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| Mexico's Copper Canyon by Private Train
An 8-Day tour starting from $4,160
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sierra Madre Express has been featured by National Geographic and PBS! Tauck’s private journey, fully by rail within Mexico, offers two nights on the train and three nights in two of the region’s unique hotels – a restored historic colonial mansion and a more modern hotel overlooking the canyon. Although a number of companies offer Copper Canyon rail trips, Tauck features a private train specially designed for this route. Departures are limited to 42 guests for more personalized attention; this round-trip itinerary allows for two journeys over the scenic rail portion between sea level and the top of the canyon! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Featured Dining: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners
Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations: Night 1* The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa: Tucson, AZ Night 2 Aboard the Sierra Madre Express Night 3 Posada del Hidalgo: El Fuerte, Sinaloa Night 4,5 Posada Barrancas Mirador: Divisadero, Chihuahua Night 6 Aboard the Sierra Madre Express Night 7 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa: Tucson, AZ *Tours of Mar 11 & Apr 22, 2009 stay at the Loews Ventana Canyon. Insightful Tour Directors During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey. Every Travel Expense is Included When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.
1. Arrive Tucson
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Welcome to Tucson! Transfers from Tucson International Airport are included to your first night’s hotel, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Tucson lies in a stunning Southwest desert setting beneath rugged mountains. Your resort is nestled among the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by desert gardens and natural rock formations. You’ll have some time to stroll the grounds or take a quick dip in the pool before joining us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the resort. Meals D 2. Mexico / Board Train More than a century of habitation in this desert valley has created a unique blend of cultures. See the downtown area, then travel to San Xavier del Bac Mission. Built in the 18th century, the double-towered white mission is a striking blend of Spanish, Moorish and Mexican styles. Following lunch in the historic community of Tubac, cross the Mexican border to Nogales for a private rail journey aboard the Sierra Madre Express. The entire train is reserved exclusively for Tauck’s guests; settle in, meet the crew and relax in the comfortable lounges of the train as your unforgettable journey begins! Meals BLD 3. Discover Colonial El Fuerte Visit a Mayo Indian village for a demonstration of local dances before arriving for lunch in the colorful town of El Fuerte, colonized by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century; it emerged as an important commercial and missionary center, renowned for its unique architecture. Take a float trip on the river for some local bird watching, and visit the town’s museum for an expansive view of the city, before spending the remainder of the day at Posada del Hidalgo, a colonial mansion built in 1890 for a wealthy and influential alcalde (mayor). Surrounded by gardens and reputed to be El Fuerte’s largest and most beautiful mansion, its exquisite design blends colonial charm with modern-day amenities. Meals BLD 4. Copper Canyon Adventure Follow the route of the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad as it climbs from sea level to 8,000 feet through 83 tunnels, and over 35 trestles to Mexico’s Copper Canyon. View the scenery from open-air observation decks or the enclosed dome car; travel in the only rail cars that have been specially equipped and adapted for this Copper Canyon rail excursion. Upon arriving at Divisadero on the Sierra Madre Plateau, enjoy a delightful stroll to the canyon rim. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the landscape before you is yours alone – the peace and quiet will astound you. Join us for a margarita and family-style dinner at Posada Barrancas Mirador overlooking the canyon, a paradise for bird watchers. Meals BLD 5. Tarahumara Culture in Creel Beautiful Copper Canyon is home to the Tarahumara, isolated here for centuries. The Tarahumara still reside in warm caves deep in the canyon, and make their way to high plateaus in summer months to tend their fields. Journey to Creel to visit with these shy people in their dwellings – handicrafts are made in the ways of their ancestors. Return to your hotel, located on the edge of the canyon, for time at leisure. Your accommodations have a style and design that reflects the Tarahumara influence as well as the local style and culture of the state of Chihuahua. Meals BLD 6. Copper Canyon Spend the early morning hours at the rim of the canyon, with a final opportunity to view the dramatic vistas. The Sierra Madre Express descends on a fascinating journey through the beautiful canyons, where spectacular views unfold at every turn. Overnight accommodations are aboard Sierra Madre Express as it winds its way through Sonora. Meals BLD 7. Return to Tucson In the morning hours, Sierra Madre Express pulls into the station at Magdalena. Bid farewell to the friendly train crew; clear customs and travel to Tucson, the starting point of your journey into Copper Canyon. Spend the afternoon at leisure at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, with an opportunity to enjoy the resort’s many amenities. We invite you to join us for a farewell drink before dinner, a chance to reflect on your amazing rail adventure in Mexico! Meals BLD 8. Journey Home Tour ends: Tucson, Arizona. A transfer is included from The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa to Tucson International Airport. You should allow two hours for flight check-in. Meals B Note: Tauck’s program begins and ends in the U.S., with all border procedures arranged and handled. Train scheduling may be subject to local delays and weather conditions.
The Tarahumara People
Explore the cultural heritage of the Tarahumara – centuries-old traditions found in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. Sierra Madre Express – Tauck Exclusive! Witness spectacular scenery and a close look at a timeless culture on an adventurous rail excursion voted “Most Exciting Train Journey in the World.” Historic Colonial Mansion – El Fuerte Spend the night in a historic colonial mansion, lavishly built in 1890, surrounded by tropical gardens. Panoramic Canyon Vistas Savor breathtaking views from Posada Barrancas Mirador on a two-night stay, where you are close to the highest point in the canyon. Nighttime skies are equally spectacular, showcasing starry vistas in their natural glory. All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy in Train Compartment Type 1.
2008 Rates Train Compartment Type 1: Single Occupancy Rate = $6,960 Triple Occupancy N/A Train Compartment Type 2: Single Occupancy Rate N/A: Triple Occupancy N/A 2009 Rates: Train Compartment Type 1 Single Occupancy Rate = $5,893 Triple Occupancy Rate = N/A Train Compartment Type 2 Single Occupancy Rate = N/A Triple Occupancy Rate = N/A |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||