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ANTEBELLUM
SOUTH
8 days, 7 nights
Overnight
at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel – Welcome
cocktail reception and private dinner – 7
full American breakfasts and optional continental
breakfasts – Non-alcoholic beverages – Professionally
guided tours of Washington D.C., Monticello, Richmond,
Charleston, Savannah, Vicksburg and New Orleans – Comprehensive
lecture series – Live piano music nightly – Deluxe
rail accommodations – Porterage – Farewell
cocktail reception
DAY 1 – Arrive In Washington, D.C.
After independent arrivals at the hotel, we meet for our private welcome
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 Renaissance Mayflower. (D)
DAY 2 – Washington, D.C./Board The American Orient
Express
After breakfast in the hotel, we board motorcoaches for a morning tour
of our nation’s capital before we board the train for lunch. This
afternoon, we arrive in Richmond with a tour of the Museum of the Confederacy
and a private reception on the grounds of the Confederate White House. This
evening, dinner is served in the dining cars before we overnight while
stables in Richmond. (B,L,D)
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DAY 3 – Richmond, Virginia
This morning we enjoy breakfast on the train before boarding motorcoaches
to Charlottesville where Thomas Jefferson realized his genius at the
base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We
explore Jefferson’s innovative home, Monticello, and his creative
gardens. After lunch at
the Michie Tavern, we tour the University of Virginia, which Jefferson
founded over two centuries ago. In
the late afternoon, we transfer back to the train, located at the recently
renovated Richmond rail station, where the Science Museum of Virginia
is located. We dine and
overnight on board this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – Charleston, South Carolina
After breakfast on board, we explore Charleston’s diverse historic
district by horse and buggy as our knowledgeable guide explains the
old homes, their inhabitants and the steps taken to preserve the homes
for future generations. Passing
by the “battery” that overlooks Charleston Harbor, we drive
to Magnolia Plantation and its lovely gardens. In
addition to the extensive gardens, the early home of the Drayton family
offers an outstanding collection of antiques, a wildlife sanctuary
and a history that dates back 13 generations to the pre-colonial period. We
return to the train for dinner and overnight en route to Savannah. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 – Savannah, Georgia
America’s first planned city, Savannah has preserved the Georgian
row homes and public squares that anchored its founding vision. After
breakfast on board, we tour Savannah’s historic district and
make a special call at the 1816 Owens-Thomas House, an English Regency
structure. After a progressive
lunch, we absorb the charm of this river town at our leisure, or join
an excursion to Fort Pulaski, a moated fortress that played roles in
the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and Civil War. We transfer back to the train to enjoy dinner and overnight
en route to Vicksburg, Mississippi. (B,L,D)
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DAY 6 – En Route to Vicksburg, Mississippi
A leisurely morning is spent on board as we cross through the deep
south – passing historic towns and rural scenery. The
day is our to enjoy the amenities of the train, a lecture series and
afternoon tea. This evening,
dinner is served on board before overnighting en route to Vicksburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – Vicksburg, Mississippi
This morning breakfast is served on the train before departing on motorcoaches
and traveling to Vicksburg. During the Civil War, Vicksburg was the fortified city on
the bluffs overlooking the mighty river – it was the vital
link that kept the western states of the Confederacy in contact
with the eastern states. We
spend the day touring this city with professional guides who provide
insight into the western campaign which centered around Vicksburg. In
the morning, we stop at the Vicksburg Military Park for a comprehensive
tour before continuing to a local Civil War mansion for lunch. This
evening, transfer to the train for dinner and overnight as we continue
our journey to New Orleans. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – New Orleans, Louisiana
The American Orient Express pulls into New Orleans this morning. Distinguished
by its jazz, architecture, and French and Creole cuisine, the Big Easy
presents endless opportunities for sightseeing or make individual arrangements
for transfers to the airport for flights home. (B)
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