by Jack Lee
I mentioned this trip earlier on the blog, but I thought it was worth showing you a few pics too, so here it goes again with some news about a really neat train vacation package.
Other than I had to meet the train in Chico at 4 a.m., the trip to San Jose was fantastic. I had to pick up my new car (a snazzy platinum silver Jag XJ8), well, it’s new to me anyway. I’m too tight to buy a brand new car! It’s a matter of preference; I would rather let somebody else pay the big depreciation and I’ll buy later, barely used, and save the huge difference in price, tax and insurance! And on this particular car the savings was enormous.
The train ride was by far the cheapest part of the trip, a mere $35! These are a few of the early morning shots I took. Note the spacious dining car, incredibly roomy and the price for a good breakfast was under $7 with coffee. In my passenger car the coach seating was equal to 1st Class in an airplane, reminded me of my soft leather recliner in my living room.
I’ve traveled to the bay area hundreds of times, but I never saw these sights, it was a whole new perspective. Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute and I’m planning my next train on the “Fun Train” to Reno.
As the Amtrak ad says, “Party your way through the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains during daylight hours for a weekend of fun.” You arrive in the heart of Reno and a variety of good hotels are within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station.
Some of the hotels available in the package are Sands Regency, Circus Circus Main Tower, Nugget, Eldorado, Peppermill, Silver Legacy, Harrah’s East Tower, Harrah’s West Tower, Circus Circus Mini Suite and the Eldorado Player’s Spa Siena.
The Round-trip can start from Emeryville, Martinez, Suisun or Sacramento and then on to Reno. Meals are served aboard the train – A light dinner served Friday evening, and a lunch on Sunday’s return. The trip includes two nights hotel accommodations.
If you want to know the fares, you will have to call because they vary on your date of travel. Here’s the number 877-929-7245 for rail fares and information. It’s really, really, affordable!