AMERICA BY RAIL
Five great journeys
Travel restrictions over the past year have prompted Americans to explore more of their own country – by rail. And they have found much to marvel at. As Harry Mount points out, the United States boasts some spectacular routes. Here is a mouth-watering selection. Fingers crossed that soon we can go beyond dreaming about them.
Coast Starlight
Los Angeles-Seattle: This scenic jaunt along the West Coast links Los Angeles with Sacramento, Portland and Seattle, with an optional trip to San Francisco. Alongside spectacular glimpses of the Pacific, the train passes through lush forests, teeming waterfalls, the Cascade mountains and the network of waterways that make up Puget Sound. Coast Starlight (amtrak.com) runs three times a week with a journey time of 31 hours, though it is possible to break it. Coach class in September from $50 (£35); sleeper bunks from $350.
g Silver Meteor
New York-Miami:
Head south from the Big Apple all the way to the beaches of Florida and the art-deco riches of Miami. Along the way soak up some of the atmosphere, history, colour and southern spice of cities such as Charleston, Savannah and Jacksonville.
Silver Meteor (amtrak.com) runs three times a week and lasts 28 hours; Superliner roomettes in September from about $500 one way.
i Empire Builder
Chicago-Seattle/Portland: Don’t you just love the names the Americans give their classic rail journeys? This one, the Empire Builder, also originates in Chicago with a choice of Seattle or Portland as end station. The route follows some of the pioneering
Lewis & Clark Trail from America’s heartland to the Pacific Northwest, crossing the Mississippi, the plains of North Dakota and venturing deep into Big Sky country in Montana.
Empire Builder (amtrak.com) runs three times a week and lasts 46 hours. Superliner roomettes in September from about $1,000.
Jazz, Blues Rock ‘n’ Roll
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Chicago-New Orleans: In addition to the train journeys, Amtrak offers extended experiences with overnight stays and plenty of activities. So, for fans of jazz, blues and rock ’n’ roll, this 10-day getaway will come as music to the ears. It starts in Chicago, home to the blues, and moves south to Memphis – the city of Elvis and the point of departure for the Graceland extravaganza. Jump back on the train for the final stretch to New Orleans and the jazz clubs of Bourbon Street. Jazz, Blues Rock ’ n’ Roll costs from £899pp (020 3780 2300; amtrakvacations.co. uk). Includes train travel, seven nights’ hotel accommodation and city tours of Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans.
Grand Tour of America
San Francisco-New York: Given its scale, this 18-day epic from San Francisco to New York taking in some of America’s greatest hits may be one for 2022. Curated by UK-based Great Rail Journeys, it offers stops in Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park and Niagara Falls – and journeys through the Grand Canyon and the cactus-filled deserts of Arizona. Icing on the cake? A trip on the legendary Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Grand Tour of America departing April 25, 2022 with Great Rail Journeys (01904 527180; greatrail. com) costs from £3,995pp. Includes rail travel (with two overnights), 14 nights’ hotel accommodation and guided tours.