and private dinner – 7 dinners with complimentary wine – 6 lunches – 7 full American breakfasts and optional continental breakfasts – Non-alcoholic beverages – Professionally guided tours of Tucson, San Carlos, Alamos, El Fuerte, Divisadero and Creel - Comprehensive lecture series – Live piano music nightly – Deluxe rail accommodations for six nights – Personal service by rail car attendant – Farewell cocktail reception
 

DAY 1 – Tucson, Arizona
After independent arrivals at our resort hotel, we meet in the early evening for our private welcome reception and dinner. We take this opportunity to introduce the train staff and other guests who will be joining us on our journey.  This evening we overnight at the Loews Ventana Canyon. (D) 

DAY 2 – Tucson/Board The American Orient Express/Nogales, Arizona
After breakfast in the hotel, we transfer by motorcoach to the Saguaro National Park and the world famous Sonora Desert Museum.  Conveniently located on the outskirts of Tucson, this park and its “living” museum presents the unique desert flora and fauna to visitors.  After touring historic downtown Tucson, we board motorcoaches for a scenic ride to Nogales for lunch before boarding the train.  This evening, we enjoy dinner and overnight on board. (B,L,D)

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DAY 3 – San Carlos
Nestled in a rocky cove on the Sea of Cortez, this picturesque town is a favorite of “sun-worshippers” from the United States.  We will have time for a boat cruise in search of grey whales, a tour of a saltwater pearl farm, and shopping in the village before returning to the train.  Ejoy dinner and overnight on board.  (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – Navajoa and Alamos, Mexico
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board the train as we traverse the Mexican countryside toward Navjoa.  This afternoon, upon arrival, we venture into the interior to the colonial silver mining town of Alamos.  A tour guide will point out the interesting architecture of the numerous mansions that line the narrow cobblestone streets of this peaceful, 17^th century village.  This afternoon, we return to the train for dinner and overnight en route to our next destination and a journey through Mexico’s Copper Canyon.  (B,L,D) 

DAY 5 – El Fuerte, Mexico
Today we venture into Mexico’s famous Copper Canyon.  Located in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, this great canyon is accessible only by rail.  Noted by many as the most scenic rail route in the world, it winds through 83 tunnels and crosses over 35 trestles as we climb from sea level to 8,000 feet.  The afternoon is spent exploring the town of El Fuerte, rafting, touring the Old Fort and enjoying a Folklore Indian Dance in the Mayo Indian village of Tehueco.  This evening, we return to the train for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) 

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DAY 6 – Divisadero, Mexico
Our journey continues further up into the canyon until we reach the Sierra Madre Plateau.  The numerous walking paths and lookouts allow visitors to take in the expanse of the canyon from several viewpoints.  Making this experience even more unique is the luxury of returning to the American Orient Express, where we will enjoy fine cuisine and toast a “sundowner” cocktail in this rustic canyon setting.  (B,L,D) 

DAY 7 – Creel, Mexico
Similar to the Pueblo Indians of America, the Tarahumara Indians have adapted and thrived on this rugged high plateau.  Living in one of the most isolated regions in North America, these indigenous people were relatively unknown to the outside world until the end of the 19^th century, when the railroad brought commerce and trade to the region.  Accessible only by railroad, the Tarahumara still hold onto their traditional way of life.  We enjoy the day interacting and learning about these interesting people.  This evening, we board the train, enjoy a farewell cocktail reception, dinner and overnight en route to our final destination.  (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Chihuahua, Mexico
We arrive in the regional capital of Chihuahua, home to Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution.  Upon arrival at the train station, transfer to the airport for your flight home.  (B)

REVERSE ITINERARY
Day 1    Chihuahua, Mexico
Day 2    Chihuahua /Board the American Orient Express
Day 3    Creel, Mexico
Day 4    Divisadero, Mexico
Day 5    El Fuerte, Mexico
Day 6    Alamos/Navojoa, Mexico
Day 7    San Carlos/Nogales, Mexico
Day 8    Tucson, Arizona