Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Chicago
West and Midwestern Wonders of the Panama Canal tour members will meet the Tour Director in Chicago’s Union Station. Early this evening we’ll depart on the Capitol Limited for Washington. Relax in your comfortable, private Roomette. Bedrooms are available at an additional cost. All dining car meals are included. Go to the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for spectacular viewing. A full-course dining car dinner will be served upon departure.
Meal(s): D
Day 2: En Route
West and Midwest tour members will enjoy spectacular scenery as they follow the white water Youghiogheny River and climb over Sand Patch, the highest point of rail service in the Northeast. Arrive into Washington early afternoon and enjoy an “on-your-own” lunch in the expansive Union Station food court. You’ll have time to explore the nearby area. This evening we’ll depart on the Silver Meteor for Miami.
Meal(s): B & D
Day 3: En Route / Miami
We’ll be rolling across northern Florida this morning. You’ll be amazed at the large cattle ranches, citrus groves and other scenic attractions our train will pass by. Early this evening we’re scheduled to arrive in Miami. Our home for tonight is the Courtyard MarriottCoral Gables.
Meal(s): B & L
Day 4: Miami / Embark
This morning we’ll set off on a sightseeing tour of this historic, vibrant city. Our tour will end at the Miami cruise terminal where we’ll board the beautiful Norwegian Pearl®. This ship is a jewel on the high seas, filled with innovative features and luxurious amenities. Swim in one of the sparkling pools or shop the boutiques or get a massage in the Barong Spa & Salon. Dine in one of the dining rooms or specialty restaurants. Following a luncheon buffet, you can relax or explore your beautiful home for the next eight days. Sailing is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Meal(s): L & D
Day 5: Cruising
Do as little or as much as you care to. Pamper yourself with a massage at the Barong Spa & Salon. Shop the Trade Routes Boutique for duty-free liquor, designer clothing and gifts. Head to the internet café or library. Tee up at the driving range. There is a jogging track and fitness center for those looking to work off some of the fantastic cuisine. Catch up on your favorite team at the Sports Bar. Grab a latte at the Java Café. Try your luck at the Pearl Club Casino featuring a variety of table games, slots (including nickel slots for the not-so-high roller), video poker, etc. Watch first run movies on the Crystal Atrium’s gigantic LED screen. Bowl in the Bliss Ultra Lounge. Other activities include bingo, crafts, art auctions, pool games, trivia, wine and cocktail tasting, and that traditional cruise favorite, shuffleboard! Of course you can always just relax as the Atlantic Ocean drifts by.
The Norwegian Pearl features 12 fine restaurants including a Steak House, Italian, Pacific Rim and other specialties plus a 24-hour comfort food menu at the Blue Lagoon. During the day giant Weber charcoal grills provide sumptuous burgers, hot dogs, and chicken on the pool deck. Of course there is always the excellent Garden Café, perhaps the finest buffet at sea!
This evening don’t miss the Broadway-style reviews and improv comedy by Chicago’s Second City troupe. You’ll find a variety of live music and comedy throughout the ship as well as audience-participation games put on by the cruise director’s staff and some late-night comedy, magic, and game shows.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 6: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 7: Cartagena, Colombia
Founded in 1533, Cartagena is the picture-perfect Spanish-colonial village. A fortress wall surrounds the historic village’s pastel-colored architecture, quaint streets, and fine cathedrals, containing them like jewels. Stroll through the walled old town (Ciudad Murallada), shop the boutiques housed in what used to be dungeons, and otherwise enjoy the rich history.
Today’s optional shore excursions include Exploring Magnificent Cartagena, City Views With Carriage Ride, Sailing A Spanish Galleon, Best Of Rosario Islands, and Folkloric Show & Old Cartagena.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 8: The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal isn’t just the quickest link between the Atlantic and the Pacific, it’s also the most beautiful! “The land of the divided, the world united”: It’s hard to imagine a more fitting motto for what irrevocably changed the world forever. For 50 miles the canal transects the exotic emerald jungles of Panama and gives one an appreciation of what a Herculean task it was to build this waterway before the advent of computers and giant earth movers.
The canal is also a sanctuary. Caymans prowl its waters, while sloths move slowly through the trees. Harpy eagles glide on thermals while searching for prey and ocelots hunt along the rainforest floor. There are a thousand details awaiting observant wildlife enthusiasts, including vibrantly colored toucans.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 9: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 10: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Located along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Puntarenas is a great place to see native wildlife ranging from scarlet macaws to the alpha predator of Central America, the jaguar. Surfers from around the world regard this region of Costa Rica as prime surfing waters. As one of the country’s leading fishing ports, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, including ceviche de corvine - bits of fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers, and spices.
Today’s optional shore excursions include Costa Rica In Essence, Corobici River Float, A Real Coffee Experience, Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary & Mangroves, Hot Springs Relaxing Experience, Carara Tropical Rainforest, Jungle Crocodile Safari, and Pura Vida Gardens.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 11: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 12: Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Ancient Mayan ruins and lush tropical rainforest are home to the Chiapas region. Situated on the Pacific Coast in Southwestern Mexico, Puerto Chiapas serves as a small fishing and agricultural center. The archaeological museum in nearby Tapachula exhibits artifacts excavated from the region.
Today’s optional shore excursions include Izapa Ruins & Chocolate Discovery, Chiapas Through the Ages: Izapa Ruins & Tapachula City Tour, Argovia Estate & Flower Plantation, Mayan Tree of Life & Chocolate Discovery.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 13: Huatulco, Mexico
Described as a place where recreation and ecology are in perfect harmony and located at the foot of the Sierra del Sur Mountains, Huatulco is actually made up of nine distinct bays. The turquoise waters are home to an abundance of sea life and provide a delightful aquatic playground for visitors. Shopping and dining establishments are outnumbered only by the number of beaches in the area: 30 to be exact.
Today’s optional shore excursions include Huatulco Towns & Traditions, Deep Sea Fishing, Bird Watching Eco Tour, Ocean Discovery Snorkel, Copalita River Scenic Rafting, and Dance & Colors Guelaguetza Show.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 14: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 15: Puerto Vallarta
Blessed with 25 miles of golden beaches within spectacular Banderas Bay, Vallarta presents limitless possibilities for enjoying the Pacific.
Viejo Vallarta, the quaint Old Town, offers a mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets, chic shops, and bustling open markets. It’s like taking a step back to a much simpler time. Many of the crafts are made by local Indians who have used the same methods for hundreds of years.
Optional shore excursions include: A Taste of Mexico & Puerto Vallarta Sights; Countryside on Horseback; Dolphin Encounter; Eco-Safari Off-Road Adventure; Golf at Flamingos Golf Course; Hidden Beaches by Sea & Horseback; Town, Country & Tequila and Catamaran, Beach & Snorkel.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 16: Cabo San Lucas
The jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone. Like to golf? Several world-class courses will provide fun, challenge and breathtaking scenery for the novice duffer or the scratch golfer alike. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its marlin fishing. Anglers of all skill levels will find some of the greatest fishing in the world, with everything from private charters to huge party boats. Beachcombers can build a sand castle, parasail, swim or just relax and catch some warm Baja rays. The sports enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, and many other activities.
Today’s optional shore excursions include Land’s End Boat Tour, Nikki Beach Bash, Arch Visit & Beach Club, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Pacific Beach Horseback Ride and Cabo San Lucas Sport fishing.
Tonight we’ll enjoy another great evening of dining and entertainment.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 17: Cruising
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 18: Los Angeles / En Route
Upon arrival in Los Angeles, we’ll board our deluxe motorcoach and embark on a sightseeing tour of Los Angeles. We will conclude our tour at the Amtrak Station. Olivera Street, with its famous Mexican Market, is across from Union Terminal. Enjoy an “on-your-own” lunch.
We’ll board the famous Southwest Chief early this evening. Enjoy the same amenities as on your trip to Miami.
Meal(s): B & D
Day 19: En Route
You’ll want to take advantage of the fascinating scenery of Arizona and New Mexico our train will pass through during the day. You’ll have time for a train side walk in Albuquerque at noon. Native American vendors often have attractive jewelry for sale.
Meal(s): B, L & D
Day 20: En Route to Chicago
The Southwest Chief will roll across Northeast Missouri, a corner of Iowa, and all of Illinois. Some tour members will change to trains bound for Midwest, Eastern, and Southern home cities. Others will stay in Chicago and fly home tomorrow.
Meal(s): B & L